Not the enemy we think it to be

India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads on political and diplomatic fronts since the inception of the latter. Both countries have witnessed many bloodbaths, too, but amid all this animosity, artistes, sportspersons and commoners from both sides have, from time to time, come forward to assuage the exasperating element of hostility.

Five years ago, I got a chance to visit Pakistan for participating in a poetry symposium in Lahore. Someone has rightly remarked, ‘Jis Lahore nai vekhya, o jameya nai’ (the one who has not seen Lahore has seen nothing in the world). It was the time when Kashmir was on the boil again. Tension was palpable on the Line of Control. But the feelings of rancour and hatred that prevailed on the border vanished the moment I set foot on neighbouring soil. We went to a pre-booked hotel, where our hosts Ajar and Juned gave us a rousing reception. Kashmir was not on the table for talks. On the contrary, the table was laden with mouth-watering dishes. In the evening they took us to the famous food street of Lahore, where we savoured the best of non-vegetarian and vegetarian delicacies.

The next morning when we were expecting breakfast in the hotel room, Juned sprang a surprise to our delight and invited us home for lunch, boasting of his wife’s culinary skills with a broad smile. He was not exaggerating. Salma bhabhi was a master chef. The same evening our delegate took part in the poetry recitation session, where we were regaled with the best of local poetry. There was no malice and ill will in any couplet against India. For a moment, I forgot that I was in the territory of a country with whom we had fought three full-blown wars. Pakistan appeared another home away from home. The view of the city markets, the glimpses of village life, the people, their attire and food, all were a replica of things back home.

Salma bhabhi’s homemade laddoos of desi ghee wafted the fragrance of love and bonhomie in the courtyard of my home, when my granddaughter eagerly unwrapped the gift and ate to her heart’s content.

I brought along a bundle of sweet memories from the so-called enemy nation. After meeting and living with my Pakistani brethren, I am convinced that it is only a political ploy of some selfish leaders — on both sides — who spread the venom of hatred to create a divide. The common people of India and Pakistan harbour no grudges against one another. I now believe in one of the Commandments in The Bible — we should love our neighbour the way we love ourselves.