I experienced a sense of overwhelm when my reflections were chosen for presentation at the Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan. Additionally, I received commendation from both the director and secretary of Sevagram Ashram ; My presentation was chaired by Mr. Sunil Ganatra (Institute of Science, Nagpur) in presence of Chief guest Mr. Luise Campana (President, Gandhi International, France), Dr. John Chelladurai (Dean Interdisciplinary Studies, MGM University, Aurangabad), Mr. Siby K. Joseph (Director, IFPNP, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan), and all the esteemed delegates who attended. Further deepening my gratitude and sense of accomplishment.
[ NOTE : Resharing my reflections here which is already published on the website : https://nonvpi.blogspot.com ]
Title of the Theme
“The Vision for a Peaceful Future”
Symbolizing our aspirations for a harmonious future.
In the current era, it is imperative to nurture children
and
instil in them a lifelong commitment to the values of peace.
By,
Miss. Shamal Ramshe
Student, International Fellowship Program on Nonviolence & Peace.
January, 2024
Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Scholars, and Fellow Students of Gandhian
Philosophy,
Introduction:
Today, I wish to engage in a thoughtful exploration of the theme that resonates
deeply with our shared values - "The Vision for a Peaceful Future." As we embark on this
collective journey of understanding, let us delve into the essence of what constitutes a
peaceful future and why it holds unparalleled significance in the context of Gandhian
philosophy. I am here to discuss the concepts of "vision" and the ideal vision of the future in
this colloquium. My aim is to convey the importance of this subject by presenting a specific
key aspects for your consideration.
Defining 'Vision':
At the heart of our discussion lies the term 'vision.' According to Oxford
Languages, 'vision' refers to the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or
wisdom. It is akin to an eyesight that can pre-plan what ought to unfold. The etymology of
the word 'vision' traces back to the Latin term 'vis,' meaning 'see,' and has evolved to
represent far-sightedness.
In the context of "The Vision for a Peaceful Future," the emphasis is on
aligning our thinking, imaginative capacities, and forward-looking perspectives to plan a
future where generations can thrive in peace. This requires thoughtful considerations about
the future of peace and the well-being of our successors.
Who is & what is Future:
The concept of 'Future' is intricately intertwined with the birth of a child, who
embodies the promise of tomorrow. Children serve as the essence of our collective future, and
our endeavours are dedicated to nurturing and shaping this future. It is essential to recognize
that the seeds of peace in society are sown from the very inception, even before birth. The
conduct of mothers and family members significantly influences the mental and behavioural
development of the child, as they absorb the elements from their immediate environment. Therefore, today's discussion revolves around the notion of a peaceful future, inherently
linked to the cultivation of peaceful children.
The Urgency for a Peaceful Future:
As we find ourselves at the intersection of a new year, it becomes imperative
to reflect on the global scenarios marked by conflict, suffering, and a stark need for peace.
The lives lost, especially those of innocent children, serve as poignant reminders of the
urgency for peace. Statistics on violence, crimes, and the misuse of resources for military
purposes underscore the pressing need for concerted efforts towards establishing peace.
ref.1*
According to UNICEF:
• Some 15 million adolescent girls aged 15–19 have experienced forced sex in their
lifetime.
• About 10% of the world's children are not legally protected from corporal
punishment.
• Over 1 in 3 students aged 13–15 experience bullying worldwide.
• Approximately 1 in 4 children under the age of 5 – some 176 million – live with a
mother who is a victim of intimate partner violence.
• Roughly 3 in 4 children between the ages of 2 and 4 – around 300 million – are
regularly subjected to violent discipline by their caregivers. (ref.2)*
More than 1700 children are killed during Russia - Ukraine War. More than ten thousand
children lost their lives in Gaza.
Who are killing them?
The humans. Who were once a child!!
Interviews and dialogues observations:
In pursuit of insights into this matter, I engaged with Mr. Milind Yadav, the
visionary founder of the 'Chiller Party Movement' based in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Mr.
Yadav has keenly observed the adverse effects of screen content on children, particularly
through mobile phones. In response to this concern, he devised a strategic plan to channel the
influence of screens in a positive direction. His movement involves showcasing carefully
selected child-oriented movies, offered to the audience free of cost, with nominal fees only to
cover the rental expenses of the venue. To date, this initiative has successfully exposed
thousands of children to enriching cinematic experiences, accompanied by workshops aimed
at imparting a thoughtful approach to movie consumption.
An additional aspect worth highlighting emerged during an interview with film
critic Mr. Anmol Kothadia, shedding light on the concept of text and sub-text within screen
content. Frequently, creators intend to convey a sub-textual message to the audience, yet only
the surface-level text reaches them. This discrepancy has broader societal implications,
especially concerning children.
In the above context Dr.Arun Shinde a professor and social scientist ; said that Games featuring
violence, where players engage in the act of killing, and historical destruction-themed games
often carry a sub-text of aggression. Regrettably, the primary focus, or text, may be on
playing and learning, but the underlying sub-text perpetuates violence. Moreover, instances
exist where movies are created to oppose certain actions, yet the unintended consequence is
the glorification of those very actions, significantly impacting children's behaviour.
In a disconcerting revelation, an interview with a primary school teacher
Deepa Warpe having 19 years of experience with primary school, unveiled alarming insights.
Children as young as six years old are well-versed in sexual signs and possess knowledge of
derogatory language. This revelation underscores the urgency of addressing the manner in
which our future generations are being shaped and educated.
As an illustration, consider my two-and-a-half-year-old niece, who exhibits a
preference for playing with toy guns. While her parents envision a future where she may
contribute to the nation's defence, there exists a poignant uncertainty. The innocent play with
toy guns may unknowingly shape her perception of armed forces or even influence a more
sinister path. This scenario encapsulates the complex reality of how today's children, our
future, are being nurtured.
“In the past, when technology was not readily available to children, these
topics were not as regularly occurring in children's lives. Now, the most common children's
hobbies are playing video games, watching television and movies, listening to music, and
surfing the net, all of which often contain themes of violence.” - Ashley Ward (ref.3)*
So, the pervasive influence of screen content on children demands immediate
attention. Initiatives like the 'Chiller Party Movement' highlight the potential for positive
change, emphasizing the need for deliberate interventions that channel screen exposure in
ways that contribute to the holistic development of our future generations. The urgency of
this matter cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the well-being and behavioural patterns
of children in our rapidly evolving world.
Guidance from Gandhian Principles:
How do we go about establishing peace? Gandhi's own words provide
valuable insights. A robust social system, grounded in reason, justice, inclusive religious
ideas, equal status for women, and access to opportunities for all, forms the foundation for
peace. These principles, while profoundly simple, guide us towards a path of sustainable and
meaningful peace.
Gandhi's philosophy is not merely a theoretical construct; it is a practical guide
for our actions. As students of IFPNP, we were urged in the initial sessions to understand
Gandhi before gradually adapting his principles into our lives. Now, the time has come to
take this understanding and adapt Gandhian principles actively, promoting and establishing
peace in our society.
The Imperative of Learning from the Past:
According to me, in the pursuit of peace, it is essential to recognize the value
of learning from the past. While studying history, we often find ourselves at risk of getting
stuck in the past rather than deriving meaningful lessons for the present and future. The past
serves as a guidepost, offering insights into what worked and what didn't. It should not
shackle us but empower us to implement and utilize its lessons for a more beautiful future.
Actionable Steps:
To actualize our vision for a peaceful future, we must meticulously plan our
vision board, focusing on the crucial role of children. Designing activities that instil peace
values for children from kindergarten to 1st standard, evolving to more challenging programs
for older age groups, is imperative. Recognizing that present children are the architects of our
future, our efforts for a peaceful future must prioritize investing in them.
Additionally, policies impacting individuals must be designed with an
emphasis on social justice and rationality. We must redirect resources currently flowing our
billions of dollars into military tools towards providing essential needs like food, clothing,
and shelter, thus contributing to the overall well-being of society. As we see many children
below 18 years of age are dealing with livelihood problems, so they are turning towards bad
habits and irrational and unethical businesses. Thus, the call for peace is not just an
aspiration; it is an urgent and collective responsibility.
In contemporary times, a concerning trend has emerged where children are
increasingly exhibiting violent behaviours. Through extensive research and numerous
interviews, it has become evident that children are spending a significant amount of their time
in front of screens, making these devices an integral part of their lives. The impact of screen
content on today's children cannot be overlooked, prompting an exploration into potential
interventions for a more positive influence.
To conclude, our vision board for a peaceful future must boldly declare that
children are the most crucial element. To reach them effectively, we must plan activities
focusing on peace values for children from kindergarten to 1st standard. As they grow, the
nature of activities and programs should evolve, presenting challenges for age groups 7 to 10
and 11 to 18.
Ashley Ward “I believe that as an educator of children I have a role in teaching
children about peaceful behaviour. I need to be a positive role model for children by showing
them peaceful ways of thinking and behaving. In Canada the topic of peace is to be covered
in each elementary school grade through our social studies curriculum. As teachers we strive
to include peace education in our daily classroom activities and we also do specific lesson
plans covering the topic of peace education, such as studying peaceful movements or specific
individuals. Some of the ways in which peaceful behaviour and understanding is developed
through daily classroom activities” (ref.4)*
Hence, I underline that ; we have the opportunity to introduce educational and
enjoyable games that replace guns and jets with flowers and plants. By innovating the
educational approach, we can create a space where children effortlessly internalize the
principles of peace and non-violence.
Gandhi's Light in the Stormy Ocean:
In the today’s atmosphere where we the advocates of non-violence & peace are
standing in the middle of stormy ocean; Gandhi's philosophy is often likened to a lighthouse
guiding us through this stormy ocean of our times. As students of IFPNP, we are not just
recipients of knowledge; we are bearers of a legacy that beckons us to actively contribute to
the establishment of peace in our societies. Our understanding of Gandhian principles must
translate into practical actions.
In the 21st century, we stand at a critical juncture where we must contemplate
how to integrate Gandhian principles into our lives to foster peace, to enrich children, our
future. Our vision board for a peaceful future should prioritize children considering the
overarching principles of social justice, gender equality, and equal opportunities for all.
Conclusion:
The present children are our future, and to work for a peaceful future, we must
work on molding their minds towards values of peace. To address social justice and reason,
we must design policies that positively impact individuals. Gandhi's philosophy is not merely
about understanding; it is a constitution that invites us to critically examine our lives and the
surrounding world.
In conclusion, I would like to leave you with my favourite quote by Gandhi,
which encapsulates the essence of his teachings:
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world."
This powerful statement has been a guiding principle in my life, reminding me of the
transformative impact that even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can have on our
world.
Thank you for your attention and consideration. I again remind you, as we
collectively strive towards; our peaceful future i.e. today’s children, let us bear in mind the
profound impact we can have on the world by actively embodying and promoting Gandhian
principles for every child.
Thank You all.
References:
1) https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-buzz/childrens-day-children-in-gaza-israel
palestine-conflict-death-roll-rising-a (ref.1)*
2) https://www.unicef.org/protection/violence-against-children (ref.2)*
3) https://www.mkgandhi.org/articles/elementary_schl.htm (ref.3 & ref 4)*
4) Mr.Milind Yadav (VRS Teacher, Founder Chiller Party Movement)
5) Dr.Anmol Kothadia (BAMS Doctor, Film Critic)
6) Dr.Arun Shinde (College Professor, Author, Researcher)
7) Mrs.Deepa Warpe (Primary School Teacher, 20 years of experience with kids; age
group 5 to 14)
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