Time Out

During the same decade, Germany lost World War II. In 1949, the victors consolidated the areas in their occupation. They divided the country. Not only ideology but also a concrete curtain, the Berlin Wall, separated the people. Ten years back, the world witnessed the fall of the wall. The people were again together. At last, the iron curtain had been pierced.

But we have learnt no lesson. We continue as we were. Shall we never restore the status quo ante? Shall India and Pakistan never bury the barrier? Shall the two people never deface and demolish the dividing line? Will reunion remain only a daring dream? Shall it never become a reality?

Once upon a time, both of us were one. One country. One nation. One people. All slaves. Of theEnglish. They had ruled over us. Ruthlessly. For two hundred years. And we had worked and fought together. As one people. Relentlessly. But peacefully. Under one leadership. Non-violence was our common weapon. Non-cooperation was our mutual movement. All had made sacrifices. Willingly. Without any distinction of caste or creed. Finally we had achieved our goal. Won independence. But this victory was, in a way, worse than any defeat. The success had left a scar. Having got independence, we had parted. To become two separate and sovereign states.

The British had consistently followed the policy of divide and rule. In 1947, they realised their inability to rule. Yet, they succeeded in their game. We were united when they were ruling over us. But we were divided after we won our freedom. As human beings we look alike. As individuals, we love and respect each other. We speak the same language. We wear similar clothes. We eat and enjoy almost the same food. Man to man, we would be willing to do anything for eachother. Yet, the two nations are at war. Virtually all the time.

Both the people are poor. Both have problems. Both are unable to provide two square meals a day to a majority of the masses. Or houses to give minimum shelter. Or clothes to hide the nudity. Or hospitals to take care of the sick and ailing. Or schools to provide basic education. The basic amenities for human existence are not available. Yet, both are spending on arms. More than on education, food or health. More on what would bring havoc rather than happiness to the people. More on the means of destruction than the tools for production. In the aftermath, both are left with men without arms. To suffer. Is it not time we stopped this mad race?

Our countries may be rich in resources, but our people are poor. We may be heirs to a rich cultural heritage. But we are today witnesses to human misery and suffering. We cannot remain dumb and mute. We cannot be silent spectators. And let us remember that this generation has fond memories of the olddays. Many of us can recall old associations. Old hospitality and friendship. Those were very pleasant moments. We can still visualise certain events. Vividly. Thus, we alone can effectively controvert and counter the thoughtless slogans of war and hatred given by the ill-advised few. We must act. Fast. Before it is too late. Before the situation becomes irreversible.

Traditionally, every prayer an Indian raises ends with an invocation to peace. "Om shanti shanti" is our daily chant. We must not only pray but even work for peace. Our war should be only against hunger, illiteracy, poverty. To restore man to his rightful pl-ace and dignity. We must continue with this war. Wholeheartedly. Relentlessly. If we do not give up, we shall succeed. We can be one again.

This is my dream. For the new millennium.