By Moira Dynon B.Sc.
25 February 1971 Bairnsdale, Victoria.
The image of India today is not only that of the largest democracy in the world but it is the centre, the inspiration for peace. The theme of non-violence, so successfully promulgated by Mahatma Gandhi, is being exported culturally throughout the “western” world. Indian culture, born of her ancient civilization, is unique and very beautiful not only to the people of India but also to those internationally who are turning to India for leadership and inspiration to achieve their spiritual peace.
The beauty of Indian music has been discovered by Western musicians and is being used as a basis for many modern songs, which are reaching the top of the pop charts. The famous ex-Beatle, George Harrison, in his song “My Sweet Lord” has used the melody and message from a well-known Hindu hymn. He like many others has realized the grace and excellence of Indian music which the inhabitants of that vast sub-continent have developed and treasured since time immemorial.
Not only in the field of music do we highly value Indian culture but also we admire the literature, the dancing, art, and handicrafts. Indian silks and brocades are well known throughout the world for their quality and richness. And in our dress there is Indian influence, of which some examples are the custom of wearing pyjamas, the current fashions for Nehru collars and pants suits, an adaptation of Punjabi dress.
Indian culture has made important contributions in the field of religion and philosophy. Its characteristic feature is undoubtedly transcendentalism or other-worldliness. In this age of violence, there is hope in the realization that all over the world, more and more people are turning to Indian culture to share in her ideals of peace and spiritual fulfilment. An illustration is the growing popularity, especially amongst the youth, of transcendental meditation and yoga.
It is interesting to note that the Australian Moratorium Committee adopted as its symbol an adaptation of the Dharma Chakra – The Wheel of Law, usually referred to as Asoka’s wheel. Asoka was the great ruler and historical figure of the 2nd century B.C. This wheel represents the law that Buddha taught and is generally understood to symbolize a code of behaviour which stresses Truth, Justice, Tolerance, Compassion and Non-violence. Asoka’s wheel has been incorporated in the national flag of independent India.
What is India really like?
India, with an area some two-fifths of that of Australia, is diverse in its climate, its terrain and its people. It is a country of contrasts. She has some of the highest mountains, the most expansive plains and comprises some of the wettest, the hottest and the coldest regions in the world.
My over-all impression is of a country freedom-loving and democratic, multi-racial and multi-religious, and of a country dedicated to peace, progress and the raising of living standards of all the people of India through a process of balanced development and expansion. Modern India is tackling gigantic problems with courage and determination.
Against the background of her ancient civilization, India is in the process of transformation towards modernisation and industrialization. Great efforts are being made for social reconstruction through democratic means. The people who are trying to improve living standards of the masses are going about their tasks systematically, scientifically and with dedication. This is obvious in all fields – food grains production, education, health, irrigation, steel production, ship building, the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes including electricity, medicine and agriculture, to mention only a few.
General Elections
Next week for the fifth time since independent India’s Constitution came into force, general elections will be held in India to elect a new Government. Elections for all but one of the 520 Seats of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) will be held between 1st and 7th March. In the constituency of Ladahk in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, the people will go to the polls later due to the extreme winter conditions.
Voting in India is on the basis of universal adult franchise regardless of race, caste, religion or sex. For this coming election, more than 270 million voters, speaking 14 distinct languages and hundreds of dialects, will be eligible to vote. They will cast their votes, freely and by secret ballot, in a network of some 300,000 polling stations all over the country. They will cast their votes for candidates representing 10 major political parties and a number of smaller parties and independent candidates. The policies and platforms of the candidates range through the whole political spectrum. The administrative machinery required for an Indian election is staggering.
Whatever might be the positions of the respective parties after the election, whether power at the Centre is held by one political party or by a coalition of parties, it is important that we in Australia adequately recognize the importance of democracy in India.
In Asia, democracy of any sort is a rare jewel. When the people of the largest nation in the world are forced to live in accordance with the thoughts of Chairman Mao, we should be truly grateful that the second largest, thinking what thoughts it chooses, goes freely to the polls. Especially in this region of military and princely dictatorships, and rubber stamp parliaments, India merits the respect of all those who value freedom for her faith, amply demonstrated in the past, that the basis of power is not force, but the free will of the people. The people of India are aware of the power of their vote.
Despite an impressive record of progress in all spheres, the fact is that the majority of the people are poor. The “rising expectations” of the people have overtaken the progress that so far has been achieved. As Mrs. Gandhi has said, “The people are in a hurry.” Quite rightly they want food to eat, education for their children and opportunities for gainful employment. While poverty, hunger, disease and unemployment persist, we should not be surprised when the frustration erupts into violence. Today poverty in India presents an explosive challenge. The country is in the process of seething ferment. And when we hear reports of violence from time to time, we in Australia should try to understand the position. In a democracy it is natural for people to freely express themselves. Whilst great divisions in the economic structure remain, we should not be surprised if there is violence or even revolution. If there was not some evidence of discontent in the present circumstances, then we could assume that there was a ruthless dictatorship or a totalitarian regime supressing the people. Far from this, in India today, there is a free press, independence of the Judiciary and free parliamentary processes.
If extremism, whether from the right or the left, were forced on India, I am sure that we would not like to think that we were in any way at fault. And yet, if such a tragedy were to occur, could we honestly say that Australia was entirely blameless? How much value do we really place on the noble ideals which we share with India? What are we prepared to do to support her in meeting the aspirations of her people? In Australia, geographically situated as we are, we ignore at our peril the rising frustration of the masses in India. Australia needs the friendship of India far more than India needs Australia’s friendship. Obviously what happens in a country where live 550 million people, one-sixth of the world’s population, is important. Obviously what happens in India, our neighbour across the Indian Ocean is vital to Australia.
Unfortunately, there is abundant evidence that our Australian Federal authorities shy away from adequately recognizing the importance of India and are not prepared to come to grips with the fundamental issues involved.
How Can We Help?
We should try to understand the present position and to think of the Indian people as our neighbours in the true sense of the word.
From my personal observations and experience in helping at times of natural disasters in India and in the battle against malnutrition, I have found that gestures of friendship, even the small gifts like tins of powdered milk, offered in the spirit of friendship and co-operation for needy children, not only benefit the recipients but are also promoting good will. I would like to read to you just one of the many letters expressing appreciation which my Campaign has received: ‘You may say that this is only a drop in the ocean but remember, the ocean is composed of drops’.
I have had the opportunity to see at first hand in 10 States of India, Australian aid given by our Government and by the Churches and voluntary organizations. I have no hesitation in saying that the assistance given has been practical, beneficial and received with gratitude. My only criticism of Australian aid given to India is that there is not nearly enough of it.
And in the field of Trade, so much more could and should be done. For her economic progress, India needs to greatly expand her trade opportunities.
Disturbing Incidents
In recent months several incidents in Australia are disturbing. Some glaring examples include the widely publicized comments by an Australian economist that the “dangerous imperialist nations against which Australia had to defend herself were Russia, China and India.” As you know, independent India has always stood firmly for peace – non alignment and peaceful co-existence are corner stones of her foreign policy. These comments by the economist are not based on fact and are unfair to India. Furthermore, the publicity given to his views undermines in the minds of the Australian people the importance of friendship between India and Australia.
A more recent example was the publicity given in certain sections of the Australian press to reviews of the book “India’s China War” written by Neville Maxwell. I have had occasion to read a number of books and other material on the Chinese invasion of India in 1962 and the subject of Indo-Chinese relations. Because of the material which Mr. Maxwell has drawn on and the material which he has omitted, his objectivity is in doubt.
Another example of apparent lack of understanding is the A.C.T.U. ban on the export from Australia of three merino rams purchased by India. It is ridiculous to suggest that the export to India of a few merino rams would jeopardise the Australian wool industry. Such thinking is just as ludicrous as those who, with a nostalgia for days of empire, think that a British warship or two can defend the Indian Ocean and safeguard Australia’s trade routes.
We should not allow ourselves to be brain washed about India. We should examine current events in India in the context of the Indian Scene in its totality, nationally and internationally. And in the current debate on the security of the Indian Ocean, it is well to ask which country has the largest navy in the Indian Ocean? Which country bordering the Indian Ocean has the largest army? and the largest Air Force? It is incredible that India is seldom mentioned in the debate in Australia on peace and security in the Indian Ocean.
India is the Key
There is no doubt at all that India is the key to the future of Asia. The political and social complexion of this region depends on the outcome of the Revolution of Rising Expectations in India. India is playing a crucial role in this turbulent Asian region safeguarding her territorial integrity, promoting her economic development and striving for the betterment of all of her people.
India is fighting this battle through her devotion to liberty and freedom. India is fighting this battle through her perseverance in planned development and her struggle against poverty. Peace and progress in this region depend on India’s progress and survival. The rising expectations of her people must be met and the poor must see more visible improvement more rapidly. This is a matter of crucial importance not only for India but also for Australia. It is in Australia’s interest that we do all we can to HELP INDIA BUILD.