Certification and Declaration of Peace Fellows

International Fellowship Program on Nonviolence and Peace (IFPNP 2022-23 ) organized by Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha in association with Gujarat Vidyapith, Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust and MGM University concluded on May 12, 2023 with the distribution of fellowship certificates and declaration of peace fellows. The academic sessions of this four months fellowship program was offered online from Oct. 02, 2022–January 30, 2023. In addition, participants were also given an opportunity to participate in an international symposium/ conference on related themes held in January/ February 2023 in India. The Program aimed at introducing to the international participants the fundamentals of Gandhian nonviolence and peace; the dynamics of nonviolence; the ideas of Peace in the Global context and its conditions and constitution; Methods of nonviolence action: struggle for justice and peace; construction of sustainable living. Eminent teachers and facilitators from across the globe conducted the session. Notable among them were Prof. Michael Nagler, USA  Dr. Olek Netzer,Israel Dr.  Michael Sonnleitner, USA Prof. Pietro Ameglio Mexico,Dr. Christian Bartlof Germany , Prof.Mark Lindely and  Dr.Marke Wosinki ,USA.

In addition,  young scholars, activists and academics like Leandro Uchoas, Brazil,Ms.Sri Ratikha Indonesia ,Ms.Daniela Sepulveda Ruiz, México, Dr.Poncho Hernández,México,Dr.Diana Barreto Avila,México,Mr.Andrés Fabian Espinosa Torres Colombia, Ms.Mónica Elizabet Acevedo Gallegos,México Ms.Alma Patricia Glower Avila ,  México shared their experience and insights on peace and nonviolence .

The distribution of fellowship certificates and declaration of peace fellows was organized on the virtual mode on May 12, 2023 

Prof. John Chelladurai, Dean, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies; Professor and Head , Department of Gandhian Studies, MGM University  and one of the key facilitators of IFPNP welcomed the dignitaries and participants on behalf of organisers. In  his welcome address ,he highlighted some of the unique features of the fellowship programme. He requested Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Director of Sri Jamnalal Bajaj Memorial Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha to present a brief summary of the fellowship program.

 

Prof. John Chelladurai is welcoming dignitaries and participants 

Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Director, IFPNP 2022-2023, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan in his address stated that even though a summary report of the fellowship programme was published on the website of the ashram and website of the programme, it would be appropriate to give some information for the benefit of the audience. The formal announcement of the fellowship programme and launching  of the website of the programme coincided with International Day of Peace that is September 21,2022 and the course wash launched on October 2, 2022, International Day of nonviolence that is Mahatma Gandhi's birthday and  academic sessions for three days every week up to January 30, 2023, the day of Gandhi's martyrdom. He said  the response to the course was overwhelming and it was evident from  110 applications  we received from twelve countries (of Asia, Africa, Europe and America).He concluded his  report stating that   nineteen candidates from Europe, Africa and India successfully completed and qualified for the fellowship. It was from those 23 international and 28 national candidates who took the admission for the fellowship.Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Director, IFPNP  requested Prof . Prem Anand Mishra, Dean, Faculty of Gandhian Studies, Gujarat Vidyapith and one of the key facilitators of IFPNP to announce the names of 19 persons  who were qualified for the fellowship certificate and  declared them  as  Nonviolence and Peace Fellows.

  Prof.Prem Anand Mishra is declaring Peace Fellows

Prof. Prem Anand Mishra, Dean, Faculty of Gandhian Studies, Gujarat Vidyapith announced  the names  of 19 persons  who were qualified for the fellowship certificate. He also  declared them  as Nonviolence and Peace Fellows. This certification was based on their attendance, evaluation of monthly assignments, project report and other requirements for the qualification of the same. On receipt of this certificate the fellows  should resolve to rededicate their life to the cause of global peace and nonviolence. He also expressed his deep appreciation for all those who have joined the fellowship even though they could not qualify it. He expressed the confidence that they  would also rededicate their life for the cause of peace and nonviolence.

                                 Major Dr.Ashlesha Tawade sharing  her experience as a fellow 

Major Dr.Ashlesha Tawade in her sharing stated that she earlier  understood Gandhi as a freedom fighter and  political leader .  But this fellowship program  helped her to  understand Gandhi as a social reformer, as an educationist  and as a global visionary. We, in India, read about Bapuji as we grow up. It helped us to learn how he has been a hero, and how various  schools of thought globally perceive him. In fact  his philosophy of life  was brought  to us in the course of this fellowship. The teachers have been our gurus and mentors, allowing us to discover our own path to understand peace, non-violence, shown by Gandhi. The discussions and deliberations have facilitated us to embark upon our own journey to understand Gandhi. I feel fortunate to be a part of this cohort and as the fellowship culminates, I see myself to begin on the path of a life long process of his teachings. I thank my mentors for creating such an environment where we have freely voiced our perception before them.  I think the greatest freedom of all is the freedom in thoughts and we learned during our fellowship. I have gathered a lot of understanding on Gandhi and how his thoughts  have been relevant beyond time and generations.

Prof.Sunil Ganatra explaining his learning as a fellow 

Prof. Sunil Ganatra in his sharing stated that before joining, there were a number of questions in our minds: Particularly, how can we solve conflicts with peace at both ends? What is the best way to communicate in a society where everyone can be respected? How can we develop society with sustainability? What is our core responsibility as citizens of this globe towards society and humanity? This program helped us all to understand the science of peace and non-violence.  The regular classes elaborated on each and every aspect of peace and non-violence, keeping in mind the work of Mahatma Gandhi and other international peace movement leaders. The program also allowed us to explore and communicate regularly with international peace workers by arranging international level seminars and guest lectures. These interactions helped us to understand the ground level difficulties for peace and non-violence-seeking workers. Our learning reached its peak when we had the chance to communicate one-on-one with these eminent personalities. Today, as we finish the program, we are full of energy and enthusiasm to work for global peace and non-violence. We are well-aimed and focused due to this fellowship program. On behalf of all students, he thanked  the organizers, faculty members, and experts. Their efforts will surely reflect on society once we all dedicate ourselves to working for peace and non-violence in society.

       Mr.Ezema Marcus Jideofor explains how his learning as  a fellow benefitted his Peace journey 

Mr.Ezema Marcus Jideofor from  Nigeria  joined Major Dr.Ashlesha Tawade  and Prof. Sunil Ganatra in expressing his deep appreciation for the fellowship programme from  a  country having a different cultural environment. He succinctly narrated how  his learning as  a fellow benefitted his peace journey  in his own country in the context of grave  challenges his country is facing. He  explained how it helped  him in enriching his understanding of peace and nonviolence from a Gandhian perspective. The fellowship provided the skills in dealing with conflicts and understanding various techniques of conflict resolution and conflict transformation. It is extremely important  for us in the present  world where the forces of violence  are escalating.By accepting this fellowship we solemnly resolve to work for peaceful and sustainable world.

 Dr.Michael Warren Sonnleitner sharing his impressions  as mentor and Faculty of the IFPNP 

Dr. Michael Warren Sonnleitner  formerly Professor of  Political Science, Portland Community College ,  Oregon state , U.S.A was one of the mentors  and key resource person of the course who substantially contributed to the fellowship programme  by regularly participating in it and guiding through useful insights.  He expressed his appreciation as fellow traveller in this journey. He said for him it was not a merely academic exercise but spiritual journey in understanding truth. He explained how enjoyed the company of facilitators and fellows and expressed his good wishes for all .

 

Mrs. Ashaben  Bothra blessing the Peace and Nonviolence Fellows

Mrs. Ashaben  Bothra , President Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha expressed her happiness in the successful completion of the International Fellowship Program on Nonviolence and Peace initiated  by the Ashram in association with other fellow partners. She offered her blessing to all persons who were  declared as nonviolence and peace fellows  and others who joined the programme. She said that she doesn't consider  some as teachers, mentors and students but all involved in this programme are  fellow partners who are desirous of creating a nonviolent and peaceful world. She reminded the responsibility of all in  various capacities contributing towards nonviolence  and  peace. She thanked the whole team including the director who visualised this program and effectively implemented it. Sevagram ashram will be instrumental in spreading Mahatma Gandhi's vision of peace and nonviolence. Ms. Akshaya A Anant  a senior faculty and corporate trainer and IFPNP fellow  gave a brief introduction about the contributions of the President of the Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan through various responsibilities she is shouldering  and thanked her for blessings and guidance.

   Prof.Moolakattu Stephen John delivering Keynote Address 

Prof Moolakkattu Stephen John currently the Chief editor , Gandhi Marg delivered the keynote address.  He was Formerly Professor and Director , School of Gandhian thought  MG University, Kottayam ,  IIT Madras, Gandhi Luthli Chair In Peace Studies( 2008-10)University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and central University of Kerala . He is currently ICSSR Senior Fellow, School of International Relations & Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University . Mr. Susheel Kumar Gotla an artist and IFPNP fellow introduced  the keynote speaker . He gave the  brief educational background and his academic  accomplishments such as  Fulbright Visiting Lecturer Fellowship and  Commonwealth Fellowship and a number of  publications both nationally and internationally.

In his keynote lecture, Prof. John  Moolakkattu gave a broad overview of peace studies and conflict resolution and the various phases through which the field traversed. He talked about early attempts made by Jayaprakash Narain to set up an institute for the study of peace and violence in Varanasi and the contributions made to the discipline by people like Sugata Dasgupta. He also defined peace as the absence of violence in its physical, structural and cultural dimensions.  The question of justice was a central concern in peace studies. The young European scholars who were favourably disposed to the use of a small amount of violence were reminded by Johan Galtung that peace has to be established through peaceful means, the very title of this 1996 book.  At the turn of the millennium, the UN’s quest for promoting a culture of peace led to an expansion of peace education. The NCERT in India also brought out a handbook for use at the higher secondary level. After the end of the Cold War, the discussion on promotion of democracy as a means to build peace gathered momentum based on the notion that democracies are inherently peaceful.  Dr. John also talked about the gender questions and feminist contributions to the field. He also talked about nonviolence and nonviolent action and its variants, saying that it had assumed a trajectory of its own, both in its principled form as well as in its strategic form. He also narrated the significance of the 1992 Agenda of Peace  of Boutros Boutros  Ghali, which made a shift in the UN agenda from peacekeeping to peacemaking and peacebuilding

Prof. John then proceeded to discuss conflict and conflict resolution. He talked about the ABC triangle of Galtung and related it with conflict management, resolution and transformation. He said that it is not enough that we resolve the conflict; we should also try to repair the rupture in the relations that has taken place. This is done through reconciliation. It is here that the word transformation makes a difference. The commonly used technique of negotiations for resolution of conflicts works in situations where the parties are roughly equal in power. There are several conflicts where the parties are unequal and in such situations third party assistance is needed. Mediation, which is the most common form of third party assistance, is seen as a neutral activity. But people say mediators will have to side with the disadvantaged party when justice questions are involved. He concluded his lecture with the recent trends in the conflict resolution field such as a concern with culture, everydayness of the process of conflict resolution and the use of forgiveness as a tool for reconciliation and the ramification of these ideas with restorative justice. 

Prof.Vilas Sapkal delivering his Presidential Address 

Prof.Vilas Sapkal, Hon. Vice Chancellor, MGM University an accomplished academician of international repute with expertise in Membrane Science and Technology in chemical process industry presided over the function. He was formerly Vice Chancellor of RSTM Nagpur University  and acting VC of  Kavi Kulguru Kalidas Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Ramtek and Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University . Prof. John Chelladurai introduced the Hon. Vice Chancellor .He began his presidential address  by stating how his field of expertise  that is chemical engineering contributing towards environmental issues.  He highly appreciated curriculum of the program by citing certain specific areas outlined in the module. He narrated how MGM university is  promoting Gandhian thought through various measures including  making it part of study of various disciplines. He also talked about MGM 's initiatives   to promote peace and nonviolence  through various educational endeavours. He appreciated the fellowship and conveyed  his best wishes and blessing to all peace fellows who were given certificate of recognition.

Mr.Virat Kothari is proposing a vote of thanks 

The program concluded with a vote of thanks from  Mr.Virat Kothari of Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust Ahmedabad. As a fellow partner of this program he expressed the gratitude on behalf of the organizers.