AAGHAZ-E-DOSTI

aghaz-e-dosti-ppp-2017-en

“Aaghaz-e-Dosti” (the literal meaning of which in Hindi/Urdu is ‘beginning of friendship’) is a citizen’s initiative that works against all odds to create havens of peace and friendship between the two traditionally rival communities. They have been working at this relentlessly for the past four years. The team is comprised of students and young professionals, mostly women, from both sides of the border, who volunteer their time. Other chapters of this organization are present in many cities from both countries.

India and Pakistan, are two South Asian enemy brothers and neighbours that share a common history, common language and, a much more common cultural background. It’s tragic that even after 70 years of independence of both the nations, they still have enormous issues going on between them.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti is focused on citizen diplomacy and works primarily through peace education aimed at familiarising people about the ‘other‘; countering stereotypes of a homogenised and negative image of the other; educating on issues of conflict and the existence of diverse views; and developing critical thinking and faith in dialogue and peace building for conflict resolution.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti also condemns issues of violence, ceasefire violations, killing of soldiers, and discrimination meted out to victims of conflicts. They believe that the voice for peace and sanity often goes unrepresented in mainstream media. Aaghaz-e- Dosti has been constantly writing to the governments on both sides about incidents of ceasefire violations, decisions made about talks, and execution of decisions made in government meetings. Through continuous letter writing and appeals to both governments for improving the relations, there have been changes in decisions and steps towards the demands that have been submitted by Aaghaz-e-Dosti to the authorities.

One of the major initiatives of Aaghaz-e- Dosti is the annual Indo-Pak Peace Calendar. Every year, Aaghaz-e-Dosti launches an Indo-Pak peace calendar that has paintings, which they call ‘expressions of hope’ from students of both countries. It also carries messages from renowned personalities working for Indo-Pak peace. The calendar is launched in both countries. It has been also been presented to high dignitaries on both sides.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti works very hard to create friendship stepping stones across a steady stream of misunderstanding and hatred. This human bridge is hope in the making for a new era of trust and understanding between these two nations.

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36 thoughts on “AAGHAZ-E-DOSTI”

  2. Aaghaz-e-Dosti
    All the best!
    It is a good initiative to bring Indo-Pak people closer. With its interactive sessions and activities between the two nations it has been able to grow the peaceful environment among the people.

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  4. Peace is possible with more people to people to contact and interaction which can remove misunderstandings and misconceptions between the two neighbouring countries. AGD is trying it’s best to make this possible!

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  6. Aaghaz e Dosti is a platform for the people of IndoPak to Disclose the Passive Love towards each other without restricting their selves by these physical boundaries .. A great Initiative
    #AaghazeDosti
    #IndoPakPeace

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  10. I was introduced to this group of like minded people when I was working on a story for The Times of India on Indo-Pak people connect. In the years gone by, I have seen this citizen driven initiative grow and touch many hearts on both sides of the border. India and Pakistan has a lot of things in common but the political barriers are proving too hard to be broken.. In this, Aaghaz-e-Dosti knocks the doors of hope. May the group see more success in bringing people closer.

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  16. Aghaz-e-Dosti team you have done a great job. Always pray for your success. All the BEST!! May Indo pak friendship n love prevails for ever!!

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  28. Aaghaz-e-Dosti has done a remarkable job in initiating indo-pak peace dialogue in the times of crisis. The all-voluntary initiative deserves mass recognition. Kudos AeD team.

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  29. We are proud of you all. We extend our undying support to you for the movement. Teams at both sides derserve a lot of respect and admiration. Vote to you from me, my family and friends Safia Bokhari

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  33. The work done by the Aghaz-e-Dost to bring the two nations closer is marvellous. I being a resident of border area of Siachan Valley (Gilgit-Baltistan) highly appreciate and endorse my completely support for all the peace initiatives from Pakistan and India.

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  34. The work done by the Aghaz-e-Dost to bring the two nations closer is marvellous. I being a resident of border area of Siachan Valley (Gilgit-Baltistan) highly appreciate and endorse my completely support for all the peace initiatives from Pakistan and India.

    Reply

  35. I support aaghaz-e-dosti for the prize as they are doing something to bring peace between the two countries who are not fighting really but can’t stand each other like two sons of the same mother.

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