Beyond the Borders

Beyond the Borders: Indo-Pak Storytelling

Beyond the Borders is at its heart is a platform for inspiring, diverse and unique narratives. Centred around the theme of bridging gaps and creating connections through storytelling, Beyond the Borders begins its journey by promoting and highlighting the joy, goodness and unity present in our world communities. Each of us has a story, each story brings about a new perspective and those perspectives are the foundations of our relations. Join us in exploring these narratives and taking the next step towards positive change: one story at a time! Beyond the Borders is made a reality with the support of the Melton Foundation Action Grants for projects upholding the mission of Global Citizenship and intercultural collaboration.

Beyond the Borders: Indo-Pak is a 50+ story project showcasing unique narratives of true love and tolerance from the people of Pakistan and India. The goal of this campaign is to promote unity and friendship between everyday citizens and to ignite hope for a better future through heartfelt tales and perspectives!

By presenting the positive aspects of Indo-Pak relations through the use of narratives in many art forms, Beyond the Borders brings in something for everyone. Listen to our Podcasts with special guests, read a collection of letter exchanges between pairs from each country, enjoy poetry and performances of mini stories by spoken word artists! 

Take a journey through creative narratives and perspectives!

Stories

30+ Stories

Videos

10+ Videos

Pen Pals

12+ Letters

Podcasts

3 episodes

Mini Stories

Long Stories 

Poetry

Across the Border

Across the Border

Original version: سرحد کے پار سنا کچھ لوگ رہتے ہیں جہاں ہم لوگ رہتے ہیں وہیں سے دور زرا کچھ ہم ہی...

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Spirit of Love

Spirit of Love

Original version: محوالفت میں گھل جانے کے پیمانے الگ ہیں کسی سے دل لگانے کی جسارت نہیں کرتے مغرور...

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Milky Way

Milky Way

As the planets orbit around, the sun shaves past The order of the phoenix remains constantSpace...

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Future Hope

Future Hope

Invisible stands a barrier,  crafted and cracked with wires Two lands stand in ceremony,  hoisting...

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Uniting

Uniting

The river winds down the land, but the bridge between is obscured still, The shrubs grow in the...

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Pen Pals – Letter Exchanges

From Bidisha

From Bidisha

Hello Izzah!   Hope you are doing well in these difficult times. Here, the weather today is neither too cool nor too warm but while I am writing this letter, I am still recovering from a bad cold. But the thought of connecting to a sister sitting out there in...

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From Izzah

From Izzah

Dear Bidisha,   My name is Izzah and I’m from Multan, Pakistan. I hope, especially in these difficult times, that you are doing well. A little bit about me, well, I am currently an O level student who is particularly interested in pursuing Botany in the future....

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From Rameesa

From Rameesa

Hi Akshita! Hope you are doing well. I am your pen pal. Let me introduce myself, my name is Rameesa Khan, I am a PhD scholar and Founder of Menstrual Talk, I work internationally and nationally on menstrual education and breaking social taboos associated with periods....

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From Ruchita

From Ruchita

Hi Usman,   Hope this letter finds you well. My name is Ruchita and I’m 20 years old. I was born and brought up in Bangalore, India. I am currently pursuing Computer Science Engineering. To say a few words about myself: I am a cinephile, foodie, a lover of...

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From Usman

From Usman

Hi Ruchita,   My name is Usman, I'm 19 years old, and I was born in the United States but now live in Lahore, Pakistan. I'm your typical desi guy in the second year of A levels, love experiencing new things and exploring life to its fullest potential.   Even...

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From Padma

From Padma

Hello, Tahira!    They say the best of the things in life happen unplanned. I believe in the soul-touching, mind-numbing unwavering lines of faith and fate. The point is, I am a postgraduate student in Advanced Construction Management (currently in my final year)...

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From Tahira

From Tahira

Dear Padma,   Hello there! To start off with my introduction, my name is Tahira Khan and I’m almost in my final year of University here in Karachi, Sindh. I’m a Poli-sci major with a minor (and main interest) in theatre and drama. It’s exam season so I’m sure if...

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From Faraya

From Faraya

Hello Harini! So my name is Faraya and I’m from Pakistan. I’m currently an Art & Design student and even teach arts to beginners as well as help out my fellow students as a teachers assistant! Art is one of my biggest passions and I love everything about it;...

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From Harini

From Harini

Hey Faraya!   Since this is the first letter exchange, we have to introduce ourselves. I’m Rajharini but I prefer to go by Harini. I’m currently in my final year of college and majoring in Computer Science Engineering. I’m also  interning as a Site Reliability...

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From Akshita

From Akshita

Hi Rameesa!   I am Akshita, your pen pal. Hope you are doing well, all is good over here too. A basic introduction of me- I am in eleventh grade and am studying Humanities. My hobbies include writing poetry, reading, eating and sleeping, haha! I am very excited to...

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From Ananya

From Ananya

Dear Zeeshan,   Thanks for initiating this letter exchange! Let me introduce myself, I am Ananya and I am currently in my final year of undergraduate studies. I reside in Bangalore. Coincidentally, I too like travelling and I have a deep interest in learning about...

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From Zeeshan

From Zeeshan

Dear Ananya,   Hope this letter finds you well, I’m Zeeshan Haider a Masters graduate from Rawalpindi. I’m hoping to finish my degree and move onto working abroad so I can gain experience and fulfill my dreams of travelling.   I like touring and exploring...

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Spoken Word Performances

Watch Khadija deliver a soulful rendition of ‘Our Mirrors’

Watch Tryphine’s voice bring alive ‘Our Flags, Raised’

Watch Aaditya’s expressive narration of ‘Tug of War’

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

– Martin Luther King, jr.

Edited_hands painted

Our Team

Sara Hassan

Shravani Vangur

Nickhil Sharma

Ananya Chakravarthi

Ruchita 

Our Partners

Melton_foundation_logo
Aaghaz_e_dosti logo
South Asian Peace Project Logo
The Writing Club logo

Looking to share your story? Lighthouse welcomes narratives in all forms to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices!