As a part of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Samiti has started an initiative “In the Path of Mahatma Gandhi” to reach out to different sections of the society – both within the country and globally to propagate the message of the Mahatma.
In this context, the Samiti had a cultural program – Music for Peace in collaboration with the Embassy of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to India at Gandhi Smriti on November 13, 2019. The dignitaries included: His Excellency Mr. Juan Cortaz Rojas, the Bolivian Ambassador to India, Shri Laxmi Dass, the EC Member of GSDS, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director, GSDS, Mr. Ricardo Calla, former Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs (BOLIVIA), and Madam Jenny Cardenas with her musical troupe- Capihuaras form Bolivia. Children from Gaurs International School and Blue Bells School, Gurugram took part in the programme.
The relevance of the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi in the contemporary world especially, in the international realm was the key agenda of the programme.
The message of peace was in the lyrics of the songs sung and composed by Madam Jenny who shared her experience of losing her father and the grand-father who were the soldiers in the Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay. She also expressed her deepest concern over Non- Violence in modern times and how the two countries settle to the foundation.
The former minister of Bolivia, Mr. Ricardo mentioned the Gandhian movement of Non-violence towards climate change followed back home and the importance of Charka, “loom” to symbolize economic development. Besides, His Excellency emphasized the power of music which in the event showcased the impact of war on the civilians of Bolivia.