Q.
Ultimately, does it really mean that the European continent is the one where the non-alignment movement should have greater support in the eighties?
A.
They are finding solutions for their problems in their own way. But Europe has been the theatre of wars — two world wars. Their experiences are different, their socio-economic problems are different. Therefore, they will have to go about the political situation in their own way.
But one of the prominent countries of the non-aligned movement comes from Europe. I mean, Yugoslavia. Disarmament is the answer for them. The global expenditure on the arms race has exceeded the terrifying level of $ 300,000 million, while hunger, social injustice and misery stalk the world. That is why we reinforced the appeal of the late Pope Paul, one of the greatest spiritual leaders of our time, on reduction of arms expenditure, as there is no sane alternative whatsoever to disarmament and peace in the world. Nuclear diarmament also calls for urgent attention. Mankind's development is linked with moral growth, social justice and equality and not with multiplicity of weaponry. Only then can we move towards elimination of tensions and enduring peace.
Q.
Research is being conducted in many European countries on the problem of conflict and tension in society and its solution. These problems are being studied in Europe on what might be called a sociological, scientific basis. Do you think that India can contribute to thinking of this?
A.
Yes, I think India can contribute not only in an academic sense, but can also contribute to the solution of these problems by analyzing India's own socio-economic problems and finding out model solutions for them.
Q.
What we find in Europe, speaking very broadly, is that there is a highly intellectual approach to these questions, which in some cases has no moral support at all because somehow or other they continue to think in terms of balancing of forces in society, so that the evils of society are actually neutralized against each other. Gandhiji's humanism had a moral base. What are your views on these divergent attitudes towards containment of tension and conflict?
A.
I think that is a very important aspect. That is where Gandhiji stood apart from others. Gandhiji's main contribution in this particular field is his insistence on the purity of both means and ends. He believed that the means are as important as the ends and that if you have got the correct means, then the ends will be taken care of.