Editor,I SEND my best wishes to all our Indian friends (and countrymen for some of them) on the occasion of their 65th Republic Day. Congratulations to them for having come such a long (and bright) way since the country’s independence in 1947, and the national constitution’s vote a few years later as mentioned in your story. India was blessed with leaders that had a far-reaching vision and remained a reference for many of us in the world. Gandhi, of course, my personal favourite (not just from a spiritual standpoint) had a substantial influence on India’s  political sphere through his peaceful, quiet yet resolute action against colonisation).Also, Nehru stewarded the country’s political and economic systems (a strong believer in the power of education), and later, Indira Gandhi. Kudos to all the great leaders who lead their people for the good of all and their countries.Diyana, RwandaReaction to the article, "Indian community marks Republic Day” (The New Times, January 27)