Nehru — an Artist
The name of the great Jawaharlal Nehru is fittingly associated with these awards which are an eloquent testimony to Indo-Soviet friendship. Nehru's was the soul of an artist — also that of an ardent crusader in the struggle against imperialism and colonialism. The policies he enunciated, of non-alignment and of peace and friendship among nations, continue to be the bedrock of India's foreign policy. Nehru greatly valued India's friendship with the Soviet Union. In honouring the writers and artists, whose creative effort was inspired by love for the international brotherhood of men and children, who have shown their affection and interest in that great country, the USSR, the organizers have rendered a signal service to our mutual understanding.
Indo-Soviet friendship is based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, non-interference in each other's internal affairs and mutually advantageous co-operation. It emanates from India's national ethos and sentiment, to which Jawaharlal Nehru gave expression and shape in defining the purposes and parameters of India's foreign policy. This sentiment found a ready response in the Soviet Union's own desire of establishing friendly relations and co-operation with other peoples. The two countries have common stake in peace and stability. For it is only in such conditions that civilization can progress and human beings endeavour for fulfillment.
As history has shown, friendship between India and the Soviet Union is a factor for promotion of peace and stability. Indo-Soviet co-operation in various fields, economic, scientific, technological and cultural, which has developed rapidly in the last two decades, is an example of what international co-operation and understanding can achieve. Our bilateral friendship and co-operation is not directed against anybody; on the other hand, it serves to promote peace, mutual trust and understanding among nations.