Team of Doctors led by Dr. Sunil Minj, In-charge UPHC Daryaganj, conducted the Rapid Antigen and RTPCR tests for the Dharam Gurus and the GSDS officials. The results of 20 persons who were conducted the tests was negative.

GSDS in association with Lupin Human Welfare Organisation Rajasthan and Mahila Vikas Sansthan Basantpur, Chhapra, Bihar distributed the COVID safety kits to the doctors at the city hospital. Social worker Shri Viswas Gautam coordinated the distribution programme on behalf of the GSDS. Dr. Madeshwar Jha Civil Surgeon received the PPE kits, face masks, gloves and oximeter on December 4, 2020.

December 22, 2020
The Individual is a Mobile Institution and has to continuously introspect: Laxmi Dass
“Organisations should be flexible. Every individual has to be independent in their functioning. This was the message of Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhawe who had laid impetus on individual development of the workers for their overall growth”, said Shri Laxmi Dass. He further added, “Every organization has to be self-dependent organization, with faith in the God. They have to realize that they have a greater role towards the welfare of the society and have to depend on the established norms”.
Shri Laxmi Dass, Vice President Harijan Sevak Sangh and Executive Member GSDS was addressing a webinar while delivering the fourth Anupam Lecture series on the theme “Sansthain Narayan Parayan Bane” (Organisations must be oriented towards the greater common good) in Gandhi Darshan on December 22, 2020.
Addressing journalists, social thinkers, academicians and youth in the webinar, Shri Laxmi Dass said that many volunteer organisations have devoted their entire framework towards serving the society in areas of rural development, women empowerment, children and others. They have reached the interior parts of the country to serve the needy. “The role of these voluntary organisations is exemplary. Even where governments could not reach, there are many such organisations and people who have reached these most underdeveloped places and have worked towards... Read More

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti in association with The Catholic University of Malawi organized a webinar on “Why Nonviolent Communication – Matters for Peace Coexistence?” on November 12, 2020. Mrs. Chimwemwe Demetria Kandodo, Head Political Leadership, Department, The Catholic University of Malawi coordinated the event and presented her reflections. The key note address was delivered by Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer GSDS. Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director GSDS, delivered the welcome address. Ms Shuchi Sharma, an educator and life skills trainer and a Gandhian peace builder and programme trainer at the Global Education and Leadership Foundation conducted the session with the participants. Mr. Victor Alianse Chipofya, Gandhi Consultative Forum, Malawi moderated the webinar.
Citing examples of her interaction with hundreds of participants who had undergone the certificate course on non-violent communication of the Samiti and their understanding of the concepts and practical application of the course in their day-to-day life, Ms. Shuchi highlighted that nonviolent communication “Can be a useful tool to resolve interpersonal conflict, to explore what our feelings mean, to take accountability for our actions, to improve ourselves and the way we communicate”, for which she said that a person need to develop active listening skills and understand the need of others.

100 participants from the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh (ULAB) took part in a webinar during the launch of the On-Line Certificate Course on Nonviolent Communication organized by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti on November 19, 2020.
Initiating the discussion, Prof. Jude William R. Genilo, Professor and Head of MSJ-ULAB spoke about his organization and the value of tolerance the institution promotes. He said, “Tolerance is about opening one’s heart to others. It is about treating all humanely and goes with courage”. Terming non-violence communication as “compassionate and collaborative communication”, he further stressed on the importance of ‘negotiation and dialogue’. “The goal is to identify shared needs and being collectivistic, which develops cultural connectivity.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director GSDS spoke about the atrocities against the vulnerable groups and said that non-violent communication can address multiple issues of conflicts amicably.
Sharing inputs on the course, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan futher said that the course is aimed to understand the needs of others and engages the participants in tools for negotiation. Terming it a “Life-skill learners self capacity building programme”, he underlined the essence of engaging in dialogue and compassion.
Drawing references from the Indian and Western philosophies, Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer GSDS spoke of methods that improves interpersonal... Read More

As part of the celebrations to mark the 71st Constitution Day on November 26, 2020, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti organized the reading of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution in Hindi and English in both its campuses in Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat and Gandhi Smriti at Tees January Marg at 11.00 A.M. All the staff members joined in both the campuses during the ceremony.
In Gandhi Darshan, the Preamble was read in Hindi by Shri Praveen Dutt Sharma and the English text was read by Shri Rajdeep Pathak. Dr. Sailaja Gullapalli led the staff in Gandhi Smriti Prayer Ground in reading the Preamble.
Further the Preamble has also been depicted in the wall at the Gandhi Darshan complex in both the languages.

November 4, 2020: The focus of the lecture was on how to resolve conflicts through nonviolent communication. The talk focused on strategies of conflict resolution and the centrality of nonviolent communication in resolving disputes through win-win solutions.
November 11, 2020: The fourth lecture series with CBSE focused on Anger Management. Conducted by Shri Gulshan Gupta, North East Coordinator of GSDS programmes, the workshop focused on understanding the psychology behind anger and defusing anger. Discussions took place on various topics related to anger; from distinction between good and bad anger, to what are the factors that trigger anger more frequently in teenagers than in any other person. The audience also got to learn about the important implications of a few essential words like ego, knowledge, confidence, jealousy and most importantly success; striving to achieve one’s dreams and success is the key to distract oneself from rage and staying happy
November 18, 2020: The focus of the lecture was on understanding self through nonviolent communication. The focus was on techniques of being self-aware and how our self-talk and inner dialogue should be nonviolent in nature.

The Preamble constitutes the soul of the Constitution: Justice Vikramaditya Prasad
“Mahatma Gandhi is an experimental scientist who had his impact on every aspect of a person’s life and touched the soul of the nation when he reached out to the last person of the society”, said Justice (Retd) Shri Vikramaditya Prasad. He further added, “Mahatma Gandhi’s concern for persons who are in the last row of the society, helped the drafting members of the Constituent Assembly while drafting the Constitution of India”.
Justice Vikramaditya Prasad, who retired as a judge from the High Court of Jharkhand said this while delivering the key-note address at the webinar on “Influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Constitution of India” on November 26, 2020 organized by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS) in association with the Gandhi Peace Club of National University of Study in Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi as a celebration of the 71st Constitution Day.
Addressing a gathering of almost 79 students, volunteers, faculty members of NUSRL, lawyers and several other people who joined the webinar, Justice Vikramaditya Prasad said the impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts and vision can be seen reflecting in the Constitution of India, as Gandhiji’s ideas of all aspects of human life, from socialism, to sarvodaya, to welfare of women and other issues.
Informing that the first constitution drafted by Mahatma Gandhi was princely stately of Aundhia in Maharashtra, which had 72... Read More

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti hosted an online orientation progamme with Online University of Kyrgystan on “Nonviolent Communication” on October 20, 2020. The key speaker in this orientation programme was Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer, GSDS. The welcome address was given by Dr. Elira Turbudaeva, President, Online University. 63 participants from Kyrgistan and India joined the orientation program virtually. The webinar which was live-streamed in the GSDS Facebook page was had 632 viewership’s presence. The discourse was simultaneously translated in the local language. Describing various tenets of non-violent communication, Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu spoke of the communication process not just within ourselves, but with the outside world. He said that communication can either build or mar relationship.
Referring to the Buddha, Dr. Vedabhyas quoted, “Words have both the power to destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world”. Citing various examples and day-to-day activities, he further outlined the necessity of positive and non-violent communication for he said, “It can either spoil relationships or unite conflicting parties. It can offer wisdom and help to a friend or a stranger or offer abuse and perpetuate hatred and negativity”. Dr. Vedabhyas outlined seven sub-basic elements of non-violent communication – understanding self; learning to communicate with ourselves; constructive inner dialogue; practicing the habit of self-... Read More

As part of the Vigilance Awareness Week (October 27 to November 2), Director GSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan administered the vigilance awareness pledge to the GSDS staff members on October 29, 2020. The theme this year is “Vigilant India, Prosperous India”. Observance of Vigilance Awareness Week every year during the last week of October is taken up to encourage all stakeholders to collectively participate in the prevention of, and the fight against corruption and to raise public awareness regarding the existence, causes and gravity of and the threat posed by corruption.

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS) in collaboration with the Acharya Vinoba Bhave 125th Birth Celebration Citizen’s National Committee organized a virtual meeting on October 27, 2020 to discuss the modalities of celebrations to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of Acharya Vinoba Bhave. The meeting was moderated by Dr Sanjeev Kumar.
Initiating the discussing Prof N Radhakrishnan called for working out a sustainable framework that would pay a befitting tribute to the saint who marched to provide justice to the last person, working on the visions of Mahatma Gandhi.
Taking the discussing forward, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director GSDS presented a two-phased agenda for the 125th birth anniversary celebration of Acharya Vinoba Bhave. These are:
Phase I includes celebrations via seminars and workshops, far and wide in India to generate mass awareness on the life and philosophy of Acharya Vinoba Bhawe.
Phase II he proposed should be a more tangible effort that would be taken towards land reforms. According to him, “Our tribute to the pioneer of the Bhoodan and Gramdan movement will only be successful when we would be able to reach out different states, districts, and even villages through the Panchayats and promote the policies related to land. It should be our utmost responsibility to fulfil the dream of Vinobaji by creating a land-conflict-free society”.

Eight spinners from Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti participated in a charkha demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 2, 2020 in a programme hosted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on October 2, 2020 to highlight the message of simplicity and economic independence that Mahatma Gandhi aroused amongst the citizens during the freedom struggle. In total 16 portable spinning wheels were placed to educate and inform people about the thread spinning activity and its connection with Mahatma Gandhi during the programme.
The Samiti had also set up an exhibition of books on and by Mahatma Gandhi including various other GSDS publications during the programme. Representatives of the GSDS also taught visitors to spin on the charkha. The programme was coordinated by Smt. Geeta Shuka, Research Officer. Mr. Manish, Mr. Krishan, My Shyam Lal, Ms. Smita Bhan, Shri Ganesh, Shri Arun Saini and Ms. Neha Arora took part in the programme.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi offered rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhi Smriti on October 2, 2020 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and International Day of Non-Violence. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, as per MHA protocol, only 100 invitees attended the programme and paid their tribute to the Father of the Nation. Secretary Ministry of Culture, Shri Raghavendra Singh; Joint Secretary Ministry of Culture, Smt. Nirupama Kotru; granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi and former Vice-Chairperson GSDS, Smt. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee also remembered Gandhiji in their own solemn way. Representatives from various Embassies and High Commissions took part in the programme.
The evening prayer meet began by telecasting a short film by Doordarshan Kendra, which was followed by the telecast of an initiative by DDK and GSDS The Mahatma in Me (Mujh Me Hai Mahatma) wherein almost 200 video entries were received from across the country on people’s understanding of the life, message and philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi on four different categories. The 25-minute documentary featured change ideas from participants of different age groups, young and old besides how they have imbibed the ideals as espoused by Mahatma Gandhi in their daily life.
Inter-faith prayer by leaders from different religious groups such as Buddhism, Christian, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Judaism, Bahai, Shabad Kirtan marked the... Read More

As a culmination to the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, GSDS and Doordarshan collaborated together in a unique initiative from September 13-20, 2020 of inviting video entries from participants all across the country on their understanding of the enigmatic life of Mahatma Gandhi and how they have imbibed the Gandhian values in their lives. The programme in both Hindi and English entitled ‘Mujh Me Hai Mahatma’ and ‘The Mahatma in Me’ invited entries on any one of the following subjects – 1. How do I Practice Non-Violence in my Daily Life? 2. How do I contribute towards a culture a peace? 3. The most important Gandhian value which the world should follow today and 4. What is the most important thing I learnt from the life of Mahatma Gandhi?
Almost 200 entries were received as part of the initiative, for which the Doordarshan Kendra also made a promo of the same in their national network. The programme was launched on October 2, 2020 commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and was presented by the Doordarshan through its DD National and DD Bharati channels during the live telecast of the inter-faith prayer meeting from Gandhi Smriti on October 2.

The Samiti organised the ‘Hindi Pakhwara’ from September 14-28, 2020 in both the campuses of the GSDS – Gandhi Smriti and Gandhi Darshan respectively. On account of COVIC-19, on-line competitions such as Essay Writing on “Gandhi aur Hindi” and poetry writing “Rashtriya Ekta Ka Pratik Hindi” were organised in which the staff of the GSDS took active part.

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS) in association with Antar Rashtriya Sahayog Parishad (ARSP), Diaspora Research and Resource Centre (DRRC) organised a virtual international conference on “Mahatma Gandhi’s journey through Europe and Africa in the Shaping of his philosophy of Swaraj through Satyagraha” on September 12, 2020. Shri V Muraleedharan Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India was the chief guest on the occasion. 65 participants took part in the webinar that included speakers such as Smt. Ela Gandhi, Chairperson Gandhi Development Trust (Durban), South Africa who delivered the key note address; Amb. Virendra Gupta, President (ARSP); Amb. Anup Mudgal, Chairman, DRRC; Shri Dipanker Shru Gyan, Director GSDS in the inaugural session that was chaired by SHri Shyam Parande, Secretary General ARSP.
The second session was chaired by Amb. Anup Mudgal and had speakers such as Dr. Armoogum Parsuramen, Founder-President, Global Rainbow Foundation, Mauritius; Prof. Emeritys Satendra Nanda, Writer-Academic and former Fijian Parliamentarian and Cabinet Minister; Dr. Rajendran T. Govender, Social Coalition Advocate, Government of South Africa and Mr. Niroda Bramdaw, renowned journalist, author and publisher. Shri Narayan Kumar, Hon. Director ARSP and Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer GSDS were also present on the occasion.

As part of its initiative to provide COVID-19 safety kit to different parts of the country as per requirement, the Samiti on August 22, 2020 sent Covid safety kit with 10,000 cotton masks and 200 pieces of oximeter to Bhagalpur, Bihar. The kits are proposed for distribution to Munger, Baka, Bhagalpur and Jamui. Shri Mukund Milind coordinated the programme.

The Samiti in association with the Lupin Human Welfare Organisation, Bharatpur Rajasthan as part of its initiative towards providing Covid-19 safety kit to different parts of the country had sent kits to Bihar for distribution. These safety kits were distributed in a small function in Jamui Bihar on August 23, 2020. The distribution programme for the health workers and social workers was led by senior member of the Farmers and Fertilizer Production Organization Arjun Mandal. Several people including Dr. D K Dhusia, Medical Officer In-charge, Health Manager Shri Mahesh Ranjan were present on the occasion.

The COVID-19 safety kit by GSDS and Lupin Human Welfare Organiation was also distributed in Haveli Kharagpur District of Munger on August 30, 2020. Shri Basant Singh, former advisor to GSDS coordinated this initiative. PPE Kits, masks, oximeter, hand gloves, hand sanitizers, face shields were distributed amongst the villagers and health care workers in Teliadiah.

GSDS and Lupin Human Welfare Organisation distributed Covid-19 safety-kit was also distributed in different districts of Chattisgarh... Read More

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti on August 19, 2020 organized an e-webinar on Impact of Mahatma Gandhi in our Education Policy where Shri Vijoy Prakash, IAS (Retd.), and Prof. P. K. Mishra, IIT BHU addressed the gathering of almost 54 participants on “Entrepreneurship through Innovation for students of marginalized communities” and “From Lab to Land: Innovation and it’s practical implications in Educational Institutions: A Gandhian Approach”. The programme was moderated by Ms. Mansi Sharma who argued the need to build an ethical and rational character among the children of this country, as she said that “In the next decade India will have the highest youth population in the world. And, therefore we are here to discuss what exactly the New Education Policy of India talk about and how is it extracted from the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi?”

Director GSDS, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan hoisted the Tricolour in Gandhi Darshan on August 15, 2020 on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day. The celebration culminated with GSDS staff in residential quarters taking part in the programme. Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan called upon the staff to contribute towards nation-building and attain different sustainable skills that would go a long way in making one self-reliant. The sound of Jana Gana Man, the National Anthem reverberated in the pleasant morning as an inspiration to all.

From the eastern most corner of the country in Assam to down South in Karnataka; to Bengal and Odisha, to the Western belt of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab; the enthusiasm of almost 129 children from 15 states knew no bounds as they gathered virtually in a webinar taking part in a national programme on poetry recitation and singing on the theme of “Patriotism” on August 8, 2020. Organised by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, the programme was organised as part of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Hiroshima Day (August 6) and the 78th anniversary of the historic Quit India movement launched under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942. Participants from Assam, Agartala, Bihar, Bengal, Haryana, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Chandigarh, Jallandhar, Gurugram, Varanasi, and Delhi joined in this four hour online celebration of ideas through their poems and songs of harmony.

The Samiti in collaboration with Trincomalee Campus Eastern University, Sri Lanka is organising an E-workshop on “Exploring a Nonviolent Communication Ecosystem” on July 2, 2020 with key speakers as Director GSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan and Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer GSDS. 177 participants took part in the workshop. The moderator of the E-workshop was Ms. Sivapriya Sriram. Ms. Nisansala Jayawardhana coordinated the programme.

The Samiti jointly with Beti and Shiksha Foundation in association with High Commission of India in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago and Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-Operation organised an E-conference on “Practicing Non-Violence in our Daily Lives” on July 8, 2020. Key speakers included: H.E. Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu, High Commissioner Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Programme Officer, GSDS, Mrs. Renu Sharma, B & S Foundation. The conference was chaired by Dr. Pandita Indrani Rampersad. 50 participants from India, Surinam, Guyane and Trindad took part in the e-conference. In his remarks, High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu spoke about the adoption of the resolution by the United Nations to mark October 2, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi as the International Day of Non-Violence every year and said that this was a great initiative taken by India in recognition to the principles of peace and nonviolence that are fundamental to human interdependence. Speaking about Mahatma Gandhi’s principles... Read More

As part of the celebrations to mark the Sankalp Parva, Programme Officer GSDS Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu and Research Officer GSDS Smt. Geeta Shukla planted Banyan and Neem trees in Gandhi Darshan. Housekeeping staffs, volunteers also planted trees in their respective homes. The Samiti has been regularly updating the activities during the Sankalp Parv in the social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instragram. Further in association with Ped Panchayat, the Samiti planted five life-giving trees on July 6, 2020. Shri Prabod Raj Chandol gifted Bel, Neem, Amla, Bargad and Peepal. Director GSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan also panted the trees on the occasion. Shri Chandol also joined the plantation drive. Dr. Manju Aggarwal coordinated with the Ped Panchayat in getting the trees for the plantation drive. Senior citizens who are members of Ped Panchayat joined the ceremony and planted trees on the occasion. Overall during this period beginning from June 28, 2020 onwards, trees such as Neem, Peepal, Bel, Awla, Baheda, Jamun Anjir, Sharifam flowery plants and Ber were planted. Almost 61 trees were planted.

Department of Education Kargil, LAHDC Kargil Ladakh in collaboration with Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti initiated a two-days on-line workshop on "Strategies on Conflict Resolution in Classrooms: An Exploration" for Teachers/Lecturers on July 22-23, 2020. Honble CEC LAHDC Kargil Shri Feroz Ahmad Khan inaugurated the online workshop and also launched a free on-line course "Strategies of Conflict Resolution for Peaceful Schools" for teachers, B.Ed, M. Ed and Education Researchers. Shri Nazir Ahmad Wani CEO Kargil welcomed all the Guests and Participants. Dr Vedabhyas Kundu Programme Officer GSDS was also present along with the Resource Person Dr. Shazia Mansoori Asst. Prof AMU, and other dignitaries. The programme was moderated by Mr. Syed Sajjad Agha, Programme Coordinator, Education Department, Kargil. In both the two days of the workshop 95 students took part.

An on-line training program on use of social media was organised by the Samiti for its staff members on July 19, 2020. Shri Pankaj Sharma, Technical Associate GSDS conducted the training programme that began with an address of Director GSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan who said that knowledge of using social media sites have become a necessity in view of the on-line programmes are being organised regularly. Shri Pankaj during his presentation to almost 30 members who attended the training programme spoke of the methodologies of using social sites for wide coverage and reach out of the GSDS initiatives. Explaining the difference and uses of hash tags and @ symbols for Twitter or Facebook or You Tube channels, he went on to explaining the procedures of joining a webinar through ‘Google Meet’, which GSDS is using for all its on-line programmes/webinars. He further explained the process of using Facebook, tagging photographs, etc. He also gave examples of using Google Tools such as Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google Slide, Google Sheet, etc.