A new wave of discussion has hit the Brandeis campus with stunning effects. The fall of 2002 marked the beginning for a group on campus that hopes to continue "as long as Brandeis is here." Founded by Ali Nabi, Mohammed Ashraf, and Omar Haq, the India-Pakistani Dialogue Group boasts approximately 65 members and holds meetings every Monday night at 8 p.m.During the summer of 2002 the idea was hatched for a new group, similar to the Arab-Jewish Dialogue Group, that would provide Indian and Pakistani students a forum for discussion. Haq explained, "We were friends who felt that some sort of dialogue group would be a really interesting idea. We met over that summer and planned it out under the direction of the Ethics Center. We were the founding members of this dialogue group."

According to the purpose stated on the club's Web site, the India-Pakistani group provides "a comfortable environment to discuss sensitive issues related to India and Pakistan." These include topics such as women in South Asia, Hindu-Muslim relations, Kashmir, stereotypes, gender relations, and conflict between the countries. Offering students a chance to meet others with similar ethnic backgrounds, this discussion group attempts to "strengthen relationships between members of the group."

In its founding year, the Dialogue Group organized several monumental events on campus. Haq summarized the club's successful year when he stated, "in three short semesters, we made our mark on campus." The largest event by far was the organization of a free peace concert starring the internationally acclaimed rock group from Junoon. This single event raised $1600 for charity and had an attendance of over six hundred people.

In addition to inviting Junoon to perform at Brandeis, the club cosponsored the award-winning documentary "Promises" with the Arab-Jewish Dialogue Group. Following the film showing was a panel discussion from members of the group and a presentation by one of the main figures in the movie - Faraj Faraj from West Bank. The group also invited acclaimed Indian documentary film director Summa Josson to campus for a screening of her controversial film, "Gujarat: A Laboratory of Hindu Rastra." The inaugural year of the India-Pakistani Dialogue Group provided the campus with some huge events.

As a recognized club on campus, the group's purpose states that it increases "co-existence and tolerance between members of the Brandeis community." Following a long-standing tradition of exploring ethnic diversity on campus, the India-Pakistani Dialogue Group adds to Brandeis's development of diverse cultures. When asked about the future of the club, Haq responded, "Every semester, we have a new group and dynamics so we have to work out and include the new members so that they feel comfortable enough." With an optimistic future, the India-Pakistani Dialogue Group is guaranteed to succeed in its goal to "learn to appreciate and understand positions and sensitivities of both groups.