It is indeed surprising to realize the extent to which a person's perceptions about something, someone or some place can be wrong till the time perceptions confront realities. This realization came to me and a few of my friends through the trip to Pakistan that we undertook last December. Honestly, it was not easy for most of us to convince our families and friends about our trip, many of whom thought it was simply a crazy idea considering the hostile relations both the countries have so unfailingly maintained over the decades. Although we wanted to go ahead despite all opposition, we too were not completely sure of the response that awaited us. Our excitement and thrill had substantial doses of anxiety and insecurity about Pakistan and her people. Much to our surprise our nervousness and unease towards Pakistan seemed to fade away as soon as we crossed the border. Perceptions had to give way to reality. Lahore was just like Delhi while our trips to Moen jo daro and Harappa were simply out of this world. But what made our visit to these places much more fruitful and surprisingly satisfying was the open and friendly interaction we had with the people- people who gave us a breathtaking reception everywhere we went and showed great curiosity in learning more about India. Smiles welcomed us as we hesitatingly introduced ourselves as Indians. Practically not a single Pakistani we interacted with failed to say, "aap to hamare mehman hein" (you are our guests) - we couldn't really have asked for more!! At times before we could say that we had come from India, Pakistanis, especially in Lahore and Multan inquired if we were from Karachi!! What other proof can there be to the fact that despite the different routes the two countries took after Partition, we still are part of the same heritage and bearers of a common inheritance.
In true tradition of 'mehman-nawazi', Pakistanis made sure that we had a memorable time in their country. In Lahore, for instance, we used to frequent a cyber- café and the owner of the shop simply refused to take money from us (Indians, their guests).…and this did not happen once but each and every time we went there. At times the shop-keepers gave us mementos as token of their affection for Indians. We were invited for lunches and dinners and our historical trip was slowly becoming a delightful social trip. In Multan, we were invited to the Law College where we had a very lively interaction with professors, poets, socialites and the like who had made that extra effort to organize the meeting…and we unfortunately missed a press conference due to our tight schedule. The formal interactions are all the more important to mention because they were not pre planned, we had no idea of it until we spent a few days in Pakistan. Our trip would not have been so fruitful had it not been for the cooperation of PAKISTAN-INDIA Peoples' Forum for Peace and Democracy. The members of the forum in Pakistan took extra pains to make our stay a comfortable one. From booking tickets, to making accommodations, organizing meetings and showing us places, they were always there for us. Their efforts in trying to bring Pakistan and India closer are commendable.
The purpose of this reminiscence is not to give a description of sites we went to or the food we enjoyed in Pakistan but to highlight the high point of our fifteen day trip. And this high point certainly has been the warmth and hospitability of the Pakistanis….Indo-Pak cricket matches or politically inspired events are not true reflections of what feelings Pakistanis hold for Indians. We have had a first hand experience and it only inspires us to call for peace and friendship between India and Pakistan.
