The United Nations had to resolve India’s complaint regarding the treatment of people of Indian origin in South Africa. Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was the leader of the Indian delegation. When the issue came up, harsh things were said by both sides and the opponents even made personal attacks harmful to India’s prestige as well as Mrs. Pandit’s. Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit did not accept it silently. She gave it back in the same coin. Due to this, an unpleasant atmosphere was created.

After a duel of words, Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit suddenly thought of Gandhiji. She felt that he would never have approved of her way of retaliation. For him, means had to be as good as the end. Gandhiji would not be happy if questionable tactics were used for succeeding.

After thinking about this, Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit decided that at any cost she would not make personal attacks to score a cheap point. When she changed her mind and stuck to a dignified method, the opponents met them on the new level and from then on, the case was argued on its merits only. In this way, Mrs. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit resolved the situation.