Mrs Gandhi ‘was India’

Press, 9 November 1984, Page 6

Mrs Gandhi ‘was India’

PA Wellington Indira Gandhi was a towering political figure, the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, told a memorial service for the Indian leader in Wellington yesterday. “Her strength showed itself both inside and outside India. She was India, but her advocacy on behalf of India became advocacy on behalf of the whole world,” he said, giving the address at Wellington Cathedral. “There has never in history of the organised world

been a woman who was such a towering political and Parliamentary figure.” Mr Lange recalled Mrs Gandhi’s kindness to him at their meetings, and said she had understood the risks she lived with. “I do not'think she would want us to grieve too long for her death.” The 45-minute service was opened by the Dean of Wellington, the Very Rev. James Thomas, who prayed for the people of India and for a quick restoration of national peace.

A member of the Brahma

Kumari sect, Dr Nirmala, read from the Gita, and women of the Indian community in white saris sang a devotional hymn. Those attending the service included the Leader of the Opposition, Sir Robert Muldoon; the Minister of Customs, Mrs Shields; the Mayor of Wellington, Mr Lawrence; and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

The chairman of the Congregational Union of New Zealand, the Rev. J. B. Chambers, led the congregation in a prayer for peace in India.