GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS DO NOT DIVIDE CULTURES
AND CIVILISATIONS  - ALTAF HUSSAIN
People of Pakistan and India should love one another
and remain in contact by enhancing cultural relationship

Karachi – 16 May 2004

Mr. Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) said that the change of religion does not change human physiology, genetic make-up and chemistry. Geographical change does not change cultural relationships, he added. Mr Altaf Hussain expressed these views while addressing “Pakistan-India Friendship Mushaera (Congregation of poets)” arranged by “Gehwara-e-Adab” of All Pakistan Mohajir Students Organisation (APMSO) on Saturday night, 15 May 2004 in Azizabad, Karachi. A large number of famous poets from India participated in this Mushaera, which was attended by a large number of audience that included men, women and youth.

Welcoming the poets, Mr. Altaf Hussain said that indeed, these are happy moments during which the sentiments of love and closeness are increasing between the people of both countries. He added that often the time, circumstances and conspiracies compel people living together for centuries to be separated but with passage of time the tide of sentiments begin to calm down, the civil and cultural memories of centuries begin to resurrect. The people begin to think as to what they did under sentiments and passion and why those living together for centuries separated? He said that when human thought reaches such a pinnacle then the “Wall of Berlin” falls and the people of East and West Germany unite. He affirmed that where the “Berlin Wall” does fall, the horrendous experiments of war prevail over centuries old cultural and traditional relationships.

Mr. Altaf Hussain said after the First and Second World Wars, the hatred between human beings receded and without demolishing the “Berlin Wall, they marched ahead respecting each others geographical boundaries and hence, European Union came into existence. He added that India and Pakistan have fought many wars and the people have endured great losses and now both countries should draw lessons from European Union and invoke the sentiments for people to people contacts and live in peace and harmony. He said that if human physiology were analysed, it would emanate that process of circulation of blood within the human body is exactly the same despite differences in colours, heights and physiques. He continued that human body disintegrates as a result of hatred and the geography of the soil divides but this divide does not end the cultural and traditional relationships. Arts and Literature neither be confined into any geographical boundary nor is it dependent on geographical divides then why not for sake of arts and culture, people of both countries become friends.  

Mr. Altaf Hussain said that an important point to note is that despite difference in religions, the chemistry, physiology and genetic make-up of human body remains the same and the cultural and traditional relationships remain intact. He further added that he wished that the people learnt to respect each other, which was the culture and tradition of undivided India. He further added that he wished that people realize that if pain in any part of one’s body is felt as a result of injury then similar pain is also felt by others and therefore, it is the need of time that decisions are made with due care.

Mr. Altaf Hussain stated that for him respecting humanity is the greatest worship and worship without respect for humanity is totally useless. Today’s congregation is reflecting the source of friendship, love and goodwill, which is no less than worship. He prayed that such sentiments and awareness are inculcated between the people of two countries that instead of inflicting wounds on each other and they would share love and pains of each other. Concluding his speech, he once again, thanked and welcomed the poets arriving from India and those from within Pakistan.