Wonderful words from both Indian PM Shri Narendra Modi and UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/indias_prime_minister_modi_emphasizes_importance_of_strong_ties_with_unesco/#.VSiWqtyUffJ

Some extracts from the above article:

PM Modi's words:

“I am truly honoured to address UNESCO. I feel specially privileged to visit this great institution in its 70th anniversary year. No organization serves our cause more than this one. The seeds of our collective destiny are sown in human minds. It is nurtured by the light of education and the spirit of enquiry. It makes progress through the marvels of science. And, it draws strength from the basic character of Nature–the harmony and unity in diversity. That is why UNESCO was among the first missions of the United Nations. That is why India values the work of UNESCO so deeply; and, cherishes our partnership so immensely.”

...

“For us, science is driven by the larger purpose of human development; and, for a safe, sustainable, prosperous future for India. Science also unites people across borders in a shared purpose. And, when we share its fruits with those who don't have it, we connect lives and make our world a better place. India never forgets the help we have received in our early years; today, we are fulfilling our responsibility to others. Therefore, science is a key priority of India's international engagement. Culture is a sublime expression of a people; and, the foundations of a society. UNESCO's initiatives to preserve the world's cultural heritage, including in India, are inspiring.” He went on to affirm that “culture must unite, not divide our world.”

Sharing his vision of the future, Prime Minister Modi stated that “real progress is measured through the empowerment of the weakest,” emphasizing that “progress will remain a mirage unless women are no longer victims of exclusion and prejudice, and this change must begin with the girl child.” He then referred to the power of the digital age to educate, deliver services and extend development.

[Ravi: Terrific words from PM Modi. Way to go, sir!]

Now some extracts having words of UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova:

“Created 70 years ago, UNESCO bears the imprint of Indian thinkers who have changed the world ,”said the Director-General. “They include Swami Vivekenanda, whose 150th anniversary UNESCO was honoured to celebrate in 2013, Sri Aurobindo, to whose statue we just paid homage, and, of course, the great Mahatma Gandhi.

[Ravi: I am very glad to see that UNESCO "bears the imprint of Indian thinkers" who have made a world-impact: Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and Mahatma Gandhi.]

In 1956, at UNESCO's 10th General Conference, held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru spoke of UNESCO as “the conscience of the world community. All this highlights the importance of Indian leadership for UNESCO. “UNESCO needs India’s leadership more than ever today,” said the Director-General. “This is a turning point year. Political and economic agreements are not enough for lasting peace and development. Sustainability must build on human rights and dignity, on solidarity and dialogue – by empowering every woman and man to be everything they can.”

[Ravi: The last sentence above is great stuff from UNESCO Director-General. Political (and self-defense capability provided by military) and economic stuff are important, no doubt, for lasting peace and development. But they are not enough. The spiritual and moral fibre of a people must be strong for the people to enjoy love, peace and joy, IMHO.]