An Indian Moved by Pakistanis’
Heart-Warming Hospitality
By Sai Nagesh
[Following is the edited version of an e-mail forwarded to us by a friend. He received it from his friend, who received it from the author. In sending out the e-mail, the author has not merely shared his experience in Pakistan with his friends. He has also made a valuable contribution toward promoting friendship and understanding between Indians and Pakistanis. Publishing it on our Web site is our way of congratulating him for that contribution. – Editor.]
I was one of the Indians who accompanied our country’s cricket team to Pakistan to witness the first of the one-day cricket series played against that country. It was played in Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial capital, on March 20. What my compatriots and myself experienced during our visit was simply overwhelming.
The stadium was filled with 39,990 Pakistanis and 50 visiting Indians. The two groups lustily cheering 'for' each other, and Pakistanis throwing chocolates at us, was a heart-warming spectacle. A few in the crowd were carrying the flags of both countries imaginatively stitched together. When the Indian team entered the stadium, they all stood up and gave a standing ovation.
There was a TV star called Heena sitting among the spectators. One Pakistani put up an impromptu banner that said: "Heena, will u marry me?" Star Plus (of India) is the most popular TV channel in Karachi.
More touching was the experience we had with ordinary Pakistanis. A sidewalk vendor selling 'bhuttas' (corncobs) refused to accept money, saying that we were 'mehmaan' (guests) in their country. People on the street rushed to shake hands with us and many asked us to go home with them for dinner. Many restaurant owners, when they came to know that we were from India, refused to accept payment for what we ate. Everybody we met, and we met quite a few, had some relative staying in India.
Shops gave us 40-to-50% discount. Loads of courtesy and respect – more than what we get in our own country – were showered on us by taxi-men, auto rickshaw drivers, army personnel … the list is endless. I only hope that when Pakistanis visit India during the return matches that will be played here, they receive similar treatment. I hope we prove to them that we not merely profess secularism, but practice it, too.
It is really sad that we Indians have an impression of Pakistan that is very negative. My brief experience in that country has taught me that perception is not reality.
[Published on April 9, 2004.]
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