02 April 2017
13 November 2010
Note on Release of people’s queen of Asia – Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Burma Review welcomes the release of people’s queen of
03 October 2010
Zuma - Gandhi common denominator for freedom in India & S Africa
"Gandhi walks through our histories leaving imprints that still direct the paths of both India and South Africa," Zuma said at the closing banquet of the first regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on African soil here last night.
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Minister of State for Human Resources Development D Purandeshwari were also present at the banquet.
"Gandhi's philosophies remain relevant today as they were during their formulation and practise in his lifetime. It is these beliefs that have ensured the continuity of our relations over the years and led to the strengthening of political, economic and social ties between our two nations," Zuma said.
Gandhi's ideology of empathy, respect for one another irrespective of race, appreciation of one another and each other's beliefs and understanding have been the foundation of the constitutions of most countries, he added.
Zuma attributed the "warm relationship" with India to the fact that the two countries have a lot in common, such as the vision of an impartial, just, peaceful and prosperous world order aimed at bringing an end to centuries of poverty and marginalisation.
"Together the two countries cooperate in several multi-lateral forums such as the UN, the non-aligned movement, WTO, G-20, Commonwealth, IBSA and the BASIC groupings. We also share a common approach on a number of global issues including reform of the UN, the future of multilateralism, climate change, South-South cooperation and multilateral trade negotiations," the South African President said..
"This has led to fruitful cooperation in the Commonwealth, International Atomic Energy Agency and the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NASP)."
Commending the South African community of Indian origin, Zuma said, their deep commitment to cultural identity was evident in all spheres of their lives from their beliefs to their practises.
"This is greatly admirable, at a time when cultures and traditions worldwide have been undermined. We are pleased that while this community remains distinctively Indian, they are still proudly South African. They are as committed to this country as those whose cultural roots are indigenous," he said
Addressing the gathering, Ravi called on India and South Africa to work together and said "India and South Africa hold the promise of becoming giants in future."
Lauding the first Indians who arrived as indentured labourers for the sugar cane plantations in the province in 1860, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini said "their determination to succeed in the face of great hardship should serve as an inspiration to all of us."
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Obama hails India's thriving democracy to promote freedom
'There is no right more fundamental than the ability to choose your leaders and determine your destiny,' he said at the opening of the UN General Assembly here Thursday but stressed democracy would not succeed because America dictates it.
At the same time, he believed 'There is no soil where this notion cannot take root, just as every democracy reflects the uniqueness of a nation,' said Obama citing several examples including India, that he is set to visit in early November.
'Later this fall, I will travel to Asia. I will visit India, which peacefully threw off colonialism and established a thriving democracy of over a billion people,' he told the annual gathering of world leaders.
'I will continue to Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, which binds together thousands of islands through the glue of representative government and civil society.
'I will join the G-20 meetings on the Korean peninsula, which provides the world's clearest contrast between a society that is dynamic and open, and one that is imprisoned and closed,' he said.
'I will conclude my trip in Japan, an ancient culture that found peace and extraordinary development through democracy.'
'Each of these countries gives life to democratic principles in their own way,' said Obama describing civil society as 'the conscience of our communities'.
Vowing to always extend American 'engagement abroad with citizens beyond the halls of government', Obama said: 'We will call out those who suppress ideas, and serve as a voice for the voiceless,' said.
'We will promote new tools of communication, so people are empowered to connect with one another - and, in repressive societies, to do so with security,' he said.
02 October 2010
Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom...
Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home—
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene—one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on,
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
(By: John Henry Newman, From Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Ashram Bhajnawali, Collected & Compiled by K. Khare Shastri, Published by – Nabjiban Prakashan Mandir, Ahmedabad – 380014, India, Year 1922, pp.222-223)