Chandigarh : The Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies in collaboration with Dean, Alumni Relations, PU, and Interdisciplinary Centre for Swami Vivekananda Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh observed Martyrdom Day of all Freedom Fighters on 30th January, 2022 with a special Lecture of Professor H. S. Bedi, Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh on “गांधी दर्शन की प्रासंगिकता और विश्व” (Gandhi Dharshan Kii Praasangita Aur Vishav) and the online session was presided over by Professor Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
While welcoming the dignitaries in the Webinar, Dr. Manish Sharma, Chairperson of the Department asked to observe 2 minutes silence while remembering and paying their tributes to the all the Martyrs who sacrificed their lives to get the freedom.
Professor Raj Kumar in his presidential remarks asked everyone to follow the path of Nonviolence as to resolve the conflicts in the society, only Gandhian ideology is the best solution for the same, whether they are social, religious, economic or any other issues. His most contribution to this world is how to look at the conflict and to find the solution for the parties.
The Alphabet of Peace carries the Golden Rule of peace as ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ which should ideally also be cardinal principle of human life. His concept was not focussed on the win of the one party but for both the parties and with the concept of democratic way, the real meaning of resolution of the conflict situation can be achieved and the welfare of the masses can be seen.
In his online lecture on “गांधी दर्शन की प्रासंगिकता और विश्व” (Gandhi Dharshan Kii Praasangita Aur Vishav) Professor H. S. Bedi emphasised on the Gandhian philosophy which is very much relevant for the South Asian Countries as we are still having so many economic and social issues and the only solution lies in the Gandhian model only. And the Gandhian economic model is more relevant and correlates with the demand and supply curve for these Countries. In one of the examples, he mentioned that the concept of Khadi through the Charka and hand span cloth is the solution to the ongoing economics crises and if the Small-Scale cottage industries and other related industries are opened up for the youth then the employment opportunities will be for the maximum. He also correlated that how Gandhian philosophy is still relevant for the times to come and how it can be practically applicable especially for the youth who happens to be the backbone of any nation. And also emphasised that as per the advancement in the IT sector and industry our focus is more on materialistic approach which is not a healthy sign for the humanity. He asked the youth to re-read Gandhi to clear their misconceptions about his ideology.
He also asked the youth to relocate the connection of Gandhi with Punjab as after the 1919 incident of Jalia Wala Bagh, Gandhi got more inclined with the Punjab and the affection and love he received from the people of Punjab was so much that he always insisted them to participate in his other movements also. The event was attended by the many senior faculty members of the other social departments including Professor Monica, Prof. Navjot, Prof. Ashok, Prof. Rani, Prof. Swaranjit, Prof. Manvinder and also the research scholars and Master students of other departments.
In the end Professor Sanjeev Sharma, Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Centre for Swami Vivekananda Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh proposed the vote of thanks to all and mentioned that the way Gandhi had worked for the betterment of the humanity is very much remarkable and if we follow him in our day to day working then we can overcome many of our problems.
