Remarks By The Vice President At A Toast In Honor Of Prime Minister Vajpayee Of India
U.S. Department of State
September 15, 2000
Prime Minister Vajpayee. Members of the Indian delegation. Members of Congress. Distinguished guests. Ladies and
gentlemen.
Welcome. It is a true privilege and pleasure for me to host you, Mr. Prime Minister, for today's luncheon.
In today's world, it is rare to find a leader who combines the qualities of idealism and pragmatism, confidence and
humility. In you, Mr. Prime Minister, we find such a leader.
As a poet, you have inspired the imagination of your people with your eloquence. As Prime Minister, you have challenged
your people to act on their imagination, to create a shared vision for a united, democratic, prosperous and peaceful
India, and then to make that vision a reality. You are truly a leader in both word and deed.
President John Kennedy once said, in our country, "If more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am
convinced the world would be a little better place to live." I cannot translate that into Hindi, but Mr. Prime Minister,
you embody President Kennedy's words. You know both poetry and politics, and through your inspired leadership, you are
indeed making the world a better place to live.
In your poem Oonchai - or "height" in English - you speak of the importance of not losing touch with humanity as one
rises in life. Your poem ends with a stirring line, which I would like to quote: "Never let me climb so high that I
cannot bend down to embrace another human." You have dedicated your life to this noble ambition.
I am confident that India is destined for great heights. One of the world's great civilizations, India has emerged, of
course, as one of it's great democracies. India's history has been turbulent at times. But your nation is on the way to
overcoming these challenges by embracing change, uniting all, and setting a course for the future.
The United States, Mr. Prime Minister, joins India as a partner on this journey. Our two nations share a special bond.
As the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy, we are, in your words, "natural allies." Our cultures
and customs differ, but we share a strong commitment to democracy and equality for all. We are proof that diversity is
strength, and that freedom is power.
The success of the Indian-American community testifies to the potential for our partnership. Many distinguished members
of this Indian-American community join us here today. Indian-Americans have excelled in all fields of endeavor, from
medicine to movies, science to airlines, and everything in between. And they have been at the forefront of the
information revolution. Many Indian-Americans have found a home in Silicon Valley, leading some of the most successful
internet companies. They have made an invaluable contribution to America's prosperity and democratic life.
As the world's two leading democracies, we bear a special responsibility to take the lead in meeting the challenges
that all democracies face. We must work together to ensure democracy's promises are realized by all our people, that all
benefit from freedom. Quality education, public health, a clean environment - these are the goals we share and which
together we can achieve. Threats that undermine democracy - such as terrorism and the proliferation of dangerous weapons
technologies - are concerns we also share, and will work together to address.
When you were sworn-in as India's sixteenth Prime Minister two years ago, you said that you "have a pledge to redeem
and a promise to fulfill." On behalf of all Americans, I pledge to you America's continued support, and promise you our
lasting friendship.
Please join me now in raising our glasses in honor of Prime Minister Vajpayee and to the friendship between our two
great nations.
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