Calamity Brings the Subcontinent Together By Sawraj Singh, MD FICS

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The bridge connecting the Indian and Pakistani parts of Kashmir has been destroyed. Both countries have waived travel restrictions so that the people of Kashmir can cross the border in Punjab and return to their families. The Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, announced that India wants to help Pakistan in the relief efforts.

In 1995, I presented a paper in a meeting of Punjabi writers in Seattle, Washington. In this paper titled, "Asia's Century," I made a prediction that by the year 2013, the countries of the Indian subcontinent will unite in an economic union called South Asian Economic Alliance on the pattern of the European Union and that this will become the second largest economy after China, which will become the largest economy of the world at that time.

Relations between India and Pakistan were improving before this earthquake, but this crisis is going to bring a qualitative change in the relationship. While working together to face this enormous tragedy, the people of the two countries will forge close relations. The bridges of friendship that will be built now will lay the foundation for bringing the subcontinent together in an economic union.

The people of the subcontinent share a common civilization, a common history besides being a geographical entity. The political differences cannot negate all these commonalities. The fundamental interests of the people of the subcontinent are very similar. Sooner or later, the fundamental interests of the people will overcome the political differences.

It is not just the interests of the people of the subcontinent that will be served by improved relations between India and Pakistan, but they will be conducive to world peace. Tensions in the subcontinent directly or indirectly affect many parts of the world and therefore are affecting peace and stability in the world.

The Indian subcontinent is home to the largest unit of population in the world. Historically, the continent has made a tremendous contribution to overall human development. The Indus valley civilization was one of the oldest civilizations of the world. The Indian subcontinent was the seat of the first universities in the world. Texla and Nalanda were the largest universities of their time. They were the learning centers of the world. They attracted students from different parts of the world.

Over the last two centuries, people of the Indian subcontinent were marginalized and were unable to play a role that could match their historical potential. Rivalry between India and Pakistan has drained the resources of the subcontinent for over half of a century. The time has come to use the resources of the subcontinent for the betterment of the people. Let us start by helping people rebuild their lives devastated by this calamity.

The Indian people should come forward and help their Pakistani bothers in their hour of need. Let love and sharing overcome hatred and prejudice. I want to appeal to all people to contribute generously to relief efforts and come to help the victims of this colossal tragedy. After all, the means of communication and transportation have converted us into a global community. I urge the Sikh community to play a very active role in the relief efforts. It was Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, who did more than anyone to bring the Hindus and Muslims closer. He was revered by both of the communities. Guru Nanak's message of love, sharing, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence is very relevant now.