Sushma Swaraj’s response to this Pakistani girl is a must-read Sushma Swaraj’s response to this Pakistani girl is a must-read

On September 27, a delegation of 20 students from Pakistan arrived in Chandigarh for the 11th Global Youth Peace Festival, bearing hand-written notes and friendship cards from various schools from across the country. But amid tensions that gripped India and Pakistan after the Uri attack and surgical strikes, the girls were worried if they’ll return home safe.

WATCH SUSHMA SWARAJ’S RESPONSE TO PAKISTANI GIRL

Aliya Harir, leader of the contingent and convenor of Indo-Pak friendship initiative titled Aaghaz-E-Dosti, reached out to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to help the girls return to Pakistan. Harir later tweeted that the minister has assured her of help.

Extremely overwhelmed. Spoke to @SushmaSwaraj ji who assured that Pakistani delegation of #GYPF2016 will reach Pakistan back safe. 😊 🇵🇰 🇮🇳 — Aliya Harir (@AliyaHarir) October 1, 2016

But Sushma Swaraj — who had put up a strict front towards to Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly making sure they know that Kashmir belongs to India and will remain so — in her response to the girl, proved that the bitterness between the two countries will never come in the way of humanity. “Aliya – I was concerned about your well being kyonki betiyan to sabki sanjhi hoti hain” (I was concerned about your well being because one’s daughter is everyone’s daughter).

Aliya – I was concerned about your well being kyonki betiyan to sabki sanjhi hoti hain. https://t.co/9QyeMQfRwy — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 3, 2016

Back home, the girls’ parents and relatives were afraid for their well-being but they went ahead with their tour. Reportedly, parents of some of the girls told them that they won’t return alive. but Swaraj made sure the girls were felt safe. She spoke to Harir and asked her if they need any help from her. She also told them that if at any stage, they face any problem, they must immediately let her know. She emphasised that in Indian ethos, guests are treated like Gods ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ and that they should go back with happy memories of India.

But the girls have reached home safe and sound, Aliya tweeted this morning.

Aap ki beti kehlane ka sharf hasil hai, aur kya chaheyay. The delegation has reached back home safe&immensely happy. Thanks a million times. https://t.co/JHH8VUj91Q — Aliya Harir (@AliyaHarir) October 4, 2016

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