As Nobel laureates Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi highlighted people-to-people contacts between India and Pakistan in Oslo, leading qawwals from Karachi headed home from Delhi after their hosts suddenly withdrew their invitations.
Leading Pakistan qawwals Farid Ayaz and Abu Mohammed were to perform at the Press Club of India in Delhi on Wednesday and at the Foreign Correspondents Club the following day. After the former backed out, the latter too did the same.
In an email, the Press Club informed members on Monday: “We are postponing to a more suitable date and occasion the 10 December 2014 type programme of Sufi music and Islamabad chefs. Any inconvenience caused to members is regretted.”
But those familiar with Indian and Pakistani visas and access know that once “postponed,” these events tend not to happen. Etiquette should be the underpinning of any relationship between nations and peoples.Between India and Pakistan last-minute cancellation of talks, events and performances are routine. Digging up cricket pitches, banning films, actors, books and plays also come with the turf.
Artistes are ordinary citizens with special talents. They can bridge divides, make linkages that others can’t. Perhaps that is why states are not too too keen on allowing performers in easily. In their one performance at the Pakistan High Commission, Ayaz and Mohammed, great bhakts of Kabir, stressed their role as messengers of peace.
It is a sign of the times that the Press Club appears to have succumbed to pressure and decided not to continue with a scheduled performance of the Pakistani artistes.
Each time a terror strike happens along the Line of Control or deeper inside India, the rightwing bays for an end to “relations” with Pakistan. These voices have only become louder.
Should individuals pay for the actions of their state or intelligence agencies? Should individuals be held responsible for what their governments do?
The bonds of language and culture that Pakistanis share, can and do transcend the steel walls that the governments have tried to erect between people.
The difficult relationship between the two neighbours and rivals actually strengthen these bonds. Given that both peoples have much to learn about each other, inter-personal contacts often mean going the extra mile.
In third countries, where the barriers of the nation state are loosened, language and culture bring Indians and Pakistanis together. Like during the “Nobel moment” in Oslo.
It’s not anti-national to organise and attend “Pakistani” shows as some would want us to believe. Because if you ban enjoyment in public of the arts from across the border, there’s the small problem of what you will do in private space!
Cultural contacts should be seen as normal, not unusual. Artistes and performers should be welcomed, not sent packing. And, if organisers don’t have it in them to stand up to pressure, they should not send out invitations in the first place. It will spare both the guests and hosts embarrassment. Not to speak of a disappointed audience. What states do, the people should shun.
