First India-Dosti Summit Held at Khalsa College to Promote Peace and Cooperation Between India and Pakistan

The India-Dosti Summit, organized by the Folklore Research Academy in collaboration with several organizations, took place at Khalsa College, Amritsar, focusing on enhancing relations between India and Pakistan.

The event featured a special seminar titled “Give a Chance for Peace”, aimed at addressing the complexities of India-Pakistan relations.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mahal Singh, Principal of Khalsa College, welcomed attendees and emphasized the necessity of fostering good relations between the two nations for the welfare of farmers and workers. He recalled the humanitarian efforts made during the partition, stating, “Our Guru Sahib taught us that we are all one humanity. Common people suffered the tragedy of partition, and Khalsa College played a crucial role in supporting displaced individuals during that time.”

Senior journalist Satnam Singh Manak highlighted the prevalence of hatred among some factions in both countries but stressed that many desire peace. He reminisced about the peace efforts initiated in 1995, stating, “Our collaboration aimed to build bridges between India and Pakistan. Despite setbacks, we remain committed to this cause.”

Vinod Sharma, another prominent journalist, reiterated the public's desire for unity, arguing that certain agencies work against peace. He urged for collaborative efforts in education and culture to foster goodwill between the two nations. “The new generation must be educated about peace from an early age,” he asserted.

In a poignant moment, Hindi Satya Channel journalist Ashutosh shared his experiences of being labeled a “Pakistani supporter” for advocating peace. “Divisive rhetoric only endangers our nation. We must fight against the hatred that threatens our unity,” he declared.

Javed Ansari, an India Today journalist, emphasized the importance of interpersonal connections, stating, “Only through face-to-face interactions can we dismantle mutual misunderstandings.” He underscored the significance of the seminar in fostering dialogue.

The event also featured stories of personal connections, with Harsh Mandir expressing the warmth he experienced during his visits to Pakistan, while athletes Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem symbolically shook hands, promoting a message of harmony and friendship.

Dr. Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, National General Secretary of the Progressive Writers Association, advocated for relaxed visa conditions to enhance mutual understanding. He stated, “We seek peace and prosperity for both countries, with open trade routes.”

Sandeep Pandey, leader of the Socialist Party India, called for disarmament, arguing that the nuclear arms race hampers peace efforts. “We must prioritize human connection over weapons,” he urged.

Ram Mohan Roy, of Aagaz-e-Dosti, shared his experiences of promoting peace through a caravan that has received a warm welcome across various states. “If Germany can reunite, so can India and Pakistan,” he noted, encouraging continued efforts towards reconciliation.

The summit concluded with Ramesh Yadav, President of the Folklore Research Academy, expressing gratitude to all participants and announcing the academy’s ongoing commitment to peace initiatives. Following the seminar, a musical evening dedicated to promoting Indo-Pak friendship featured performances by local artists.

Numerous peace-loving individuals from various organizations attended the event, marking a significant step towards fostering understanding and goodwill between India and Pakistan.