INDIA IS OPPOSED TO WAR

(ReplytothedebateonthePresident'sAddress,Parliament,NewDelhiAugust11,1951)During
these two days, many hon. Members have been good enough to express themselves in
kind words about several aspects of our policy, especially our foreign policy. Much
has been said to which I should like to reply; much has been said that has rather
embarrassed me, especially so when it was meant to be kind but struck me as being
just the opposite of it.On this occasion, I propose to limit myself to foreign
policy, particularly in the context of our relationswith Pakistan and the question
of Kashmir.I am grateful for the support given to our foreign policy by this House.
I am also grateful for what lay behind the kind words that have been said, because
words as such do not carry much meaning. My colleagues and I have had to carry a
very heavy burden and even though we may appear light-hearted sometimes, the burden
is heavy. We naturally want as much support as possible, not merely kind words and
phrases but intelligent support, understanding support, real support. I
have, during the past few days, ventured to go out into the market place and to
the fields to see large numbers of people in Delhi and the neighbourhood. I have
tried to tell them about the questions that trouble us and about the great burdens
we have to carry. I have asked them for their support. Wherever I have gone, I have
found their support. It has heartened me because they are the people whom we
presume to represent, whose ultimate will must count and whose morale counts more
than any resolution.I claim no virtue for myself or for our Government or even for
our country and I suspect those who do claim it. It is easy to get into the habit
of talking big about ourselves; but we know that the noblest words sometimes gain
currency in the mouths ofbase men and lose their meaning. We talk about patriotism
and love of country and very often so-called patriots indulge in unworthy actions.
So, it does not very much matter what fine language I might use or other
hon. Members might use in this or any other connection. The ultimate test
is in action. It is in the fire of experience and trial.We have been through
grim tests and are the better for it. In spite of our weakness we had
some principles to hold on to, some light to which we were drawn. We went towards
it in our weak way and were strengthened thereby. We did not mind if instead of a
garden we had sometimes to go through a wilderness. This is the way in which
my generation in India has been nurtured. I say this, not in a personal
context but because people in this country seem to have short memories and are apt
to forget their past. They forget that we have not yet learnt to bow down to evil.
We did not bow down to it when it was represented by a mighty force against us
compared to which we were feeble and unarmed. Mow, then, can we bow down today when
we are stronger? Arc we really stronger in our minds, in our hearts and in the
way we pull together? That is what gave us strength in the days of
old. Does it give us strength today?I do not think ourdefence forces without
the basic strength of a united people can go very far in times of trial. People
have talked of being totally unable to eat wheat; they have said that they must
have rice. It seemed to me that there is something basically wrong when petty
questions are brought up at a time when big things are at stake.We may have to live
on wheat or something worse than wheat, if we are serious about freedom. It is no
good talking of rice or complaining that we are not used to wheat. We will have to
get used to many things that we are not used to. Many of us in this House who lived
in jails were certainly not used to them! We were not born to live in the
wilderness or in prisons. But we did not complain. If everybody wants the things to
which he is accustomed, the demand must be met at the cost of someone else. One
part of India may have to suffer at the hands of another part.To come to the main
issue, we have followed a foreign policy which this House has supported largely, if
not always unanimously.I have often pointed out that our policy is not merely
negative or neutral or passive; so far as I can see, it is a very active one. We do
riot wish to play a large part in the affairs of the world. We have troubles of our
own. But, where our voice is sought, it will be given in accordance with our view t
and nobody close�s views, regardless of the pressure that is brought to bear upon
us. Even if we have to suffer for that, I hope we shall be prepared
to suffer rather than give up our independence of judgment and action.