Gandhis Philosophy of Satyagraha and the Present Day of Political Crisis

(A brief statement of the focus and the central theme of the Seminar) Mahatma Gandhi now known as the greatest person of the twentieth Century and the Man of the Millennium, has become much more relevant in the present context on account of his conviction and his unfailing faith in eternal values like truth and nonviolence, his faith in the goodness, purity and nobility of means or methods, humility and patience, religious tolerance and Satyagraha. Gandhi decided to fight against racial discrimination, imperialism, discrimination, exploitation and all kinds of injustices and atrocities on weaker sections of the society from the day he was thrown out of the 1st Class compartment of the train at Pietermaritzburg in South Africa in 1893. Gandhi discovered the moral weapon of Satyagraha to fight against social, political and economic injustices. He determined to apply non-violent methods. He created history when he organized and motivated the people to offer Satyagraha on September 11, 1906 in Johannesburg in South Africa. On this very day, more than 3000 people met at the Imperial Theatre under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Sheth Haji Habib delivered his maiden speech under the supervision and guidance of Gandhi as he had convened that meeting to register non-violent opposition to the Transvaal Government Gazette of August 22, 1906 which had published a draft of an ordinance requiring all Indians men, women and children over eight years of age to register with the authorities, submit to finger prints and accept a certificate which they were to carry out with them at all times. A person who failed to register and leave his fingerprints lost, his right of residence could be cancelled and he or she could be fined, imprisoned or deported from Transvaal. The unregistered marriages were declared illegal and their children were considered illegitimate. However, Gandhi fought successfully against that unjust law and he lived out his principle in his own life from September 11, 1906 till his last day of life, i.e., 30th January, 1948. The year 2006 was the Centenary year of Satyagraha which reminded us the greatest contribution of the Bapu for the goodness and welfare of the mankind as a whole. Today, the incidents of violence are increasing in every sphere of our life day by day and in fact during a study from UNODC that the unregulated arms trade and trafficking, especially of small arms and light weapons causing more than 200,000 deaths every year all around the world. These arms, used either by common or organized crime, or in the context of armed conflicts, cause deaths that are preventable. The relationships between man are becoming bad to worse. Atrocities on women are such which cannot be explained. The atmosphere is full of rage, constant fear, tensions, anger, jealously and revenge. The many countries of the World are in the mad race of nuclear weapons. The basic reason behind all these problems is that we have forgotten the eternal values for which Gandhi lived and died. The need of the hour is to inculcate the highest virtues amongst the youth of today because they are not taught these principles and teachings at any levels starting from home, school, college, university or at any other social or political
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institutions. Accordingly, it is very important and significant to discuss Gandhian teachings, principles or thoughts and assess their need, efficacy and efficiency to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. The 20th Century proved to be the bloodiest Century causing a great loss to people and property. In this respect Gandhi has become more relevant and his thoughts inevitable because of his holistic approach to solve our day to day problems. As a matter of fact Gandhi belongs to the whole humanity. The more we see the organized hatred amidst us in this world, and more we are reminded of him. The world has no alternative but to accept him and remould our human society on the values he reminded us of as old as the Himalayas in his own words. However, man having becoming the biggest killer on this earth, has compelled us to think and discuss Gandhis view of non-violence in larger perspective so that man could become civilized in the coming days. Hence, here lies the importance to organize a National Seminar on Gandhi to discuss the present problems and to find out their all-time solutions to meet the present challenges including corruption alongwith applying the practical aspect of the Satyagraha. We welcome paper, poster and panel proposals from all Gandhian & Peace researchers related to the following aspects. Interested participants have the opinion of suggesting new panels or sessions too. Sub-themes mentioned above are only indicative. Participants can opt a precise title related to the broad theme of the Seminar. The major aspects for discussion would be as under: I (i) Gandhis Satyagraha: A Philosophy and Method of Conflict Resolution (ii) Satyagraha As an Art and a Science in Making (iii) Satyagraha and Social Change (iv) Gandhis Approach to World Peace and Communal Harmony II. Present Day Political Crisis: The Corruption and Chaos (i) Religion and Politics/Spiritualization of Politics (ii) Politics, Corruption and the Gandhian way out Guidelines for abstract/paper submission The abstract of paper (maximum 600 words) and full paper not more than 8000 words should be typed in MS word 12 points font, New Times Roman, 1.5 spaces on A4 size paper. Abstract and full paper may be sent on e-mail by 15th February, 2014. Hard copy of the same may be sent by post on the address given below along with the registration form duly filled in. Note: 1. The delegates will not be paid any TA/DA for participating in the Seminar. 2. Time allotted for paper presentations would be 10 15 minutes. 3. The delegates, who want to stay are requested to intimate the Organizing Secretary by 15th February, 2014 so that comfortable arrangements for boarding and lodging can be made. We look forward to welcome you at the Seminar. With warm regards, Postal Address: Dr. Manish Sharma, Chairperson, Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies, Panjab University, Sector-14, Chandigarh -160014 (INDIA) E-mail: gps@pu.ac.in, manish@pu.ac.in, manishwebworld@yahoo.com Mobile No. +91-9417454607
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Registration Form NATIONAL SEMINAR ON Gandhis Philosophy of Satyagraha and the Present Day of Political Crisis from 23rd to 24th February, 2014 Name: Prof./ .. Designation: ......... Department: Chinese and Tibetan Languages. University/Institution .Panjab University...... Title of the Paper. ............................................. Name of Co-author/s (if any) .... Address for Correspondence... . .. ......................................................................................... Contact Details: Phone No. +91...... Mob.No.+91-... E-mail ID : . Accommodation required : ..NO. (please specify the dates)N/A

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