By Md. Ali, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: Urdu is common to both India and Pakistan and has the potential to bridge the valley of distrust existing between the two countries, said Mahmood Shaam, former group editor of Jang media group who is currently associated with ARY media group, at a function in Jamia Millia Islamia here this evening.
from L to R, Akhtarul Wasey, Mahmood Shaam, justice M.S.A. Siddiqui and Kuldip Nayar
Explaining the point further, Mr. Shaam said that Urdu still holds fascination for people of India and Pakistan and can play key role in bringing them on one platform for peace. Mr. Shaam, who was in the capital to attend the ceremonies held to mark one year of Aman Ki Asha, a joint campaign for peace by Times of India and Pakistan’s Jang
group.
In Pakistan Urdu has got much more access among the common masses than English, so much so that “you have social media like Facebook, Twitter and blogs in Urdu which is million dollars industry,” he further added.
Mahmood Shaam addressing the gathering
Talking about the idea of peace among the people of India and Pakistan, Mr. Shaam said: “It is the idea of peace which is dominant on the psyche of people of the two countries, and not the idea of war.”
While Mr. Shaam highlighted the growing influence of Urdu in Pakistan over modern technology, the pain at the absence of any mechanism for the propagation of the language by both the government and industry, was very much apparent on his face.
A view of audiance
“Corporate media earns millions through Urdu media but it doesn’t spend even a single penny for the propagation of the language,” said Mr. Shaam who is also a famous Urdu poet.
On this occasion Kuldip Nayyar, veteran journalist and leading advocate for Indo-Pak peace process, said that “howsoever fights and wars India and Pakistan have, but at the end of the day, they have to be friends.” Mr. Nayyar started lighting candles at the Wagah border 17 years back with just 20 people but he proudly claimed that 2 lakh people were part of this peace initiative in 2010.
Mr. Nayyar, who often gets to hear terms like “agent of Pakistan” or “on Pakistan’s pay-roll”, recalled the question during his college days, which he had asked M. A. Jinnah about future Indo-Pak relationship.
“India and Pakistan will be the best of friends, because remember my friend, that blood is thicker than water,” this was how Mr. Jinnah had replied me,” recalled Mr. Nayyar.
On this occasion, M.S.A. Siddiqui, Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions said that India and Pakistan may fight hundred times but at the end of the day there should be some scope for peace and harmony.
He concluded by reciting two lines of the famous Indian poet, Bashir Badr: Dushmani Jam Kar Karo Magar Ye Gunjayish Rahe Jab Kabhi Hum Dost Ho Jayen To Sharminda Na Hon
The function was organized by Urdu Academy, Delhi and was presided by its vice-president, Prof Akhtarul Wasey.