Naidu releases postage stamp in IK Gujral’s honour

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, December 4

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu on Friday virtually released a commemorative postage stamp in honour of late Prime Minister IK Gujral to mark his 101st birth anniversary. On the occasion, he recalled his rich contribution to the country, including the “Gujral Doctrine”.

Recalling the yeoman services rendered by Gujral to the country’s progress, Naidu described him as a “great son of a great country”.

Paying tributes, Naidu described the former premier as a “learned man”, a “gentleman politician” and “courteous to a fault”, but who never compromised on his high principles.

The younger generation should take inspiration from the life and principles of Gujral.

He said in public life opponents were “rivals” not “enemies” – a lesson which the present generation of politicians should imbibe.

Gujral was the progenitor of these principles as External Affairs Minister in the Deve Gowda Ministry.

Naidu, however, underlined that foreign policy cannot be static as it evolves in a dynamic situation.

He said, “Unfortunately, we have been facing relentless state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism for the past several years.”

Urging South Asian nations to unite in rooting out terrorism, he said SAARC regional grouping could become an effective and vibrant network to promote prosperity and well-being of the people multitudes in the region.

He urged the UN to step up efforts in isolating nations sponsoring terrorist activities and in imposing sanctions against them.

Underlining the contribution of farmers, Naidu said, “We must address their problems.” He pitched for remunerative prices for their crops, and infrastructural support.

Rajya Sabha member of SAD Naresh Gujral said the former premier joined public life from his student days.