Its a very long travelogue of a Indian leftist trying to visit Pakistan fascinated by his grandmothers stories about her family near Gujranwala in Pakistan. The book starts from building Pakistani perceptions in India and than comparing some of those perceptions when the author finally makes it to Pakistan. I found the book pretty balanced narrative, written in simple Hinglish/Pinklish (Hindi English/Pakistani English) when the author visits various sites authorized on his visa. I especially found his experiences with the Haris, and Dalits in Pakistan pretty revealing. I also tend to agree with the treatment or no treatment of the ancient ruins of Moenjedaro, Sindh pretty spot on. It is a great dis service to Pakistan to neglect such a rich heritage and ancient site like Moenjedaro for any reason.
I wish such courageous travels are taken up by more Pakistani and Indian citizens as they help bridge the gap between two completely different ideological states, one based on religion and the other on secularism.
I wish such courageous travels are taken up by more Pakistani and Indian citizens as they help bridge the gap between two completely different ideological states, one based on religion and the other on secularism.
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