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.
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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)
