Page:Report on the Memorial Meeting for Mahatma Gandhi.djvu/13

 He was a lover of truth. He wanted common senBe to he established In the world without attributing it to divine sources.

“He was not a delegate to the United Nations in San Francisco when the charter was established, but his principles were there. The charter of the United Nations, in principle and purpose, was based on the principles and teachings of Gandhi — non violence, peace-loving, never afraid, giving love and peace to the world and never resorting to violence in self defense.

“His principle of non-violence and not returning evil by evil was expressed very clearly at his death when he pardoned his murderer. He said, ‘I forgive him,’ just as Jesus Christ said when he was to be killed, ‘Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do.’

“In both cases the murderers were ignorant of the sort of man they were killing. They never appreciated the value of the man they were put¬ ting to death.

“He resembles Jesus Christ in another thing — when Christ said to his disciples and believers, ‘Love those who curse you,’ both cases which are repeated in history, one after the other with a long space between them, are now clear.

“All reformers of the world do not reap the fruits of their endeavors in their lives; after their deaths, the world appreciates them. But Gandhi in his life saw millions appreciate and know what his value was, and it is widely hoped that the seeds which he has sown will grow to cover all the world and lead humanity to a peaceful settlement and peaceful life as all man¬ kind would aspire to.”

NASROLLAH BBTAZAM. Representative of Iran to the United Nations:

“Ladies and gentlemen: I did not plan to make a speech; first of all, I can’t speak in English, and secondly, I think that the best tribute to pay to suoh a great man as Gandhi is not by language but by heart.