World can benefit only from togetherness: Tutu

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, Jan 30: Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu today said the world could be saved only if all were united and stood together.

"We can be saved only together. We can be prosperous only together. We can be human only together,' he said, while speaking at the valedictory function of the two-day International Conference on "Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment," organised by the Congress Party, in commemoration of the centenary of the launch of Satyagraha by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa.

In order to drive home his point forcefully, the 75-year-old Archbishop, who fought against apartheid in South Africa, narrated a story of how a black and white escaped convicts managed to get themselves out of a slippery slope. Both the convicts tried in vain to come out of the slippery slope individually, but they succeeded only when they put up a joint effort.

Calling upon the people across the world to spread the message of compassion, generosity, fellowship and caring and sharing, Rev Tutu said the teachings of the Mahatma would continue to have global relevance. "The world will continue to have deep reverence to the Mahatma." Recalling the role played by Gandhiji against apartheid in South Africa, he said the Mahatma realised the magnitude of the scourge when he was thrown out of a train despite having had a valid first class ticket.

"Gandhiji was pivotal in the struggle against racism in South Africa," Rev Tutu said.

Referring to several conflicts and wars that had taken place in the 20th century, the Archbishop said the world should learn from history. "In the end, all conflicts and violences are solved through negotiation and compromise and stability and peace restored." The Archbishop made special reference to the tremendous economic growth of India, and praised Ms Sonia Gandhi for rejecting the offer of Prime Ministership.

Rev Tutu, whose speech was received with standing ovation at the conference, attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi, former President of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda, former Polish President Lech Walesa, became emotional whenever he referred to conflicts and violence.

UNI

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