Cricket, culture, cardiac care

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">BT looks at the new atmosphere of goodwill between India and Pakistan</span><br /><br />Indo-Pak relations are in focus again. And whether the politicians will it or not, a slew of other goodwill gestures are gathering momentum -- in the fields of sport, art and even healthcare. BT takes a look at what''s lined up and how these initiatives may impact relations between the two countries...<br /><br />* A cricket Test match is to be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here beginning March 24. It''s only the fourth such sporting encounter since 1979.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Brijesh Patel, state cricket official</span>: The Pakistani crowd which watched the Indo-Pak matches last year was totally different from what it was in the ''70s. You could see both flags flying high and even flying together. The Pakistanis were wonderful hosts, the people were warm and friendly. The youth on both sides really want to have good relations with each other. I welcome this!<br /><br />* Bangalore''s medical expertise has helped Pakistani children with heart problems.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Dr Devi Shetty, heart surgeon</span>: I welcome these initiatives heartily. I have operated on several Pakistani children and each one of them is special. There is a parallel diplomacy at work and it is getting stronger. Political diplomacy cannot provide the long lasting relationship that this parallel one can. There are many NGOs and other groups which are working with Pakistani groups. We have sent out technicians to help set up heart hospitals in Pakistan. A colleague I worked with in England is going to start a hospital in Karachi and we will assist him in every way. Things are getting better. It is still difficult to get a visa but you can''t expect dramatic improvement overnight. <br /><br />* Bangalore has played host to an exhibition of Pakistani photographers. <span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Sami ur Rahman, lensman</span> who participated in the exhibition: Artistes are ambassadors of peace. There is such a commonality of feeling and perception. We want to enhance the peace process. The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service has got the green signal from both governments. I feel good sense has prevailed over our politicians.<br /><br />* Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh will perform together in Bangalore. <br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Prathibha Prahlad, dancer</span>: I think this is wonderful. People react spontaneously to art and to artistes without political or geographical considerations coming into play. Artistes are better ambassadors of peace than politicians and bureaucrats. When I danced in Lahore in November last year, it felt no different than being in Delhi. Ordinary people were so keen to meet us. They have so much love and affection for artistes. Our people are no different. We share the same history and geography. Both people want to set strife aside. There''s a palpable feeling in north India that both nations should come closer. So many people have friends and relatives, ancestral homes on both sides. But it should be easier for artistes to get visas. The mutual love will scorch the hatred created by politicians. India and Pakistan can become good friends like the nations of Europe. <br /><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">cavalesangeeta@indiatimes.com</span></div> </div>