Patil visits Auschwitz, terms mass murders as 'horrible'

Priyanka Tikoo

Auschwitz (Poland), Apr 26 (PTI) A visibly moved
Indian President Pratibha Patil Sunday paid homage to the
victims of the Auschwitz concentration camp, where at least
1.1 million Jews were killed by Nazi forces during World War
II, citing it as an example of "human misery and cruelty".

Visiting the largest extermination centre put up by Nazi
Germany during World War II, Patil described as "horrible" the
incidents at Auschwitz, that witnessed the biggest mass murder
in history.

"I hope it never ever happens again," Patil said on the
last day of her stay in Poland.

"It's an example of human misery and cruelity... Who so
ever have been killed here, I'll pay homage to all," she said.

Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of Nazi Germany's
concentration camps where Jews were killed in gas chambers, by
systematic starvation, forced labour and executions.

Patil said despite all the inhuman episodes witnessed by
history, humanity has moved forward.

"No one can crush humanity. Compassion is the biggest
tool and everyone should understand it.

"There are no differences in the world, which cannot be
resolved through peaceful understanding and mutual
cooperation," she said reminding that Gandhiji's message of
peace is not only relevant for India but the world over.

Later in the day Patil will visit salt mines at Krakow,
before returning to India.

Patil, who is on a two-nation visit to Spain and Poland,
had visited the University of Jagiellonian in Krakow yesterday
and offered India's help to the institution to start a course
in Ayurveda.

She also visited the Wawel Royal Castle, a historic
residence museum in Poland.

The President is on the last leg of her two-nation visit
to Europe. She visited Spain earlier this week, before coming
to Poland. PTI PYK
PMR