Peaceful Coexistence

Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, known in India as the Panscheel, are a set of principles to govern relations between states. Their first formal codification in treaty form was in an agreement between China and India in 1954. These were included in the preamble on trade and intercourse for Sino-Indian relations.:

1. Mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty
2. Non-aggression
3. Non-interference in each other's internal affairs
4. Equality and mutual benefit
5. Peaceful co-existence.

A few days later, Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, recommended these principles to the Asian Prime Ministers Conference at Colombo for mutual relations of all countries.

The five principles seem to have partly originated in Indonesia where the nationalist leader Sukarno proclaimed these in 1945, fur year before gaining their freedom.

The newly independent countries liberated from colonial powers after the end of the Second World War did not want to be drawn into the Cold War between great powers.

Nehru used the term 'Non-alignment' in 1954 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. However, the Non-alignment Movement (NAM) originated from a meeting of several Asian and African countries in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955. The original five principles were incorporated in modified form in a statement of ten principles. This showed that the post-colonial nations had something special to offer to the world for building global peace.

It took another six years for the first NAM meeting of the heads of state, convened in Belgrade in 1961, largely through the initiative of Tito.

The founding fathers of NAM were: Josip Bros Tito of Yugoslavia, Sukarno of Indonesia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, and Jawaharlal Nehru from India.

The NAM summit is held every three years or so. The Chair of the movement rotates to the head of state or government of the country that is hosting the summit.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono opened the 16th Meeting the foreign ministers of 118 NAM member countries, at Nusa Dua, Bali. It was held from May 25- 27, 2011. As it coincided with the 50th Anniversary of NAM, the theme was “Shared Vision on the Contribution of NAM for the Next 50 Years.”

One of the many issues discussed was Climate change, which was emphasised in a message received from the United Nations. The Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, had called on NAM to assist in “urgent global action” to combat the threat posed by it.

Belgrade

I received a directive from Rome to stop over in Belgrade to  meet Dr. Yarowhich, a  research scientist.  He was scheduled to see me at 8 a.m. the next day at the hotel where I had made  prior r reservation for that evening.

This required a very early start from Zagreb and travel 365 km to reach Belgrade n time.

It was a long drive along a nearly empty road during mid-ight. We  arrived at the hotel almost an half hour prior to my appointment.

A porter helped carry our luggage from the car after registering at the grand and impressive hotel.

I heard the phone ringing as we entered in our room. When I picked up the receiver, I heard Dr. Yarowhich  introducing himself.

“Dr. Singh, I am here in the hotel lobby and waiting for you.”

I stopped unpacking immediately and rushed to the elevator to reach the hotel lounge to meet him.

After a brief self-introduction Dr. Yarowich guided me to join him at the table where he had been waiting for me.

I was a little surprised to see a glass of brandy in front of him and myself.

“It is rather early to have a drink at this time”, I said.

“ Yes, but I need it to boost confidence for facing the television cameras. I am being interviewed at 9 a.m.,” he replied.

He was in a hurry.  After a quick toast to welcome me, he finished his brandy and left the hotel saying he would be back after lunch to take me to the research station in the outskirts of Belgrade where he has been doing his research with the help of funds received in foreign aid fro USA.

Belgrade was the capital city of Tito’s Yugoslavia and is now of Serbia when the participant  republics started breaking away after his death.

It is located at the confluence of  Danube and Sava  rivers and had different names historically, which nearly always were translated as "the white city".

Belgrade  had turbulent times in the past that included conquest by Turks to become  part of Ottoman empire and occupation by Austrians. It was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.

During World War II it came under German occupation and was liberated by the Red Army and the Communist Yugoslav Partisans.

On November 29, 1945 Marshall Tito proclaimed Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia in Belgrade.

Tito's Yugoslavia

Croatia were part of Marshal Tito’s Yugoslavia, a socialist federation.

Zagreb and Adriatic coast are a dreamland for holidays in the Mediterranean

surroundings .

Green parks, fountains, avenues of trees and flowers are impressive sights

throughout the city.

Historically,  the Ottoman Empire had been predominant in Bosnia, Serbia and

Herzegovina.  It was replaced by European powers, resulting in Austrian-

controlled Bosnia and  Russian patronized Serbia.

During 1914 a Serbian  nationalist assassinated the heir to Austro-Hungarian

throne while he was being honoured at a reception.

This set a chain of diplomatic events that raised the scale of conflict among

many nations bound by alliances.

What was considered to be a limited battle between the accuser and the

accused (Austria-Hungary  vs. Serbia) soon escalated into the beginning of

World War 1.

After World War 2, Tito was a unifying force that brought unity among the six

Yugoslav  nations. As an authoritarian  dictator,  he successfully controlled their

nationalist aspiration and promoted brotherhood.

Even when deemed a controversial figure, he was a unifying force that brought

unity among these nations.

Thus he was the chief architect of a united Yugoslavia which lasted from the

end of World War 2 to 1991.

Tito was also one of the first to defy Soviet domination and followed an

independent approach to socialism, called national socialism.

He gained international attention in doing so and became a leader of the Non-Aligned

Movement, co-founded with Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser, India's Jawaharlal

Nehru, Indonesia's Sukarno and Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah,

In an action called The Initiative of Five,  he established strong ties with third

world countries and became the first Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned

Movement in September 1961.

All of these achievements of Tito helped improve Yugoslavia's position

internationally.

His successful diplomatic and economic policies fostered the economic boom of

the 1960s and 1970s in Yugoslavia.

Zagrebfest

The company of classical masters with their recorded immortal music was most enjoyable while driving out of Vienna and Austria.

Zagreb was the first major city we reached .  It is the largest city of present-day Republic of Croatia, formerly what was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

During World War II, German troops had invaded the region. They were welcomed by Croatian fascists and an Axis known as the Independent State of Croatia was set up. After the victory of the Allies, Croatia became a republic within Yugoslavia.

Socialist Yugoslavia was declared by Marshall Tito in 1945.  He and his communist regime were able to deal with the regional aspirations by creating a federation of six nominally equal republics:  Croatia,  Montenegro,  Serbia,  Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Macedonia.

Communist rule helped restore stability and Tito’s good relations with the west ensured a steady stream of loans.  However, the regional and ethnic tensions increased later on primarily due to unequal development and the growing burden of debt.

With Tito’s death in 1980 many predicted the federation to break up, but Yugoslavia republic survived for another ten years.

Croatia declared independence in 1991 and fought a bitter and costly war against the Serb-led Yugoslav People's Army.  Zagreb became a political and administrative centre for the Republic of Croatia and was selected its capital.

Historically, the 17th century was an unstable time when  the Ottoman Turks were making incursions. A great part of what is now Croatia fell to the Turks but Zagreb was never taken.

Zagreb lies on the intersection of important routes between the Adriatic coast and central Europe.
For centuries it has been a focal point of art, culture, and sports.  It is also the hub of the  academics and scientists in Croatia.

Many renowned scientists, artists and athletes come from the city or work there.

 In spite of the rapid recent economic development  and extended infrastructure, it has retained its charm of picturesque open-air markets and diverse shopping facilities, with a wide selection of crafts and cuisine.

Zagreb hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. The Festival of popular music, widely known as Zagrebfest since 1984, is the oldest cultural event of this kind in the region.

Recreational Mecca

Driving through Austrian mountains was fascinating with  the panoramic and  captivating view of the mighty Danube meandering along though the valleys.

As the second longest river (after Volga) of Europe it  forms boundaries with several countries.
Rising in Germany’s Black Forest, it covers nearly 1,770 miles (2,850 km) to reach the Black Sea,  passing along or through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova.

During Roman times the Danube was the northern boundary of their vast Empire.

Historically, the Danube has been a constant concern to Vienna when in flood. A sophisticated flood control system was designed over the years to control it.

The first notable measures were taken between 1870 and 1875. This was followed by others in subsequent years to achieve reliable flood protection.

A relief channel (the New Danube) was dug and the excavated  material  used to create a long, narrow  island  in central Vienna.  Known as the Danube Island,  it is a widely acclaimed recreational Mecca for visitors.

With 170 hectares of woodland and over 40 kilometres of beaches, it has numerous bars,  restaurants and nightclubs, and offers water sport opportunities such as swimming, canoeing and sailing.

Danube Island Festival,  held during June, attracts nearly 3 million visitors annually. During three days Vienna starts to rock with large number of cabaret groups and events on various stages. It is well organized and the entrance is free.

The festival is renowned for superb theatrical performances.  Musical ensembles and opera companies are invited from all over the world.

As an internationally famous open air festival in Vienna, it is recognized as Europe's biggest event of this kind.

Blue Danube

This is the other CD that confirmed my impression about Vienna as a vibrant cultural centre of Europe.

Its composer, Johann Strauss Jr. (1825-1899), is best remembered for his numerous waltzes and other musical compositions. The Blue Danube is one of the most popular pieces of music in the classical repertoire.

He was born in Vienna, the eldest son of the celebrated composer and violinist Johann Strauss Sr. who was adamantly opposed to the idea of his son pursuing a career in music. He wanted him to enter the banking profession.

However, the young Johann displayed musical talent at an early age. He began composing when he was six years old. His mother secretly arranged for him to study violin with the leader of his father's dance orchestra.

When the senior Strauss left the family, Johann pursued additional formal musical training. In 1844 he formed his own orchestra and made his professional debut as concertmaster and conductor, performing both his own works and those of his father.

After the death of Johann Strauss Sr. in 1849, the two orchestras were combined and Johann engaged his brothers Josef and Eduard, both composers, as conductors and violinists.

Johann Strauss Jr. enjoyed tremendous success as composer and conductor, touring Europe, Russia, and the United States. Most of his better known dances were composed during the 1860's and early 1870's. He was deemed the true heir of his father's musical legacy and earned the title "The Waltz King" because of his prolific output and international visits.

The Viennese waltz was brought to its highest form with Johann’s gifted melody and interesting harmonic structure. He was very much in the public eye, both in Vienna and in his international travels, to become the most prominent of the Strauss family members.

The Blue Danube, his best-known work, was written in 1867. Its initial performance was only a mild success. After adapting it into a purely orchestral version for the World's Fair in Paris, it became a great success.

The instrumental version is the most commonly performed today. The sentimental connotations have made it an unofficial national anthem of Austria.

Each year at the world-famous New Year celebrations in Vienna, the Blue Danube is a must among other favourites. It is traditionally broadcast by television and radio stations exactly at midnight.

Establishing a Great Tradition

I bought a couple of CDs to listen while driving through some lonesome stretches of a long journey to Iran. One contained the Radetzky March and the other had the Blue Danube.

It was the right choice for us to enjoy the company of great masters of popular music of Vienna.

Johann Strauss Sr. (1804 - 1849) was the Austrian romantic composer of the former. Born in Vienna as son of innkeeper, he became the most popular and successful conductor and composer of dance music of his time.

His father's inn at the Danube Channel and the nearby harbor had sailors coming from different countries. The music played by them influenced the young Johann’s enthusiasm for popular dance music.

After the death of both parents at an early age, he began working as an apprentice for bookbinding. He also started studying the violin as a great musical instrument and was hired as a violin player in a small band.

Johann eventually became its deputy conductor and so popular that he was placed in command of a second orchestra formed as a result of the success of the parent band.

In 1825, Johann decided to form his own band and began to write dance music. After undergoing a period of financial hardships, his breakthrough came when he developed Waltz from a simple peasant dance, which with subsequent versions was ultimately to become the popular symbol of Austrian culture.

Due to his many triumphs, the number of engagements was increasing rapidly. Johann kept enlarging his band from time to time until it comprised more than two hundred performers. He was soon acknowledged as one of the best-known and well-loved dance composers in Vienna. He toured with his band to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Britain where he played at the crowning of Queen Victoria in London.

In 1849 Johann revisited London. After his farewell concert, he was escorted down the Thames river by a squadron of boats while a band played tunes in his honour. This was his last public triumph. On his return to Vienna he was attacked with scarlet fever and died. He is remembered as the founder of the waltz dynasty.

The most famous Radetzky March, dedicated to the Austrian Field Marshal, was composed by Johann Strauss Sr. in 1848. When first played in front of Austrian officers, they rapidly clapped and stomped their feet. This became a tradition that is honoured to this day.

The tone of the march is festive rather than martial. Many believe it is so because the Field Marshall who could have executed Johann's eldest son while serving in the Army became his saviour instead. It is more of a piece by a thankful father than a march about a military man.

Radetzky March is usually played as the last piece of music at the Vienna Harmonic’s New Year Concert.

The Old and New

One more name must be mentioned among famous Austrians: Sigmund Freud (1856– 1939). As a neurologist and psychiatrist he founded the psychoanalytic school of psychology. As his work in this field was highly influential, he is often referred to as "the father of psychoanalysis."

After spending most of his life in Austria, he moved to London, England where he died aged 83 soon after the start of World War II. His Alma mater was the University of Vienna.

A mighty city wall had once surrounded the historical city of Vienna. It was removed in 1857. Town hall , University, Parliament, State Opera, and imposing buildings and monuments were created along the space thus provided. Heldenplatz Square is dedicated to the victory over Napoleon

The principal park of Vienna is situated on an island formed by the canal and Danube River. The beautiful Imperial Summer Palace includes an 18th century park that claims to have the world's oldest zoo (1752).

Vienna had great developments recently. International Centre has the building complex of United Nations organizations. It is located just north of the river Danube. Initial idea of setting up the international organization in Vienna came from their prime minster. The establishment of the United Nations Office is a major achievement.

Vienna is one of the four Headquarters duty stations of the United Nations, the other three in New York, Geneva and Nairobi. It serves as the representative office of the Secretary-General in Vienna and performs representation and liaison functions with permanent missions, the host and other Government, and the intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

Vienna is also the seat of a number of international institutions and companies, with employees from over 100 countries. Operational costs borne by these organizations contribute significantly to the economy of Austria.

It is surprising that the largest continent, Asia, has been neglected by not having any such major UN presence within it. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, was an acknowledged international statesman and although his sister Vijay Laxmi Pandit rose as the first lady from India to become the President of the United Nations, it did not go beyond being a rare distinction for the Nehru family.

It is a viable option now, as most of the current global concerns and the rapidly developing nations are located in Asia. A large highly educated human resource is readily available in India.

Siege of Vienna

The first service on the new engine was now due, as directed by the Mercedes factory when selling their car. This gave me the opportunity to drive around in Vienna and to see the industrial part of the great city.

The meandering Danube adds immensely to the beauty of the landscape. According to a recent report, Vienna was selected as the third best city in the world to live in. A global study of 127 cities undertaken by the prestigious Economist Intelligence Unit had put only two cities ahead for the quality of life: Vancouver in Canada and Geneva in Switzerland.

Surrounded by mountains, snow has played an important role in the past history of the old city.

The Roman Empire established a military camp in the area covered by the city centre and the settlement was raised to the status of a municipium in 212. The Roman stayed until the 5th century.

Vienna grew to be an important trading site in the 11th century. As capital of the Babenberg dynasty and subsequently of the Austrian Habsburgs, it became one of Europe's cultural hubs. During the 19th century it was the capital of the Austrian Empire and later Austria-Hungary.

For centuries the Ottomans, Islamic Turks, had been a constant threat. They controlled the Balkan area and besieged Vienna in the historically famous episode of 1529. Their army had arrived in late September with many of the soldiers in poor health due to the privations of their long march into Austrian territory. This had left them short of camels and heavy equipment, and also running out of fodder for their horses. Casualties, sickness, and desertions were taking a toll on their ranks.

The sultan despatched three richly dressed Austrian prisoners as emissaries to negotiate the city's surrender. However, they were returned without any response. The Turks encircled Vienna, inflicted severe damage on the surrounding vineyards, and withdrew after 25 days. The defenders took their deliverance as a miracle.

Unusual heavy snow turned the Turkish retreat into a disaster, losing much of their baggage and artillery.

The second episode involving raid by Ottoman Turkey was in the 17th century. Known as the Battle of Vienna (1683), it resulted in a decisive victory for 'Holy League' (Polish-Austrian-German forces) against the Ottoman army.

The most recent siege was in 1945 when Vienna offensive was successfully launched by  the Soviets. It lasted for about two weeks before the city fell to the surrounding army near the end of WW2.

Getting Lost

FAO headquarter in Rome has access to all facilities. Whereas I had completed all the prescribed medical shots in Rome before travelling, Lavinia had not been vaccinated against hepatitis. This was our first priority as we reached outskirts of Vienna.

We stayed in a hotel on the southern side of the Danube river, with excellent view of the city across it. A medical clinic was noticed nearby.  She arranged to get the vaccine injection next morning,  whereas I already had an appointment to visit the forestry specialist recommended to me in Rome.

I called Dr. Kronfelnor-Kraus, on phone as his office opened and told him about my arrival and where I was staying. He immediately recognized the place and offered to pick me up.

As I had a car, I informed him that I could drive to his office. He gave me instructions how to reach there. As these were unfamiliar German names for the roads and streets, I tried to jot
down as much as I could and started driving towards the desired location.

After covering a few miles, I had the feeling that I should ascertain my directions by calling him again.  So I stopped at a petrol station where I could read the street name clearly and rang him. He gave me fresh instructions, with equally complex street names, along with the usual go straight for so much distance and trurn right and then left, and so on.

I tried my best but evidently I was not any nearer to his office even then.

I was in a quandary and not sure what to do. In a state of sheer uncertainty, I called him again to get further directions.

Did it help?  Definitely not!

As he had already provided instructions twice,  I decided not bother him anymore.

Seeing a hotel nearby, I decided to go in for a cup of coffee. As soon as I finished drinking it,  I came outside and signalled for a taxi, with the written address in my hand.

I showed it to the driver. He opened the door for me to be seated but I declined, and told him that I would rather prefer to go there driving my own car.

He had a quick look at the bright new car in the nearby parking lot and asked me to follow him driving his cab in front of me.

We drove our cars along the highway, with a few right and left turns, and soon found the Institute I had been looking for. The cab driver stopped and pointed to the door that was the entrace to the big building that looked quite impressive in full sunshine and clear blue sky.

I paid him what he asked and thanked him for his assistance.

The scientist and his much younger and attractive Secretary were waiting and greeted me with a warm welcome. They soon had a big smile when I narrated my cab story.

Surrounded by mountains, Vienna is known for research in snow hydrology. The Institute of Avalanche and Torrent Research had projects relating to avalanches, such as avalanche dynamics and avalanche forecasting.

Dr. Kronfelnor-Kraus briefed me on research related to the role of forests in risk handling on mountain watersheds in Austria.

 I spent a memorable afternoon discussing the mountain watershed research project he had been working on.