If we were to ask random people what comes to their mind when they think of India & Pakistan, their response, for sure, would be things like “war”, “enemies”, & “terrorism”. But India’s relation with Pakistan isn’t just about that. There’s much more to it that people generally tend to overlook courtesy of whatever they’ve been told and taught for years. It’s time we stow away these stereotypical views about each other and acknowledge all the beautiful things that we share, the things that really matter…
1. “To us there is but one true God…”
One may not find any difference in our submission to our one true religion of Faith and Humanity, be it at this side of the border, at shrines such as the Jama Masjid in Delhi, or at the other, at sanctums like the Badshahi Masjid in Lahore.
2. Our Motherland’s fertile soils feed & sustain us
We be blessed with abundant stretches of fertile plains in every corner of both our countries that sustain, nourish, & nurture us.
3. We have indistinguishable, yet stunning landscapes
Both the lands are an epitome of scenic beauty, such that one may not be able to tell which wonder belongs to which nation. Two of such amazing works of Nature include the Zanskar Valley in India and the Hunza Valley in Pakistan.
Further Read: If These Mind Blowing Facts Don’t Make You Feel Proud To Be An Indian, Nothing Will!
4. Even in our diversity, we hail one religion: Cricket
No matter what culture, colour, or caste we belong to, people on both sides of the border are united by this one passion- Cricket. And against all myths, every cricket match between the two nations brings us closer, instead of taking us apart.
5. Dance is in our blood
We may be separated by our petty differences, but they all go out the window and our feet start to tap once you play some good desi tunes.
6. Ladies at either sides love to be pampered
Ethnic jewelry is our first love, and we have the same agendas to flaunt our styles most of the times- bangles, ‘jhumkas’, and an overuse of Kohl!
7. We’re both known for our delectable cuisines
Both the countries are famous worldwide for their delicious cuisines and spicy curries. No one in the world can beat the exquisite taste of our food.
8. The influence of our rich music travels across all barriers
Be it Hindustani music and classical ‘sangeet’, or Pakistani Sufi and Qawwali, the exuberance of our magnificent melodies breaks all barriers and wins millions of hearts all over the world. Both our versions of the Coke Studio produce tunes that are just out of this world.
9. Our canvases for art are a little ‘hatke’
We don’t need conventional platforms like paper and cloth to express our art. Almost all aspects of our day-to-day lives express our love for art, right down to our traditional modes of transportation.
10. We’re both the lands of ‘shahi’ weddings
Be it a ‘shaadi’ in India, or a ‘nikah’ in Pakistan, weddings at either side of the border be grand, glittering…and gorgeous!
11. We both cherish our glorious history with pride
Be it our oppressive rulers of old, or traumatic incidents of the Partition, or our glorious tales of the struggles for freedom, we are blessed with rich stories to tell about our history. Our numerous monuments and heritage sites like the Amber Fort in India, and the Lahore Fort in Pakistan, constantly remind us of our magnificent past.
12. Our brave soldiers risk their lives for our welfare
It doesn’t matter which side of the LOC they belong to, these brave soldiers risk their lives for ours almost everyday, and ask for nothing in return for their sacrifices.
Also Read: 10 Beautiful Places In India You Are Not Allowed To Visit In 2022
13. Both sides have been victims of heart-wrenching tragedies
We’ve both suffered similar tragedies and seen difficult times. In fact, against all misbeliefs, both the nations have been victims of horrific terror attacks. Lives have been lost at both ends…mothers have cried for their children at both ends.
14. Our hearts, in unison, plead for just one thing: Peace
Our eyes grow tired waiting for that one glorious day,
But we believe in our hearts we’ll achieve it one day.
We’re not trying to hurt anyone’s nationalistic sentiments through our words. This is merely an attempt to break the walls of misconceptions between the two nations so that we may rise above our petty differences and at least attempt to live with goodwill and peace. Know of any more similarities between India and Pakistan? Let us know in the comments below and share this with your friends.
Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
