Remarks by Mr. R. K. Bhatia, High Commissioner, at the installation of Gandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace Studies at University of KwaZulu Natal (Durban:September 18, 2008) Honourable Dr. Jacob Zuma, President of the African National Congress, Your Excellency Shri Anand Sharma, Minister of State for External Affairs, Your Excellency Dr. Zweli Mkhize, MEC for Finance & Economic Development of KwaZulu-Natal Province and Chairman of the ANC for KZN Province, Prof. W. M. Makgoba, Vice Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and gentlemen, 1. I am grateful for the opportunity to address this distinguished audience. “Education”, said Nelson Mandela once “is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We are happy to employ this “weapon” creatively to deepen India-South Africa relations. The installation of Mahatma Gandhi-Luthuli Chair for Peace Studies is a significant landmark in our joint efforts in this direction. 2. Our relations with South Africa are unique and special. They have been moulded, over a long period, by shared values and principles as well as a notable commonality of interests. They are in an excellent shape today, thanks to the high level political commitment of the two countries and the support and enthusiasm displayed by their leaders of business, media, cultural organizations, civil society and academia. 3. In the past eighteen months our diplomatic team in South Africa has worked hard to identify, encourage and support certain South African universities that are capable of and committed to forging cooperative links with suitable institutions in India. 4. Two days ago, our Minister of State for External Affairs and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs jointly inaugurated the Centre for Indian Studies at the University of Witswatersrand in Johannesburg. 5. In this backdrop, we will witness today another momentous event, namely the installation and launch of the Gandhi-Luthuli Chair. I wish to congratulate the University of KwaZulu Natal, particularly the Vice Chancellor and his team of distinguished colleagues, for their decisive efforts in brining this plan to fruition. This was done in close collaboration with the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. We are glad to have facilitated this project pro-actively. 6. The presence of our Minister of State for External Affairs at the event today, reflects the commitment of the Government of India to mutually beneficial cooperation of this kind. We are especially grateful for the august presence of Hon’ble Jacob Zuma, the President of the African National Congress, which has further enhanced our enthusiasm and commitment to expansion of educational linkages between our two countries. May I also welcome and congratulate Dr. M. S. John, a leading Indian academic figure, who will be the first person responsible for the Chair’s operations. 7. We are confident that the Chair will make a lasting contribution towards sensitizing the youth of today – and the leaders of tomorrow – about what Mahatma Gandhi and Incosi Albert Luthuli stood for. The Chair is uniquely bestowed with the ideals of the two great world leaders whose names it carries. Non-violence, peace, social harmony and inclusive development are among the key principles that should continue to inspire the present and future generations. 8. In the end, once again, let me felicitate the UKZN for launching a historic project. We assure the university of our continued cooperation.