“I think it (war) is money wasted on guns,” says Ira. She is only in Class 3.
“Gandi cheez hai (it’s a bad thing),” says Jia, who is in Class 1.
When asked why, her response is: “Kyunki usse nuksaan bhi pahunch sakta hai logon ko.” (people might get hurt because of it).
Seems strange to be hearing these pacifist comments from the children of ‘Jingostan’ (as rapper Dub Sharma calls it), right?
And yet, here we are, blessed with the inherent wisdom of kids, which stands in direct contrast to the war-cries of our most learned leader ‘ji’s and television journalists. Just weeks ago they were busy invoking our veer jawans to go to war with Pakistan, following the terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama.
And so, we asked five kids, ranging from Class Prep to 3, whether they think ‘war’ is a good word or a bad word. And their answers are so insightful that even Malala would be impressed!
War is bad and if you don’t fight, then it is good.Aria Kewalramani, Class Prep
Meanwhile, Ira from Class 3, suggests an innocent way to solve the India - Pakistan issue.
These Olympic matches can be used in place of war. The country which wins, Pakistan or India, will win Kashmir. Because of it war will be stopped!Ira, Class 3
To conclude, here’s a message from little Shlok for all Indians and Pakistanis.
We should happily stay. Because hum ladai nahin karenge (we will not fight.)Shlok
Hopefully the ruling dispensation and ‘jingoistic’ crowd from both sides will listen and learn from these kids!
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