Much like the dinner tables laden with the very predictable biryani-kebab fare, it is impossible not to bump into a Peacenik at Islamabad-dos.
In the past three years that I have been in Pakistan, I have seen them selling themselves to people-who-matter. I have seen them smiling their smiles before shoving their visiting cards (and in one instance photocopies of a newspaper clip with photo) and frothing peace lines. I have heard them recite beautiful couplets in Urdu (and sometimes in Hindi too) to prove their passion for peace.
Of late, several entries into Peacenik Inc have been via the virtual world (thank you Twitter!) – so there is no real need anymore to network for an invite.
In the past three years that I have been in Pakistan, I have seen them selling themselves to people-who-matter. I have seen them smiling their smiles before shoving their visiting cards (and in one instance photocopies of a newspaper clip with photo) and frothing peace lines. I have heard them recite beautiful couplets in Urdu (and sometimes in Hindi too) to prove their passion for peace.
Unfortunately, I have seen the same bunch – poets, writers, mediapersons, theatrepersons, lawyers, activists -- do a turnaround in a different setting. That hurts.
While I still see a ray of hope in old-school Peaceniks, usually retired famous-somebodies, I dread the young lot, mostly reigning media bombs who articulate all-things peace beautifully for effect; or worse the wannabes, ambitious little things trying to strike it big at Peacenik Inc – even if that means getting past the Bhai brigade.
Of late, several entries into Peacenik Inc have been via the virtual world (thank you Twitter!) – so there is no real need anymore to network for an invite.
For me, the real Peacenik is the old man who got us a box of walnuts from his village and quietly prayed for peace; or my little Pakistani Hindu friend, who naively believes that the ongoing Indo-Pak talks have a fairytale ending.
lately i,ve been readin so many things about Us, sharing the same history and earth(mitti)...
ReplyDeletet h a n k s!! tears in my eyes!!and hope....
Unfortunately, I have seen the same bunch – poets, writers, mediapersons, theatrepersons, lawyers, activists -- do a turnaround in a different setting. That hurts.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of a certain Shahid Afridi and his completely contradictory comments in different settings within less than a week of each other! While most Indians thought he was just being a sore loser, me thinks most peaceniks just tell people what they want to hear- whether or not they actually mean it.
Peace doesn't need poems and lofty words, it comes from the ordinary people in their everyday interactions!
ReplyDeleteA
Thanks all :)
ReplyDeletePeacenik Inc, good one and so true, a lot of people thrive through this "peace biz".
ReplyDeletebut then there is also the mil inc, religious brigade inc and politic inc and all thrive on making sure the hate inc thrives :D
anyways, as someone rephrased "aman ki asha", as "aman ka tamasha", well that's what the truth seems more like, other than posturing and rhetoric, substance doesnt seem to be there.
Well-said Ritesh!
ReplyDeletethe recent happening in the US made me jump back to your article.
ReplyDeleteGuess what?
this article hit the nail on the head a month too soon or was it well timed? make a choice.
ghulam nabi fai's (his types) and the invisible shadows/bhai brigade, does that ring a bell for the readers, and if this is what they are doing in the US, one wonders what all agendas get set by those shadows/bhais when peace delegations visit isloo/dilli.
i guess we now also have the reasons for why a sudden 180degree turnaround by all those - poets, writers, mediapersons, theatrepersons, lawyers, activists.