SPEECH BY SHRI K.R. NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE PRESENTING THE INDIRA GANDHI PRIZE FOR PEACE, DISARMAMENT AND DEVELOPMENT-1996 TO MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES.

Indian civilization was always preoccupied with the development of the human personality. Though it attached extra-ordinary importance to the moral and spiritual development of man, it did not neglect the humanitarian aspect of relieving human suffering and rendering service to the poor, the sick and the needy. The religion of Buddhism arose in India out of the Buddha's search for a way of overcoming human pain and suffering. His great follower Emperor Ashoka built hospitals and dispensaries in the remote areas of his far-flung Empire in order to minister to the sick and ailing. In our own time Mahatma Gandhi declared that his ambition was "to wipe every tear from every eye". While in South Africa, Gandhiji had organised a stretcher corps and an ambulance corps during the Anglo-Boer War and the Zulu Rebellion to provide relief to those injured in those battles, irrespective of race and colour. Likewise Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had sent a medical mission to China in 1938 to serve those wounded in war. Thus India has a long tradition of service for the relief of human suffering cutting across national frontiers.

We believe that it is by alleviation of poverty and deprivation, and by applying the reconciling touch to conflict-situations, that we can best vouchsafe peace in the world. Indira Gandhi, in whose name the Award is instituted once said: "We believe in peace because we think it is the highest ideal worth achieving, we believe in peace especially because we are still involved in the struggle for freedom ... It means giving full opportunity to all people - full opportunity for education, employment, and the bare necessities of life...". Indeed, we believe that the justify to live with dignity, the justify to work, the justify to education, in other words the justifys of development, are inseparable from human justifys in the modern world.

Medecins Sans Frontieres has lived up to the ideals of Indira Gandhi and emerged as a major international organization promoting peace by extending support and succour to people in distress on account of natural and man-made disasters wherever they may be. The award is in recognition of the role played by MSF in providing relief to those in need. With their selfless service during times of crises - epidemics, famines, civil wars and other calamities, MSF volunteers have generated hope and restored confidence among the suffering and the sick. Without any thought to their own security and safety, MSF volunteers have served people with care and compassion in conflict zones and emergencies. What is not so well appreciated is that their major work relates to providing better healthcare facilities during peacetime. Indeed, since its inception the MSF has sent its workers to war zones, disaster prone areas, and far flung and inaccessible parts of the world to serve people who are the victims of trauma of violent conflicts, disease, malnutrition and deprivation. In their mission of service they have adopted a universal outlook cutting across the barriers of language, religion, race, colour, and political affiliation.

Indira Gandhi used to say that "Physicians, more than other individuals, are citizens of the world. In their daily work, they know that in spite of the minor divergences caused by climate and customs, humans are one species, subject to the same pains and illness and much the same psychological problems..." On another occasion she had said, "A doctor is pre-eminently a servant of society, and he is in touch with humanity and human problems... In fact no other single group has so many demands made on it." MSF activities have demonstrated that its professionals are true world citizens.

It is heartening to note that in their efforts to improve health care, MSF has involved the local people in the administration of their schemes, and at times has also used alternative systems of medicine in their health support activities.

The commitment to serve and sacrifice for the cause of the suffering people is the greatest ideal for a doctor. Unfortunately, for some in the medical profession, under the influence of unrestrained materialistic appetite, "illness has become an industry." They cash in on the growing phenomenon of disease and ill-health compromising their morality, integrity and service to humanity.

By serving the peoples of the world who are urgently in need of medical care and assistance, the Medecins Sans Frontieres has demonstrated that human compassion and succour know no frontiers. An outstanding example of this transcendental ministration was provided in our times by the great Indian and world citizen Mother Teresa. Her healing touch spread from Calcutta to different countries and continents mindful of the recipients' need, not race or nationality.

I congratulate Medecins Sans Frontieres and wish the organisation every success in the service of mankind.