People's Democracy

RICH tributes were paid to Vietnam's revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, on the occasion of his 111^th birth anniversary, at a public meeting organised by India-Vietnam Friendship Association in New Delhi on May 28.

Speakers recalled the heroic struggles led by the great leader, his revolutionary theory and practice. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechuri in his address said that Ho Chi Minh continues to remain the source of inspiration for all those fighting for liberation and justice. He recalled the slogan " Ho Ho - Ho Chi Minh, We Shall Fight, We Shall Win" and said Uncle Ho always represented undying hope in the most adversial circumstances. His life of a simple , devoted communist is a worthy example for all future generations, felt Sitaram Yechuri.

CPI general secretary A B Bardhan in his speech recalled the tremendous impact of Ho Chi Minh on Indian communists. In this regard he cited the popular Bengali slogan of yesteryears " Amar Naam, Tumar Naam -Vietnam Vietnam".

President Ho Chi Minh set a bright example for Vietnamese people by his virtues, lifestyle and revolutionary career and his Thought is still an invaluable asset to both the party and the nation said Vietnam's Ambassador to India Mr Pham Sy Tam. He said that under the clear sighted leadership of the party and Uncle Ho, the Vietnamese people have overcome innumerable challenges and hardships, of course with great sacrifices. The August revolution in 1945, the great victory of 1975 in the struggle for freedom and independence from the American aggression are among them, he said.

Ho Chi Minh's dreams of a modern, advancing Vietnam is being actualised by following the path of socialism. The average GDP growth rate in the period 1990 - 1999 was 7.1 per cent per annum, while the industrial growth rate remained around 13 per cent per annum. The exports in this period increased by over 20 per cent per annum. Vietnam is gradually becoming an attractive market for trade and direct investments, the total FDI flows in the year 2000 were over 40 billion US dollars, said the Ambassador. The 25 year plan of industrialisation and modernisation began by the government in 1996 has started paying dividends.

He noted that the relations of traditional friendship and multi faceted cooperation between Vietnam and India are increasingly strengthened, which are not only mutually beneficial for the people of both the countries but also important for the sake of peace and development in Asia. He thanked the India-Vietnam Friendship Association for striving towards this end. Forward Block general secretary Debabrata Biswas, RSP leader Abani Roy and Pallav Sengupta, general secretary of the Friendship Association also participated in the meeting.