An International Course on Gandhian Nonviolence: Theory and Application

Part A:  Rationale of the Programme

As the title suggests, the overall purpose of the course is to give its seekers orientation in the theoretical and practical dimensions of Nonviolence as explained and applied by Mahatma Gandhi in his personal and public life. However, the course content will not be limited to the Gandhian framework only; the examples and interpretations of other practitioners of nonviolence will also be relied upon. 

We know that the contemporary world is in turmoil. The chief characteristic of the contemporary world is violence; escalating and intensifying violence has become the key defining feature in public life and discourse. Terrorism and war on terrorism mark the worst manifestations of violence and has created a new discourse. Some of the sensitive people in the west even ask: Are we facing End –Time? The more pertinent question, of course, is how we address and get out of the vicious circle of violence. It is here that Gandhi steps in with his message of all-embracing nonviolence or ahimsa.

It is well known that there is a growing interest world-wide, particularly in the west, on Gandhi and his theory and practice of nonviolence. Peace activists are trying to understand Gandhian nonviolence in order to equip themselves better in their struggle for peace and justice. Many of them have expressed their desire to get a formal training in Gandhian nonviolence in India which would expose them not only to the life, philosophy and method of Gandhi but also to Indian social life and culture.

The duration of the course will be one semester i.e., four months - two months for theoretical input and two for gaining practical experience. Though GujaratVidyapith campus will serve as the main/central venue, the students will be taken out other Gandhian Institutions and Ashrams in partial fulfilment of the course requirement. The details of such visits and stay will be worked out from time to time by the Course Coordinator and will be communicated to the students at the beginning of the course. 

To Know more about course click here : http://www.gujaratvidyapith.org/intcrsgn.htm