Peacemeal

Peace means the knowledge that I’ll be safe in Kashmir, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, or even Pakistan. Am I just a utopian idealist? No. I’m not. This is my vision for global peace.
I’d like to tell you what peace means to me. I’d also like to tell the “peace-breakers” what peace means to me.

Dear Terrorist,

Why did you target my friend’s family at the Taj? What did they do wrong? What did I do right? Why don’t you want peace?

I’d like to point at the crowd, pick a face, and ask him/her if they have at least one Pakistani, one Afghani, one American, or one Czechoslovakian friend. Peace to me would be an affirmative answer.

I don’t know your nationality dear terrorist? But wouldn’t you really like that? Everybody likes a friend. Just try to make a friend in a county you hate. Your perspective will change, I promise.

I think the first thing every child in school should be taught is that we are all “globaritarians,” not Indians, Americans, or Africans.

We’ll all be global citizens. And then, dear terrorist you won’t have a reason to fight or be at war. A united world against a faceless tyrant—you won’t stand a chance. Be a winner, dear terrorist. Be a global citizen. Be a friend.

A train blast on the western line, a taxi in south Mumbai blew up—what is a safe means of transport? Must I really avoid public transportation in order to stay alive? And what guarantee do I have that I won’t be a victim anyway.

After the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, I think the fear and the anger has only gained momentum. Who is responsible for putting a stop to it?

I think each one of us is responsible. Don’t worry dear friend. We know you are afraid. There is fear and insecurity in your heart. We’ll help you to be at peace in your heart so that you can be at peace with the world.

Someone I know when to Ladakh last year. She faced so much opposition because of her choice of destination. “It’s too close to Kashmir” they said. “It’s not safe”

Don’t you want to live life to the fullest, dear terrorist? Please let us to. I don’t want to limit my choices to places that are “safe” and places “unsafe.” Please lets let peace prevail.

We berate parents who abuse their children. Why don’t we berate parents who teach a child that Pakistani is India’s enemy? Or that you can marry anyone except a Muslim.

Don’t pass on your hatred my friend. We’re one global family. Let’s open our hearts and be more tolerant.

Love
Versa vice vera
Global citizen

It’s unfortunate that we can’t talk about peace without talking about war. I used this letter as a medium because I wouldn’t have been able to talk to “peace-makers” without talking to “peace-breakers”.