When Borders Blur!

Recently I read in the newspaper about the Pakistani Hindu refugees who have escaped the country in a hope for a life in India.  It makes me sad to read about their pitiful conditions and I can’t stop thinking why can’t we live peacefully. Why does the religious sentiments still exist? These questions always haunt me.  Pakistan is my neighbour country and there are lot of things I don’t know about it.  Why am I not inquisitive about its culture?  Is this because of bloody murky history involved between these two countries and the unforgettable effect it left on the people from both sides of border?

When I was invited for the Pakistani cultural night organized by Pakistani students in MIT, I instantly bought the ticket. I thought this would be the great opportunity to experience their culture.  This was a perfect occasion to flaunt our beautiful traditional dress i.e. Salwar Kurti.  Of course most of the Indians and Pakistani were in Salwar Kurti as we rarely get the chance to wear them here. Night began with their national anthem and instantly I stood to show the respect.  While paying homage, I thought things would have been different if whole population of Pakistan and India would have felt the same for their national anthem.  A short video was played to show Pakistan, their culture, its people and pride.  I could see the admiration in student’s eyes for their country. 

Few Pakistani songs and ghazal were played by the students too.  People could not stop themselves from humming the same.  People were singing in chorus Pakistan zindabad and that strong feeling of love overflow all over.  I wondered at that moment if we Indians have the same feeling for our country.  After this, we had scrumptious food and of course kheer added more sweetness to that night. A great performance of Bhangra added more delight to the event. Until that day I didn’t know people are crazy about bhangra in Pakistan too.  Night ended with splendid fashion show. I was captivated to see beautiful design and contemporary style.  In their feedback form I could not resist myself writing Pakistan Zindabad at the end.  It was altogether a great experience and I wish to see its beauty through my own eyes.  

Spring Is Here

I have always dreamed of living in snow city which got fulfilled when I moved to Boston. No matter how much it snowed I always yearned for more. The mesmerizing experience I had today made my wish for snow the farthest thing now. I had completely different experience in Harvard Square because weather was pleasant. From last two-three days temperature has risen and it seems finally spring has come.

I could see people talking, laughing, playing music and taking pictures. Today I felt that happiness is infectious because I was happy seeing people around me happy. Deserted Harvard campus was chirpy today. There were so many cute babies running, playing and jumping. I couldn't take my eyes off of a little baby trying to push his stroller. His laughter still resonates in my mind. Stroller which carried him for five months because of cold weather is now being carried by that baby. It was completely an amusing scene. Ingenious Harvard students were seen in groups studying and discussing on stairs. Few were basking in the warm sunshine and reading novels. I noticed one smiling cute young couple sitting on grass back to back and messaging on phone.

I could see bright and cheerful face because people’s faces were no more covered by stole and cap. I am glad that heavy down jacket and winter clothes will now be replaced by light spring and summer clothes. I like observing people’s footwear so now I will get to see strappy sandals and colorful flip-flops instead of boring heavy snow boots. Spring and summer is the best time to enjoy Boston. Desolated city will now again become vibrant and lively and will be embraced by music, street shows, play and food.  Snow laden trees will start to blossom again and revival of greenery will represent the renewal of life in city. Colorful sailing boat in Charles river will enhance its beauty and plenty of runners and cyclist will now be seen on its side  road.

Wish I could have stayed longer at this beautiful place but now time has come to enjoy the last summer of Boston. I just want to capture this beauty in my eyes and cherish it forever.