South Asian Peacemakers

While stated peace activism is not the intention of this series, and it's main focus is preserving the performances of amazing Pakistani musicians, the page has proven an amazing focal point for positive interaction between Indian and Pakistani music aficionados. The team producing this series consists of Pakistanis who reside in Pakistan and overseas, and their travels across the country to find and record performances by traditional musicians. While the genre has historically been referred to as "Hindustani" music (it is still referred to that way in India)I am not sure what it is called in Pakistan these days. If anyone knows, I would appreciate their guidance on current Pakistani nomenclature. That apart, this is a fantastic channel to visit from time to time if you enjoy traditional South Asian music in the strictest traditions in which it used to be performed. Small orchestras, continuous interaction between the performers and the audience and the unique combina...

One more young Pakistani blogger, Suleman Saif blogs from his country's capital. Islamabad. What is common to his and other peace bloggers' efforts is the fact that they have to content themselves with watching videos of India on Youtube, and reacting online. The always sympathetic and friendly reactions show how much positive interest there exists, especially among educated young people on both sides of the border in the neighboring country. Before the internet, none of this would have been possible, of course! Hopefully, with so many peace-focused efforts, people on both sides of the border would be able to travel freely between the countries!

Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari and her poet and writer sister Asma Abbas recently composed and performed a Punjabi rap number seeking peace between India and Pakistan. The song Humsaye Maa Jaye became an instant hit on both sides of the border, in a demonstration of how much ordinary people in both India and Pakistan desire peace. It was also a sad contrast between entrenched power centers on both sides who would prefer a permanent state of hostility and conflict instead. What is good is how much support there is for peace on both sides - as long as this is the case, those who would like otherwise, will find themselves overruled and brushed aside. Hopefully, this will happen sooner rather than later. Thank you, Bushra Sahiba and Asma Sahiba! My sincere respect to you!