Noted academician Rajmohan Gandhi today said that India and Pakistan should sort out their problems among themselves instead of looking at others to intervene.
"No one, neither the USA nor China can help. If relations between neighbours have to be improved, we have to do it ourselves," said Gandhi, who is also the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.
He also said that even politicians cannot help resolve the complex issue. "No Nehru (Jawaharlal), no Gandhi (Gandhi family) can do it for us."
The noted peace activist was in the city for the launch of his book 'Punjab: A History from Aurangzeb to Mountbatten,' organised by Aleph Books in collaboration with Aitihasiki-Panjab University History Department Alumni Association.
Tracing the history of Punjab of this period, Gandhi said that broadly this period can be divided into three phases: Post Aurangzeb, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and British Punjab.
He also narrated some interesting facts from the period.
"While researching for the book I came across several interesting aspects of that period. The army men who were thrown out after the mutiny for instance were at the fore front of providing arms to those fighting the British.
Also, one of the important elements why Sikh forces working mainly with religious fervour were able to defeat the Muslim forces, also fighting with religious fervour, was the language, he said.
"The Sikhs were using Punjabi and the Muslims Arabic," he said.
Talking about the partition, Gandhi said his research showed that the Punjab leaders did not put in enough synergistic efforts to improve the situation.
Launching the book, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Shivraj Patil said the area of undivided Punjab has played a significant role in the history of India.
"This was the gateway to Indian starting with the Aryans and Alexander," he said.
