"I thank you for your kind wishes and prayers. It shall ever be our earnest endeavour to promote the welfare of our Indian Empire, and we fervently hope that the years as they pass with ever strengthen the feeling of warm attachment that exists between my house and my Indian people."
On 6th January His Majesty received the Senate of the Calcutta University. In reply to their Address His Majesty said:
"I recall with pleasure the occasion on which, six years ago, I received from the University of Calcutta the Honorary Degree of a Doctor of Law, and I am glad to have an opportunity to-day of showing my deep and earnest interest in the higher education of India. It is to the Universities of India that I look to assist in that gradual union and fusion of the culture and aspiration of Europeans and Indians on which the future well-being of India so greatly depends. I have watched with sympathy the measures that from time to time have been taken by the Universities of India to extend the scope and raise the standards of instruction. Much remains to be done. No University is now-a-days complete unless it is equipped with teaching faculties in all the more important branches of the sciences and the arts, and unless it provides ample opportunities for research. You have to conserve the ancient learning and simultaneously to push forward Western science. You have also to build up character, without which learning is of little value. You say that you recognize your great responsibilities. I bid you God-speed in the work that is before you. Let your ideals be high and your efforts to pursue them unceasing and, under Providence, you will succeed.
"Six years ago I sent from England to India a message of sympathy. To-day in India I give to India the watchword of hope. On every side I trace the signs and stirrings of new life. Education has given you hope; and through better and higher education you will build up higher and better hopes. The announcement was made at Delhi by my command that my Governor-General in Council will allot large sums for the expansion and improvement of education in India. It is my
