http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bombay_Times/No_LoC_at_Wagah_this_August_15/articleshow/2253067.cms
War is not the only thing that takes place at the India-Pakistan Attari-Wagah border. This August 15 (which marks the 60th year of independence for both India and Pakistan), instead of gunshots and bomb blasts, you will see, rather hear, the sweet sound of music at the border. For the first time in 60 years, both the nations will celebrate their independence days together, through the universal language of music. This cross-border musical extravaganza will have musicians from both the countries — A R Rahman, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam and Shafqat Amanat Ali — performing from 11 pm on August 14 to 1 am on August 15, on twin stages on either side of the border. Live performances will alternate from one stage to the other, visible to the entire live audience, no matter which side of the border they are seated. More so, the concert will also be telecast live across the two nations, thereby enabling India and Pakistan to be able to witness it together. Elaborating on this one-of-a-kind unison, Rakesh Gupta, Secretary of the NGO Routes 2 Roots that has put this show together, says that the aim of the concert is to help bring harmony between warring countries. "Friendship and harmony can only come from people to people contact. Different cultures should come together to celebrate their differences, therein finding their similarities," says Rakesh, continuing, "For the first time in three generations, Indians and Pakistanis will unite to commemorate their shared struggle and ultimate achievement: the birth of two free nations." Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who strongly believes in the power of music, adds, "Music transcends all boundaries and this concert truly has that, with people of both the countries attending the event. For years, artists have travelled to the other side to perform, but now, artists from both the countries will perform together. It's a great honour to be part of such a historical event and to use our talent for a noble cause that tries to bring together two long lost friends." And that's not all. Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla and former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akam and Pakistani designer Shaiyanne Malik will also be present there, to host the event. "It will be a historic occasion of unparalled magnitude. For the first time ever, people of both the countries will come together to celebrate their independence. India and Pakistan are like siblings and through this concert we can show the world that people of both the countries truly love each other, irrespective of any other perception. By coming together, we can be an example of peace and harmony to the world," says Shah Rukh Khan of this mega musical event. In this day and age of war and terror, this musical endeavour to promote global peace and harmony and build heart-to-heart connections amongst India and Pakistan, is something that will make this Independence day that much more special. -- shaheen a khayoom +91-98959 49464
