The Hindu Business Line : Children show the way to peace with Pak

Rhetoric on peace doesn't satisfy them. They want specific answers that can end the prolonged war between the two nations. They feel that the two governments can cut down on defence spending and support education.

"Tell me what you can do to ensure peace," 13-year-old Nazia asks a senior Government representative point blank. Says another, "We are all here from far and wide in search of peace. We, the children, are for peace. It is you (the governments) that don't vouch for peace."

When Dr I.V. Subba Rao, Principal Secretary (Health) to the Andhra Pradesh Govt, tries to pacify them by saying peace is possible but needs a difficult process, Rafiq from Pakistan (Sindh) says it is not that difficult. "It is easy," he asserts.

An impressed Dr Rao says the voice should become bigger to bring home the message of peace.

A host of children from both the countries are in the city as part of the `Beyond Boundaries' programme, conceived by a Delhi-based non-profit organisation Leapfrog. The interaction took place in a panel discussion held on Tuesday. In Hyderabad, the project is being supported by Naandi and COVA, both non-governmental organisations.

Rafiq admits that there are some irritants. "But it is not a big deal. We do see a lot of Hindi movies," he points out.

Hashim Ali wonders why the two governments spend huge amounts on defence. "You can as well use it on education and health," he says. When Mr Kirankumar Reddy, Government Chief Whip, advises the children that it is people who can make or unmake governments, Sandeep (Mumbai) quips: "You people buy votes to win."

Mr Saumya Sen, a representative of Beyond Boundaries initiative, says the idea followed a discussion on promoting peace through people-to-people interactions. "Earlier this year, we led a delegation of children to Pakistan and visited some cities there. This is a follow-up," he says.

Film actress Nandita Das too interacted with the children.

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