Amritsar theater workshop aims to strengthen India-Pakistan ties

Young artistes from India and Pakistan are participating in a month-long theatre workshop here to strengthen the ongoing peace process between the two countries.

By Ravinder Singh Robin

Amritsar, June 19 : Young artistes from India and Pakistan are participating in a month-long theatre workshop here to strengthen the ongoing peace process between the two countries.

By the means of drama, artistes wish to send across the message of peace and portray the pains of India-Pakistan Partition faced by the people 60 years ago.

Under the banner of Manch Rang Manch (MRM), in collaboration with the National School of Drama, 15 artistes from Pakistan and 20 from India are participating in the first of its kind workshop.

Workshop Director Kawel Dhaliwal, who has been conducting workshops under MRM's banner since 2001, said, "This is the first time that we have arranged a month-long workshop with Pakistani participants".

Dhaliwal said, the artistes can convey the peoples' message to the lawmakers of both countries that "nightmarish things like Partition can not establish peace and it should never happen to any country or to any family".

Drama teachers from across India will impart skills to the budding artists at the workshop.

The workshop would help in exchange of cultures and in fostering bilateral relations. The artists said they want to bring the people of the two countries closer.

Pakistani participants said the workshop provided them an opportunity to improve their theatrical skills.

Usman Zia, an artist from Lahore, said that he would never forget the period he spent here.

"I have received guidance from renowned artistes of India," he added.

Impressed with the hospitality of Indians, Zia said: "I have made friends here for life".

Khola Qureshi, another artiste from Lahore, said "The number of commercial art theaters is less in Pakistan as compared to India. It has been a great learning experience and the love and affection I received here can never be forgotten".

The participants are of the view that said such efforts fortify the bonds between the two countries.

"The objective of this workshop is to strengthen the relations of the young generation of both countries," said Veerpal Kaur Gill, an Indian participant.

The workshop will conclude on July 5. Henceforth, the play will be enacted on Indian Independence Day, August 15, in Indian and later on in Pakistan. The play depicts real life stories of Partition as retold by the authors of both the countries.

ANI