It’s
a story of my ancestors, one they are proud of. Despite being firm Muslims at
heart, the story reflects their coexistence with Hindus in the subcontinent.
However, as the unsettling waves of partition swept through the Indian
subcontinent in 1947, my ancestors embarked on a journey of migration, leaving
behind the familiar landscapes of their homeland. Like many others, they
carried with them the cherished memories of a bygone era - the fragrance of
Basmati rice, the warmth of golden sunsets, and the vibrant hues of festival
celebrations.
Though
they traversed new lands, their hearts remained anchored to the rich cultural
heritage of the subcontinent, a legacy that continued to unfold in the stories
they told, the songs they sang, and the traditions they kept alive. Despite the
religious differences, the cultural fabric of the subcontinent remained
resilient, with Hindus and Muslims sharing a common language of love, respect,
and hospitality. The sounds of the tabla and sitar, the flavours of biryani and
kebabs, and the colours of Holi and Eid - all testified to a shared history
that transcended religious boundaries.
As a
descendant of this resilient generation, I have inherited not only their
stories but also their longing - a longing that echoes in my heart, a heart
that still sings the Indian melody, a melody that resonates with the rhythms of
a timeless past, a past that refuses to be forgotten.
THE MELODY OF MEMORIES
My
heart resonates with the stories of a land my ancestors once called home, a
land of vibrant streets, fragrant spices, and temple bells. Their memories,
passed down through generations, have become mine – a legacy of love, loss, and
longing. As I listen to my elders’ tales, their eyes light up with nostalgia,
transporting me to summer evenings spent lounging in courtyard gardens,
surrounded by the sweet melodies of the sitar and tabla.
Their
stories weave a tapestry of traditions – Diwali celebrations, Holi festivities,
sacred Ganges River rituals, and grand Eid celebrations. Though I’ve never set
foot in India, their stories have bridged the distance, connecting me to a
heritage rich in culture and tradition. I imagine bustling markets, majestic
landmarks, and serene landscapes, all part of a legacy that has shaped my
identity, taught me resilience, and instilled in me a deep love for the culture
I wasn’t born into.
This
chorus of nostalgia continues to play in my heart, a poignant reminder of my
ancestors’ journey, their sacrifices, and their dreams. It’s a melody that
they’ll always cherish – a melody that connects them to their roots. Just like
my mother, who sings Indian oldies while doing household chores, even though
she’s never been to the land of her folks
THE RHYTHM OF ROOTS
The
land of the subcontinent, a sacred land that held a special place in my
forefathers' hearts. Though I have never been to that part of the subcontinent,
the legacy of my forefathers continues to harmonize with me. The importance of
cultural roots and heritage cannot be overstated, for it is the foundation upon
which our identities are built. The values, beliefs, and customs passed down to
me through generations of my family have shaped me into the person I am today.
The
stories of resilience, love, and community shared with me by my elders have
instilled in me a deep appreciation for my roots. Although I have not
experienced it first hand, the rhythm of the subcontinent's rich cultural
heritage beats strong in my heart. Yet, there is a longing that gnaws at my
heart – a longing to see the land that was once home to my ancestors, to walk
the streets they once walked, and to feel the pulse of the land that nourished
them. This longing, though unfulfillable, drives me to hold on to my heritage
even more fiercely.
The
rhythm of roots is a powerful force that beckons me to cherish and honour the
legacy of my ancestors. I have seen my ancestors breathe their last while
longing to see their old homes just once. Their deep connection taught me the
value of association with the surroundings and people you grew up with. It's a
common phenomenon in our society to investigate family ties with the
subcontinent while finalizing a marriage proposal, showing how valuable this
unseen connection still is.
THE HARMONY OF HEART AND SOUL
The
rhapsody has a way of echoing deep within my heart, evoking emotions that
transcend borders and boundaries. The harmony of heart and soul that I
experience through Indian music, art, and literature is a truly unique and
special connection. The moment I hear the soothing notes of a sitar or the
vibrant beats of a Bollywood song, my heart begins to "sing" in
perfect synchronization. This affiliation brings me immense joy and fulfilment,
as I find solace in the shared cultural heritage that exists between India and
Pakistan.
Despite
political differences, our love for Indian cinema, music, and art remains
unwavering. Pakistanis are die-hard fans of Indian cinema, idolizing legendary
actors like Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan. We
are fascinated by the mesmerizing dance moves of Madhuri Dixit and the deep
performances of Rekha Ji. We are huge admirers of Indian cricketers like the
mighty Sachin Tendulkar and the exceptional Virat Kohli, and everyone in
between. We even enjoy the dramatic narration of matches by Ravi Shastri or the
facetious style of Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Similarly,
Indian fans have fallen deeply in love with the hypnotic and alluring voices of
Pakistan's musical fraternity, like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Madam Noor Jahan, Rahat Fateh Ali
Khan, Atif Aslam, and Ali Zafar. We have heard that Indians are following our
prime-time dramas more than our own public, falling in love with our charming
characters like Parizaad (Ahmed Ali Akbar), Murtasim (Wahaj Ali), Shahmeer
(Sikandar), Kashaf (Sanam Saeed) or Fazl Bakhsh (Bilal Abbas Khan). Our actors also cross borders to
work in Indian movies, further bridging the cultural divide.
In fact, this cultural exchange is a testament to the strong bond between our nations, a bond that is also evident in the friendly rivalry between our soldiers at the Wagah border. Although our soldiers stand on the Wagah border, engaging in a effervescent competition of leg lifting, attempting to outdo each other, the one who lifts their leg highest is considered mighty. However, this doesn't mean we don't cheer for each other with equal enthusiasm, showcasing the spirit of camaraderie and friendship that transcends borders.
The
shared love for art and entertainment has created a bridge that transcends
political boundaries, uniting us in a way that nothing else can.
THE END (It’s Just The Beginning)
Though
we are worlds apart but the hearts on each side of the boarders are still
connected deeply. The shared love for music, art, literature, and sports has
created a bridge that transcends political boundaries, uniting us in a way that
nothing else can. As I reflect on the significance of subcontinent in my life,
I am reminded of the power of ethnic heritage to shape our identities and
connect us across borders.
I
urge readers to reflect on their own cultural heritage and identity, embracing
the richness and diversity that makes them unique. Let us celebrate our
differences and find common ground in our shared human experience. As we
navigate the complexities of our globalized world, let us hold on to the
harmony of heart and soul that cultural heritage provides. Together, let us create
a world where love, acceptance, and understanding triumph over division and
discord.
In
the end, it is not just about India or Pakistan, but about the shared humanity
that binds us together. Let us cherish this precious bond and honour the legacy
of our forefathers, for it is the very fabric that makes us who we are.
Though my progenitors have spent an eternity in their new homeland but their heart still sing this song
“mera joota hai japani, yeh patloon inglistani, sir py laal topi rusi phir bhi Dil hai Hindustaani”
(This is a famous verse from a song in the
1957 Indian film “Shree 420” and translates to: “My shoes are Japanese, my
pants are English, my hat is Russian, but my heart is still Indian.”)
“Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge
Todenge dam magar tera saath na chhodenge..."
(Original
Motion Picture Soundtrack film Sholay 1975 and translate to: “We won’t break
this friendship. We’ll break our hearts, but won’t leave your side. We won’t
break this friendship. We’ll break our hearts, but won’t leave your side”)
