Rita Farhat Mukand

Post Independence Day, Awaz-the Voice was able to connect with the India-born Moonis Chaudhari who lives in Karachi, Pakistan, where her family shifted in 1982. Moonis works as a podcast host at the Rehan Allahwala Institute in Karachi which has shot up in popularity drawing both Pakistani and Indian audiences. 

She goes by the penname of Moonis Ather Indiawali Social Media Incubator. She works for Rehan Allahwala, a Pakistani-American entrepreneur who is kickstarting a school to teach a billion people basic literacy via Mobile Phone with his ultimate mission in life to end poverty, worldwide. Moonis Chaudhari shares her role in her podcast shows at Rehan Allahwala Institute to bring social harmony between India and Pakistan.

Moonis was born in Kolkata where her family - parents, three elder brothers, and sister - lived in the Park Circus area. “My father was from Delhi and my mother from Lucknow. Residing in Kolkata was fun, comfortable and on the hop, studying at Loreto Day School in Bowbazar. However, the family did fall into some tough times in the 1980s, with constant hartals, strikes, and shutdowns of workplaces, offices, shops and businesses struggling. My family belonged to the Delhiwal community of Muslims. During the Partition, her family was also divided between Pakistan and India.

“We lived a good life in Kolkata as a typical happy-go-lucky Indian family. I completed my education in Loreto Day School Kolkata and recall many joyous times, surrounded by many great friends; we were buoyant and had an easy-going attitude. However, my father did fall into financial difficulty,” Moonis told Awaz-the Voice on a mobile call from Karachi.

Moonis Chaudhary celebrating Indian Independence Day in Karachi

"It was during the early 1980s that my father's cousins who lived in Karachi urged him to move to Pakistan. It was not an easy decision for my father because we were attached to India. However, at the time when Kolkata was not doing as well, Karachi was flourishing, seated at a strategic location at the southern tip of the country along the Arabian Sea coast."

Moonis Ather with a Pakistan YouTuber

“One day, as I was scrolling down Facebook, I noticed a post from a gentleman who stated he wanted someone to translate his posts into Hindi. I contacted him, telling him my credentials and age and he asked me to come over to his office the next day for an interview. He hired me and from then on, there was no turning back. After a long and winding journey, a great door of opportunity opened for me to work at Rehan Allahwala Institute. I started as a translator to make Hindi posts; was promoted to an administrative role and finally found my place as a podcast host with a platform to showcase my hidden talent.

“At Rehan Allahwala Institute, we also endeavour to bring cultural and national harmony between India and Pakistan. I was appointed as a podcast manager just one month ago and given 355 contact numbers of prominent people and politicians in India including  (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah to conduct live interviews with them.

“Some of these people I interviewed were the former chief justice of the Indian Supreme Court Justice Katju from Delhi, Ranjit Powar from Amritsar, Swami Vishwa Anand from Rajkot Gujarat, Animesh Kaur from Delhi, Faraz Ahmed from Kolkata and many more.

“Through these conversations, we aim to wash away any broiling misconceptions that often permeate our societies. Engaging in meaningful discourses often helps to ease tensions and bring in more insight and understanding which ultimately leads to a positive outcome. It is said that positive words and ideas can change the world.

Moonis Ather is celebrating Pakistan's Independence day in Karachi

Giving Awaz-the Voice a more detailed description of Pakistan, she says, “The country has a rich heritage, with historical sites like Badshahi Mosque and Mughal forts. The people are cooperative, hospitable, and warm-hearted. I see striking similarities between Pakistan and India's cultures and traditions and we share the same language which bonds us well. Pakistan's youth are enthusiastic and determined. I have only lived in Karachi and the city enchants crowds with its warmth and pulsating life. Karachi is huge and the largest city in Pakistan and the 12th largest in the world. Do you know that people here call Karachi and Kolkata twin sisters? There are three areas in Karachi with sign boards writing, “Karachi and Kolkata Twin Sisters”.

“Karachi with its big sandy beach and ocean has its special charm and is called the City of Lights as Kolkata is called the City of Joy. As you enter Karachi either by air or by train, you will instantly be struck by its sparkling glittering lights all over the city, “Roshni Ki nazaar aati hain.”

Sharing her vision of podcasting, she says, “I want to utilize this platform to strengthen the relationship between India and Pakistan, fostering greater understanding and harmony. I want to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations through this podcast. There is a great need for harmony and peace between these countries and a lot of misunderstanding. Speaking out the truth in the air helps to clear all misgivings. Once we understand each other, there will be no room for tensions brewing and it is very important to promote amity for both nations to prosper.”

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Moonis longs to visit India even though her Visa was rejected eight times. “I have been separated from my sister since 1973, who remained in India and longing to meet her in person again. There is such a pain in my heart because of this. I do hope that more trust pervades between India and Pakistan over time, so I can visit India one day.”

Rita Farhat Mukand is an independent writer and author