Ban recalls 40-yr bond with India

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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) is conferred an honorary doctor of letters degree by Jamia Millia Islamia chancellor

Four decades ago, a young South Korean came to India on his first diplomatic posting. On Friday morning, the now 67-years-old Ban Ki-Moon stood before Jamia Millia Islamia students as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, telling them that he feels “at home” when in India.
Beginning his 20-minute acceptance speech by greeting the audience with assalam alaikum and namaskar, Mr Ban said in chaste Hindi, “Main yahan aakar bahut khush hoon (I am so happy to be here).”
Speaking after being conferred honorary degree of Doctor of Letters, Mr Ban told the gathering that he cherishes his “deep bond” with India.
A bond that he said got further strengthened when his son was born in India and his daughter married an Indian.
Grandfather to a boy named Jai, the UN chief remarked, “When I am in India, I am at home.” He left the audience in splits by saying that he considered his grandson as the “world’s finest joint venture” between India and South Korea.
Before ending his speech with a dhanyavad, Mr Ban quoted Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore to send across his message.
Describing India as a “regional and global force”, the UN chief urged India to show the way to the world by dealing effectively with economic uncertainties, corruption and growing gaps within society.
The UN chief hailed India as a “crucial member” of the Security Council, saying the country has been the “backbone” of the UN’s efforts in peacekeeping across the globe.
Even though Mr Ban did not touch upon India’s longstanding demand for permanent membership in the Security Council, he appreciated the country for being the world’s third largest troops contributor to UN peacekeeping, besides being the second largest contributor to the UN Democracy Fund.
Lauding India’s success in eradicating polio and electing more than a million women to local village councils, Mr Ban urged the country to act further in tackling other major challenges like infant mortality and childbirth deaths.
On India strengthening partnership with its neighbours, Mr Ban without naming any country said, “I know there are many challenges, but I see a future of steadily warmer ties built on a shared heritage and a common future.”
The UN chief also added that India should tackle challenges on human rights through legislation and policies.