Recently, My Hero had the opportunity to interview two Seeds of Peace alumnae. Spenta Kutar, age 16 is from India and Shahrzad Zaidi, age 17, from Pakistan.
Each student is on the “opposite” side of a feud that has been going on between the two nations for years, which has resulted in a nuclear arms race.
MH: What early experiences in your life influenced you to become personally active in the quest for peace? How did you get involved with Seeds of Peace?
Spenta: Both countries, India and Pakistan spend so much time, energy and money in fighting each other that both countries don’t seem to care much about their internal development—if India was not fighting with Pakistan, these resources could instead be used to fight hunger, poverty, illiteracy and many other problems that plague my country. Knowing this I wanted to contribute in my own way towards securing peace between our countries.
Shahrzad: Seeing other people living with an undeserved feeling of insecurity and animosity for the enemies with whom they had so much in common influenced me to become personally active in the quest for peace. I got involved with SOP through school.
MH: What was your initial reaction to being among the “enemies”? Were you apprehensive or nervous?
Spenta: Yes, I was apprehensive about meeting them but I was also dreadfully excited…it is not everyday that an Indian meets a Pakistani!
Shahrzad: I was really excited to meet them as I had never met an Indian before. However, the first day I was a little apprehensive if they would meet me as a “seed” or an “enemy”.
MH: How did the experience of SOP change your idea of how peace could be attained? How did it change your idea of your own role in the process?
Spenta: Through SOP I realized that the one thing peace requires is mutual understanding. It is not necessary to agree with the other sides’ point of view but to accept and respect their beliefs. That is the first step towards peace. I became aware of the ‘power of one’. I realized that I could make a difference, and in my own small way contribute towards the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan.
Shahrzad: I learned that convincing the “preconceived enemy” to believe the way I do is not the solution. To attain peace it is important to “accept” their viewpoint. Also, it is important to listen to different perspectives and make an informed evaluation because our ideas are based on what has been drummed into our heads and the biased books/media.
MH: What advice would you give to kids who are interested in contributing to a peaceful world?
Spenta: Don’t ever lose hope.
Shahrzad: They have to believe that individuals can make a difference. It is important to hear the enemy’s point of view before making judgments. Kids are mostly influenced by their peers, therefore, their ideas can make other children think on those lines.
MH: What is your perspective on the current conflict between the U.S. and Iraq?
Spenta: Though Saddam Hussein needed to be ousted from power, the US should have gone through the UN instead.
Shahrzad: Saddam Hussein’s tyrannical rule was well known during the Gulf War. Why did the Americans and their coalition partners leave the job unfinished then when they had a total mandate and a unanimous global support to complete the job? I feel that the U.S. is setting a precedent for the stronger nations to go after weaker nations and take a pre-emptive strike on those whom they perceive to be a treat. My fear (as a Pakistani) is, if India perceives Pakistan as a threat, will it attack us? Moreover, world over Saddam Hussein is known to be a vicious, tyrannical and barbaric man, but that should not be a license for the mighty powers to wage war without the world backing.
MH: What are your personal goals now for your education, career, family etc.? Has SOP changed any of those goals?
Spenta: SOP has made a lasting impact on me. It has broadened my horizons and made me much more concerned and aware of the problems facing the world and the need to remove them.
Shahrzad: My short-term goal is to get into a good university on scholarship. On the professional side, I want to go into Investment Banking or actuarial sciences. On the social side, I want to be a good human being, accommodate others needs and be sympathetic in sharing. SOP has helped me focus more on my goals.
Read Susannah Abbey’s interview on My Hero Project »