Only Kashmir News Desk
New Delhi: Amid global conflicts, Indian and Pakistani students contribute to peacebuilding through art as part of the Indo-Pak Peace Calendar, a project by Aaghaz-e-Dosti.
The initiative, now in its 13th edition, invites peace-themed paintings from students across both nations. Twelve paintings, six from each country, will be selected and featured in the joint calendar, which will be released on both sides.
Dr. Devika Mittal from Aaghaz-e-Dosti emphasizes the significance of the calendar, saying it reflects the “innocent and apolitical” views of students, reminding them that mutual distrust is socially constructed. The project encourages hope and shared dreams of peace.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti has been promoting peace education since 2012, with the calendar highlighting the need for a violence-free future. Coordinator Nitin Mittoo stresses that students’ art expresses their emotions and hopes, offering lessons for adults.
Founder of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, Ravi Nitesh, remarked on the importance of this initiative, stating, “In these seven decades, both countries have created numerous barriers, but we dream of a day when people from both sides can meet easily. Through education and initiatives like this, we aim to build a culture of peace and trust.”
This initiative fosters volunteerism and provides a platform for youth to advocate for peace despite political barriers. Prominent peace activists like Dr. Asma Jahangir and Shashi Tharoor support the calendar.
For participation, students from grades 6 to 12, both in India and Pakistan or abroad, can submit scanned paintings to Aaghaz-e-Dosti on their email aaghazedosti@gmail.com
