Decision by India “set pattern"

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32994, 14 August 1972, Page 12

Decision by India “set pattern"

India’s decision to become a democracy and remain in the Commonwealth when granted independence in 1947 set the pattern for other emerging nations, said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) in Christchurch on Saturday evening. Speaking at the New Zea-land-India Society’s dinner to celebrate the twentyffifth anniversary of India’s independence, Mr Kirk said that India chose democracy though it was probably the most difficult form of Government.

“Her problems were urgent, and a less-scrupulous devotion to the rights of the people might easily have been justified on the ground that only an authoritarian government could move with the speed the problems demanded,” Mr Kirk said. “But India chose democracy, and coupled the rights of her people with social and economic advancement.” The High Commissioner for India (Mr P. S. Naskar) spoke on India’s achievements since independence, and the country’s advance towards economic selfsufficiency for her population of 547 million. He emphasised India’s desire for international friendship and for world peace, and her need for more trade. About 100 members and guests attended the function. They were welcomed by the president (Dr H. K. Mahanty), who said the society had been formed to promote friendship and cultural

interests between the two countries.

Specially invited guests included Mr and Mrs Naskar (Wellington), Mr and Mrs Kirk, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury (Professor N. C. Phillips) and Mrs Phillips. A wide variety of vegetable and poultry curries and other Indian dishes was served at the buffet dinner.