AID New Mexico and the Pakistan Students' Association of the University of New Mexico, Santa Fe recently organized a fund raiser for the earthquake victims in the form of a cultural program. The full details can be found at http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/35275.html
While Dr. Tahseen Cheema was in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, he saw many effects of the October earthquake that killed 75,000 people. But the most heartbreaking sight was the children -- children he treated for broken bones, cuts and pains; children who no longer had parents; children who were struggling to find clothing that would keep them warm for the coming winter.
"One type of destruction is what you can see, but there is another type of destruction which is the human face, and that is much more heartbreaking," he said.
Cheema, who teaches at The University of New Mexico, is originally from Pakistan but lives in Albuquerque. Because of what he saw while he was there Oct. 15-29, he is helping others in Santa Fe and Albuquerque hold a fundraiser for the earthquake's victims this weekend.
The Association for India's Development and the Pakistan Students' Association will get together at the National Dance Institute Dance Barns today from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to raise funds for earthquake victims. Traditional and contemporary dancers from both countries who live in the Santa Fe area will perform. There will be no admission charge, but a $10 donation is suggested.
"Everyone traditionally associates India and Pakistan with rivalry, but all of us -- all of these people -- are working together to make this happen," said Harshini Mukundan, an Indian who works for QTL Biosystems in Santa Fe.
Kashmir, a beautiful and mineral-rich mountainous region at the foot of the Himalayas in South Asia, has long been divided between India and Pakistan. The two countries have been fighting over the territory since 1947. Before the earthquake, members of families separated by the dividing line could not speak to one another by phone. In the aftermath of the earthquake, both countries relaxed their control of the border, and phone lines across the border were restored.
"I think this shows the common bond between humanity," Cheema said, "that there is a sort of silver lining over the darkest of clouds."
Mukundan said most dancers who will perform Saturday are ages 18 to 28, and many are as good as professionals in "Bollywood," India's version of Hollywood.
Contact Natalie Storey at 986-3026 or nstorey@sfnewmexican.com. |
