Date: 02-10-2021
The United Nations observes International Day of Non-Violence every year on 2nd October, which is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On this day people honor the universal significance of the concept of non-violence with an aim to secure a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding. The day is observed across the world to spread the message of non- violence. The University Institute of Humanities (SBBSU), commemorated this solemn day by organizing a guest lecture on the subject. The resource person invited was, Dr. Rakesh Bawa, Department of History, G.N. Khalsa College, Daroli Kalan, Jalandhar. Dr. Aneet Kumar, Dean, UIE, presided over the event. Mr. Devinder Singh, Associate Professor, started the proceedings by welcoming the guest, the faculty members and students. He delved briefly on the concept of non-violence and the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi. He then invited the guest speaker to give his address.
Dr. Bawa began by showing, through examples, how the concept of non-violence has been part of Indian philosophical and religious narrative; as examples he referred to the teachings of Gautama Buddha and Lord Mahavira. However, it was Mahatma Gandhi who realized its potential for achieving socio-political goals. He began his experiments in Africa where he raised his voice against racial discrimination. That one incident at Pietermaritzburg railway station in 1893 marked the beginning of an epochal journey that would rewrite the geo-politics of our sub- continent. Dr. Bawa stressed upon the fact that M.K. Gandhi began by targeting the violence and obscurantist practices that prevailed in the Indian society in various forms: untouchability, casteism, child marriage, suppression of women etc. It is only a just society that can fight injustice. He made an interesting point when he told the students that violence can be both, in our actions as well as in our thoughts; and both are equally reprehensible. He ended his talk by listing the names of world personalities who were influenced by the concept of non-violence. A few questions were asked by students and faculty which were deftly answered by the speaker.
The customary thanksgiving was performed by Dr. Mandeep Singh, Deputy Dean. He also thanked the students and teachers for patiently sitting through the session. He appreciated Ms. Paramjit Kaur (AP) and Ms. Priyanka (AP) for making the necessary arrangements for the event. After the event the faculty members shared a cup of tea with the guests in the Dean’s office.
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