August 26-29, 2004

by DR. T.D. Singh (HH Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami)

In order to promote a culture of peace, friendship and brotherhood between India and Pakistan, Parliamentarian Smt. Nirmala Deshpande led a delegate of 22 Indians consisting of two other Members of the Parliament – Sri S.K. Kharventhan (Tamilnadu), Mr. Mohammad Salim (West Bengal), 19 other social activists, religious leaders and university professors went for a 4 day trip to Pakistan. I was one of the delegates. For most of us this was our first trip to Pakistan. We went from New Delhi Station by Shatabdi Express through Amritsar and arrived in Lahore after walking for some distance from the Indian border to Pakistan border in the afternoon of August 26. Our Pakistani hosts welcomed us with great affection. Some young boys and ladies, youths and some elderly people garlanded all the Indian delegates. Among them a small sweet child with a welcome sign in his hand had attracted my attention.

The child’s innocence and love conveyed a profound message that love is beyond any boundaries. Mr. Muhammad Tahseen, Executive Director of South Asia Partnership, Pakistan welcomed us. A formal reception function was held in Holiday Inn, Lahore at 6:00 pm. It was held in the Holiday Inn, Lahore. There was a presentation in the form of a dance drama depicting the wars and tragedies undergone by the two countries and the hope that peace will definitely prevail someday. It was very moving to see the dramatic presentation. Mr. Tahseen said that because of conflicts between the two countries for over half a century, masses of people have undergone great sufferings, agony and pain beyond any description. Thus we common people from both the countries must impress our respective Governments to venture for peace. Kashmir issue was also mentioned. Our Bishop from New Delhi, our M.P. from West Bengal and a few others including Smt. Nirmala Deshpande spoke at the reception program.

The delegates stayed at different places. I stayed at the Human Rights Commission of

Pakistan (HRCP), Lahore with six other delegates. Next day on August 27 in the

morning all of us went to Kasur by bus to pay our homage to Baba Bulleh Shah, a

Sufi saint and mystic of the eighteenth century (1680 – 1752). On the way there was

another reception and we reached Kasur around 11.00am. We laid ‘chaddar’ on Baba

Bulleh Shah’s tomb remembering his message of love, respect and peace to humanity.

We also presented ‘chadars’ on behalf of the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan

Singh and Foreign Minister Natwar Singh. There was a beautiful

reception with beautiful musical prayer accompanied by many instruments including

drums.

While coming out, many Pakistani children, old men and ladies wanted to have

photograph with us. All of them were very loving and welcoming. We then proceeded

for the Symposium on peace at Prince Marriage Hall, Kasur. The Hall was completely

full with over 400 people. All the Indian delegates presented a brief message on peace

and spoke about Baba Bulley Shah’s life and his profound contributions. I also spoke

and mentioned, “We have come here to bring the goodwill message of India to bring

peace between Hindustan and Pakistan. I also added that in this most critical juncture

of humanity when the whole world is facing fear, terrorism and anxiety, goodwill

visits for both countries for dialogues and friendship could play a vital role in

easing the tension and misunderstanding and restoring peace between the two

countries.” In between lectures there were beautiful songs about Baba Bulleh Shah’s

life and his contribution to humanity. Lunch was arranged in a nearby school. After

lunch we all went back again to the same hall for a Seminar on Baba Bulleh Shah’s

contribution to Peace. The hall was packed again. I was interviewed by Pakistan TV.

On the way back to Lahore, we visited Punjab Khoj Ghar in between Kasur & Lahore.

They are trying to build Punjab Research Center. Because of special permission, we

were free from any police inspection and were always protected

and led by a military convoy jeep. Next day morning on the 28th August, our group’s

visit was flashed in the morning news of National TV of Pakistan. Pakistan is about

half an hour behind Indian time. Our breakfast was hosted by Mr. Waheed Ahmed

Butt, president of Peace Keepers, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan at Pakistan Council for

Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), Lahore. All the Indian delegates again

briefly spoke about the purpose of our visit to Pakistan. It was attended by over 500

people. There was another dramatic presentation by 4 youths.

In the afternoon a group of Indian delegates including me were taken by Mr. Raheem

Ul Haque who is working in information and computer science to see a group of

Pakistani students at Nairang Art Gallery to discuss about Peace with them. They had

an organization called Bargard for Peace and Youth Cooperation. We had a very nice

discussion for about one hour. They are also inviting Indian students to visit them. We

then visited Sikh Temple in Lahore and the famous Lahore Museum. Then we visited

the famous Badshah Mosque. In the night we attended a concert on Baba Bulleh Shah

in the Open Air Baghe-Jinnah Amphitheatre, Lahore. It was quite impressive. Over

2000 people attended the program.

In the morning of August 29, I met one elderly scholar Mr. Nizamuddin who was incharge of Library at the HRCP. He was quite educated and 88 years old. When he knew that I was from Manipur, he became very enthusiastic and asked many interesting questions. He had a collection of newspaper cuttings about Manipur.

He was extremely happy that we came for promoting peace between Hindustan and Pakistan. I was very impressed with his wisdom and concern for the well-being of the people in general. I gave him little donation for buying his shoes. Before I left he said, “Please sacrifice your life for the welfare of the people. Please suffer for the people.” We left Pakistan at 12:00 noon.

– Dr. T.D. Singh (His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodar Swami)

Indian Delegation led by Mrs. Nirmala Despande, on the way to Pakistan

Reception on arrival in Pakistan

Reception on

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