There is a concept that art is not limited by boundaries
KARACHI: In May 2001, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the 10th prime minister of India, wrote a letter to Mehdi Hassan wishing for his wellbeing and expressing admiration for the king of ghazals. Hassan had suffered a stroke. This is one instance when good intentions won over every other feeling when it came to our so-called arch nemesis, India. We all believe that if there is one thing that is able to cross boundaries, despite differences, and help in changing stubborn mindsets and bringing two nations together, it is art.
There is a concept that art is not limited by boundaries. While the situation between India and Pakistan is critical, do we need to bring art into all of this? Why let another generation witness nothing but hatred and be oblivious to the commonalities we share? The truth is that we need to reconsider our priorities. It is always a tougher job to let people see beyond differences but if we do, then maybe it will be this generation that will help in overcoming the tension we’ve fostered over the years.
Umme Hani
Published in The Express Tribune, October 26th, 2016.
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