I have had the privilege of freely visiting both sides of the Punjab. The two Punjabs are similar, but also different in many ways, one being the situation of women. The differences are easily noticeable. East Punjab has been a progressive state within the Indian Union and has done well economically and educationally. Girls and women enjoy much greater freedom of movement in that part and have higher visibility in the social and cultural life of towns and cities.

hirty students will pedal all the way to Pakistan on their bicycles, calling for peace between the two countries. They will also use the opportunity to promote cycling.

Dr. Kuldip Nayar, an eminent Indian journalist, talks about horrors of partition and shares his own experiences of the greatest migration ever happened in the history. He has authored 11 books and regularly writes for Pakistani and Indian newspapers.

My long-nurtured dream of visiting the land of my grandparents took ages to mature into reality; and my sojourn there seems to have melted away in seconds. Despite crossing many hurdles which came between me and a seminar which took me to Pakistan last month, I was effervescent with the undying spirit of setting foot on Pakistani soil.

The journey to Pakistan was really wonderful. Initially there were certain doubts, inhibitions and apprehensions but when we crossed the border on foot, we were overwhelmed with joy. The same culture is on the other side of the Line of Control. My wife was also accompanying me. At the entry of Lahore, there is famous Shalamar Bagh built by Mughal ruler Shahjehan. The beauty and architecture is still intact.