9th Indo-Pak Love & Peace Day 2016

           Ashok Koul & Dr Darakhshan sent valentine of Peace to Pakistan

           Indo-Pak Love & Peace Day celebrated on International Border

Despite cold-hot relations between two neighboring countries, Indo-Pak Love & Peace Day was celebrated today this year for the ninth time by the people from all walks of life at the famous Octroi Post at International Border at Suchetgarh in Jammu. This unique initiative was conceived by writer-politician of J&K Dr Darakhshan Andrabi nine years ago christening Valentine’s Day as the Indo-Pak Love & Peace Day. And since then she has been sending her valentine messages to Pakistan for peace and prosperity in the region. Since last year the programme got immense support from Shri Ashok Koul, the BJP State Organizational Secretary who participated in today’s programme as the Chief Guest. Local MLAs Shri Shyam Chowdhary and Gagan Bhagat were also present on the occasion. This programme has reached out to the people in Pakistan and world-over as it always got immense media coverage throughout the sub-continent and the rest of the world. Many NGOs working in Pakistan or associated with affairs of Sub-continent working worldwide have highlighted its importance. Recently America based NGO “AMERICAN NON-RESIDENT PAKISTANIS” has awarded Dr Darakhshan Andrabi for this historic initiative of Peace & Friendship at Non-Government level. Today Dr Darakhshan Andrabi sent her Valentine to Pakistan which read: “This is the time to prove that Pakistan also believes in eliminating terror-groups from this part of the world so that a new era of Peace and prosperity ushers in within the sub-continent.” Chief Guest of today’s function Shri Ashok Koul accompanied Dr Darakhshan Andrabi in paying floral tributes to Siachan Hero Lance Naik Shaheed Hanumanthappa and other along with those BSF warriors who laid down their lives in protecting our borders. Speaking on the occasion Shri Koul said that our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has tried his best to reach out to Pakistan extending his hand of love and cordiality recently and now it was the turn of Pakistan to respond to India in the same spirit. “Whole nation is waiting for Pakistan Government’s bold steps in dealing with Indian Criminals roaming free on Pak soil so that the region becomes a Centre of Peace and brotherhood.” Dr Darakhshan said that for making twenty first century, the Century of Asia, India & Pakistan need to live in harmony, trust and co-operation in all spheres of life. Shri Ashok Koul and Dr Andrabi were joined by all in lighting the candles of hope in a Heart Shape before they released white pigeons into the skies across the border signifying the transmission of the goodwill and love for Pakistan. Many slogans were demonstrated on the venue addressed to Pakistan which read: “Shun Politics of Violence….it is must for your existence and the cordial relations between us”; “Peace is a weapon through which we can change the world”.  Among others present were Ajay Kumar, Sardar Gursagar Singh Isher, Kamaljit Singh and other prominent persons.