A unique message of peace from a half-Indian, half-Pakistani girl

Amid the blame game and accusations taking place between India and Pakistan, Tanya Daud, a Dubai-based young, independent filmmaker and journalist has come out with an online initiative to break the ice between the peoples of the two nations. 'Baat Karein' (let's talk) was started two years ago to connect people across the border. Being half Indian and half Pakistani she identifies herself well with both the counties and their people.
Making 'talk' mission possible
After getting overwhelming response from Indians and Pakistanis she has decided to take the campaign to the next level. "I wanted to give 'Baat Karein' a physical space and hence I am planning to organise a festival early next year where I can invite people from India and Pakistan. It would be a meet to bring them all together to just talk" explained Tanya. Musician and writers from both countries will be invited. "My idea is to make everyone understand that we need to have an honest conversation about whatever is happening today," said Daud.
Her solo show is for every Indian and Pakistani said Daud. "Stereotypes ignite the whole issue and make it a bigger problem. Why are people labeled as terrorists or traitors?" she asks.
Recalling a couple of difficult incidents at visa offices of both counties, she said, "people take out their frustration on normal people like us. I remember my mother wanted to extend her visa in India during 26/11 and when she went to the visa office she was bluntly told 'you guys want to come here but our people sacrifice their lives'. We have faced similar problems in Pakistan, too."
'War is pointless, we want peace'
Cultural exchanges between the two countries should not stop, says Daud. "It's not fair on the artists, she says." A big fan of Indian actor Nawazuddin Sidiqqui and desi street food, Daud wants Indians and Pakistanis to understand that they all come from the same ancestors.
With support from her parents and friends, Daud has come a long way in bringing the citizens of the two nations together. All she needs now is the support of the embassies of both the countries in the UAE to make her upcoming event a platform to turn cross border hatred into cross border love and friendship.
ankita@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai