India should do more to advance peace, security: UN Secy Gen

New Delhi, Apr 27 (PTI) Describing India as a "regional and global force", UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today asked it to "do even more" in advancing peace and security in the region while tackling human rights challenges through legislation and other means. He also hoped that India would find a way to build and strengthen partnerships of common ground with its neighbours without naming any specific country. Addressing a gathering after being conferred Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by the Delhi-based Jamia Millia Islamia university, he said it was imperative for India to tackle its own human rights challenges through legislation, policy and action to protect citizens regardless of gender, identity or social origin. "I believe India will also find the way to build and strengthen partnerships of common ground with your neighbours. I know there are many challenges, but I see a future of steadily warmer ties built on a shared heritage and a common future," he said in his 20-minute speech. Calling himself a "student of India", Ban lauded the country's rise as an economic power and asked it to make more efforts to eradicate maternal mortality rate and reduce the number of children dying due to preventable diseases. As the world looks ahead, Ban said he would encourage India as a "regional and global force" to do "even more" in advancing peace and security, in sharing its experiences and in deepening south-south cooperation. In his speech which began with a 'Namaste' (Indian style greeting with folded hands0 and ended with "Dhanyavad' (Thank you in Hindi), Ban quoted Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore to drive home his point that India has to play a larger role in the 21st century. Noting that tolerance is being tested here and around the world, Ban said it is crucial for India to pass those tests not only for the country but for the world in which the country's profile is so distinct and admired. Lauding the "Indian progress" and "Indian leadership" in eradicating polio, the UN chief hoped that same would be achieved in eradicating other diseases. He reminded India that it has to do a lot more in eradicating maternal mortality rate and reducing the number of children dying due to preventable diseases. Referring to India's "rich tradition of outstanding" women leaders, he termed the election of one million women to village councils as a "remarkable achievement". Contending that worries about economic uncertainties and corruption have raised questions whether institutions are up to the task, Ban said old order is breaking and "we do not yet know the shape of the new." "The 21st century mix of change and challenge brings me to India. You are the world's largest democracy. You are an emerging economic leader. You are a superpower on the information superhighway. You are a beacon for the world -- proving that democracy and development are one and the same path," he said. During his four-day stay, India will convey its views on major regional and global issues apart from strongly pitching for an expansion of the Security Council with its inclusion as a permanent member. He arrived here yesterday. PTI Caption for pic: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon showing the citation after being presented with an honorary "Doctor of Letters" by the Delhi-based Jamia Millia Islamia university in New Delhi on Friday. Also seen are Chancellor Lt Gen (Retd) M A Zaki (R) and Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung of the university. PTI Photo