ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER PAUL VI
TO THE INDIAN PEOPLE IN HONOUR OF GANDHI

Monday, 30 January 1978

Peace be with you!
Peace be with you all!

We are grateful to “All India Radio” for the opportunity to make our voice heard throughout your land-throughout the entire nation of India. We feel that we are once again with the beloved people of India, just as when we walked among you in Bombay. We experience once again the hospitality of your country, as our voice comes into your homes and institutions, and -above all-into your hearts.

Yes, our message is a message of Peace. It is Peace that we proclaim to the world, and we do so with fresh vigour on the occasion of your celebration of the World Day of Peace. And our appeal to all of you, to all men and women of good will is this : “No to violence, Yes to Peace”.

We believe that our words have special meaning today for the citizens of India, on this thirtieth anniversary of the death of Mahatma Gandhi. We associate ourself with all of you in rendering solemn honour to this herald of non-violence, to this man of peace.

And on this occasion we repeat: “No to violence”: to all violence-to everything that wounds, weakens and violates life; to everything that dishonours human dignity. At the same time we reiterate: “Yes to Peace”: to the peace that brings happiness to all, for it is based on fearlessness and truth; it is the work of justice and fraternal love.

To reject violence and to accept all the conditions and demands of Peace is an activity of the highest dignity; it is an expression of the truest patriotism. May God give his peace to India. May the love and peace of God abide in your hearts-for ever!