India-Pakistan national anthem mash-up calls for peace between two rival neighbours

A mash-up of the national anthems of Pakistan and India, the two countries that once shared the same territory but became rivals over the course of history, has become viral on social media.

The auditory treat comes from India’s pro-peace Facebook group, Voice of Ram.

The group headed by filmmaker and activist Ram Subramanian released the video on Sunday, hours before the beginning of the celebration of independence in Pakistan. India is due to celebrate its Independence Day on Aug 15.

Both the countries are celebrating 70 years of independence this year.

The video titled “VOR Peace Anthem” begins with the words, "When we open our borders to art, peace comes along."

A series of artists then sing the Indian anthem Jana Gana Mana, and Pakistan's Pak Sarzamin - some from recording studios, others on location.

The footage closes with the words, "Let's stand together for peace".

Voice of Ram has described the video with hashtag #HappyIndependenceDay and #LetsEndThisHatred.

This is the first time since independence, the national anthems of India and Pakistan have been sung by artists of both nations claims the group.

 

The video raked up 483,000 views and 12,828 shares until 6pm Monday. A total 12,000 people have showered it with ‘like’, ‘love’ and ‘wow’ reactions.

Writing on Facebook from India, Kalpesh Patel commented: "Hope this goes viral in Pakistan. Some of us Indians care for peace. The best "independence" day gift both countries can give each other."

Osama Farooqui from Karachi, Pakistan replied: "It has gone viral. Simply soulful and extremely peaceful listening to it. Love from Pakistan."

The two states share a tense relationship, primarily over the disputed territory of Kashmir, which sparked two wars between the sides, reports BBC.

Subramanian has told Indian site Catch News that he made the videos "because a lot of people are afraid to speak about peace, and it's an illogical fear".