POLITICS OF WORLD

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29778, 22 March 1962, Page 2

POLITICS OF WORLD

Indian On N.Z. Role At this crucial time in human history. New Zealand, as a relatively newlydeveloped country, has a “unique potential" in world affairs, according to Dr. K. K. Pandey, an Indian who has been appointed to the staff of the Crop liesearch Division at Lincoln. In an address to more than 150 members of the Christchurch branch of the Victoria League, Dr. Pandey said he believed that New Zealand. although small, had a “unique modern way of life’’ which could well form a “nucleus of a new era in human history.” At a time when mankind had the choice between “permanent peace or permanent silence,” a small nation such as this offered a great opportunity for new experiment in human relations—opportunity to create an environment in which human strife found no place. Giving reasons for India's attitudes to world politics, Dr. Pandey traced spiritual and philosophical influences on the nation.

Of these, the development of Buddhism had undoubtedly the most far-reaching effect on the character of the nation. Although it was now officially being “wiped out,” the philosophy of non-vio-lence propounded long ago was still “vital to present day Indian life and thought.” The speaker was welcomed by the league vicepresident (Miss M. A. Ray). A vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs E. M. Day.