DIMAPUR, JANUARY 28 (MExN): The North East Institute of Social Science and Research (NEISSR) organised a two days workshop on non-violence in collaboration with University of Rhode Island, USA as a build up to the second National Peace Convention.
The workshop was animated by Dr Paul B Mesquita and Kathryn Johnson - Bueno de Mesquita, School of Education and Centre for Nonviolence & Peace Studies, University of Rhode Island, USA on January 27 and 28.
Rev. Dr. C. P. Anto, Principal NEISSR welcomed the participants and stressed on the need of building a society which values the principles of non violence and practice it in everyday life. He expressed that it is fitting for the National Peace Convention to be preceded by a workshop on non violence. The workshop will create a conducive ambience and environment for the participants as they partake in the Second National Peace Convention, he added.
Dr Paul stated that violence has been lauded as the supreme solution and consistently has been excused as acceptable behaviour for human being. The tentacles of violence stretch into almost all aspects of our lives. It is in this context, the non violent principles of people like Martin Luther King, Jr., he added.
The two days delved into topics like definitions & myths of non violence, principles of Kingian non violence, dynamics of social conflicts and Hegelian thinking. The participants were also enlightened about the life, the works and the contribution of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The workshop will be followed by the Second National Peace Convention by National Peace Movement in collaboration with Rotary International Dist. 3040 & 3240; North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Peace Channel, Universal Solidarity Movement (USM) and other NGOs from January 30 to February 1 at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur. The main highlights of the convention are enlightening talks by experts, penal sessions on various issues, preparation for action plan for peace and conflict prevention, Peace Award and peace declaration.
The resource persons and their topics are Dr. Paul B. Mesquita, University of Rhode Island, USA “Peace building in International Perspective;” Niketu Iralu Peace Activist “Peace and Conflict Resolution in the context of North East India;” PV Rajgopal, Social Activist and Gandhian from Rights to Duties; Anuradha Shankar, IPS, ADGP Railways, MP “Human Development and Promotion of Peace;” Dr. Jill Carr-Harris, Social Activist in Asia and Africa “Economic Empowerment and Justice to the Marginalized;” Prof. A. Lanunungsang Ao, Pro-Vice Cahncellor, Nagaland University “Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the Socio-political Scenario of India;” K.J. Alphons, IAS (Rtd.) and a host of other eminent National and International personalities.
For more information on the National Peace Conventnion, contact the Local Organizing Committee Office: Peace Channel P.B. no.3, Dimapur–Nagaland, Phone: 094362-60435; 098565-42215 Email: nationalpeaceconvention2016@gmail.com/peacechannel05@gmail.com/cpanto@gmail.com
'Following in the footsteps of Dr King'
Kohima, January 28 (MExN): More than 500 students of St. Joseph College were trained on inculcated training on the in the philosophy and principles of Martin Luther King Jr. at its college premise on January 25.
Nonviolence and Peace’s philosophy of the famous leader of the American Civil Rights Movement was imparted to the students by two professors from the United States - Dr. Paul Bueno de Mesquita, Director of the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island and his wife and fellow nonviolence co-trainer, Professor Kay Johnson-Bueno de Mesquita, also a follower of Gandhi’s philosophy.
Recalling Dr. King’s famous 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech, the two professors outlined how everyone can realize their dreams if they follow the principles of nonviolence to address inevitable conflicts and to improve social conditions contributing to violence.
Contrary to popular misconceptions that nonviolence is for passive and timid people, Dr. Bueno de Mesquita explained that nonviolence is actually an active way of life for courageous people.
King’s vision of the “beloved community” was built on equality and justice for all, he noted stressing that the cornerstone of outward nonviolent social change is internal nonviolence of the spirit, known as unconditional Agape love.
“Nonviolence means not just refusing to shoot another, but also refusing to hate another” Dr. Paul opined quoting Dr. King.
Citing recent research by social scientists, He also explained that an analysis of hundreds of nonviolent social change movements over past one hundred years showed them to be twice as successful as political uprisings that resort to violence.
An interactive session which followed afterward session offered witnessed animated interaction between students and the visiting peace professors where the former’s intellectual curiosity regarding the former Human Rights activist was answered by the visiting professors.
It ranges from current status of race relations and gun violence in the US to realization of Dr. King’s dream in US to the possibility of establishing a Center for Nonviolence at SJC.
The programme concluded with a rousing rendition of “We Shall Overcome” the American civil rights anthem of nonviolence where the inspired students joyfully raised their beautiful voices in harmony and singing with conviction the refrain, “Deep in my heart, I do believe, that we shall overcome some day.”
Hopefully, one day soon their dreams of nonviolence will flow like a river spreading peace throughout Nagaland, SJC Principal Rev.Dr. Sebastian said thanking the resource persons and Peace Channel for initiating the network with the University of Rhode Island USA.
This was a part of the the College Week 2016, which formally kick-started today with Station Commander, Zakhama Military Station Brigadier H. S. Cheema as the Chief Guest at the inaugural function.
