“Music can change the world because it can change people.” But, what if someone is applying brakes in the flow of music since his sense of self-righteousness doesn’t allow him to change the things for better.
You must have heard of cancellation of Ghulam Ali’s concerts in Mumbai and Pune due to protest and threats by Shiv Sena. It demanded to call off the concert just because the singer belongs to Pakistan. Ghulam Ali, a famous Pakistani Ghazal singer, came to India to perform on the Fourth Death Anniversary of Jagjit Singh, under his Ek Ehsaas Concerts.
Shiv Sena also mentioned that being a “patriotic” organization, they will oppose as many Pakistani artist’s performances as possible. This is reflective of the hard core nationalistic approach of Shiv Sena towards Pakistan. But, certainly they name it patriotism. And, those who support them in this Nazism are those who think patriotism and nationalism to be the same.
With their actions, Shiv Sena is propagating hatred filled messages persuading and manipulating people of their innocence as well as inadequate knowledge. In this particular case, they said to media that they can’t allow someone to perform in our country which kills our Army men for no reason.
These groups of Indians don’t understand that one can’t clap with only one hand. (I am not against India fighting Pakistan to wipe out terrorism. And I definitely not support any sort of terrorism and Pakistan’s support for the same.)
India is a democratic country. We have the right to choose and the right to decide for ourselves. But, the presuppositions of these nationalistic parties are trying to predefine our lives and our choices. And, we are letting them do it (You want to hate Pakistan, then go hate it but not because they say so, have your own reasons for it.). It is often said that education civilizes you, enhances your thinking and reliability on reason. We have a conscience. We can see and decide right or wrong. Discriminating and humiliating art because of some dirty political agenda cannot be right.
This is not the first time Pakistani celebrities i.e. artists or sportsmen are threatened. Tracking the records of only Shiv Sena, we will find that it has opposed various Cricket matches too. Recently, it also made the authorities to cancel Atif Aslam’s concert in Pune, which was supposed to be held in April 2015.
What I don’t understand is the reason because of which the only emotion for anything from Pakistan is hatred.
For God’s sake, remember that India and Pakistan are not even partitioned for a century and we fight and hate each other as if we are eternal enemies. Why? There are two reasons I think, first, they believe Hinduism and Islam can’t stand together and second, who should keep Kashmir?
If we believe in our religion without commenting on others religious beliefs, it is not a sin. It is nobility, humanity; it’s the mutual understanding and respect. But, how can I expect this from these guys who threaten minorities of their own country? And, relating to Kashmir issue, can’t we just keep this out of every possible non political thing.
We are aware of cultural, historical and regional similarities between the two countries. Art should be appreciated on the basis of quality and spirituality, not by checking upon the background of the artist. Indian cinema, singers, dancers are so famous in Pakistan and vice versa. Every Pakistani is not a terrorist, neither is every Indian. So, at least once in a while we should look at things without being prejudiced.
I have always been in favor of cultural exchanges, despite the political strains in the relationship between India and Pakistan. Art should be kept away from all the dirt. And, if there is any possibility of uniting people’s heart, we should support it, rather than promoting hatred among them.
This article may be taken as an anti-Indian standpoint by some people. To them and to everyone out there, I want to say that I am nothing but a human; and right now and forever, I will hope for India and Pakistan to make peace. And, through this piece, I speak not only to those who hate peace and love hatred between these two neighboring countries with a stressful international relation, but also to those who think like me.
In the end, I would like to make a request that if Shiv Sena or any other organization thinks of cancelling any such large scale event because of some insensible reasons (which they think of great importance), they should do it a while before the event dates. It is highly insulting for a well-recognized artist to have his concert cancelled at the last moment. And, if they don’t care about the Pakistani artist, they should at least think of those who plan the events and who wish to attend the event; after all they are their “Indian Brothers”.
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