By Justice Markandey Katju–
(Justice Markandey Katju is a former Judge, Supreme Court of India, and former Chairman, Press Council of India. The views expressed are his own)
Indians, although I have always wanted you to rise as a great nation in the world, I would sometimes get despondent about it on seeing the silly and immature behavior of many of you on several occasions, and the vile efforts of communal forces seeking to sow ill will, hatred, discord and division amongst us.
But my spirit has again revived, and my faith in you has again been restored, after seeing the rousing and hearty reception you gave to the Pakistan team on their arrival in Hyderabad, India to play in the cricket World Cup. You have proved by your generous behaviour that you are a truly great nation, and will surely rise again as a mighty, prosperous people.
https://thenewscaravan.com/pakistan-cricket-team-warmly-welcomed-in-india/
In the past it often happened that whenever India played against Pakistan, many Indians used to hoot, jeer and sometimes even abuse the Pakistan players.
But all that has now changed. Despite all vile efforts by some vested interests and the despicable propaganda of the ‘godi’ media to sow venom and incite hatred against Muslims and animosity against Pakistanis in your hearts and divide you, you have not been influenced and got carried away by this. This demonstrates and proves that one day you will certainly rise up unitedly and become a mighty and prosperous nation in the world stage.
I particularly want to congratulate the people of Hyderabad in this connection for the warm welcome and hospitality they gave to the Pakistan team. Hyderabadis are a truly great people with big hearts.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7EgPZGLiIt4
https://youtu.be/49Bv9gvaqfE?si=z8KnM4KUTX2JmuuI
Now there is one thing further you must do.
As most of you know, India is playing Pakistan on October 14, in Ahmedabad. If Pakistan wins, you must congratulate the Pakistan team heartily and celebrate the event as much as if India had won. If a Pakistani batsman like Babar Azam hits a sixer or a boundary, or if a Pakistani bowler like Shaheen Afridi gives a good performance, you must cheer them heartily.
This is because India and Pakistan are really one nation, only temporarily and artificially separated by a British swindle in 1947, but they are sure to reunite one day, however much time that takes. We share the same culture and have been one for 500 years since the time of the great Moghul Emperor Akbar.
