From One Nation to Another, With Love

Housecalls magazine, December 2005

The two lanky Americans have been greeted with garlands and huge crowds upon their arrival at train stations, have addressed large gatherings to discuss the importance of amity between India and Pakistan, and have even been endearingly addressed as ‘angels of peace’. A modern day sequel to Attenborough’s Gandhi? “Not quite”, says John Silliphant with a smile, “but Gandhiji’s search for truth has certainly been an inspiration for this initative.” The initiative – taking peace letters and cards from children across India to children in Pakistan - is certainly a unique one, and has been reverberating in the hearts of children across the country, as reflected in the thousands of cards they have collected. “Where all else has not succeeded, perhaps this might work,” adds Mark Peters, John’s comrade-in-peace.

Though their aim is greater peace among peoples, the two are not diplomats or ambassadors, and neither are they in India in any formal capacity. They are here, they say, “simply to do seva, to serve.” While many non-Indians flock to India with the intention of absorbing some of the spiritual wisdom for which this country is renowned, these two are spending a year in India, living on their own savings, “to give back to a nation whose citizens abound in spirit and goodwill,” says John.

Their idea of seva does not conform to any particular religion, nor are they affiliated with any particular NGO. Their aim, John explains, “is to give all that we have, and make every moment an opportunity for service.” Their ‘giving-in-the-moment’ credo often leads to seva activities that cross the lines of social convention for many Indians. For instance, in the city of Ahmedabad, they have often left many a sweeper - and the gathered crowd - flabbergasted by their desire to sweep the streets. Despite this fact, they both stress that their acts have not met with scorn, but with heartfelt support. Says Mark, “Most have been very appreciative of our efforts, even stopping to work alongside us. Our hope is that this appreciation will extend to the hardworking folks that are doing this demanding work day in and day out, with little or no recognition.” In rain or shine, the two have continued to work assiduously and silently, without expectation of reward or personal gain; their aim is to grow internally through external action.

Despite their unassuming modus operandi, the duo has been receiving accolades from Ahmedabad city officials and citizens alike. The municipality has praised them for their work, and has agreed to their innovative proposal to install attractive dustbins throughout the city with the help of well-known architect Yatin Pandya. In an effort to highlight the importance of sanitation, Ahmedabad’s commissioner Anil Mukim, has even agreed to join the two on a day of cleaning public toilets. Anandiben, a slumdweller who was blinded when her husband threw acid on her 5 years ago, fondly refers to Mark as her ‘very good friend’. While walking through the Tekra slums one day, Mark noticed Anandiben sitting, depressed and unable to move, in an unlit room. Mark brought her to a local NGO called Manav Sadhna, a move that has transformed her life. “You can never imagine you are giving anything away - you always end up receiving so much more in return,” Mark says, “Anandi and her family have adopted me as an older brother into their family and showered me with genuine affection. I literally have a second home now.” In their 6 months in the city, the two were involved in numerous activities ranging from opening a Seva Café to tree-planting; until the government told them in early August that they had to leave the country within the next few days.

The order stunned the two. They were on 6 month tourist visas in the country, and hoped to bypass the expensive exit-and-reentry requirement by demonstrating to officials their service-intentions. Yet the government was adamant; they had to leave. While many might begrudge the government and leave the country embittered, John and Mark arrived at a Gandhian solution to their predicament: why not go to Pakistan, carrying gifts of peace messages from children in India? Within two days, they were able to collect thousands of peace-cards from children in Ahmedabad, after which they moved on to Delhi in preparation for their departure.

In Delhi, they continued their intensive campaigning in private, public and slum schools. Children embraced the idea, and took to colors and paper with a selfless ardor. Teachers and principals gave them magnanimous support. Within a few weeks, they had collected over 15,000 cards. Says John, “Whether we get 10 cards or 10000 doesn’t matter. What does matter is that for each and every child who sits down and writes from their heart to another child, an internal connection will be made, and a seed of hope for a harmonious future will be planted.” Given the success of the program, and the fortuitous receipt of a 3 month visa-extension, the two realized that they could take this program to children across the nation.

The two now plan to travel the country until October spreading messages of peace and collecting cards, after which they will carry the cards to Pakistan. Many ordinary citizens have been deeply moved by the idea; John and Mark have received cards from a group of living Gandhian freedom fighters, a communal harmony theatrical group, and many have requested that they take cards from India’s Heads of State. When asked why they have chosen kids to be peace-messengers in a politically sensitive matter, John replies: “The key to bringing change in this world is through our children. If seeds of peace are implanted in them, it is peace they will sow. They will then unleash a better, more loving world.”

(read more about the project and see more cards: www.friendswithoutborders.org)