CONGRESS SANDESH COMPLETES ITS SEVEN YEAR

CP’s Russia Visitneed to strengthen the forces of multilateralism in the conductof world affairs. We are working together to make the UnitedNations truly representative so as to enhance its politicalcredibility and moral authority.Sonia Gandhi InauguratesMankapur FacilityIndia’s experience as a nation-state over the past five and ahalf decades, demonstrates that diversities can be managedbest in the framework of parliamentary democracy. Ourexperience also demonstrates that these diversities canflourish while maintaining the bonds of national unity. Ofcourse, we have to battle prejudice and confront bigotry. Butbecause the underlying spirit of mutual amity andaccommodation is so very strong amongst the Indian people,we have been able to be one and many at the same time.We are home to all of the religions of the world and as aresult the foundations of secularism are firmly embedded inour soil. In every respect, India is a living embodiment of notjust the dialogue but also the confluence of civilizations.There are forces of divisiveness and hatred in the world,forces that don’t want people and nations to live in peaceand harmony with one another. Violence and conflagrationsare widespread, in which women and children in particularare hapless victims. The spectre of weapons of massdestruction continues to loom large and global disarmamentremains a mirage. In this connection, I recall that my latehusband Rajiv Gandhi had unveiled a detailed plan to achievethis objective in 1988 at the United Nations. That planremains relevant even today. Globalisation, in the absenceof effective institutions for its governance, poses grave socialrisks as much as it offers tangible economic benefits. Thepace of scientific and technological advance is spectacular.The spread of communications spells the demise of bothdistance and time. Yet, it is precisely at such a time ofawesome material progress, that the world is most urgentlyin need of rediscovering the wellsprings of compassion,conciliation and co-operation.With so much in common between Russia and India, civilsociety and the intellectual community in both countries arenatural partners in this “dialogue of civilizations”. Thiscollaboration will, I am sure, illuminate the way out of thedark tunnels of animosities and antagonisms, of conflicts andconfrontations.Once again, may I thank you for the opportunity of being withGONDA (MANKAPUR): The National Advisory Councilchairperson and Congress President, Smt Sonia Gandhion 7 July inaugurated a mobile equipment manufacturingyou this morning. ❖10Congress SandeshJuly, 2005␣␣unit of ITI here in Gonda district. Smt. Gandhi is on a threedaytour of Uttar Pradesh.Smt. Gandhi said that, “the thrust to technologyenhancement is very essential for the growth of thecountry. The revival package for ITI is aimed to help thecountry move ahead in the science and technology sector”.Later, Smt. Gandhi handed over the first base terminalstation (BTS) manufactured by ITI in association withFrench major Alcatel at Mankapur to Bharat Sanchar NigamLimited and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited.French telecome giant Alcatel will invest up to 500 millionEuro (about Rs. 2,650 crore) in India over the next fouryears and take the headcount at its research anddevelopment facility here to 2,000.“Alcatel will invest 400 to 500 million euro in India in thenext three to four years,” Union Communications and ITMinister Dayanidhi Maran told reporters after theinauguration of the GSM mobile phone equipmentmanufacturing facility. The investments by Alcatel in Indiawill be in manufacturing, research and development andallied activities. ❖