Topic Reading-Vol.1952-8/15/2017

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Mash-up combines Pakistan and India's anthems to make a viral hit

Pakistan celebrated its 70^th birthday on the 14^th of August, and India did the same on the day after. Just like many other neighboring countries, they have been disputing over a territory that both claim as their own, called Kashmir. It is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. It was once part of the Mughal Empire until the middle of the 18^th century, but is now a disputed territory and administered by three countries; India, Pakistan, and China.

While no peaceful resolution is expected for the dispute between the two countries within a foreseeable future, some artists from both sides of the border tried to promote peace with a video that unites their national anthems on their independence days. The video starts with a message, "When we open our borders to art, peace comes along," and went viral in cyberspace beyond the political border.

Enjoy reading the article and listen to the song that tries to reduce the divide.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40919584