Bishop Tutu a living Gandhian: PM

New Delhi -- Hailing Archbishop Desmond Tutu as a "living Gandhian", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said there was no better example of practising the Mahatma's principles than the reconciliation effort in post-apartheid South Africa.

"I say that Bishop Tutu is a living Gandhian because there has been no greater example of the practice of Gandhiji's principles than the reconciliation effort in post-apartheid South Africa," the prime minister said.

Manmohan Singh was speaking at a ceremony here at which he presented the Gandhi Peace Prize to Tutu.

President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chair Sonia Gandhi and Tourism Minister Ambika Soni were among those who attended the function.

Noting that "few of us have had the courage to practise what Gandhiji preached", the prime minister pointed to what the Mahatma said during the freedom struggle: he wanted the end of British rule in India, the end of the British empire and the end of colonialism.

"Yet he sought friendship with the people of Britain," the prime minister maintained, adding: "It is the same sentiment that Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his comrade-in-arms Nelson Mandela espoused through the institution of the Truth and Reconciliation Council.

"They fought for the end of apartheid. But they also fought to live in peace with all races, all religions and all communities. There is no better example of Gandhism than this," Manmohan Singh maintained.

"It is in recognition of their contribution to peace and humanity, to justice and civility that Bishop Desmond Tutu was conferred the Nobel Peace Prize. Today, in conferring the Gandhi Peace Prize, we are only adding our own voice to the global recognition of Bishop Tutu's Gandhism," the prime minister added.

Noting that India and South Africa were nations "separated by an ocean but have been united by history", Manmohan Singh said they had "the good fortune" of being home to the inspirational work of men like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu.

"It is not just history and geography that bring India and South Africa together but also our shared vision of the world today, and the world of tomorrow. India and South Africa are partners in progress. We are both multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-religious democracies.

"Our experience and our example will show the way to the world in dealing with the challenges of the 21st century," Manmohan Singh stated.

He noted in this context that India reject the idea of a "clash of civilizations" because it was home to the "confluence of civilizations", and said South Africa was similarly placed.

"Post-apartheid South Africa has also been home to the confluence of civilizations. Together we can show the world that it is possible for all men and women to live in peace. This requires an adherence to truth and a commitment to reconciliation.

"This requires the practice of the values Gandhiji espoused. We sincerely hope Bishop Tutu will continue to spread the light of reason and tolerance and bring peace to the world," Manmohan Singh added.