India reiterates support for UN Charter, calls it symbol of 'hope'
United Nations, June 17
The UN Charter signifies "hope" for Indians, India's Permanent Representative P Harish said after symbolically signing the Preamble of the UN Charter to reaffirm the nation's commitment to it ahead of the commemoration of the 1945 inscription of the document that birthed the world organisation.
The UN Charter's significance "for 1.4 billion citizens of India (is) in one word, 'ummeed', meaning hope", he said after the signing on Tuesday.
The signing in preparation for UN Charter Day on June 26 was to reaffirm the commitment to the principles of the Charter.
General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, who proposed the symbolic signing, said it is a "renewed expression of our collective commitment to the purpose and principle of the Charter".
A Ramaswami Mudaliar, the leader of India's delegation to the UN, signed the original Charter on behalf of India on June 25, 1945, in San Francisco.
India was one of the 50 founding members of the UN, even though at that time it was still a British colony but with Independence on the horizon.
India's participation marked its role as a founding member of the United Nations, even before independence, reflecting its early engagement with the principles of multilateralism and international cooperation.
A note from Baerbock's office about this year's commemoration stressed the importance of reaffirming the commitment to the Charter because of the attacks on the UN.
"Eighty-one years after the signing of the Charter, we are standing at the crossroads. The United Nations is not only under political and financial pressure, but under attack", it said.
"This year's commemoration of the UN Charter Day is, therefore, not only a memento of reflection, it is a call to action", it said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the symbolic gesture, the UN needs to do more than just reaffirm commitments. The world is facing conflicts, climate change, and inequality—we need action, not just ceremonies. India should push for reforms in the Security Council too. 😊
'Ummeed'—what a beautiful word to describe the UN's role. India's founding membership shows our long-standing belief in dialogue over conflict. It's time the world remembers that the UN isn't perfect, but it's all we have for global cooperation. Jai Hind.
Interesting that India was a founding member even as a colony—talk about foresight! The UN gave us a seat at the table before we had our own government. But let's be honest, the UN today needs serious reform. The veto power is outdated.
The UN Charter has given hope to billions over the decades. For India, it's especially meaningful because we were part of drafting it while under colonial rule. Today, we should lead by example on climate action and peacekeeping.
I'm proud of India's continued commitment to the UN. 'Ummeed' is right—the UN is a symbol of hope for countries like ours that value multilateralism. But the article also mentions attacks on the UN—that's worrying. We must defend its integrity.
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