[From the Guardian:]
The severe restrictions to which the dearly-loved, highly devoted, long
struggling Baha'i community of India, Pakistan and Burma have been
subjected, the repeated setbacks they have suffered, the grave
disturbances in the wake of which their manifold and meritorious
activities have been caught, evoke my heartfelt sympathy and arouse my
deep concern. The spirit which, despite adversities, delays and
dislocations, they have consistently manifested in recent years is,
however, worthy of the highest praise, and will, no doubt, triumph over
every obstacle, and will enable them to weather every storm and win
ultimate victory.
Though the course of the Plan they spontaneously undertook has, of
necessity, been affected by these constant vicissitudes and unexpected
developments, their achievements, beyond the confines of their homelands,
as well as in the publishing field, have ennobled the record of their
service to the Cause of Baha'u'llah, and constitute a memorable chapter in
the history of the Faith in the sub-continent of India.
The translation and publication of the "New Era" in more than twenty
languages in recent years, the planting of the banner of the Faith in the
Island of Ceylon, the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Siam--though
not originally an integral part of their Plan--has signalized the opening
of a new epoch in the evolution of the Faith in South Eastern Asia, and
has marked the formal association of the Indian the Pakistani and Burmese
believers with their brethren in Europe, America, Egypt and Persia, in
carrying the torch of the Faith beyond the confines of their respective
continents and countries, and in executing the last wishes of the Centre
of the Covenant so movingly expressed in His Will & Testament.
Whatever these communities, so valiantly labouring in that disturbed and
strife-ridden corner of the Asiatic continent, undertake to perform within
the confines of their homelands in the years ahead, this double process of
extending the range of the literature of the Faith and of propagating its
Message within the virgin territories, lying to the North and South-East
of their native lands, must continue with undiminished momentum, and must
receive the undivided attention of the elected representatives of these
communities.
Consolidation at home, and the provision of the necessary measures to
ensure the speedy and effective extension of the influence of the Faith
abroad, constitute the dual, the immediate and inescapable
responsibilities of all the members of these communities, who are
labouring, at so critical a period, with such steadfast zeal and devotion,
amidst the masses of their fearful and harassed countrymen, for so lofty
an ideal and so precious a Faith.
Firmly united in their purpose, banishing, once and for all, every trace
of estrangement and prejudice from their midst, assured of the
all-compelling, ever-sustaining power of Baha'u'llah, deriving fresh
inspiration from the triumphs collectively achieved by their brethren in
all continents of the globe, undeflected in their resolve by any setback,
opposition or injustice, let them, with so notable a record of service
behind them, march resistlessly forward, entering still wider fields,
scaling nobler heights, plumbing still greater depths of heroism and
self-sacrifice.
As the Centenary of the birth of Baha'u'llah's prophetic mission
approaches, these sorely tried, much loved, indefatigable communities,
must brace themselves, however challenging future circumstances may prove
to be, however arduous the tasks they are called upon to discharge, to
contribute, in whatever, way possible in whatever field they may find it
practicable, a memorable share to the collective tribute which the
followers of the Most Great Name are now arising to pay, through action in
the field of service, to the Founder of their Faith on the occasion of the
hundredth anniversary of the inception of His Revelation.
The hour is indeed both precious and propitious. The opportunity is
glorious and will not recur in the lifetime of this generation. No effort
is too great to ensure the success of so historic a commemoration. Time is
short for an adequate preparation for the celebration, through collective
and sound achievement, of so great a jubilee. All must arise and
contribute a share worthy of the name they bear and of the privilege
bestowed upon them.
That all three communities may rise to this occasion, may rededicate
themselves with renewed resolve and fresh vigour, is my ardent and
constant prayer.