FUTURE OF INDIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22401, 23 April 1936, Page 14

FUTURE OF INDIA

POLITICAL CHANGES NEW SOCIALIST LEADER FULL INDEPENDENCE SOUGHT Politically, Gandhi was an eccentric personality of the past, and the position and following he once had among the peoples of India had been lost to a staunch socialist, Jewahar Lai Neprii, whose one ambition was to gain independence for India, stated Mr. W. M. Hyburn, a Presbyterian missionary in India, who arrived by the Wanganella yesterday. Mr. Kyburn, who was educated in Auckland and is the author of several educational books, has been in India foi the past 13 years. He is accompanied by his wife and three children and was met on board the Wanganella by tbo Rev. G. Uudd, superintendent of tbo missions of the Presbyterian Church, and other clergymen. "Jewahar Lai Nepru was educated at Oxford and during his university days was particularly friendly with His Majesty, King Edward, then Prince of Wales," said Mr. Ryhurn. "Ho is an able man with a strong personality, and holds a good deal of sway among his followers. Much of his time has been spent in gaol and generally, he has caused a fair amount of worry to the authorities." Education on more technical lines than at present was not likely to prove a menace to Britain in the future control of India, added Mr. Ryburn. On many sides, Home Rule was keenly sought and there was no doubt that freedom to this extent would have many advantages to the peoples of India. Tho Mahommedan population appeared quite content with India's present connection with Britain, but tho dissatisfied element was to be found among tho Hindus, who sought complete independence. Mr. Ryhurn is a joint principal of a high school at Kharar in tho Ambala district of the Punjab. Tho pupils at this school, all of whom were natives, were taken to the matriculation stage, the syllabus being similar to that in the New Zealand schools. Efforts were being made at present, however, to have a change made in the syllabus in order that more attention might be given to technical education.