By all means it is imperative that children get proper education so that they can learn to view important issues both big and small from a broader perspective. A great deal of such formal learning would be ideal if it were to come from a well-informed educational and motivational clan, who would base themselves and thus function from both inside the classroom as well as at home, on a day to day basis. Such teachings would in turn reflect socio-cultural values, better understanding of historical events, emerging new ideas and challenges in both domestic and international scenes.

Motivational teaching endeavours can have two outcomes, depending upon the intentions and the level of knowledge of the motivators involved. Firstly, there lies the overt need to bring good to the children, which will thus bring good to the society as a whole. This would be an out and out positive solution. Secondly, an alternative to the one already mentioned, could turn these children into narrow-minded individuals. Proper instruction given to children outside the school's curriculum would help create a more mature and civilized society, so that the people are able to respond to new disputes accordingly. This ground breaking event, should be influenced by the philosophies woven by culture and language, history and geography, faith and belief, mutual respect, and human rights, and above all, demonstrative values. Responses mostly require interdependency among these so called weaving threads. Some responses seem adequate with the presence of only one of these threads while the other threads appear to be irrelevant and out of place for instance, if someone were to focus on the Bangla Language Movement, he would not be required to concentrate on the thread relating to faith at all.

The other day to my utter amazement, I came across a group of young boys watching a Pakistan vs. India ODI cricket match. The eldest of the three was only about eight years of age. I was not as pleased to watch the match itself, as I was excited to talk to the boys on the tidbits of this historic game in the hope of getting their views upon which team these youngsters supported. My opportunity finally arrived during a long commercial break. I promptly asked the boys, whose side they were on " Pakistan's of course" shouted the three in unison. I was taken aback by their blunt reply, and must admit acknowledging the fact also hurt me, that none of the three were in support of the team that I was supporting. I had barely recovered from the boy's first response, when a wave of shock and utter shame struck me on hearing the second." They are Hindus, that's' why", which was the children's answer as to why they were not supporting India.

I did not bother to delve into the matter any further and inquire about the kind of people who had been teaching these young souls such ideals. Doing this would only make me feel worse. Moreover, I decided to remain silent for a short while and then proceed with my queries accordingly. It did not surprise me in the least to find out that these boys had been influenced by prejudiced educators who both at school as well as at home, had intentionally kept on tainting their tender minds, thereby preventing the children's imaginations from broadening. The poignant remarks of the three young boys reflected a reminiscence of the past, of the hatred that was generated amongst people during the pre liberation period.

In light of this, I would like to state the obvious, that Hindus and Muslims bear the same creator, they are both made from the same mould and though they may differ in culture, this does not make them any less of a human being. What mentors (that exist in our society) have to realize is, that their narrow mindedness (distinct in their teaching methods) might also impose similar thought patterns upon the minds of our children. This will have the utmost negative effect on future generations.

In my efforts to direct the three boys (whom I had met) toward the right perspective, I told them that they were justified in their support for Pakistan, but would do no wrong by supporting a Hindu team who played equally as well. I also went on to explain the historical and ideological reasoning behind my backing India in this auspicious match.

In the end, the three blooming roses seemed convinced by my testimony and to my surprise even gave me a respectful farewell.