Colloquium on "Emerging Challenges and Scope for Peace January 12-13, 2024 

Humanity, once nestled in isolated communities, now thrives in a global village. Our capacity to embrace diversity and foster cooperation has fueled monumental strides in combating poverty, hunger, and injustice. However, this very unity has birthed a paradox - the exponential rise of technology and industry, posing existential questions about human relevance and the sustainability of our planet. It was in this context the Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, made an appeal to a group of concerned   people to come to Sevagram Ashram to share insights and perspectives on this crucial conundrum. This was made possible through Colloquium on "Emerging Challenges and Scope for Peace.” The Colloquium was organized by Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha which provided a platform for introspection and dialogue to engage in exploring humanity’s journey towards peace amidst the challenges posed by technological advancement and global cooperation on January 12-13, 2024. Some of the key themes suggested for  discussion were : a.The Intersection of Technology and Humanity, b.Ethical Considerations in Innovation c.Sustainability and Global Welfare and  d. the Vision for a Peaceful Future. The Colloquium was held at the Seminar hall of Library and Research Centre, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha. The colloquium brought together more than 25 persons from various disciplines and different walks of life including academics, activists, practitioners, scientists and young scholars working on these areas. The colloquium witnessed lively threadbare discussion in their attempt to engage themselves to  find the scope towards international peace in the midst of emerging challenges.

 On 12 January, 2024, the Colloquium was inaugurated at 10.30 am.  In the introductory speech given by Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Director, Sri Jamnalal Bajaj Memorial Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies, Sevagram explained the context of organizing this colloquium. He referred to the Second International Fellowship Program on Nonviolence and Peace organized by Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan in association with Gandhi International, France, Academic University College  for Non-violence and Human Rights- AUNOHR, Lebanon and MGM University, Aurangabad, MS, India. This program commenced on October 2, 2023 and continues up to January 30, 2024. As a part of the IFPNP we offer the opportunity to participate in programmes related to peace and nonviolence.  Last year, fellows were given the opportunity to participate in three international events in India. This year the colloquium was organized to provide opportunity for IFPNP fellows and others to promote the cause of peace.  The inaugural Keynote Address was delivered by Mr. Louis Campana, President, Gandhi International, France, who provided an overview of the main theme of the colloquium. He highlighted the contemporary challenges humanity is facing and presented his reflections on  how to overcome  these riddles from a Gandhian perspective.   He said “Will you be surprised if I tell you that we are currently experiencing a third world war? This is a geopolitical, geostrategic and economic war. I won't talk about Ukraine or Gaza...what's the point? The spirals of violence are on the way! Nation-States have invested all functions of power, most of the time in direct dictatorial form or by circumventing democratic principles. Democracy is a worn word and a lie by the games of parties where, without a sufficient majority, unnatural adjustments take place and prevent any real democratic expression.”The  inaugural programme concluded  with a vote of thanks  from   Shri . Vijay Tambe, Secretary, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan.

 The inaugural session was followed by the first technical session. In this session the first presentation was given by Dr. Rajesh Many, Honorary Director, CTHDS, MG University, Kottayam, Kerala. The title of his presentation was ‘Temporary Monopolies’ in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Power Asymmetries, and the Need for Collective Governance’. He examined documented cases of problematic AI use during the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict through the theoretical framework of Joseph Schumpeter's theory of creative destruction. Also a contextual content analysis  of  5 incidents involving AI systems deployed unethically or irresponsibly by state and non-state actors.  Second presentation was given by Mr. Vijay Tambe, Secretary, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan on ‘The Artificial Intelligence’. He  shared his  thoughts on what would be the future of AI. in his analysis he  examined its impact on Human nature Language and creativity, movies Employment: etc. Third presentation was given by Ms. P. Kayalvizhi, student, MCA-I, GRI, Dindigul on the topic ‘The Intersection of Technology and Humanity: Artificial Intelligence’. She explained the uses of AI in various sectors like Health, Education and Agriculture etc. The session was chaired by Prof. John Chelladurai.

 

 Second technical Session started after lunch. It discussed some of the issues raised in the first session. Keynote speaker in this session was Dr. Ravindra R. P., Writer, Academic and Activist, associated with Sevagram Collective. He   emphasized the need to reinvent and reinvigorate Lok Vidya.  He analyzed the challenges and possibilities in amalgamating traditional wisdom and skills with modern science and technologies He opined  that Lok Vidya as the best path that should be effectively utilised. There is so much possibility to introduce past traditions. The session ended with concluding remarks from the chair Prof. John Chelladurai.

 

 The Third Technical Session   was organized in the evening. First presentation was given by Dr. Abhilash Babu, Director, School of Social Sciences, MG University, Kottayam, Kerala. The title of his presentation was ‘Sustainability and Shifting Priorities in Development and Technology at the Grassroots’.  He examined  how the global movement for sustainable development goes hand in hand with capitalist interest and how it hegemonically reshapes debate on local development and technological solutions in the developing countries.. Second presentation was given by Mr. Satyajeet Prakash Patil, Fellow of IFPNP-II on ‘Sustainability, Gglobal welfare, and materialistic ambitions’.  He said that  materialistic aspirations, centered on the acquisition of possessions and wealth as the ultimate source of happiness and success, contradict Gandhian ideals.   He narrated the examples of individuals and institutions working towards sustainability.

Third presentation was made by Ms. R. Sarojini, Research Scholar, GRI, Dindigul on the topic ‘Sustainability and Global Welfare: Lessons from Adivasi People”. She suggested that we have to learn from traditional and natural ways of living of adivasi people to attain the goal of sustainability. The session ended with a presidential remark from Dr. Ravindra R. P.  

 

The fourth  technical session began  after the dinner. First presentation was given by Ms. Anisha Rout, Odisha on the topic ‘Sustainbilty and Global Welfare’. In her presentation she gave the  sustainable strategies of using non-conventional energy, use of tidal energy, use of wind energy and CNG. The second presentation was given by Ms. Kadijatou Jallow from Gambia. The title of her presentation was ‘The impact of Overfishing on the Environment: The Case of Gambia’.  She  examined the impact of overfishing  which not only decreases fish population but  also  affects livelihood, marine life, economy, environment etc. . The last presentation of the session was given by Mr. Anbunithi S. Student GRI, Dindigul  on ‘Agriculture, Sustainability and   Decentralization’. In his presentation he highlighted Ecology of Agriculture, Impacts of Industrial Agriculture, the violence of green revolution, effects of pesticides and benefits of organic farming. The session was chaired by Dr. R. Vetrickarthick, Faculty GRI, Dindigul.

 

The second day of the colloquium began with the fifth technical session in the morning. First presentation was given by Ms. Sainabou Jallow from Gambia on the topic ‘Environmental Practices of Rural Communities and Poverty – The Gambia’.   She stated that rural communities engage in various practices for fulfilling their immediate needs which compromises the environmental sustainability. She came up with a number of suggestions to ensure sustainability and  to alleviate poverty.It was followed by a presentation from Mr. Climus T. J.,(SERI, KALSAF, Bangalore) . The theme of his presentation was Decoding  Sustainable living and its Interconnections  He explained how  food, health and education are directly or indirectly connected to our environment. He opined that  environmental issues are mainly the result of the   lifestyle of human beings.Third presentation was given by Dr.R.Vetrickarthick, Faculty GRI, Dindigul on ‘Sustainable Living: A Gandhian Perspective’. He focused  on  the relevance of Gandhian Principles in  ensuring sustainability. Rather than being an Environmentalist, Gandhi was more obedient in following the laws of nature. He adopted a nonviolent lifestyle in tune with nature without harming others. The last  presentation of the session was given by Dr. Sunil H. Ganatra, Professor, Institute of Science, Nagpur on ‘Ethics in Innovation’. The emergence of new technology and its thoughtless implementation causes various ethical issues like  Wealth-centric development, sustainability questions, violence,  accountability, transparency about human physical and biological data.   The session was chaired by Prof. D John Chelladurai, Dean, Interdisciplinary Studies, MGM University, Aurangabad.

 

 In the sixth technical session the first  presentation was made  by Ms. Shamal Ramshe, fellow of IFPNP-II on  the theme ‘The Vision for a Peaceful Future’. In her presentation she focused  on children imagining a peaceful future .  She described Gandhi's philosophy  as a  lighthouse guiding us in the  stormy ocean of our times Second presentation was given by Mr. Akash Singh Thakur, Research Scholar, SSS, Central University of Gujarat. The title of his presentation was ‘Screening Harmony: Gandhi’s Idea of Peace As Solution in The Cinematic Sphere’.  His presentation was  divided into two parts. The first one  showcased  the problems due to advent of technology and  the second one viewing technology in form of cinema using Gandhi depicting solution to issues.The last presentation of the session was given by Prof. D John Chelladurai, Dean, Interdisciplinary Studies, MGM University, Aurangabad on ‘Envisioning a Sustainable Future’.  It was basically an attempt to find out the root of the challenges we face and the sustainable response  from the lens of Gandhi  The session was chaired by Dr. Sunil H. Ganatra, Professor, Institute of Science, Nagpur.

 

Overall, all the presentations, dialogue and discussions were well received by the participants and generated  a lot of interest and provided a new perspective on various themes . The Colloquium was an invaluable opportunity for the academicians, practitioners, researchers and youth to come together, reflect and discuss their perspectives in materializing the dream of peaceful and just society . The colloquium was a small and befitting step towards promoting   the vision of a non-violent and peaceful world. In the valedictory session, the delegates  shared their experiences and practical programmes that can be taken on the basis of discussions and deliberations in the course of two days .The colloquium ended note of hope  “we shall overcome" or  “ हम होंगे कामयाब".

  This report was prepared by  Dr. Rupesh Khubalkar  and it was presented at the valedictory session of the colloquium