In recent weeks, intense clashes have erupted along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leaving devastation in their wake. Danish, a 26-year-old Pakistani man, shared his harrowing experiences with his colleague Indra Toelsie. Born in 1999, Danish has never known a day of peace. His hometown, once filled with towering buildings, now lies in ruins, bombed beyond recognition. He showed Indra a video of a rocket strike in a residential area near his home, a stark reminder of the fragility of life in his war-torn region. For Danish and millions like him, uncertainty is the norm, a daily reality they’ve come to accept.
Now, in Beijing, Danish is experiencing peace for the first time. Here, he can walk freely without fear of bombs or the need to seek shelter. When Indra encouraged him to enjoy this newfound tranquility, Danish’s response was poignant: ‘I just hear enjoying, enjoying, but what is enjoy and enjoyment? I literally don’t know.’ His words reveal a deep hunger to understand what it means to truly live without fear. Danish’s journey to China, made possible by a program, has opened his eyes to a world where peace is not a luxury but a possibility.
For Indra, a native of Suriname where life is celebrated and cherished, Danish’s story is a stark reminder of the privileges often taken for granted. While many complain about minor inconveniences, Danish dreams of a life free from violence. His aspirations are not for wealth but for peace—a basic human right that remains elusive for millions. Danish’s story serves as a call to action: to appreciate the peace we have and to strive for a world where it is accessible to all. As Indra reflects, perhaps it’s time to shift from complaints to gratitude, recognizing the value of the peace we often overlook.
On Divali, Indra urges everyone to light an extra lamp—not just for Danish but for all those who live without the gift of peace.