Recently at the United Nations General Assembly, the India’s Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj advised Pakistan to forget its “Kashmir dream” and claimed it to be an essential part of her country. However, amidst the recent talk of war and rising tensions between India and Pakistan, a compassionate gesture shown by the politician, did not go unnoticed.

A group of 19 students had travelled to India to partake in the 11th Global Youth Peace Festival in Chandigarh on September 27th, for a seven-day visit.  During their first-time stay across the border, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control, making the date of their return unclear.

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The students’ parents became concerned for their well-being and wanted an earlier return of their children. However, the Indian authorities ensured their safety and strengthened their security.

Aliya Harir was the head of the delegation and runs ‘Aghaz-e-Dosti’- an India-Pakistan peace initiative.  It conveys hand-written notes and cards from an array of schools in Pakistan to India. She ended up winning the Global Youth Icon Award at the festival.

She personally spoke to the External Affairs Minister regarding their safe return to Pakistan. On Monday, Sushma guaranteed their return and was met with the utmost appreciation from Aliya, as expressed in her tweet.

Sushma Swaraj’s heartwarming reply to Aliya went viral where she claimed that one’s daughter is everyone’s daughter.

While Aliya agreed, she tweeted to the world that she is honored to be called her daughter.

The Pakistani girls and one male member of the delegation were sent back home by bus, securely crossing the Wagah border onto Pakistani soil. The students claimed to have felt right at home and felt that their treatment could be compared to those of Gods.

In times when ties between India and Pak have hit an all time low, this moving story between the two nations gives a strong message of peace and love!

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