the-bridge
By Prof. Dr. Satish Rohra
There are various ways in which the individual / personal, social and national interests of the citizens can be activated or kept alive. The institution of family is established through ceremonies of marriage, 'mundan', the thread ceremony, etc., whereas the social and national ties are strengthened through celebration of festivals, fairs or exhibitions, sports and other cultural meets. On a wider scale, at the global level, trade and commercial activities, educational projects and cultural exchange programs serve as a bridge to connect the different nations with each other.
In this context, if we look at the India-Pakistan relationship, it seems that the situation has improved for the better and will continue to be so in the future too. The Sindhi language and literature has a vital role to play here; not only due to the fact that a large number of Sindhi Speaking people live in both the countries, but also for the reason that they share the same cultural heritage and have succesfully preserved it, in spite of living miles apart.
The need of the hour is that there should be a cultural exchange of literature and language between both the nations on a regular basis; for which it is essential that the original form of the language is kept 'intact' as it is feared that the language may tend to become Hindi on one side of the border and Urdu on the other.
It also needs to be seen that the script which is easily understood and can be read by citizens of both the nations is adopted and used. We should remember that Sindhi language and Sindhi literature ultimately serves as a bridge between the Sindhi speaking citizens of both the nations.
Due to our ignorance, let us not land up at such crosswords where we are not able to cross the bridge, and instead of making the journey peaceful and successful, make it difficult to travel.