We should have physical distancing and not social distancing: Salony Priya
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti organised an E-workshop on “Mental Health Proactivity during Pandemic” on May 17, 2021. Dr. Salony Priya, Director Ummed Counselling and Consulting Services and Consultant, Centre for Cultural Research and Training (CCRT) New Delhi conducted the workshop that was attended by almost 123 participants.
During the workshop she spoke about wellness, stress management and life style changes and said that “Fear, worry and stress are normal responses to perceived or real threats, and at times when we are faced with uncertainty or the unknown”, so it is normal and understandable that people are experiencing fear in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has brought drastic and dramatic changes into our lives”.
This she said was because of the uncertainties of unemployment, job loss, home schooling of children and lack of physical contact with our family members, friends and colleagues, for which it is important that we “Look after our mental, as well as our physical health”.
Going in detail of the necessity of good mental health, which she said needs an “Investment”, Ms. Salony Priya said that “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being and affects how we think, feel and act”, for which she stressed on what she termed as “The need of the hour for physical distancing and not social distancing”.
She further... Read More

Hon’ble Union Minster of State for Culture and Tourism and Vice-Chairman Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti Shri Pahlad Singh Patel launched the online portal “Covid Seva”, covidseva.gandhismriti.gov.in, a digital initiative by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, to ensure respite to people during the Covid Pandemic.
GSDS had decided to create a dashboard with help of its old partner Mr Manish and his team in M/s Bhuma Infotech and Mr Sachhidanand Swamy from M/s Invoxel. The dashboard is for providing information on: 1) Oxygen Supply; 2) Hospitalization; 3) Ambulance; 4) Food; and 5) Plasma Donation to the needy.
Several groups of GSDS staffs have been formed who are engaged in collection of data, verification of data and dissemination of information in the Dashboard and to the needy who are directly sending their requirement to the GSDS.
Mr Rohitasv Singh (HR Hero MotoCorp), Ms Richa (Operations Head and HR at Excelsoft); Mr. Dharam Rakshit (Head HR for Hermoto); Mr. Ajay Prasad (HR Professional), Mr. Hardayal Khushwaha, (founder, Bargad, NGO); Mr Pawan Jha (freelancer), and others have extended support to GSDS voluntarily.
Besides, 65 volunteers are working in the helpline and with the verification process. Six supervisors are re-verifying data before uploading. Ten computer experts are working on other different issues.
On the GSDS user-friendly dashboard, http://covidseva.gandhismriti.... Read More

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti organised the seventh e-dialogue on “Mediation” with the Nigerian expert mediator Mr. Chijioke Nnanna Ibeku on April 22, 2021. Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer GSDS coordinated the interactive dialogue. Speaking at the dialogue, Mr. Ibeku focussed Mediation is constructive process. It involves change in mindsets. There has to be community mediation, where the mediator must ensure that the dispute or differences does not escalate beyond the normal. There is a need to create ‘Community Peace Ambassadors’ whose prime role would be to resolve conflicts in communities.

GSDS Programme Officer, Dr Vedabhyas Kundu introduced the Gandhian model of Nonviolent Communication to counter the menace of Hate Speech on April 16, 2021. Prof. Juan Pedro Universidad Complutenses de Madrid, Spain moderated the discussion at the E-Dialogue on Countering Hate Speech through Nonviolent Communication in association with Universidad Complutenses de Madrid, Spain which was second in the series of discussions that GSDS is organizing both at the national and international level.

Gandhi Study Circle, Miranda House of University of Delhi and Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti jointly organised an on-line orientation programme and certificate course on “Non-Violent Communication” on April 30, 2021. Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer, GSDS conducted the interactive training programme. He applauded the efforts of the Gandhi Study Circle of Miranda House for their proactive role in providing aid to COVID 19 patients/attendants.
During the training programme, Dr. Vedabhyas outlined the powerful tool of non-violent communication (NVC) in resolving disputes and conflicts. Talking about compassion and appreciation, he said that NVC helps connect and engage with not only oneself, but their families, friends and the society. He also outlined the basic pillar of Gandhian NVC such as mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance and further necessitated the need for avoiding stereotypes, use of appropriate language, not being judgemental and most importantly developing the power of empathy.

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti in association with Delhi International School Edge (DISE), Dwarka, Delhi organised an orientation workshop on “Peer Mediation” on April 29, 2021. Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer GSDS conducted the interactive workshop with almost 77 participants. Shri Rajdeep Pathak, Programme Executive, GSDS moderated the session.
Sh. Abhishek Tiwari and Ms. Himanshi Sharma students of the school led the interaction by presenting several situations which called for applying various techniques for resolving disputes, arguments amongst friends and family. They shared their own experiences during the workshop, which Dr. Vedabhyas correlated with different model, techniques and processes of mediation and conflict resolution. Ms. Anubhuti Tripathi, a teacher of the school also spoke and interacted and shared her experiences.
Dr. Vedabhyas spoke about skills such as trust; ‘active listening’, ‘patience’’; ‘compassion’; ‘impartiality’; ‘helping attitude’; ‘collaborative and cooperative’ approach and said that these are the skills that one can harness well to be a good mediator. He said that a mediator has to have a reconciliatory approach and have to respect both the parties.
Earlier, Ms. Anubha Srivastava, Principal of DISE said that “Our life styles have to be redefined and mediators could help become a bridge between two parties in resolving their differences”.

In order to act as a bridge between the patients/attendants and different service providers, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti started a WhatsApp helpline for verified information on oxygen cylinders, hospital beds, food for patients, vaccination and medicines for COVID-19. This was set up on April 28, 2021. Volunteer team members from IT have also joined this cause and are extending support to the Samiti in this noble cause for humanity. The verified data for different resources will attempt to address issues of people across the society. A dashboard is also being developed in this direction. Teams have been formed under the supervision of Director GSDS, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan who are carrying out their work.

A meeting was organised by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS) with the officials and staff of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Regional Centre-2 on April 24, 2021 to discuss on the forthcoming GSDS-IGNOU lecture series that is being initiated as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mohatsav.
During the meeting it was discussed on the different areas and subjects on which the lecture would be organised. A presentation was also made by Shri Gulshan on the suggested topics that could form part of the lecture series.
Going by the present pandemic and people who are under mental stress, it was agreed upon to launch the lecture series with Human Interconnectedness and Happiness as the first subject.

A planning meeting on developing a certificate course on “Community Mediation” was organised by GSDS chaired by Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director GSDS on April 12, 2021 with the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL) to develop a course on ‘Community Mediation’. The aim is to conduct a series of dialogue on ‘Mediation’ with NUSRL, besides organising regular e-workshops. The Vice-Chancellor of NUSRL, Prof. Kesava Rao took part in the discussion. Faculty members of NUSRL and GSDS officials took part in the meeting.

Reputation of teachers in villages still exists: Dipanker Shri Gyan
As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mohatsav’, the Samiti initiated a dialogue on different aspects of ‘Mediation’ and the ‘Role of Mediation in making Villages Dispute Free’. In his endeavour, a webinar was organised with the teachers of Rajkiya Buniyadi Vidyalaya, Brindavan Ashram, West Champaran on April 10, 2021 on “Making villages dispute free for peaceful development of village”. The webinar was moderated by Shri Rajdeep Pathak.
Initiating the discussion, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan mentioned that for any development, peace and solidarity is necessary. More than anything else, it is equanimity or sameness that is essential for development to take place.
Citing many examples of where conflict or disputes can hinder development, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan based his thoughts on his personal experiences of almost twenty two years’ working closely with various administration machineries in different areas of the government both at the centre and the states. He said that unless there is one thought, one common ground and unanimous decision, development cannot take place, but said that even if there some dispute arises, the people of the village, instead of stretching it further, must sit with the administration and point the lacunae for its rectification.
“Sometimes petty issues which may take the shape of serious consequences can and should be sorted out by... Read More

As part of the celebrations to mark the 91st anniversary of the historic Dandi March and the 75 years of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mohatsav, GSDS in association with Rajkiya Buniyadi Vidyalaya Brindaban School at West Champaran organised a seminar on “Satyagraha and Swaraj” on March 12, 2021 at Brindaban, Champaran, Bihar. Shri Sanjay Jaiswal, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Bihar and Hon'ble Member of Bihar Legislative Assembly Shri Umakant Singh were the distinguished guests on the occasion. Teachers and students of the school that was established by Mahatma Gandhi took part in the programme very enthusiastically.
A padyatra was also taken out by the teachers and students of the school to Bapu Kutir. Shri Sanjay Jaiswal and Shri Umakant Singh led the yatra.

Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind virtually inaugurated the bronze statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Ram Manohar Lohia and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya at Belatal Damoh on March 7, 2021. The statues have been sculpted by eminent sculptor Padmashri Shri Ram Sutar and Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti initiated the making of the statues and their installation too.
The hon’ble President also inaugurated the conservation works at Singorgarh Fort in Damoh district at Madhya Pradesh, and laid the foundation stone for the conservation works of Singorgarh Fort in Singrampur village of Damoh district in Madhya Pradesh. He further inaugurated the newly carved Jabalpur Circle of Archaeological Survey of India. Hon’ble Madhya Pradesh Governor Her Excellency Smt Anandi Ben Patel, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) and Vice-Chairperson GSDS, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Steel Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Madhya Pradesh Minister for Tribal Affairs Department Shri Meena Singh Mandwe and Minister for Urban Development and Housing Department Shri Bhupendra Singh were also present on this occasion.
The hon’ble President also addressed the State Level Tribal Conference at Singrampur village in Damoh. The program was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and the Tribal Affairs Department of Madhya Pradesh. Shri Ram Nath Kovind also paid floral tributes at the statue... Read More

Mediation is a process of negotiation which includes a third party. This third party could be a professional mediator, it could be another person, it could be a group of people or even an institution which is involved in such a dispute. Mediation can happen both at personal level as well as institutional level. This way is shaped by one’s own philosophy, educational background and how one has been formed into a mediator. In order to be a mediator, one needs to let go of many unwanted things in this process.
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti organised a five-part series of “Dialogue on Mediation” with both national and international experts. Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer, GSDS and Ms. Mansi Sharma from Punjab University took part in the discussion and also moderated the session.
• Series I – Specialist in Alternative Mechanisms for Conflict Resolution from Peru, Mr. Gustavo Anay Centeno and TEDx Speaker and expert on Peace and Conflict Studies, Ms. Elizabeth Katherine Gararra from Japan were the speakers on February 6, 2021.
Sharing their perspectives, Gustavo said: “As a specialist in the field of mediation I have travelled to different parts of Latin America and I have observed that in order to mediate you don’t necessarily need to be a lawyer or be within the legal field”, adding, “Mediators are the middle part and with active listening they can really get to understand people’s needs at much deeper level. A good mediator is one that really... Read More

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti joined hands with Gandhi Global Foundation in felicitating Padma Shri awardee Dr. Kailash Madbaiya on February 27, 2021 in Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat. Shri Gulshan Gupta, North East Coordinator of GSDS felicitated Dr. Kailash Madbaiya at a ceremony in which General Secretary of Gandhi Global Foundation Shri Hardayal Kushwaha, senior journalist Mahendra Yadav and others were also present.
Speakers at the function while speaking of Dr. Kailash Madbaiya mentioned on how he had revived Bundeli literature despite all his administrative engagements, which they felt is incomparable, and an inspiration to lovers of Hindi dialects.
A tree plantation programme was also organised on the occasion where Mr. Madbaiya planted a tree in the memory of the freedom fighters Chandrashekhar Azad and Sant Ravidas ji.
Among others who were present on the occasion included: social worker and convenor of Bundelkhand Development Council Shri Adish Kumar Jain, Director of the program convenors Shri Rashid Ahmad Mansuri, Shri Sandeep Mandwagadhi and Shri Rahul Singh. Pali Culture Foundation President Narottam Ranariddh Kushwaha was also present.

GSDS observed the 77th death anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi on February 22, 2021 in association with Tihar Prisons CJ-4 and Inner Wheel Club of Delhi Achievers involving inmates who paid tributes to luminaries of the freedom struggle – Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhawe through their paintings. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Manju Aggarwal at CJ-4. 48 inmates from CJ-4 School of Arts took part in the programme.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) , SRCASW, a flagship program of MHRD and departments of English and Biochemistry in association with Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti is organizing 'MUDITA' - Workshop on ‘Peer Mediation: An Approach to Constructive Dispute Resolution on February 18, 2021. The main objective of this dialogue was to develop meditation capabilities amongst young people and ensure harmonious transformation of relationships. The eminent speakers of the workshop included: Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer, GSDS; Mr. Gulshan Gupta, North-east Coordinator, GSDS.
Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu during his interaction asked them about the conflicts they face and how they resolved them. Then he explained the importance of peer mediation and how to effectively be a peer mediator. He also discussed the qualities that are necessary for a peer mediator. He very beautifully linked non-violence and peer mediation.
Mr. Gulshan Gupta in his presentation said that mediation is also only possible when the other parties want to mediate. Also, he explained how one can help when situations are such that one cannot act as a mediator due to age differences like between children and parents. He also said that sometimes we need to give the parties time and space to sort things out instead of actively resolving.

GSDS in association with team of doctors from UPHC Daryaganj organised a health awareness camp at Rajghat Bus Depot No 1, Rajghat for the DTC mechanics. 51 RTPCR tests were conducted on February 3, 2021. Dr. Manju Aggarwal coordinated this event on behalf of GSDS.

14. The fifth international e-dialogue on “Revisiting Gandhian Ethics in Contemporary Era” was organised by GSDS on January 18, 2021. Speakers at the dialogue included: Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti who delivered the welcome address; Smt. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, former Vice-Chairperson GSDS who delivered the special address and Dr. Vidya Jain, Convener, Nonviolence Commission, International Peace Research Association (IPRA). Prof. Lester R. Kurtz, Professor of Public Sociology at George Mason University, U.S.A delivered the key note address. The session also saw two young speakers – Ms. Yen Phoebe Mok Hsin from Soka University, Japan and Shri Vidur Bharatram, Photographer and Film Maker share their perspectives. Dr. N Radhakrishnan, Gandhian thinker, peace-activist, educator and author and Former Director, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti chaired the session.
In his key note address, Prof. Lester Kurtz, speaking on Gandhian Ethics: A Sociological Perspective, points out at the ethical paradoxes or opposites. For example, Gandhi was a warrior for justice, pacifist and non-violent activist. He brought ‘Cultural Revolution’ through nonviolent constructive work. Some of the interesting paradoxes drawn by Mr. Kurtz include the dimensions of warrior-pacifist, spiritual-material, traditional-modern, rights-duties, individual-collective, ethics-economics, theory-practice, means-ends and resist and construct. He points out that Gandhi’... Read More

1. “Gandhiji said that my patriotism originates from my religion. I will understand my religion and become a good patriot and inspire others to do the same.” This was said by Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat. Shri Bhagwat was speaking on the occasion of the release of the book 'Making of a Hindu Patriot' organized at Gandhi Darshan at Rajghat on January 1, 2021. Authored by Dr. Jitendra Kumar Bajaj and Prof. M D Srinivas, the book has been published by Centre for Policy Studies in association with Har Anand Publishers. Dr. Mohan Bhagwat released the book containing 1043 pages on the occasion. Speaking to an august gathering that included scholars, academicians, social thinkers, Dr. Bhagwat said that Gandhiji had expressed his views about religion and said that my religion is the religion of all religions, that is, the religion that carries all religions together is my religion.

2. Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti in association with Women’s Peace Builders Network, Cameroon organised a webinar on “Enhancing Conflict Competence through Nonviolent Communication” on January 11, 2021. The programme was chaired by Ms. Adah Mbah Muyang, Coordinator, Women’s Peace-builders Network. Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer GSDS delivered the key note address.
In his address, Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu said that when we use Nonviolent Communication (NVC) for conflict resolution, the results are often transformative and long lasting. He also focussed on developing strong... Read More

The Samiti organized an on-line lecture on “Come, Let Us Practice Nonviolent Communication” in Herat Afghanistan in association with Children’s Peace Builders Forum Afghanistan on December 15, 2020. Ms. Maleeka Hussaini and Ms. Fatima Haldari from Herat’s Children’s Peace Builders Forum, Afghanistan took part in the webinar that was conducted by Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer, GSDS. The E-workshop focused on integrating nonviolent communication in conflict regions and how young people can use their conflict competencies through NVC.

GSDS staff offered condolence to hon’ble Mr. Justice Vikramaditya Prasad retired Judge of High Court of Jharkhand on December 28, 2020 at a condolence meeting organized in Gandhi Darshan. Justice Vikramditya died on December 28 at the age of 78 in Ranchi. Well-known for his oratory skills, Justice Vikramaditya Prasad recently delivered the key-note address at a webinar on the 71st anniversary of the Constitution of India on “Influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Constitution of India” organized by the GSDS in association with National University of Study and Research in Law Ranchi on November 26, 2020. A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Family members of Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director GSDS and son on Justice Vikramaditya Prasad also joined the meeting virtually from Ranchi.

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti in association with Inner Wheel Club of Delhi...Civil lines Achievers, Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad North provided 350 set of warmers to the inmates in Central Jail No 4, Tihar Prisons on December 23,2020. Director GSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, former D.G. Tihar Prisons Smt Vimla Mehra, Inner Wheel Club Delhi Civil lines President Ms. Renu Grover , Achievers President' Smt Bindu K Sangal, Secretary Ms. Anu Nagpal along with GSDS Tihar Coordinator Dr Manju Aggarwal, Programme Executive Shri Rajdeep Pathak, Shri Raj Kumar Superintendent CJ 4; Shri Rajesh Chauhan, Superintendent CJ 1&7, Deputy Superintendent Shri Manmohan, Welfare Officer Shri P. L. Meena and Warder Shri Amarjeet were present on the occasion. Face masks were also distributed during the programme.

As part of the GSDS Peace and Nonviolent Lecture series, the Samiti organized a lecture on “How Nonviolent is Gandhi’s Nonviolence”? on December 18, 2020. Padma Bhushan Lord Bhikhu Parekh delivered the online lecture that was chaired by Prof. Vidya Jain, Convener, Nonviolence Commission, and International Peace Research Association.
Sharing his view on the subject, Lord Bhikhu Parekh spoke of South Africa which was a turning point in Gandhi’s life and said that it confronted him with many unusual experiences and challenges, and profoundly transformed him. “During his 21 years in South Africa, Gandhi’s ways of thought and life underwent important changes. Indeed the two became inseparable for him. Thought came to have no meaning for him unless it was lived out, and life was shallow unless it reflected a carefully thought-out vision of life. Every time Gandhi came across a new idea, he asked if it was worth living up to” and added, “After his arrival in India, Gandhi thought that the method of satyagraha that he had developed in South Africa was India’s best hope. For Gandhi the well-planned Satyagrahas and the Constructive Programme, especially the latter, held the key to India’s moral regeneration and political independence”.

Government Degree College Kargil under the aegis of the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, in association with GSDS organized an on-line workshop on “Preservation and Promotion of Ladakhi Art and Craft” on December 11, 2020. Almost 68 participants took part in the workshop. 30 girl students engaged in training and production of ethnic Ladakhi crafts likes shawls, embroidery items, decorative items, traditional knitted wear products, etc. took part in the workshop and demonstrated their crafts for the promotion and preservation of indigenous craft. The speakers included: Dr. Javed I Naqui, Coordinator, Kargil Crafts Skill Centre; Shri Bishwajit Singh, Project Head, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushal Yojana; Ms. Tashi Yanskit, Senior Artisa, Ladakhi Traditional Dress; Ms. Aqila Akhtar, Young Craft Trainer and Entrepreneur, Kargil, Ms. Rahima Khatun, Secretary Nari O Sishu Kalya Kendra, Howrah, West Bengal, Smt. Geeta Shukla, Research Officer GSDS and Ms. Roopa Rawat, In-Charge Srijan GSDS. Shri Basant Singh, Former Advisor, GSDS was special guest on the occasion as an expert assessor.
Initiating the discussion, Dr. Javed I Naqui spoke of the initiative of the college in the promotion of the traditional art and craft.
Welcoming the delegation, Smt. Geeta Shukla briefed the gathering about the different initiatives of the GSDS towards promotion of skill amongst youth. She highlighted the Government of India’s... Read More