LAHORE | Far away, in the lush, green woods of Otisfield, Maine, USA, there is a place where great things happen. This place, which over a hundred new young people from all over the world are proud to call “home” for three and a half weeks every year, has a magical effect. Seeds of Peace, an American NGO, is paralleled by few, because the greatness of the idea on which it is based is unique and yet fundamental to human co-existence; the idea that people everywhere are good, and that each of us can be a collaborator for peace. The camp in Maine is theory put into practice.
Established in 1993 by John Wallach, an eminent journalist of his time, Seeds of Peace brings together young people from regions of conflict around the world in an effort to promote peaceful coexistence and reconciliation, in the hope that they, being future leaders, will use the values and leadership skills learnt at camp to bring about change in this world. Wallach firmly believed in his philosophy that “the enemy has a face”, and that when people of two conflicting nations sit down together and have a conversation about their lives, families, hopes, dreams and aspirations for their children, they would ultimately see the good in each other. That is the first step to achieving peace in this world.
This summer, I was one of the lucky few chosen to attend the SoP camp, and I can safely say that it was probably the most amazing experience of my life, for it is not every teenager who gets the opportunity to interact with people from different conflict-stricken regions of the world. I shared a bunk with people from America, India and Afghanistan, ate three meals a day at a table with my Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian counterparts, and participated in all sorts of activities, including music, art and sports with people from different countries.
In addition, the Pakistani delegation also had dialogue with the Indians, Americans and Afghans regarding important issues such as terrorism, the conflicts between our respective countries such as Kashmir (between India and Pakistan), and the Durand Line (between Pakistan and Afghanistan), and the effects these issues had had on us individually.
There was an interesting clash of opinions, with free expression of all points of view, and though our conversations became pretty intense at times, they never went too out of control. On a personal level, I spoke as an individual, not as a supporter of my government’s stance on every topic. During the last days of camp, we tried coming up with possible solutions to all these problems, and actually succeeded in agreeing on several things.
It was amazing to hear their side of the story, and learn about how what they’ve been told differs from what our history books say. The first step to making peace is, no doubt, clearing all misconceptions, and our dialogue sessions certainly served this purpose. It was an enlightening experience.
Though every day at camp was exceptional, there were some highlights, such as the Culture Night, where people from all delegations wore their traditional native dress, and rich, exotic food from different countries was served. There was also a camp talent show where different delegations presented a performance pertaining to their culture. Pakistanis danced to a medley of old film songs; the Jordanians performed their traditional “dapkay” dance, and so on.
Campers were given the opportunity to observe different religious services, even if they were not participating. I observed the Jewish Sabbath, Hindu and Jain services and Christian mass, while non-Muslim campers came to see Muslim Friday prayers. The purpose of this was to showcase the similarities between our religions, and to make people realise that we can live in peace and harmony. I enjoyed the other services thoroughly, especially the Jewish ones, because the atmosphere was filled with love and warmth.
In addition, there was an interfaith dialogue, where campers of different religions discussed their beliefs, and how religion could be used as a means to achieve peace in the world.
The neutral atmosphere of Seeds of Peace was truly valuable. I never once felt as if I was being judged by anyone for anything I said or did on the basis of my nationality, religion or ethnicity; I was there as an individual.
Probably the most important aspect of Seeds of Peace is that one learns to put aside all preconceived notions, doubts and misconceptions one has to get to know people from other countries for what they are, and not based on stereotypes and labels.
Seeds of Peace is no longer just an idea; it is the realisation of a beautiful dream which over four thousand people all over the world are involved in. Many have dedicated their lives to working for peace and stability, and their efforts are not in vain: Seeds of Peace’s manifest success in the Middle East led to international recognition of the organisation as an effective body for bringing about peace in areas of conflict. The US State Department too started to support it, and with its aid, a South Asia programme was launched in 2001, comprising Indian and Pakistani delegates. A year later, it was extended to Afghani youth as well. This programme continues to date, and is doing much valuable work in our region.
The writer is a student based in Lahore. For more information on Seeds of Peace, visit www.seedsofpeace.org.
Read Pakistani Seed (’09) Noorzadeh Raja’s opinion piece at The Daily Times »