Gian Singh Kotli is a prominent Punjabi poet, writer and a widely respceted community activitist. His article about Kolkatta riots is quite touching and inspiring. Kotli did his M.A. B.Ed., LL.B. from Calcutta University. He lived and worked in Calcutta for about 35 years. - Editor

Message of goodwill: The Brighter side of the Pakistan tragedy---(Gian Singh Kotli Vancouver, Canada.)

The 7.6 magnitude earthquake of Muzafarabad in Pakistan occupied Kashmir on October 8, 2005, brought about untold misery and devastation. The loss of lives and property is extremely stunning. Almost hundred thousand people are dead and the number may go much higher. Various state agencies are busy calculating the damages caused to the life and property in the quake. The University of Kashmir has also decided to launch a separate survey for damages in Uri and Tangdhar in collaboration with two non-governmental organizations Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Action Aid International. The situation is so grave that Hundreds of thousands of survivors of the earthquake are still waiting help several weeks after they lost everything. The toll is expected to climb much higher with large areas still inaccessible and the harsh Himalayan winter looming in.

The devastation in Kashmir on the Indian side cannot be ignored. The tremors of high magnitudes were also felt as far as Chandigarh. The quake has shocked and shaken the whole world with grief. But it is quite amazing that the whole world community has united wonderfully like one family to help the victims. The calamity can bring out the best in a man as has been proved in the recent and past calamities. The recent earthquake too has also displayed the best part of human nature. It is amazing that even the total strangers are helping the quake victims. An unprecedented atmosphere of goodwill and cooperation is prevailing all along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan who seem to have shed their long standing animosity to do all they can to save and serve the victims. They seem to have become saner not to squabble over borders and issues of occupying Kashmir in the larger interest of serving their people in this hour of crisis. The Indian Army has also suffered heavy losses in Kashmir due to the earthquake. Though many gallant jawans of the Indian Army have been buried in their bunkers, but still, the Army is going out there to help the ordinary people. Leaders from both sides are thanking each other and exchange good wishes. They deserve heartiest praise from all of us for their open heartedness.

This move can be taken as a brighter side of this tragedy and a blessing in disguise for peace and better understanding between two hostile neighbors. The tragedy and the heart rendering groans of the victims seem to have touched the hearts of Pakistan and India, who have fought several wars over Kashmir issue since 1947. The leaders of both countries seem to have removed the darkness of long standing differences and enmity from their hearts with the light of love and cooperation. This historical gesture of mutual help and goodwill is definitely a bright ray of hope for the bright and peaceful future of the two countries. It can further go a long way in establishing lasting peace much needed for the progress and prosperity of the people.

In view of the earthquake the efforts for donations in Greater Vancouver and elsewhere are also highly appreciable. It is quite amazing that the local communities including Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs in British Columbia and else where converged like family members to raise funds for the earthquake victims in Pakistan. They made untiring efforts to raise donations. Everybody seemed to excel the other in support and generosity for this humanitarian cause. But ultimately it were the Sikhs who toped the list of donations according to Sanaullah Chaudhry of Surrey, BC.
The multiculturalism of Canada seems to be on the road to progress when Sanaullah Chaudhry writes in The Link Newspaper, in its issue of October 22, 2005.

“ We as Pakistani Muslims and on behalf of United Muslim Alliance and on behalf of Circle of Concerned Members of Muslim Community, pay many thanks to all communities, Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and many others.

But we give a special appreciation and even we salute our Sikh Community who showed up their overwhelming response and a remarkable support…. The community has proved that whenever there is a call for the services of humanity, they are right there with open heart and a big purse. In this case they stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistani community.”

Sanaullah Choudhry also expresses his heartiest reverence for “Hazrat Mian Mir Rehmtullah Allahey (Mian Mir Ji), Harmandar Sahib Golden Temple in East Punjab Amartasar (Golden Temple Amritsar), Hazrat Baba Farid Shakar Ganj (Farid Ji), The holy Sikh Scripture (Sri Guru Granth Sahib), and Hazrat Baba Guru Nanak Dev Sahib, the first Guru and the founder of Sikhism (Guru Nanak Dev Ji)” in his write up. I have put the concise names in brackets.

Interestingly, I would like to add that the hymns of Farid Ji are the oldest Punjabi verses in Sri Guru Granth Sahib and that Guru Nanak’s life long companions were Mardana, a Muslim and Bala, a Hindu. Mian Mir Ji, a Muslim divine laid the foundation stone of Golden Temple. This may be deemed as an ideal example of equality and peaceful coexistence expounded by Sikhs.

I have been going to various institutions and multi-faith gatherings and always tell them that Sikhs are universal people, they love all, respect all, serve all and hate none. They believe in oneness of God and oneness of mankind. All are welcome to Gurdwaras (Sikh Temples). Sikhs provide free food to all in Sikh Temples. A Muslim saint, Hazrat Mian Mir laid the foundation stone of the Golden Temple Amritsar. Sikhs believe in helping the needy and hungry, as it is as good as making offerings to their Guru.

The whole Indo Canadian media made all-out efforts to raise donations for the earthquake victims in Pakistan for which the Muslim community has showered a full-throated appreciation for all. Maninder Singh Gill, Managing Director Radio India AM 1600 and Suki S. Badh CEO Sher-e-Punjab Radio broadcasting AM 1550 collected large funds for the victims and heartily thanked the donors, as reported in The Link Newspaper, Vancouver BC, Canada.

This type of cooperation and understanding can prove very effective in dealing with any disaster. And this wonderful unity, mutual love and cooperation in times of such a great disaster is clearly a God’s blessing in disguise.

May the Creator known as God, Allah, Rabb, Rahim, Karim, Khuda, Ishwar, Parmatma, Waheguru, etc, bless all with love and cooperation for the well being of the whole mankind to make this planet a happy place for all. This is an integral part of the daily Sikh prayer that seeks the well being of the whole mankind, whether it is performed individually at home or in the house full congregation in the Gurdwara.

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Gian Singh Kotli M.A.,LL.B.
Vancouver, Canada. Tel/Fax 604 321 6351.

(15 November 2005)