The Gazette of India
EXTRAORDINARY
PART I—Section 1
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No. 180] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4,1979/BHADRA 13,1901 Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation
904 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART I—SEC. 1, in May, 1913, and had a most distinguished career in the Royal Navy. He was the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia Command, during the Second World War.MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
NOTIFICATION
New Delh;. the 4th September, 1979
No 3/5/79-Pub.—In the tragic death, at sea, off the Irish 'Coast, on 27th August, 1979, of Earl Mountbatten India has lost a ger:'ine friend, who, in a short period of 15 months daring 1947-48, succeeded remarkably in win- ing the love and aaection of the people of India.
Born on 25th I ms. 1900 in a royal family, Louis Mount- batten was educ.i^d at Locker's Park, Osborne, Dartmouth and Chiist's CJlcge, Cambridge. He joined as a cadet In February, 1947, the British Government announced "their definite intention to take the necessary steps to effect the transfer of power into Indian hands by a date not later than June 1948". Lord Mountbatten was chosen as the Viceroy of India in succession to Lord Wavell to ac- complish the task. On 24th March, 1947, he assumed office as the Viceroy and Governor General of India. He came to India with a high reputation. Living through a period of great difficulty and crisis, his reputation, unlike many others 'which founded in India, only became greater. He him- self • did not wish to be remembered as the last Viceroy winding up the British Raj but as the first to lead the way to New India. It was his irresistible charm, his indomitable energy, perseverance, optimism and the unwavering friend- ship for India that made his wish come true.
History is witness to the role Lord Mountbatten played in bringing about the transfer of power on 15th August, 1947 within a period of six months of his assumption of office. When India became independent, he had the unique honour of being invited to remain as the first Governor General of Free India. His piofound understanding of the strength and sincerity of purpose of the leadeia of the Indian fieedom movement enabled him to bring about one of the greatest reconciliations of history in the field of Indo-British ieSations. Mahatma Gandhi's secular humanism moved him to pay his tiibute to Gandhiji as the "one-man bound ry foice" bringing hope and cheer to a nation smitten by sen- seless hatred. What Lord and Lady Mountbatten achieved in the way of friendship and goodwill during their 15 months' stay in India has become an unforgettable chapter in the history of the country.
On relinquishing the Governor Generalship of India on 21st June, 1948, Lord Mountbaten returned to active naval service and further success awaited him in the Royal Navy. In April 1955, he was appointed 'the First Sea Lord and in 1958, the Chief of the Defence For res m the United Kingdom. He was not, however spared human sorrows, and on 21st February, 1960, his behoved wife, Lady Ed- wina Mountbatten died in Borneo in the course of an ex- hausting tour devoted to the affairs of the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance Brigade. Lord Mountbatten Himself left active service in 1965, but continued to maintain his close i fid active interest in India.
The people and Government of India pay their grateful homage to the memory of Earl Mountbaten, whosj death they mourn with profound sorrow, and memories of whose charm, and love and friendship for India they will cherish for ever.
T. C. A. SRINIVASAVARADA.N, Secretary