1.
GV EXT. Cathedral of the Redemption in New Delhi
0.06

2.
SV PAN INT. Choir singing
0.35

3.
LV Mrs Gandhi receives bouquet
0.45

4.
GV PAN Congregation
0.56

5.
LV & CU Mrs Gandhi speaking in English (3 shots)
1.38


TRANSCRIPT: SEQ. 5: MRS GANDHI: "It is our special pride that all the major religions of the world live and thrive in India....so were born here Hinduism, Buddhism, Janism and Sikkism...the others came. Christianity nineteen centuries ago,(indistinct) twelve or thirteen centuries ago, and Judism also has its Indian followers. These four religions are as Indian as the others".




Initials SGM/0318 SGM/0103



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In addressing a special service in New Delhi's Cathedral of the Redemption on Saturday (23 December), India's Prime Minister....Mrs. Indira Gandhi....praised the work of Christian missionaries in India, and said they had led and encouraged leaders of other religions to work among the people. The service was marking the 19th centenary of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas, known as the Apostle of India. He is thought to have landed in India as early as 52 AD. Mrs. Gandhi also mentioned India's pride that every major religion in the world flourished in the country. India's state secularism, she said, had meant equal respect and esteem for all religions, but also that religion would not be allowed to interfere with the conduct of national affairs,. Christians in India total 15 million, 2.6 percent of the population, third-largest religion after Hinduism and Islam.