The Hindu : `There is no option but peace'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 25, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

`There is no option but peace'

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JAN. 24. Even as the political leadership tries to reach a solution across the table, concerned members of the civil society from both sides of the border today resolved to fight hate and injustice. A music album with popular songs reminiscent of the freedom struggle was also released on the occasion by actress Nandita Das.

"On both sides of the border, problems are the same. It would be much better if we could solve problems like poverty as a region. Together we can be a stronger force,'' said manager, Action Aid Pakistan, Nelofer Baig, at the informal meeting held today at the Anhad headquarters. She is visiting India as part of the Pakistani delegation for the World Social Forum held in Mumbai recently.

The gathering - which included a fair sprinkling of the Pakistani delegation - sang songs of unity, spoke about the similarity of cultures between the two countries and welcomed the peace initiatives recently taken at the Governmental level.

"We are all hopeful that this time the initiatives would move forward. We must also realise that there is no option but peace. Otherwise we will all die,'' said Irfan Hoat, another delegate. Many also expressed optimism about the peace initiative, even in the light of past experiences. "For the first time such a large delegation has been allowed to visit India. Even though many were not given visas, the fact that such a large delegation could visit speaks a lot,'' said Kamal Mitra Chenoy, a teacher from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

A music album compiled by a group of young singers with ten songs that were popular during the freedom struggle was also released. The recording put together by Anhad and Shanti, is an attempt to "bring back those songs that celebrated the joy of togetherness and of unity of purpose''. The list includes popular songs such as "Do Awazen'', ``Ham Sab Is Jahan Main Zindigee Ke Geet Gayee'', "Mandir Masjid Girjaghar Main'', "Aman ke Hum Rakhwale'' and many others.

Releasing the album, actress Nandita Das said: "In the current situation, if anyone takes an initiative, it should be supported by all of us. There is a lot of idealism in me even today and when I look at things around me, I get disappointed. But when we all sit together like this, the optimism increases. And today even if we do not sing in tune, we should all lend our voices for this''.

"All of us here are joined by one common goal and that is to fight hate, injustice and inequality. We all look forward for the start of a new world and at this point, we need these songs that inspired us,'' said social activist, Harsh Mander.

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