WHEN I was in Singapore for a few days earlier this month, I had the opportunity to go around the city several times and talk to a cross-section of residents.

One thing that struck me, particularly someone like me who lives in a developing country like India, was that I hardly saw a police officer on the streets. Obviously, Singapore citizens have become highly responsible with regard to the law of the land. I felt this could be one major reason for Singapore's wonderful progress and achievements in recent times.

Apart from the worthy people, credit should be given to those responsible for governing Singapore for what it is today. Obviously, those serving in the Government have enormous will to govern. They have emerged as role models to citizens by setting high standards for themselves in many respects.

Singapore's economic achievements are particularly commendable, since the country has no natural resources and even has to import water, milk and rice, which are basic commodities. In any other country, such conditions could have been great constraints but not in Singapore. It is to the credit of those running the Government, both in the past and at present, that they have adopted appropriate policies to suit the strength of the country and its opportunities, and have correctly positioned Singapore economically and socially in the international arena.

Even a large country like India has many things to learn from Singapore and its citizens, the most important of which is discipline and efficiency.

While putting my views here, I am disturbed to read about murders in Singapore that seem to take place quite frequently - though not in big numbers as in several other countries in the world. The Singapore Government has to look into this and look for ways to rectify the situation. Efforts should be made to spread the idea of non-violence among children in the formative age group in the schools. Gandhian thoughts can be made part of school curriculum.

I will keep the memory of my visit to Singapore for a long time. May I salute the people of Singapore and the Singapore Government for the near optimum living conditions they have achieved.

N.S.Venkataraman
Trustee
Nandini Voice For the Deprived
Chennai, India