An on-line lecture on "Non Violent Communication" was organized on May 18, 2021 by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti in association with the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti Bhasha University, Lucknow. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer, GSDS, New Delhi, in which he informed the students of the university about the importance of non-violent communication during the COVID-19 era. The University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Anil Kumar Shukla was the chief guest in the program.
In his welcome address, Prof. Shukla said that it is very important to consider this subject in today's circumstances. He gave the example of Sanskrit hymn मनसा, वाचा, कर्मणा (thought, word and deed) and said that the importance of speaking sweet speech is also mentioned in Indian scriptures. He said that it is necessary for media students to understand the difference between 'sympathy' and 'empathy' so that they can produce good news.
Dr. Kundu in his address underlined that non-violent communication will not only help them to become a good journalist but will also help in building a good personality. He reflected on the five fundamental principles of non-violence stated by Gandhiji - respect, mutual understanding, acceptance, appreciation and compassion and said that we need to purify our thoughts so that we can bring change into the life of others.
He explained the twelve main elements of this communication and advised the students to have positive thinking and self-determination and said that that if we all try to adopt this aspect of communication in our personality, then it will help us overcome many adversity.
Dr. Vedabhyas further laid emphasis on establishing a ‘communication ecosystem’ and said, “the challenge is how our communication ecosystem becomes a source of positive coexistence and creation of values”, adding, “Only when we get immersed in words that heals, and encourage constructive dialogues, then human beings can become truly human”.
In conclusion, he advised everyone to create a 'gratitude journal' and 'anger journal' to fight their negative thoughts.
The programme was conducted by Dr. Ruchita Sujai Chaudhary, Subject In-Charge, Journalism and Mass Communication Department. Prof. Syed Hyder Ali, Convener Student Welfare of the college proposed the vote of thanks. The interactive session was moderated by Dr. Ruchita.