TEACHINGS OF MAHATMA GANDHI AND LORD
BUDDHA HAVE ACQUIRED RENEWED RELEVANCE IN A WORLD WHERE HATRED,
TERROR AND VIOLENCE SEEM ALL PERVASIVE AND HAVE BLINDED GOOD SENSE
AND EVEN HUMANITY ITSELF - SHEKHAWAT
Vice President Shri
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has said that Ahimsa or non-violence,
the first tenet of Gandhi’s creed and the last article of his
faith, echoes Lord Buddha’s "love for all lives". These
are the teachings that have acquired renewed relevance in a world
where hatred, terror and violence seem all pervasive and have
blinded good sense and even humanity itself. Vice President was
addressing at the University of Yangon in Myanmar after unveiling
the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Following is the full text of the
address:-
"I deem
it a privilege to have been invited to this renowned University
to unveil the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. In installing the bust,
you have honoured the memory of the Father of our Nation. This
is not just a tribute to a personality the likes of whom are born
but rarely, it also reflects the importance this University attaches
to the noble values for which Mahatma Gandhi stood and which are
considered worth emulation by the present and future generations.
Mahatma Gandhi was
a towering figure. He led through personal example. The simplicity
of his life, his personality, and his teachings remain a source
of inspiration. He was deeply influenced by Lord Buddha's precepts.
Gandhi wrote: "Asia has a message for the whole world if it
will only live upto it. There is the imprint of Buddhistic influence
on the whole of Asia... For Asia, not only Asia, but for the whole
world, it has to relearn the message of the Buddha and deliver
it to the whole world."
Ahimsa or non-violence,
the first tenet of Gandhi's creed and the last article of his
faith, echoes Lord Buddha's "love for all lives". These
are teachings that have acquired renewed relevance in a world
where hatred, terror and violence seem all pervasive and have
blinded good sense and even humanity itself. We owe it to our
children to bequeath to them a prosperous, peaceful and harmonious
future based on these sublime values which our two countries share
in common.
Mahatma Gandhi visited
Myanmar, three times in the years 1902, 1915 and 1929. He had
a great affection and concern for the people of your country.
Speaking at a public meeting in Yangon on 8th March,
1929 he had said that he had always looked forward to visiting
this country because he was in love with its people. He was so
much impressed by the people of your country that he had remarked,
"I know they are generous to a fault."
Our legends and history
abound with references to Brahmdesh and Suvarnabhumi. We share
close and intimate ties. While accepting the Eightfold Path, you
adopted the alphabet and script of India and wove it into your
own unique culture suited to your national genius. We were partners
in the struggle against imperialism. Your independence, as Jawaharlal
Nehru described it, was an event of significance to the whole
of Asia. It is gratifying that despite the vicissitudes of history
the peoples of India and Myanmar have cherished their spiritual
and historical connections.
I note with satisfaction
the deepening of bilateral cooperation between our two countries.
I hope my visit will further strengthen our ties in the way that
the visit to India of His Excellency Vice Senior General Maung
Aye three years ago, served to promote better understanding between
the leaders of our countries. The Tamu-Kalay road stands as a
symbol of friendship between our countries. Implementation of
several other joint development projects is also underway. India-Myanmar
cooperation is now truly wide ranging, encompassing science and
technology, the energy sector, IT and communications, culture
and, of course, trade and commerce. It is especially gratifying
that cooperation in Human Resource Development has come to occupy
a central place in the India-Myanmar relationship. Every year
nearly one hundred candidates from Myanmar go to India for academic
programmes and training courses. The potential for bilateral cooperation
is indeed promising and we are committed to it.
This institution,
before it became a University in its own right, was affiliated
to the University of Kolkata. The renewal of links between India
and the University of Yangon is a matter of satisfaction. An agreement
signed earlier this year in June provides for short-term deputation
of academics from India to assist with doctoral courses at this
University.
Friends, we are living
in an era of globalisation driven by science and technology. But
to many in the developing world, globalisation has not provided
the promised economic benefits. There is growing divide between
the haves and have-nots. A shift in the thrust of development
towards the poor and the needy is urgently called for. Eradication
of poverty and providing safety net for the poor in the present
era of globalisation remains the priority agenda item for action. There
is a need for renewed commitment and dedication for the welfare
of the people, safeguarding the freedom and liberty not only in
political terms, but also, and perhaps more importantly, in ensuring
freedom from hunger, poverty, disease and disasters.
We must strive hard
for a world free from violence, conflicts and terrorism. Let us
build a new world order where globalisation means not just breaking
barriers of trade but it also enjoins upon us to build new human
relationships. The ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam which means 'all the world is one family'
and that a common humanity unites all civilizations acquires contemporary
relevance. I believe we can achieve real globalisation and have
one peaceful world if we imbibe within ourselves, and also establish
in educational institutions, a learning environment which contributes
tolerance, respect and understanding about the diversity and wealth
of different civilisations. Let us promote a new world order of
governance resting on the strong four pillars of peace, security,
sustainable development and humane values.
I am reminded of
a public address by Mahatma Gandhi in Yangon on 13th
March, 1929. He asked teachers to give all their time outside
the classroom to their students. He said: "Let them fashion
their hearts rather than their brains. Let them help to erase
every word which means disappointment and despair." To the
students he said: "Do not go to your books or to your teachers
with impure hearts. Go with your purest hearts and you will get
from them what you want." There can be no better advice to
build the right environment in any educational institution.
I hope my visit to
this esteemed University and to this beautiful country will further
enhance our increasingly vibrant relations for mutual benefit
of the people of our two countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
please allow me to once again thank you all for the warm welcome
extended to me on this memorable occasion".
