Remarks by H.E. Mr. R.K. Bhatia, High Commissioner of India at launch of the Children of Gandhi Project (Cape Town: December 7, 2007) The Most Reverend Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu Respected Members of Parliament from India, Shri Jitin Prasad and Shri Madhu Goud Yaskhi Distinguished Members of Parliament from South Africa Ladies & Gentlemen Friends, It is a pleasure to be in your midst on the occasion of the launch of the “Children of Gandhi” project. The project chronicles the stories of outstanding peaceful and non-violent change makers who have been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and his example, from across the world. The stories represent different cultures, countries and issues. They show that the power of peaceful action is available to all of us as a tool for bringing about just and lasting change. In the trying times that we live in when violence seems to have become, for some, the preferred vehicle to bring change, the message of peace that is sought to be spread through the Project, is both timely and relevant. I congratulate the authors of the Project – “The Children of Gandhi Foundation” for this effort. Mahatma Gandhi is no stranger to any of you. Born in India, he moved, as a young lawyer, to South Africa where he stayed for 21 years and “invented” the weapon of Satyagraha. These were to become his trade mark both here and in the country of his birth. On his return to India, he applied the strategy of Satyagraha to perfection and led India to freedom. The India of Mahatma Gandhi and the India of today are vastly different. We are proud of the emergence of India as the fastest growing free market economy in the world today, but we are acutely conscious that we have many more peaks to scale. That is why we are striving to secure “inclusive” growth. Gandhiji’s values and principles, indeed the Gandhian philosophy, continue to be relevant, perhaps now more than ever before. There is a certain timelessness about the Mahatma’s message of peace, non-violence and love, not just as a political tool but as a way of life. No less a personality than Nelson Mandela has commented: “Gandhian philosophy may be the key to human survival in the 21st century.” We are very fortunate to have in our midst today a towering personality, the most Reverend Archbishop Emeritus Desmund Tutu, who is a living apostle of peace, non-violence and social justice. He has played a major role in national reconciliation and is a leading moral voice. Archbishop Tutu is an icon of hope in the world, far beyond the Church and South Africa. He is also a friend of India. My Government was deeply honoured to confer upon him this year the Gandhi Peace Prize in recognition of his tireless campaign to uphold the values of peace, justice and love. It is individuals like him, who continue to develop innovative non-violent ways to combat oppression and discrimination, thereby keeping the flame of hope burning bright. Archbishop, we are inspired by you and we are deeply grateful to you for your presence here. In the end, I would also like to thank you, members of this distinguished audience, for being present in such large numbers. I believe that the Mahatma’s message has a special resonance for us all.. We hope that his timeless philosophy will continue to inspire us in creating a more peaceful world. This special event is but a small step in that direction. Thank you very much for your attention.