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Centre for Social Studies, Surat
17-18 July 2004
When
Gandhi returned from South Africa in the early part of the 20th
century and took over the leadership of the anti-colonial struggle,
his ideals of freedom were unique and original. He saw the social
life of the country mired in deep evils. Hence, he gave priority to
social reform along with the fight for freedom. So he created
organisations of constructive workers to fight for social change.
Since Gujarat was his native place he started such activities from
here. This explains why there are more than 500 organisations wedded
to Gandhian constructive activities with the aim of introducing
fundamental social changes for long-term benefits. There are
Ashramshalas, Utter-buniadi Shalas, Vishwa Vidyapeeths
(Universities), several NGOs in the field of education and
agriculture, with a very catholic ideology and comprehensive outlook.
All these bear the imprint of Gandhi.
Gandhi
never handled any issue in isolation - he believed that every
phenomenon is determined by several social and economic forces, and
struggle for change could not afford to ignore these. While working
on education, one could not ignore poverty, untouchability and the
issue of communal amity. Given the multiplicity of cultures, caste
and communal divisions in Indian society, Gandhi laid special
emphasis on these issues. In the Indian context, secularism meant
Equal respect for all religions. This meaning was the result of the
long-term vision of Gandhi and Nehru. ‘Respect for all religions'
or Sarv Dharm Sambav was an important component in his
programmes - as reflected in his book ‘Constructive Programmes-
Its Secret and Its Place' published in 1941.
Gandhi was clear in
setting goals; he knew that cultural multiplicity and deep religious
traditions made peaceful co-existence an essential precondition for
liberation. Impressed as he was by the ideal of ‘unto the last'
his main focus was on the weakest of weak. This, he thought, could be
made possible with internal harmony and inner faith of individuals.
So the slogan of attaining complete Independence through Truth and
Non-violence is the core of his philosophy. For this he believed that
peace has to be deep-rooted and not superficial. Non-violence
therefore, was not a physical concept but was combined with social
justice and economic equality. So Gandhian thought aimed at a social
system based on equality.
The diabolical events of
Gujarat 2002 shook all sensitive and thinking citizens. In the face
of these monstrous and horrible events, they feel dumbstruck and
helpless. This is a natural reaction. Along with the communal fumes
and fires in Gujarat, if you look at the horrifying events in the
whole country you find that there are large-scale incidents of social
discrimination, economic exploitation and insecurity. Amidst the din
of praise on NEP and globalization, the condition of deprived
sections has become intolerable. Universal social and human values
are being eroded. Quick economic return and consumerism are the order
of the day. Universal social values have been replaced by profit and
market oriented material gains. The state remains a mute spectator
and collaborator in this sorry state of affairs.
The concerned citizens
are much perturbed at the turn of events. Voluntary organizations
enjoy a special status in civil society. Gandhian orgnizations wedded
to constructive programmes and those that aim at human values hold
great significance. In the context of what happened in 2002 in
Gujarat, Gandhian ideals and constructive programmes can play a
significant role in restoring communal peace and harmony. We have
seen the communal violence in the context of the overall social
strife and instability. Several Gandhians have stepped up efforts in
this direction. In the present situation of social instability and
economic insecurity, these Gandhian institutions could be
torchbearers. To address this scenario, we propose to hold a workshop
of Gandhian constructive workers, thinkers and concerned citizens in
a meaningful dialogue.
We propose to hold the
workshop on the 17-18 July 2004, at the
Centre for Social Studies, Surat. We hope to interact with
frankness and full freedom. Our focus will be - the role of Gandhian
activities and organizations in bringing about a free and just civil
society.
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