One of the biggest features of previous century was the series of World War. A war that has taken countless lives and effected whole globe in every aspect. The partition of India is said to be one of the effect of second world war. However, where participants of WWII decided to sit together and achieve collective peace and eventually made European Union, Pakistan and India two newly engraved countries on world map developed a revelry that featured wars, conflicts, and tension.
Past is something that has gone and can not be changed but future can be, somehow this sense has emerged on the both sides of the border and there has been initiatives to take down the tensions, and bridge the gap between the people from both sides who might have different emotions towards the human across the border then what has been projected for so many years.
Recent cultural exchange activities and Cultural Pact signed back in April this year indicates that there is a hope for a peaceful turn in coming years for the ideological rivals, the kind feedback to the Pakistani anthers at Jaipur Literary Festival and the appreciation Indian authors received Karachi Literary Festival are one of many incidents that give life to Amman Ki Asha (Desire of Peace). We have given chance to the wars and tensions this time we must try peace and it always is a better option. Like other parts of the world social media has become part of the most of peoples’ life in these two countries as well. Statistics suggest that youth is the biggest user of social media and that is a good sign because youth is symbol of initiatives that can break free the status quo.
Today, Karachi is hosting first ever Pakistan – India Social Media Mela 2012 where some of the big names among the social media users, from both sides of the border, will sit together for two days to exchange the ideas and plan an action for the future about the themes of the summit (mela) according to its schedule. Twitter has been a common room for every one to share their views about the event and so far there has been mixed views about it.
Having said that and keeping good hopes for the peace of the two countries I wish all the best to all those who are connected to Pakistan-India Social Media Mela 2012. However, I am not very optimistic about it the fact remains that I really want it to bring some fruit but the problem is that such events create sky high promises and hopes but ends up with the monopoly of ‘chosen’ few. The participation will be from a certain part of the society but the fact remains social media is just not all about a certain section or people. With out wider participation real goals can not be met, and that is my biggest concern towards the event.
On another thought I should keep my reservations aside because having strong believe in initiatives for peace, outcome of collaboration, and considering the fat that with time things improve. with these thoughts and best wishes for positive outcome I am looking forward to the ideas and action plan that social media can achieve for the peace of the region.
These type of cultural pacts should be carried forward in order to boost our economy. i found interesting stuff here http://goo.gl/VIXo5 i think handicrafts is the best and most important part of our culture.