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Punjab-Punjab cooperation can be a
model of peace, says new book
WSN Network
 Washington:
The prestigious American University held a panel discussion on the
role Punjab can play to bridge the gap between the two rival nations
of India and Pakistan. The event was the occasion to release
Tridivesh Singh Maini's recent book "South Asian Cooperation and the
Role of the Punjabs". According to Tridivesh Singh, “The book is an
attempt to show the important role of the Punjabs not only within
their respective countries but also in the South Asian context.” The
author carried out field research in both of the Punjabs and also
interviewed policy makers, academics and peace activists on both
sides.
“The main object of this book is to provide a corridor between India
and Pakistan,” said Maini. Other panelists were Mowahid Shah, senior
advisor to the chief minister of Pakistan’s Punjab Province; Shalini
Venturelli, Nissim Reuben, American Jewish Committee; Dr. Rajwant
Singh, Chairman, Sikh Council on Religion and Education; and
diplomat in residence Anthony Quainton, Akbar Ahmed, Chair of the
Islamic Studies, moderated the discussion. This was organized by the
School of International Service at American University and was
co-sponsored by the Sikh Council on Religion and Education.
This book is an endeavor to provide some refreshing solutions for
cooperation, both in the context of the Punjabs and South Asia. The
most noteworthy contribution is the portion pertaining to the
relatively recent initiatives taken by the Two Punjabs. His
recommendations include encouraging restriction free movement of
peoples, building a well knit South Asian Economy, opening up
transit facilities important role of the private sector in SAARC,
setting up committees for border region cooperation and encouraging
Free Trade Zones in border areas. The book also quotes some relevant
examples of such developments in many parts of the world and
reflects what is gradually emerging particularly in case of closer
cooperation within South Asia.
 Maini presented that Punjab and its role is too often ignored in
South Asian discourse inspite of its historic, geographical and
cultural importance in the South Asian context. The importance of "Punjabiat"
as a syncretism culture and the message of peace and compassion
spread by Baba Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, should be
highlighted. This should be in response to the "Clash of
Civilizations" paradigm, which is simplistic and problematic, and
emphasized by many policy makers in Western capitals.
Ahmed and Venturelli, both faculty at the School of International
Service (SIS) of American University, were among the panelists who
gathered last week to discuss the new book.
Venturellli prompted response from many panelists as well from the
audience when she emphasized the need for more civil society
involvement in strengthening democracy in Pakistan to bring sea
change in its presence in the world affairs and its economy.
Dr. Akbar Ahmed, Professor of Islamic Studies and former Pakistani
Ambassador to United Kingdom, also spoke about Sufism and its
relevance for South Asia. Dean Goodman, Dean School of International
Service, American University spoke about his association with the
author of the book and talked about the relevance of the book in
today's context.
Mowahid Hussein, Advisor to the Pakistani Punjab CM, Chaudhry
Pervaiz Elahi talked about looking at each other as equals and not
indulging in mud slinging. He talked about his visits to Indian
Punjab.
Dr. Rajwant Singh, praised the Pakistani Government for its gestures
to Sikh community in recent years and announced that SCORE will
organize an Inter Faith Prayer Service to mark the 60th anniversary
of formation of Pakistan and India to pay respects to all people who
lost their lives in communal riots. This would be a moment of prayer
and reconciliation.
Tridivesh Singh Main has a Bachelors degree from Sheffield
University (UK) and Masters degree from American University(USA). He
is currently working with the private sector in New Delhi, India.
Earlier, he was a consultant for the World Bank and a researcher for
the American Security Council Foundation. The book was released in
India by Shekhar Gupta, Editor-In-Chief, Indian Express, New Delhi
and in Pakistan by Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, Former Interior Minister
and MNA from the PPP.
4 April,
2007
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