gandhisalt

Change Pune launched

2008-12-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

Terrible things have happened in Mumbai recently and I am sure you are as badly upset about this as we are. Perhaps some of us are feeling helpless and dejected... maybe even feeling defeated. That's natural but, you will agree, it is not constructive. It does not help matters in any way. We need to do something positive..
Here's your chance to do something proactive about this situation. We know that what has brought us to this sad pass is the Malaise of Corruption. There is a massive public demand for Accountability and Transparency from our Political Representatives and from the Bureaucrats..
This is a significant moment for all of us Indians to Harness this Energy and these Emotions constructively. However, before we demand more of our Politicians and Administrators, we need to first BE THE CHANGE we wish to see. There are many ways of doing this..
For a start, join us at EMPRESS GARDENS on DECEMBER 27th 2008 at 5:00pm to take the following Pledge:-
I WILL BE THE CHANGE I WISH TO SEE. I AM AN INDIAN.
I WILL NOT ENCOURAGE CORRUPTION. I AM AN INDIAN.
IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO EXERCISE MY VOTE. I AM AN INDIAN..
Enough of candlelit vigils and silent rallies of solidarity. Let us take back some actionable points. Representatives will talk on Citizens Participation and how we can Empower Ourselves. There will also be a brief talk on Citizens Rights and Voter Registration..
So do come and bring your like minded friends along..
All the best..
Satish Khot
For more information, email: changepune@gmail.com; nsccpune@gmail.com
VENUE: EMPRESS GARDENS
TIME : 5 PM TO 6.15 PM SHARP
DATE : SATURDAY 27/12/08
This initiative is happening at a National level at Bangalore - Mumbai - Delhi - Pune - Hyderabad - Ahmedabad and many other cities. Let's make it a success in our own Pune.

Pune Citizens' March for Unity and Peace

2008-12-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

The time has come for us 'Punekars' to together vow to keep TERROR at bay. It is we the 'Common men and women' who will be ultimately instrumental in tackling this monster. Being vigil and alert, preventing spread of rumours, helping the police to help us better by abiding to the laws, standing up against corruption, are the little things that go a long way in making the city peaceful.

With this initiative, Youth To Youth, Radio Mirchi & Rotract Club Poona South along with other youth organizations, announced a "Citizens' March for Unity and Peace" on 5th December.

The march began at 6 pm, starting from the symbolic statue of 'The Common Man', Symbiosis Vishwabhavan, and culminates at The University of Pune. The educationists related to these leading institutions addressed the citizens. Thousands of the city's youth participated in this march and also took this opportunity to pay homage to slain heroes of the Mumbai terror-attack - on the 10th Day of their demise.

Black dress code was observed.

Youth form the energetic soul of the city – This half of the city's population needs to unite in a strong manner and reinstate Pune's spirit to take this challenge head on! We hope to take this platform to come together and march towards a safer and peaceful Pune.

Mudra Shirvaikar Ajit Kerure
President, Youth to Youth President, Rotract Club of Poona South
9923339276 9822400596

Hurrah! it is a great citizens' victory!!!!

2008-12-27T09:27:00.001-08:00

It was a great day of December 1 - the last day for filing objections for the Baner-Balewadi DP!

At the last count, 70,000 odd citizens filed in their objections and snubbed the state government's conspiracy to destroy Pune!

It was indeed a hectic day since morning as all the GPM activists were collecting the last lot of objections,

The Intelligent Pune office was poured with visitors and courier men delivering hundreds and hundreds of objections.

Intelligent Pune recd/collected around 10,000 objections through the day. We had to make three trips to the deputy director's office as we collected all that came till the close of the office working hours (giving half an hour space to reach the office)

Satish Khot on the last day collected another 5,000 objections, Aneeta Benninger - 1,000 objections, Ameya Jagtap around 10,000 objections, all those who played a major role in this were the Yugpath members - firebrand youngsters - all between 16 and 17 years who themselves were not eligible to give in their objections but collected around 27,000 objections; Satish Khot's National Society for Clean Cities (NSCC) collected closed to 17,000 objections, CEE and Janwani collected over 5,000 objections. Ameya Jagtap's uth-to-uth collected around 10,000 objections. We cannot leave out hundreds of invidviduals who collected from 5 to 500 objections and sent it to our office. We visited so many public gardens and got great response. Vinod Bodhankar and Narendra Chugh were kind enough to give us a maruti van to go from one place to another. Besides, we received 110 objections by the email which also have been submitted,

Vinita Deshmukh
Editor, Intelligent Pune

PUCL’s public meeting on the issue of Regionalism

2008-12-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

Politics currently played out in Maharashtra under the garb of regionalism is being hotly discussed and debated throughout the country. Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) organised a public meeting to understand and discuss different aspect of the nature and repercussions of politics of regionalism.
Subject : 'Regional imbalance, Problems and Democracy'
Speakers : Sunitee S.R., Prof. Suhas Palshikar and Dr. Ramesh Awasthi
Chairperson: Dr. Kumar Saptarshi
Venue: Rajwade hall, Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, Next to Bharat Natya Mandir, Sadashiv peth, Pune 30
Date : 11th November, 2008 (Tuesday)
Time: 5.45 pm

Anwar Rajan,Secretary, PUCL, Maharashtra
(9421051617) (

WORLD FOOD DAY RALLY- 16th October 2008

2008-10-16T01:07:00.001-07:00

STAND UP TO SPEAK UP

On the occasion of World Food Day, Civil Society and Citizens Groups in Pune are organizing Public Rally to SAY NO TO GM FOOD. The Rally will begin at 9.30 am from CPS Ashram, Opp. St Francis School, Behind PMT bus eepot, (Near Agriculture College), Shivaji Nagar, PUNE.

We invite all to participate in the Rally which will walk through Shivaji Nagar ST Stand, Shimla Office Chowk, JM Road, Alka Chowk, Tilak Road and Reach at Udyaan Prasad Mangal Karyalaya, Sadashiv Peth..

There will be public Meeting at 12 noon where people from different walk of life will address the issues of GM, Justice P.B Sawant will be Chief Guest and Mr. Vikram Bokey IPS ( Rtd) will preside meeting. Adv. Asim Sarode and others will speak on the occasion. Please come at the Rally Venue at 9.30 am or at the Public meeting Venue at 12 Noon

Looking forward to meeting you all

Sincerely

Mathew Mattam
Participating Organizations:

1. Ambedkar, Sethi Vikas Sansothan Sanstha, Solapur
2. Astistva, Solapur,
3. Centre for Youth Development Activities, Pune
4. Disha Prathishtan, Pune
5. Gramin Punar Rachana Kendra, Usmanabad.
6. Lokvikash Manch Beed
7. Maharashtra Organic Farmers Federation, Pune
8. Maher, Pune
9. Nehru Yuva Mandal, Parbhani
10. Prakash Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha, Sangli
11. Rajeshri Sahu Samaj Prabodhan va Krida Mandal, Parbhani.
12. Sahayog Trust, Pune
13. Shantinketan Sevabhai Sanstha Parbhani
14. Shasvat Creative Parishad, Vidaba
15. Social Activity and Awareness Development Satara
16. Society of Human Liberty, Satara.
17. Swayam Prerit Samajik Vikas Sanstha, Ahamed Nagar
18. Vasundhara Sevartha Samajik SAnshodhan Aani Vikas Seva, Latur.
19. YUVA, Rural, Nagpur

Ps. World Food Day was proclaimed in 1979 by the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It marks the date of the founding of FAO in 1945. The aim of the Day is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. In 1980, the General Assembly endorsed observance of the Day in consideration of the fact that "food is a requisite for human survival and well-being and a fundamental human necessity"

Pune citizens join hands to save city’s greenery

2008-10-16T01:05:00.001-07:00

In a bid to save the Green Development Plan (DP), members of the Green Pune Movement are trying to gather at least 1.5 lakh objections against the 46 modifications made by the state government in the Ban3e4r-Balewadi DP.
Following citizen’s outcry, the state Urban Development (UD) department had withdrawn its earlier notifications which state that 20 modicaations had been sanctioned and 26 modifications had been sanction sanctioned and 26 modifications hwere proposed in the Baner-Balewadi DP. Last week, a fresh notidfication stating that all the 46 notifications are proposed along with the modified maps were sent by the state UD. At present, a gazette notifications is awaited.

After the initial victory of making the state withdraw its notifications, the citizens have now taken a bigger batter to ensure that a maximum number of objections are raised against the modifications to prevent its implementation.
A meeting of NGOs, citizens groups, mohalla committees and individuals – who have come together under the banner of ‘Green Pune Movement’ was held on Monday to decide a further course of action.

President of National Society for Clean Cities Satishg Khot said volunteers will go around the city and talk to people explaining the issue to ghather objections. Citizens who want tio support the movement can write in to : nsccpune@gmail.com

TOI 24-9-08

Seminar on Religious Viuolence a Threat to Democracy

2008-10-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday , 13th October at 6 pm, over 300 secular persons from all religions gathered at the Assembly Hall, Azam Campus, Pune College, Camp Pune for a SEMINAR titled Religious Violence: Threat to Democracy. Among the Main Speakers were, Ram Puniyani (Retd. Prof, IIT-Mumbai, awarded Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 2007), Irfan Engineer (Director, Institute for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Mumbai), Dolphy Desouza (President, Bombay Catholic Sabha), and Parnab Mukherjee (United Nations Fellow for Human Rights and North-East).

An open session followed. The seminar was held in the wake of attacks on Christian tribals in Orrisa, churches in Mangalore and Kerala during the last one month by Hindu fundamentalist organizations.

FORMER UN UNDER-SECy Shashi Tharoor spouts Gandhi, green cause

2008-10-16T00:52:00.000-07:00

The FORMER UN UNDER-SECRETARY GENERAL FLAGGED OFF CYCLE RALLY and walkathon on Saturday 19th September in the run-up to the Commonwealth Youth Games. Both events will started at 7 am from Sambhaji bridge in DeccanGymkhana and ended at Sanas grounds near Nehru Stadium.

At the party hosted by the CTG organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi at Laguna-Panchshil Tech Park on Airport Road, Tharoor was in his elements while responding to the introduction made by socialite Monica Trivedi.

“Us President Johnson once said that this is the sort of introduction that would have made by father proud and my mother would’ve believed it.” He lauded Kalmadi’s efforts for taking up the green cause. “Former UN secretary general Kofi Annan would often say that the earth is not ours, it is a treasure to keep for our children. The treasures have been tarnished by two hundred years of industrialization and we have to undo the damage.”

Reminding Pune of Gandhi’s legacy he said that the green cause had a champion in the Mahatma. “In the last 60 years we have forgotten that the man never threw even an envelope and wrote behind it, so as not to waste even a little space.” He said.
Appreciating Pune’s green stance with the token planting and watering of a plant, he said “Pune will be an inspiration to a greener Delhi in the Commonwealth Games in 2010. After all, the you are the flag bearers of the future.”

A Kathak recital by Manisha Sathe’s troupe made a case for not cutting trees. Among those present were Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla, Sagar Sribala Chordia, Sumeer Kalmadi, Kumar Gera, Vishwanath Karad with son Rahul Karad, Aseem Sarode, Satish Khot, police commissioner Satyapal singh, municipal commissioner Pravinsinh Pardeshi, Tehsen Poonawall, IT honcho Deepak Shikarpurkar, Madhur Bajaj and Sabina Sanghvi.

Delia Maria from FOGM attended the CYG dinner

Kalyani Sardesai & Preeti Devnani, Pune DNA 20-9-008

Talk on Nuclear Energy for whose benefit: People or America?

2008-09-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Surendra Gadekar is a renowned Gandhian anti-nuclear activist from Vedchhi, Surat. He did his Ph.D from IIT-Kanpur and then was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Iowa State University, USA from 1979 to 1981. Subsequently, he joined the faculty of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Dr. Gadekar left his job in 1986 to work with the famed Gandhian Institute, Sampoorna Kranti Vidyalaya, in Vedchhi, Surat. The institute was started by the renowned Gandhian activist Narayan Desai. Here the emphasis is to live a life commensurate with one's beliefs. The activists here have been trying to attain self-sufficiency in food, clothing and shelter through manual work. They have also done immense work on renewable energy, including work on various kinds of solar cookers, biogas and micro-hydro systems. Dr. Surendra Gadekar is best known for his anti-nuclear work. He is famed as the editor of South Asia's most reputed anti-nuclear magazine, ANUMUKTI.

On Saturday, August 23, 2008 Dr. Surendra Gadekaraddressed peace activists, students and citizens of Pune city at Lokayat Hall, 3rd Floor, Opp. Syndicate Bank, Near Nal Stop, Law College Road, Pune-4. The talk was organised by Lokayat Pune.

Play in English Bosnia Revisited

2008-09-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

Intensity, emotion, great acting and a powerful script. Just the ingredients required to make a play successful. The Maharashtra Cultural Centre’s first English theatre production, ‘Mirad, a boy from Bosnia’. Hs all this and more.

Tnvee Shevade (19) and Sksham Kulkarni (17) are mere teenagers, but the intensity with which they have enacted the roles of Djuka nd Fazilla, a Bosnian refugee couple, will make its difficult for you to hold back the tears. The teenagers, in a short span of 95 minutes, manage to bring the horrors of the Bosnian civil war of the 90s to your doorstep.

The play is a collage of 14 scenes, which requires the two young actors to portray multiple roles. The ease with which the two teenagers flit between myriad roles is indeed commendable.

The actors, who play Mirad’s uncle and aunt in the play, narrate the horrors of the civil war through the eyes of Mirad.

The play is the English adaptation of the original German play, written by German playwright Ad de Bont. Young Pune theatre director and teacher, Darshan Naik decided to direct the play after the translation was sent to him by Andrea Gronmeyer, a noted theatre director from Germany.

Saksham, who has acted in Marathi films like Gautam Joglekar’s ‘Pak Pak Pakak’ and Meena Kulkarni’s national award-winning film ‘Shevri’, says, “The script was extremely difficult and challenging and I felt I had to do it.”

Tanvee has acted in several state-level plays and thinks the frequent shift in scenes was probably the toughest part of the play. “It is not easy to constantly switch on and off so rapidly."

Daarshan, who made his two young actors watch movies related to war like Spielberg’s ‘Schindler’s List’ and Bahman Ghobdi’s ‘Turtles can Fly’, is extremely happy with the outcome. “We worked very hard for 25 days. I am glad to see the actors giving off their best.”

Rahul Chnadwarkar

In remembrance of the bombing of Hiroshima, Aaghaz's documentary fest

2008-09-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Mention activism and the name of Neeraj Jain pops up. And mention activism to Jain and he has a lot to say. “the life of the common people has become more and more difficult. Communal and caste its forces are rearing their heads. A crass consumerist culture is spreading to every nook and corner, Corruption has become all pervasive. The media is playing an important role in this degeneration. It is promoting a distorted market culture in the name of modernization.

That’s the spirit behind Aaghaz. In its second year, Aaghaz has tweaked its formet and concept a bit. “There will be five theme-based two-day festivals in a year.

We start with a No Pakharans Festival on August 5 and 6 to commemorate the dropping of the first nuclear bomb on Hiroshima. We plan to discuss nuclear politics through the medium of films, theatre and songs in this festival.” Jain informs.

On August 5, at Sneh Sadaan near the Narayan Peth Police Chowkey, the inauguration of the festival will be with a programme of songs by Sambhaji Bhagat, a folk singer from Mumbai, followed by a talk on ‘Globalisation and Theatre’ by Parnab Mukherjee, alternate theatre director from Kolkata. There will be a play titttled Hamletma Chine directed by Parnab Mukherjee, based on writings by Heiner Muller.

On August 6, Aaghaz has organised a screening of the documentary film War And peace directed by Anand Patwardha, to be followed by adiscussion. The film documents the current, epic journey of peace activism in the face or global militarism and war. It examines not merely the militarisation of India, but analyses the human cost that is extracted from its citizens in the name of ‘national security’.

From the plight of residents living near the nuclear test site, and the horrendous effects of uranium mining on local indigenous populations, it becomes clear that, contrary to a myth first created in the US, there is no such thing as the “peaceful atom.”

The other festivals planned for this year include a festival in the slums of Pune to encourage the tremendous talent among the people living there.

“In this festival we plan to motivate people living in the slums to perform programmes on the lives of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Shahir Anna Bhau Sathe, Shahir Amar Shaikh and Savitribai Phule, including songs, dances, drama etc. Then we plan to organise a festival around Badal Sircar and Vijay Tendulkar celebrating works of cultural greats,” Jain sites.

Huned Contractor

Ecology Day celebrations in Pune city

2008-08-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

Pune: A unique celebration first time ever Ecology day celebration on 31st August to focus on action rather than words is receiving full hearted support from Water Resources Group of Institution of Engineers of India , Pune Local Chapter, Indian Environment Association, Indian Association of Aquatic Biologists, Department of Environmental Science, University of Pune, Bal Shikshan Mandir, Jnana Prabodhini and Praj Foundation.

Er. Sudarshan Tandale, Convener of Water Resources Group said that Ecology Day means the combined action of Engineers and Scientist for a common cause to restore the quality of water bodies for their sustainable use. Er V.M Ranade, Secretary (retd.) Irrigation noted that Punekars must initiate actions to imply judicious use of water to avoid wastages; they should also take measures to curb pollution.

Dr. Vikram Ghole, Head of Department of Environment Science, University of Pune has supported the celebration of Ecology Day stating the need for strengthening movement of restoration of water bodies in Pune. He has also extended his co-operation for initiation of revitalization of lakes and rivers with expert guidance. Dr A. D. Patwardhan, Chairman of Indian Environment Association Pune Chapter expressed that it is a good start of Ecology Day in presence of International experts like Dr. Nakamura and Dr. Walter Rast.

Principals of supporting schools have urged the need of such programmes to help creative minds of students to learn more about our rivers and lakes. Dr. Mohan Kodarkar of Indian of Indian Association of Aquatic Biologists (IAAB), Hyderabad acclaimed efforts of SERI in organizing unique Ecology Day for the first time in Pune and emphasized the need for organizing similar celebration, adoption of Ecology Day in other cities not only in India but also abroad to ensure restoration of quality of environment.

Organizers appeal to the environment sensitive citizens to participate in competition of Green Expression and Programmeon or before 22nd August; for more details to contact Nidhi / Uday, Shrishti Eco-Research Institute (SERI) on 24253773/66206539 or mail: seriecotech@yahoo.co.in.

SHRISHTI ECO - RESEARCH INSTITUTE
E3T - Effective Economic Ecological Technologies For Pollution Control
B-106, Devgiri, Opp. P. L. Deshpande Garden, Near Ganesh Mala,
Sinhgad Road, Pune - 411030.
Telefax- (020) 66206539 Phone- (020) 24253773
www.seriecotech.com

Remembering Fukuoka's Pune visit

2008-08-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

oka19 August 2008

We are very sad to report that one of the most influential
personalities in making us aware of issues of Sustainability,
Environment, Nature and Humane living - Masanobu Fukuoka passed away
at the age of 95 at his home on 16 August 2008.

Parisar was fortunate in getting the opportunity of not only
publishing his landmark book "The One Straw Revolution" in Marathi but
also hosting Fukuoka San's Lecture at Sneha Sadan in Pune.

We pay our respects to this great man by enclosing some links to his
work and to articles on him. Also do visit the Parisar site:
www.parisar.org which has a section on Sustainable Agriculture
More on Fukuoka, including Links etc
Mother Earth News
http://www.motherearthnews.com/

Plowboy Interview
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/1982-07-01/The-Plowboy-Interview-Masanobu-Fukuoka.aspx

Masanobu Fukuoka Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masanobu_Fukuoka

Greening the Desert: Applying natural farming techniques in Africa
http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC14/Fukuoka.htm

The Fukuoka Farming Website
http://fukuokafarmingol.info/

Larry Korn_Masanobu Fukuoka's Natural Farming and Permaculture
http://www.mulandscaping.com/ArticleMasanobuFukuokasNaturalFarmingAndPermaculture.htm

Fukuokabooks.com
http://www.fukuokabooks.com/

Organic (Ltd) People
http://organic.com.au/people/MasanobuFukuoka/

Charityfocus_ Fukuoka Passes away
http://www.charityfocus.org/blog/view.php?id=1905

Agricultural Biodiversity Weblog
http://agro.biodiver.se/2008/08/masanobu-fukuoka-rip/

Ananthoo's Updates
http://ananthoosupdates.blogspot.com/2008/08/masanobu-fukuoka-rip.html

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080819/bathinda.htm#3

--
Sujit
Sujit Patwardhan
sujitjp@gmail.com

"Yamuna",
ICS Colony,
Ganeshkhind Road,
Pune 411 007
India
Tel: +91 20 25537955
Cell: +91 98220 26627
-----------------------------------------------------
Hon. Secretary:
Parisar
www.parisar.org

Satyagraha with a slap !

2008-08-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

They have waited for over five years and they cannot wait anymore. Faced with the apathy of the State government, Maharashtra Andhshraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS), an organization dedicated to eradicate superstitions, is now on the satyagraha path.
The MANS had advocated an anti-superstition and anti-witchcraft bill, which is pending with the government for past five years. In protest against the delay, activists plan to start an agitation in which they will slap themselves.

Eradication of Maharashtra Black Magic and Undesirable and Dreadful Practices Bill, 2005 as meant to get rid of the superstitious and anti-rational activities. It was sent to the Central government for approval in 2003 and thereafter was tabled in the Legislative Assembly.

The MANS had been demanding such law for 14 years. The bill comes up in the agenda for the discussion in each session of both houses of Maharashtra Legislation, but has gotten stuck in a limbo ass it is not discussed upon at all.

The MANS is now planning it to agitate against the State’s apathy. Explaining the rational behind the agitation, Narendra Dabholkar, executive president of Maharashtra Andhshraddha Nirmulan Samiti, said , “Ours is a satyagraha. The basic idea behind the satyagraha is to take penance for the wrongs committed by others and ourselves. We sincerely think that we have done a wrong by electing the government. Therefore, we will start slapping ourselves from the first day of the monsoon session of legislature.” The agitation will start from the Mahatma Gandhi statue near the Pune Railway Station and will spread all over the Maharashtra.

Giving the timeline of the journey of the bill, Dabholkar said, “the original bill was tabled in the Legislature Assembly on April 13, 2005. It was deferred because Congress members were not happy with it. After the changes, it was passed in the Assembly’s winner session on December 16, 2005. Thereafter, it was sent to the Legislative Council where it was never taken for the discussion. Instead, it was sent to Joint Select Committee where it is gathering dust for more than one year.
The Committee has not conducted any meeting since August 2007. It had invited objections and suggestion on the bills. It received 80,000 letters supporting the bill and 50,000 letter opposing it. We have sent suggestions received to the legislative members. But the bill is not progressing for lack of political will.”

Pune Mirror Source : 7-7-2008

Pakistan-India Peoples' Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD), Maharashtra state convention

2008-08-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

The Maharashtra State Convention of PIPFPD was held in Pune on 10th August, 2008. The State conventions is held every two years.

As far as India-Pakistan relations are concern last two years saw a significant progress. Though, it is not moving as speedily as people expects. There are still problems. Intelligence agencies are deciding visas. Travelling into other country is still extremely difficult. Just couple of days ago fifth round of composite dialogue commenced.

Agenda of the convention was:
1, The status of peace process & composite dialogue
2, Organizational report
3, Organizational Elections

The convention was held at Gyaneshwara Sabhagriha, Marathwada Mitra Mandal's College, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune from 10.00 am to 5 pm. Tapan Bose, Secretary, PIPFPF and Suhasini Mulay attended the convention.

Tapan Bose is a film maker of repute. He made Bhopal: Beyond Genocide and many others. He is one of the founder member of Pakistan-India Peoples' Forum for Peace & Democracy (PIPFPD) & now Secretary of PIPFPD, India. He is also actively involved in the Kashmir and working their with various organizations. He is also Secretary General of South Asian forum for Human Rights (SAFHR). He is authority on India-Pakistan and Kashmir issue.

Suhasini Mulay started her film career with an outstanding performance in Bhuvan Shome and performed in films like Bhavni Bhavai, Jodha Akbar, Page 3 etc. She is also a well known peace activist and actively involved with India-Pakistan issue. She is also a National Committee member of PIPFPD, India.

Jatin Desai, Secretary, PIPFPD, Maharashtra

Two Day Round Table Conferenceat World Peace Centre Pune

2008-08-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

A two day round table conference titled "Role of Science and Spirituality in Promoting a culture of Peace in the World" was held at the World Peace Centre, MIT college campus, Kothrud Pune from 1-2 August 2008.

Over one hundred delegates from all over India and abroad participated. Among them was Bernie Meyer the American Gandhi and a friend of FOGM. Tushar Gandhi, great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi also spoke at the inaugural session. Peace prizes were given to the Japanese peace workers Mr and Mrs Solonji from the Goi Peace Foundation Japan. Papers were presented by peace and religious scholars and scientists both Indian and foreign.

NO POKHARAN'S FESTIVAL Aug 5-6, Pune

2008-08-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

A no pokharans festival was inaugurate to commemorate the second year of AAGHAZ and the 63rd year of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki disaster.
The programme was as follows:

6 pm: Inauguration and songs by Sambhaji Bhagat, famed folk singer from Mumbai

6.30 pm: A surprise and fantastic cultural presentation by Aaghaz cultural group

6.45 pm: Talk on Globalisation and Theatre by Parnab Mukherjee, renowned alternate theatre director from Calcutta

7 - 8 pm: Play HAMLETMACHINE by Best of Kolkata Campus - a renowned theatre group from Calcutta, which has done numerous international productions. Based on script by Heiner Muller, famed East German Playwright. Hamletmachine is supposed to be her greatest play. Script modified with writings of Badal Sircar and Rabindranath Tagore.

Neeraj Jain
"Mrudanga", Bldg No. 3A, Flat No. 7,
Naad Brahma Society, Warje,
Pune - 411 052
Ph. 94222 20311

Pune Seminar “In Search of Gandhi's India: Teaching and Learning Non-Violence in a Globalized World"

2008-08-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

Gandhi National Memorial Society organized for Fulbright-Hays visitors a seminar on Gandhiji titled "In Search of Gandhi's India: Teaching and Learning Non-Violence in a Globalized World." This seminar brought 14 US college, university and high-school teachers to India for five weeks.

The seminar was held on 28th July 2008 at Gandhi National Memorial Society, Aga khan Palace, Nagar Road, Pune. The US teachers first took a Tour of Aga Khan Palace.
Next Shobhana Ranade,welcomed the guests. A Lecture titled "Swaraj and Poetics: Gandhi and the South Asian Literary Imagination," was delivered by Dilip Chitre, poet, translator and winner of the national Sahitya Academy Award.
Post lunch, a Lecture on "Islam and Non-Violence," was delivered by Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer, Islam scholar and founder of Center for the Study of Secularism and Society Mumbai.

The seminar ended with "The Ultimate Goal of Life: Non-Violence," by Kalicharan Rauta,Retired Professor of Philosophy, University of Pune

US professors ‘in search of Gandhi’ come to Pune

2008-08-08T10:36:00.001-07:00

Pune, July 26 - They are in India and they are searching for Gandhi. The 14 professors of philosophy, history, psychology and English from the US are on a five-week tour of India. The Fulbright scholars are going around the country visiting places where the Gandhian philosophy is practised even today. The subject of their scholarship is titled ‘In search of Gandhi in India’.

In Pune for four days, the scholars began their quest at the Yerwada central jail where they interacted with the authorities and inmates. Asim Sarode, a human rights activist, who had accompanied them to the prison later had a discussion with them on how the Gandhian thoughts help in solving the legal cases.

Madhuri Deshmukh, who teaches English at Oakton Community College near Chicago, said they chose the subject of scholarship because “Gandhi is more relevant today that he ever was with the rising violence and war around the world. Gandhian philosophy of non-violence looks practical .”

Before Pune, the group visited the samadhi of the Mahatma in New Delhi, the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, followed by a trip to Dehra Dun where they visited Navdanya which has grown over the past decade into a proactive movement for seed saving and organic farming. The team also visited Sevagram Ashram in Wardha established by Vinoba Bhave.

In Pune they will also be visiting the Aga Khan Palace. Incidentally, the group even watched Lage Raho Munnabhai and said that they enjoyed it thoroughly.

Struck by the Mahatma’s philosophy of non-violence, Paulo Rocha who teaches history at Evanston Township in Evanston Illinois said, “Gandhi was perhaps the first person to sense the dangers of globalisation and depletion of nature. Today, all over the world there is a food crisis and India is facing problems like water scarcity since a number of MNCs are drawing water for their gain.”

Professor of psychology at Loyola University in Chicago, Linda Heath added that Gandhian thoughts held a lot of hope for her. “His philosophy contained thoughts on energy, agriculture, economy not to mention the legal aspect,” she explained, even as Lynn Woodbury, another English professor said he found Gandhi’s thoughts very pertinent to the present problems.

After the Pune tour the group will head to Bangalore to visit Navdarshanam, a registered charitable trust that explores ecological and spiritual alternatives to the modern way of living and thinking.

Courtesy: Pune Newsline

End of an era: Dramatist Vijay Tendulkar dead

2008-08-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

Pune20 May 2008, 0243 hrs
Iconic Marathi dramatist, Vijay Tendulkar, who kicked-off a virtual revolution in Indian theatre both in terms of content and style, passed away at a city hospital on Monday at 8am.

Best known for his play Ghasiram Kotwal , a brilliant satire on political violence, and which has had a phenomenal run of 6,000 shows since 1972, Tendulkar was struck by myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease. He was 80 and hospitalized since April 10.

There was an expression of contentment on his face and it did not reflect any pain," he said. Tendulkar, who was in hospital for more than a month, lost consciousness three days ago and was on minimum life support. On January 6 this year, he celebrated his 80th birthday.

"Tendulkar had an extremely positive attitude towards life. He was confident of tiding over his health problems," said an associate.

On April 10, after he was hospitalized, he told doctors to go ahead with the treatment they felt was necessary.

Tendulkar was in Pune since the time of his last hospitalization and discharge last September and had refused to go back to Mumbai.

Prominent theatre and film personalities including Mohan Agashe, Satish Alekar, Haider Ali, Amruta Subhash, Amol Palekar and Atul Pethe, and University of Pune vice-chancellor Narendra Jadhav spoke effusively about Tendulkar at the crematorium. Tendulkar's contribution to Marathi theatre remains unparalleled.

His own struggles in early life - living in chawls - gave him a perspective that lent authenticity to Marathi theatre.

Much of his plays were inspired by real life events, and theatre for him was a means of political expression. Among other plays he is known for are Shantata! Court Chalu Ahe , and Sakharam Binder , a satire on male domination of women.

According to his last wishes, the funeral rites were performed at Vaikunth electric crematorium. Tendulkar leaves behind two daughters, Sushma and Tanuja - two brothers, Mangesh and Suresh, and grandson Aditya. His daughters were at his bedside when the end came.

One of his daughters, Priya Tendulkar, who rose to become one of the best known characters on Indian television with the serial Rajni , died a few years before him.

Courtesy TNN

Climate Change India 2008 Pune Conference

2008-05-16T23:39:00.001-07:00

The climate change India 2008 Conference was held on 22-23 April 2008 at the Le Meridian, Pune city. the objective of the conference was to identify causes and search for solutions towards combatting the challenge of climate change facing India in the 21st century. It was organised by WISE - World Institute of Sustainable Energy
Pune 411006 (India), cpsr.wise@gmail.com, cpsr@wisein.org, URL : www.wisein.org

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONFERENCE were:
Felicitation of the Indian scientists / lead authors who played a key role in the preparation of the IPCC Reports.
Eminent national/international dignitaries and prominent experts in the field were lead speakers.
Highly topical presentations and interactive sessions. Participation of delegates from all over India.
Coming together of researchers, academicians, policy makers, regulators, business leaders, financial and insurance sector professionals, representatives of the sunrise industry of clean energy, social activists and non-government organisations.
Two exclusive sessions on reducing business risks, and identifying opportunities as to how you can make your company carbon-neutral.
Release of special issue of WISE's acclaimed bimonthly 'Green Energy' on Climate Change.
Post-conference publication of the first-ever comprehensive book on 'Impacts of Climate Change on India'.

Delia Maria attended both days of the conference and was a sponsored delegate.

Pune city forms a new political party for sustainable development through people's participation

2008-05-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

About 350 people attended a meeting at Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture on 27th April at 11.00 am, the meeting was called to form a olitical parties/initiative in Pune city.

The Agenda taken up was:

1. Formation of a political party named: People's Guardian (JanaRakshak) Party.

The following steps would be taken towards this aim:

a. More than 100 affidavits were needed of people who wanted to be members of this proposed political party. This was quickly oversubscribed. The affidavits will be sent to the Central Election Commission which requires these as a formality in the process of registering the Party Name and registration of the party itself.

b. A team of lawyers and core members is also working on the constitution of the party. This constitution will be accompanied by the above mentioned affidavits in the application sent to the CEC, New Delhi.

c. The experiences of the election in 2003 - when Arun Bhatia won 60,000 votes as an independent candidate, BJP only 5 times more, and Congress 6 times more (respectively 3,00,000 and 3,50,000) inspite of there being a vast (1:1000) difference and mismatch in resources such as money, manpower and preparations.
For example: both the parties had political networking built up over the last 50 years ! The Arun Bhatia campaign team had no experience and worked only 3 months with 50 full time workers and 2000 part time supporters. The two parties have 25000 workers in the city, each.)

d. Speeches were made by all those who wished to comment on the proposal of starting the party. All positive speeches with great enthusiasm. The general theme was - the time has come for such a party. All those who were at the core of the 2003 campaign were present again.

e. Next central committee meeting fixed for 25th May tentatively at NFAI Auditorium, Law college road. Each was asked to bring at least 2 deeply interested friends. Agenda will include forming the sub-committees for laying the foundation of work for coming Lok Sabha Elections in 2009.

f. Anyone can invite Mr Arun Bhatia and a small team of friends to their housing societies for a talk on "How and why to ensure voter registrations in our housing society and in the locality". It is not an invitation for a political talk about elections. It is an invitation to call Mr Bhatia to share his views on Indian Democracy and how it works currently - and what is the change needed in it.

I the next meeting will be held on 25th May at NFAI auditorium.

Reported by Vinod Bodhankar

WORKSHOP on "Buddhism and Human Rights"

2008-05-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

A workshop "Buddhism and Human Rights" was conducted by Nalin Swaris, Colombo, Sri Lanka on 16th April 2008, 10.00am to 12.30pm. It was hosted by Manuski Center, Plot No.: 3, Deccan College Road, Yerawada, Pune

Nalin Swaris was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and was baptised into the Roman Catholic faith. He was ordained a Redemptorist Priest in 1962. After resigning from the ministry in 1969, he taught Social Philosophy and Methodology of Community Development for seventeen years at the Senior College for Social Work in De Horst, Dreibergen in the Netherlands. Back now in Sri Lanka, he works as a freelance journalist and lecturer. He is a leading critique of orthodoxy, looks at Buddhism an emacipatory tool. He wrote extensively on important doctrines in Buddhism like Karma and Rebirth, Buddhism and Human Rights and on Religions.

For more about Nalini Swaris writings contact: Mr. Anil / anil@jambudvipa.org
The Jambudivpa Trust, Pune.

Pune human rights activists interaction with Pakistani & Bangladeshi women activists

2008-05-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

Four women activists from 'Shirkat Gah' (Pakistan) and 10 activists from 'Naripokkho' (Bangaldesh) came to Pune in early April for a programme organised by MASUM. These organisations are well known in their own countries.

Shirkat Gah (Pakistan) is a Women's Resource Center and it was formed in 1975, as a Collective to integrate consciousness raising with a development perspective, and to initiate projects translating advocacy into action. Shirkat Gah means, 'place of participation', and over the last 30 years it has empowered women by increasing their access to information, resources, skills and decision making. In this process Shirkat Gah has brought positive change to policies, laws, and practices. Shirkat Gah has ECOSOC status at the United Nation.

Naripokkho (Bangladesh) is a membership-based, women's activist organisation working for the advancement of women's rights and entitlements and building resistance against violence, discrimination and injustice. Since it's founding in 1983, Naripokkho has met every Tuesday to discuss problems, issues and strategies related to these concerns. These discussions form the basis for Naripokkho's programmes and activities, which include campaigns, cultural events, training, research, lobbying and advocacy, and the maintenance of a regular participatory discussion forum. Occasionally this leads to a specific project, which is carried out with grant funding. However, most of Naripokkho's activities are voluntary and financed through resources that are earned by the membership.

Naripokkho's work is focused on the following five inter-related thematic areas 1) Equality and the Political Empowerment of Women, 2) Violence Against Women and Women's Human Rights, 3) Women's Health and Reproductive Rights, 4) Gender Issues in Environment and Development and 5) Cultural Politics and the Representation of Women.
The activists of these organizations came to Pune for an exposure visit and to share with the para legal community outreach strategies with Pune MASUM's staff. On 11th April, 2008 from 4 to 6 pm, they interacted with like minded human rights activists of Pune city at S.M.Joshi Socialist Foundation Conference hall, Navi peth, Pune 30

Carl Pope Executive Director of Sierra Club USA meets Pune environmentalists

2008-04-02T10:05:00.001-07:00

A get-together of progressive minded people to have an interactive session with Carl Pope, Executive Director of Sierra Club – America’s oldest and largest grassroots organization working for the environment was held on the 1st April at Ba ner Pune. The nature of the get-together was ‘Dialogue, Drinks, Dinner and Dance’ making it an event to interact and enjoy with like-minded people.
FOGM was invited to the get-together. Sierra Club USA is planning to work with like-minded environmentalists and activists in India. Sunil Deshmukh of the NRI Maharashtra Foundation had organized the meet.

Gandhiji and Bhagat Singh Lecture

2008-04-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

As part of the Prof. D D Kosambi Birth Centenary, a seminar titled Gandhiji and Bhagat, Understanding the National Movement was held by Dr. Meera Kosambi on Thursday13th March 2008 at Patrakar Bhavan Pune. Prof Ram Bapat chaired the session. Prof. Irfan Habib, renowed Historian and formerly of Aligarh Muslim University delivered the lecture. Prof. Habib is known in India and abroad for numerous books and papers that he has written on Indian history.

New Education-New Directions Pune child exhibition for teachers and parents

2008-04-02T10:02:00.001-07:00

Gram Mangal, an NGO in Pune, organized a child exhibition on a path-breaking concept 28th Feb – 2nd Mar, ’08 at Ganesh Kala Krida Kendra, Near Swargate, Pune
The exhibition titled ‘New Education – New Directions’ aimed at taking a wholly scientific look at Brain-based Education.
This vision for the emerging trends and the overall direction of Child Education was presented by a group of renowned experimental educational institutions with considerable experience in education under extreme and testing situations. It was unfolded to commemorate the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the inception of Gram Mangal, which has been working in the tribal region of north Thane district.
Over the past 25 years, GM has been working in the field of pre-primary and primary education – especially committed to the children of the tribals. GM has also been working for tribal development projects all this time.
While battling with the challenges thrown up by evolving conditions during this period, GM has worked on innovative ideas and methods in order to provide meaningful education to the deprived children of the tribals. It has made use of several educational aids; it has modified some of them to suit local situation and developed hundreds more. It has created appropriate literature and constructive methods for providing and promoting quality education.
Among some of the other pionnering educational institutes that participated were Akshanandan school in Pune and the Tribal School of the NBA. FOGM also held a poster exhibition at the venue on teachers becoming peace educators.

Seminar on " Global Warming and Climate Change "

2008-04-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Seminar on " Global Warming and Climate Change - Does India have an Effective Roadmap for Adaptation and Mitigation?" was held in Pune on 13 February 2008 at National Film Archives of India (NFAI) Auditorium, Law College Road, Pune.

The Seminar was held by the Indian Maritime Foundation whose address is B-3 La Shanz, Boat Club Road, Pune 411001. Among some of the speakers were:
Commodore R Vir (Retd), President, IMF, Ms Vandana Chavan, former Mayor of Pune
Professor BN Goswami, Director, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
Mr Peter Neill, Director, World Ocean Observatory, New York- ‘Ocean and Climate’
Ms Vicki Treadell, Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai and Dr Ajay Ojha, Manager, Air Quality Management Cell, Environmental Laboratory, PMC, Pune

Pragati Mahila Mandal's Women Day Programme In Lohegaon

2008-04-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

LONG LIVE WOMENS DAY!
You are invited to a get-together of women citizens in Sangamwadi Ward Mohalla Committee on the occasion of International Womens Day 2008
Venue: Moriya Udyan Tingrenagar
Date: 7th March 2008
Time: 4.30 pm-6 pm
Programme: Singing of songs and sharing of work experiences during the last one year
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Yours sisterly,
Ms.Delia Maria
Groups Participating: Pragati Mahila Mandal - Airport Road, Airport Road Mohalla Committee, Tingrenagar Senior Citizens Club, Lohegaon Mohalla Committee-Gurudwara Colony, Burma Shell Zopadpatti Adult Literacy Group, Hanuman Basti SHG and YWCA Tingrenagar.

Womens Day programmes in Pune city-8th March 2008

2008-04-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

Rally to highlight atrocities against women by WWC Pune
The rally will begin at 2 PM from Alankar Theater ground and end in Bundgarden with public meeting.
Contact: Sr. Philomina Thomas-020 26684909 between 9 Am to 5 PM

Stree Mukti Andolan Sampark Samiti Pune along with 25 womens groups will host a poster exhibition and public meeting highlighting the history of 100 years of intl.womens day
Venue: Sambhaji Udyan Shivajinagar
Time: 2-5 pm
Language: Marathi, Hindi, English
Everyone invited to bring banners, posters, literature and flags

HONORING KASTURBA GANDHI'S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY 6th MARCH

2008-04-02T09:35:00.001-07:00

Sixth March was celebrated by the Gandhi Memorial Society,Pune as "Mother's Day" at Agakhan Palace, Pune to commemorate the birth of Kasturba Gandhi
For Gandhi the virtues of patience, self control, and courage were absolutely essential to defeat the temptation to retaliate and respond with violence. He made it clear that each of these virtues were found most often in women.
Gandhi once said that he wanted to convert the woman's capacity for self-sacrifice and suffering into shakti power. He says of womankind, Has she not great intuition, is she not more self-sacrificing, has she not greater powers of endurance, has she not greater courage?" He also claimed that Ahimsa is embodied in the woman.
Gandhian women from Pune city and Pune district all participated in the day long celebrations

Modern day Gandhian Baba Amte passes away

2008-02-10T03:54:00.000-08:00

Goodness seldom dies. And so in an age when there are social workers at literally the drop of a coin, the legacy of Muralidhar Devdas Amte or Baba Amte lives on. Baba Amte died today at the age of 94 in his ashram at Anandvan in Chitrapur. He had begun his life’s journey as a social worker from that very place about 40 years ago, taking forward the legacy of Shantivan and Sevagram and with it the spirit of the humanism that was alive in pre-independence India.

It was at Anandvan that Amte was first given 250 acres of land by the state government to start his work for leprosy patients. His work was not of charity, but that of creating a life of dignity and hard work for the patients.

What was achieved in Anandvan lives on today. It was but a laboratory for his vision of a life imbued with respect and self reliance, a model he wanted for the whole nation.

His ashram was home to destitutes and patients. Many of them had lost their fingers and feet due to the disease. Baba Amte not only trained himself to treat them, but also helped each of them acquire skills despite their handicap. These people under Baba Amte's guidance transformed this rocky and barren land into a model farm. This farm now produced vegetables and dairy products for neighbouring villages and is economically self sufficient. But most important of all, it is a place which has become an 'Abode of Joy' or 'Anandvan'.

Baba Amte was born into a wealthy Brahmin family and was trained in law. He joined the Indian freedom struggle against the British empire after he established himself as a trained lawyer. During his college holidays, Baba travelled all over India. He visited Shantiniketan, attracted by Rabindranath Tagore’s music and poetry. Closer to home, at Sewagram (Gandhiji’s ashram) near Wardha, Baba was equally fascinated with Gandhi’s relationship with God.

But it was the poetic simplicity of Maharashtra’s fiery social reformer, Sane Guruji, which pushed him into action. Baba Amte launched the Bharat Jodo movements from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in 1985 and Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh in 1988, with the mission of establishing peace and raising environmental consciousness.

Baba sought peace and justice, showed solidarity with tribals and was a big critic of the big dams like the Sardar Sarovar dam. In 1990, Baba Amte left Anandvan to live along the Narmada river to fight against social injustice to local inhabitants. Although he continued to support the movement for rehabilitation of tribals affected by the construction of large dams on the Narmada, he had recently returned to Anandvan for health reasons.

Amte brought out a booklet titled Cry O Beloved Narmada in July 1989, dubbing the Narmada project as a social, economic and ecological disaster-in-the-making. It also recounted the emerging protests against the mega dams. Baba concluded with an appeal to actively examine alternatives to big dams.

Decorated with various awards such as the Magsaysay award in 1985, the Damien Dutton award (the highest award in the field of leprosy) in 1983 and the International Gandhi Peace Prize, Baba Amte believed that the example of Gandhi will find followers in the coming generation. The efforts of Baba Amte are not lost voices in the deep either.

The Prime Minister condoled the death, describing Amte as "a Gandhian of our times".

Courtesy: Times of India, Indian Express, Business Standard

“WORLD PEACE CONGRESS - 2008”, World Peace Centre, MAEER’s MIT, Pune

2008-02-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

MAEER’s MIT, Pune, India celebrated its “Silver Jubilee Year” during 2007-08 in commemoration of the 60th Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi/Martyr’s Day, from Wednesday, the 30th January 2008 to Saturday, the 2nd February 2008. Apart from the various activities planned during the year this World Peace Congress-2008 was high on agenda.

Tthe World Peace Congress-2008 focused its deliberations on the following themes:
S.No. 124, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune - 411038, M.S. (India)
Tel: +91-020-25432767 / 25432767, Fax: +91-020-25442770, Web: www.wpc-pune.co.in, Email: wpc@wpc-pune.co.in “Role of Youth in Promoting the ‘Culture of Peace’ in the World”
Under this main theme, the following sub-themes were extensively discussed and debated through presentations and interactive sessions.

1) The Need for Youth to play a more Proactive Role in Promoting World Peace through Participation in Social Resurrection, Politics and Governance.
2) Promotion of Cultural Diversity, Interfaith and Inter-Religious Dialogue.
3) Promotion of Human Rights, Social Justice and Equality.
4) Combating terrorism and practicing non-violence as tools to Promote ‘Culture of Peace’.
5) Promote Value Based Universal Education and Training System for Sustainable Development to attain World Peace.

On this occasion, well-known scientists, thinkers, philosophers, educationists, academicians, spiritual leaders and socially committed personnel along with youth activists participated in the deliberations of this specially organized “World Peace Congress - 2008.”

Bernie Meyer, the American Gandhi attended the inaugural function and delivered his message asking the 1000 youth present to choose to become satyagrahis.

SEMINAR on Human Rights Pune

2008-02-09T21:45:00.002-08:00

A Seminar on Human Rights was held on 26th January 2008 (Saturday), 3.00pm to 6.00pm at the Manuski Centre, Yerawada Pune. It was conducted by Prof. Howard Tolley, Jr.
University of Cincinnati, Department of Political Science, College of Law.

"Howard Tolley, Jr. is professor of political science and adjunct professor of law at the University of Cincinnati. After earning a PhD at Columbia University, he published Children and War while a faculty member at Wilberforce University. After earning a JD at the University of Cincinnati College of Law as a fellow in the Morgan Institute for Human Rights, he was a senior law clerk to Judge George Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. His major publications include The U.N. Commission on Human Rights (Westview, 1987) and The International Commission of Jurists (U. of Pa. Press, 1994). His Teaching Human Rights On-line Project
http://homepages.uc.edu/thro was recognized as the best political science website for 2001 by the APSA.
During his visit professor Tolley aslo conducted a teaching workshop for faculty at the University of Mumbai on U.S. government and NGO interventions against sex trafficking in India."

Delia Maria attended the Pune seminar.

SEMINAR- CUM- PANEL DISCUSSION Gandhiji on Village Swaraj (Gram Swaraj) 30th Jan 2008

2008-02-09T21:45:00.001-08:00

National Women’s Organization, Pune, in collaboration with Gandhi National Memorial Society, Pune, like in the previous years, organizied a one-day seminar cum panel discussion on the topic “Gandhiji on Village Swaraj” at Gandhi National Memorial, Agakhan Palace, Nagar Road, Pune on 30th January 2008 to pay tribute to our beloved Bapuji on the occasion of his 60th death anniversary.

Gandhi National Memorial Society, Agakhan Palace, Nagar Road, Pune is a living memorial to Mahatma Gandhi: his wife Smt. Kasturaba Gandhi, Personal Secretary Shri Mahadev Desai, Secretary Shri Pyarelal and many other persons like Mira Ben, Sarojini Naidu, Dr.Sushila Nayar, etc. were interned here by the British Government during ‘QUIT INDIA’ movement of 1942.

Gandhi’s alternative to modern western form of development is his Village Swaraj, a non-violent form of development based on retelling the basic values of all great religions in the contemporary contest. The prophets and seers of all great religions would certainly support his alternative to the modern western form of development, which is the surest and perhaps the only solution to our impending catastrophic Global Ecological Crises. Contrary to the widely accepted belief, Gandhiji is not against machinery or development per se. He is certainly not against pursuit of study or research in human or natural sciences or against the use of machinery for development within the limits of ethics.

Among the speakers were, Smt Rama Rauta, Convener of the Seminar, President, National Women’s Organization, Pune. Dr. Narendra Jadav, Vice Chancellor, University of Pune , Shri Anna Hazare, Veteran Gandhian Social Worker, Smt Shobhana Tai Ranade, Trustee Secretary, Gandhi National Memorial Society, Pune, Prof. S. Tripathy, Pro Vice chancellor, Sulabh International Social Services Academics, New Delhi, Dr Babulal Joshph, Director, National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune, Dr. Kumar Saptrishi, Director, Maharashtra Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Pune, Dr. Ravindra Nishal, Director, Nisargopchar Gram Sudhar Trust, Urlikanchan, Pune

Mr Jeff Knaeble, spoke on behalf of the Friends of Gandhi Museum who was among one of the hosts of the seminar.

DEMOCRACY FESTIVAL IN PUNE 26-30 Jan 2008

2008-02-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

To promote a spirit of genuine democracy among people, especially students and youth, LOKAYAT, along with other activist groups and NGOs of Pune, formed a LOKASHAHI UTSAV SAMITI and organized a five-day democracy festival in Pune.

In our society, democracy has come to mean that the masses have only one small right of electing members of Parliament; after that they become slaves of the very policians they have elected. And so we have launched an effort to promote a spirit of genuine democracy among the people, a spirit wherein people are confident and bold, wherein they are willing to speak out fearlessly, wherein they believe that they are the true rulers of society and must actively participate in decision-making. A truly democratic society is the condition for the fullness of life. Only in such a society will human beings become truly humane, and creativity, spirituality, individual and collective achievements attain glory and grandeur.

To promote a spirit of democracy amongst people, a spirit of dialogue and cooperation amongst communities, Lokshahi Utsav organizing committee held a DEMOCRACY FESTIVAL in Pune. And inaugurated this festival on January 26, 2008, the day we gave to ourselves the Constitution of India; we concluded this festival on January 30, the day the religious right murdered Gandhiji.

Cultural programs, seminars, inter-college debate and song competitions and plays were organized as a part of this five day festival. The highlight of the festival was the WALK FOR DEMOCRACY, in which students, citizens, activists from the city walked from S M Joshi Auditorium to Shaniwarwada in a unique WALK to promote Democracy, carrying placards, posters, banners, and singing songs, promoting the spirit of DEMOCRACY AND PEOPLES’ PARTICIPATION in society.

Some renowned cultural artists and activists of the country participated in this festival. Among the prominent artists were MALLIKA SARABHAI, the renowned dancer-activist from Ahmedabad, GAUHAR RAZA, the accomplished Urdu poet, film maker and social activist from Delhi; RAKESH SHARMA, the internationally acclaimed film maker and director of the fiery film FINAL SOLUTION from Mumbai; and USTAD SAJJAD HUSSAIN KHAN, the well-known classical musician from Mumbai. In addition, the IPTA troupe from Mumbai also performed a play at the festival.

Friends of the Gandhi Museum also participated by putting up an exhibition at Shaniwar wada and distributing booklets titled “What kind of India shall we give our children” by Yousuf Saeed.

CYDA’s HEALTH and YOUNG PEOPLE year long programmes in Pune

2008-02-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

The coming year is very precious to CYDA as we are entering to TEN years of its existence. Our Achievements are: we could reach to over 1.5 lakh youth in Maharashtra, trained over 15000 young people, and provided facilitates like counseling, job opportunities and education support to over 1000 youth.

As part of our 10th year celebration we are planning to organize a yearlong program with a special focus on HEALTH and YOUNG PEOPLE. We strongly feel that due to climate change, changing life styles, eroding personal values, health related issues are going to be the biggest threat to young people’s lives and in-turn affecting socio-economic and political well being of the country.

We seek your collaboration, support and solidarity to celebrate the year 2008 based on the theme: HEALTH. We are planning panel discussions, talks, seminars, and conferences finally culminating in Health Melawa in January 2009. The themes include, mental health, healthy relationships, climate change and health, sexual and reproductive health, Health of Girl Child etc.

Mathew Mattam
CYDA

Gandhi's Charkha bags award

2007-10-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

Mention India abroad and chances are people will immediately think of the marble marvel, the Taj Mahal. But what architectural symbol stands for contemporary India? To find the answer, a leading architecture magazine and a Tata company ran a design competition. The winner is a futuristic version of the other symbol you think of when you say India - the Mahatma's Charkha. See it in 3-D and you get a sense of what this award-winning piece of architecture is attempting to celebrate - Mahatma Gandhi's spinning wheel or charkha and all that it has stood for in the last 60 years and will stand for in future. ''We were taken by it not purely by the image of the charkha but the philosophy behind it, that it stood for non-violence, self reliance of an individual, self sustainability. It stood for national pride,'' said Nuru Karim, VOID Architects. There were 110 entries for Notions of a Nation, the competition run by Tata Structura and the Indian Architect and Builders magazine. A jury including architect BV Doshi pruned that to 12 and Nuru Karim's charkha made the final cut. ''It was a combination of rootedness, it was a combination of the contemporary, it was a combination of the interpretation of the charkha. I think they were really excited with that when they said it exploded into the future. I think that really clinched it,'' said Sarita Vijayan, IA&B Magazine. For Mumbai-based Nuru Karim, the entire experience has been life-changing. ''More than the prize money or winning the competition or coming out tops, we have discovered the Indian in our selves. That was the icing on the cake for us,'' said Karim. The futuristic charkha, which will stand almost 60 feet tall, will be located at Pune over a 3 acre plot. No date of completion just yet but the charka hopes symbolize India for at least the whole of the 21st century.
Courtesy: NDTV.com - India - by Monideepa Banerjie - August 14, 2007

Gandhi Jayanti Programmes in Pune city

2007-10-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Celebrations at Gandhi National Memorial Aga Khan Palace
Gandhi Rashtriya Smarak Samiti organised a freedom fighters’ meeting and the ‘Ba-Bapu’ award distribution ceremony on October 2. This was part of the Programmes being organised to celebrate the Gandhi week from October 2 to 8, 2007.

On October 2, around 600 freedom fighters gathered at the Ag Khan palace at 10 am for the meeting, organised jointly with the Maharashtra Pradesh Swatantrya Sainik Mahasangh. The Ba-Bapu award was presented to R. Kausalyadevi of Gandhigram trust, Tamil Nadu and the Bapu award to Jayant Patil of Bordi. Union minister Sushilkumar Shinde was the chief guest at the award function.

The week-long programmes included prize distribution of district level inter-college essay competition and street plays on de-addiction. An exhibition by Khadi and village industries on October 6., a peace march by students’ has been organised from the University of Pune gate to Aga Khan palace. Various schools from the city participated in the march.

A seminar on ‘Literate India: Gandhiji’s dream’ was held on October 8 the final day of the celebrations. For the first time ever the Aga Khan Place hosted a cultural programme, Shanti naad, an evening of music and dance, which broughy forth the Mahatma’s message with renewed emphasis on his birth anniversary this year.

World Peace Centre of MAEER's MIT, Pune, WORLD PEACE MARCH

On the auspicious occasion of 2nd October, 2007 to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri a Peace March was organized on the occasion of our "Silver Jubilee Year Celebrations of MAEER's MIT, Pune", coinciding with 60th Anniversary of India's Independence and World Non-violence Day, as recently declared by United Nation.

Save farmers Save India! Protest March and Mass Candle-light vigil
to support Indian farmers

On 2nd October, a peace march started from Agriculture college and walked down Fergusson college Road and JM Road (two busy streets in Pune) shouting slogans, holding banners and distributing pamphlets. About 20 odd people participate in the
march including one farmer.

30 Indian Farmers Commit Suicide Everyday. 100,000 deaths reported till now Will Shining India export software and import food and grains in return?

The march was followed by a candle light vigil in front of Sambhaji Park. Some agriculture college students from Vidharba and many bystanders also joined for the vigil.

The event was organized in collaboration with few local NGOs - Bharat Uday Mission, Maitri, Friends of Gandhi Museum.

Organic farmers want methods to blossom, grow: Booklets on their experiences will be published for larger good on Gandhi Jayanti 2007

Nearly 40 farmers from across the state, practicing organic farming—growing crop using nature’s resources, avoiding artificial fertilizers and pesticides—is a way of walking the Gandhian path. They have been meeting since January 2006 to discuss eco-friendly techniques of farming at Khalad, 35 km from Pune under the aegis of Pune-based NGOs Gram Parivartan and Pani Panchayat.

Now, their pearls of wisdom, are being compiled into booklets with the first set slated for release this Gandhi Jayanti.

“We want organic farmers to take advantage of our shared experiences. At each study group session, we take an aspect and discuss it in great details. We talk about 12 to 13 hours in two days. We try to find logical answers to experiments and try to find reasons for the failure or success,” said founder of Gram Parivartan Pandurang Shitole.

The study group zeroes in on subjects like soil, seed water, manure, fertilizers, harvesting of sunlight, and crop pattern. They have also conducted field visits to organic farms, all of which has been documented. “They study group aims to get to the depth of the principles of organic farming. We want to create a knowledge base for the ideology and demonstrate it. We are not looking at the extension work,” said Shitole.

Courtesy: Ranjani Raghavan, Pune News line

Museum at Central Jail Yerawada to showcase Poona Pact

Pune: A museum displaying archival documents about the historic Poona pact is being planned at the Yerwada central prison to mark the 75th anniversary of the pact.

Prison superintendent Rajendra Dhamne told TOI on Monday that the prison authorities have decided to collect all the literature on the pact, original copies if possible, and preserve them.

The jail is collecting documents pertaining to the pact, which will be displayed in the Yard. The Poona Pact is the popular name of an agreement between the untouchables referred as the depressed classes of India led by Ambedkar and Hindus, which was signed in the Yerwada jail.

While drafting the constitution of India, involving self rule for native Indians, the British invited various leaders for round table conferences in 1930-32. Mahatma Gandhi attended these conferences. The concept of separate electorates for the untouchables was raised by Ambedkar, a provision already available for minorities such as Muslims and Sikhs at that time.

The British agreed with Ambedkar’s contention. However, Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed it on the grounds that the move would disintegrate society. He launched and indefinite hunger strike on September 20, 1932 in the Yerwada prison. The strike was against the then British prime minister J. Ramsay MacDonald’s Communal Award to the depressed classes (untouchables) in the constitution for governance of British India.

The nation was deeply concerned about the health of Mahatma Gandhi, and Ambedkar was under tremendous pressure. A compromise was reached between the two leaders on September 24, 1932 when the Poona Pact was signed.

Courtesy: Gitesh Shelke TNN

Rajiv Gandhi award for Pune’s Gandhian - Shobnatai Ranade

2007-10-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

Noted Pune Gandhian and social worker Shobhana Ranade was selected for the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva award given by the Union Ministry of women and child development to recognise outstanding contributions towards child development, protection and welfare.

The award, instituted in 1994, carries Rs 1 lakh cash and a citation and will be presented in a function in New Delhi.

Shobhanatai, as she is fondly called, continues to be active even at the age of 83 and regularly visits various balwadis started by her in villages across Maharashtra. She is the pioneer of SOS Children’s Village in Maharashtra and was influenced by Herman Gmeiner who set up a chain of villages for children orphaned in World War II. She is currently Secretary of the Gandhi National Memorial Society at the Aga Khan Palace, Pune.

Even on Monday, when the award was announced in New Delhi, she was in Delhi attending the constitution committee meting of All India Women’s Council with another meeting of SOS Children’s Village lined up.

“It was a pleasant surprise for me and I feel happy that my work for women and children has got recognition from the government. The award has boosted my enthusiasm and I plan to start new projects,” said Shobhanatai while speaking to TOI from Delhi.

(excerpts from the local Pune newspapers)

Munnabhai and Gandhi may meet in the Pune Yerawada Jail!

2007-08-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sarvodaya Mandal, that conducts exams on Gandhian thought in jails, wants Sanjay Dutt to be its brand ambassador

(Well-known actor, Sanjay Dutt played a lead role in the super hit film 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' which was based on Gandhian Principles)

By Dippy Vankani and Santosh Andhale

Sanjay Dutt's lawyers may have begun to explore all possibilities of getting him out of jail at the earliest, but for a Gandhian group in Mumbai, he is at the moment perfectly placed to play the role of 'brand ambassador' for Gandhian thought.

The Mumbai Sarvodaya Mandal, an institute that promotes and propagates the Mahatma's philosophy, periodically conducts examinations on Gandhi's life and thought for prisoners in jails across the state. They had just about begun distributing 'study material' to prisoners willing to give the exams scheduled for October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) when the TADA court sentenced Dutt to six years' rigorous imprisonment on Tuesday.

Now, they want the Munnabhai-on-screen to chip in with more than a bit of Gandhigiri: they will soon approach him and request him to not only appear for the exam in jail but to also urge other inmates to write the paper and follow Gandhi's philosophy.

The Mandal also holds regular screenings of 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' in various prisons. So long as Dutt is behind bars, it would also like him to speak to the inmates immediately after the screening so that the film could have a greater impact and, if needed, have a one-on-one 'counselling sessions' with some inmates the way Munnabhai does on a radio station in the movie.

TRK Somaiya, programme co-ordinator of the Mandal, which has its office at Grant Road, said: "We will request Dutt to be our brand ambassador by sitting for the exams, requesting other inmates to do the same and speaking after every screening of his film.

After every screening, our trust members usually give a speech, but the message will be far more effective if the speech is delivered by Dutt. He could have a huge impact on the prisoners and play a major role in spreading Gandhian thought if he does this." According to Somaiya, the Mandal conducts its exams in the Arthur Road, Thane, Kalyan and Yerawada (Pune) jails. Objective questions on the life and philosophy of Gandhi are asked in these exams.

Among the 'reference books' distributed to prisoners a few months before the exams are the 'Abridged Autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi' and 'Gandhi's life in his own words'. Gandhi Bapu, Our Bapu by Jugatram Dave (English), Gandhi Baba aur Gandhiji (Hindi), Gandhiji (Marathi) and Gandhi Bapu (Gujarati) are also given. Richard Attenborough's famous film on the Mahatma is also screened for the benefit of those who take the exams. However, the Munnabhai film is a hit among prisoners, say the Mandal's officials, and Munnabhai himself could prove to be an ever bigger it, they feel.

Courtesy: Frontline 2nd August 2007

Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth screened for Puneites

2007-07-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, July 22, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 12.00 noon, over a thousand Pune citizens assembled at Ganesh Kala - Krida Manch to watch Al Gore’s documentary film An Inconvenient Truth. The screening was arranged by SAKAL SOCIAL FOUNDATION & PUNE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION. An introduction to the film was given by Smt. Rajlaxmi Bhosale, H'ble Mayor of Pune who was present on the occasion.

An Inconvenient Truth is an Academy Award-winning documentary film about climate change, specifically global warming and a future ice age in Northern Europe, presented by former United States Vice President Al Gore and directed by Davis Guggenheim. A companion book authored by Gore has been on the paperback nonfiction New York Times bestseller list since June 11, 2006, reaching #1 on July 2, 2006.

“ You look at that river gently flowing by. You notice the leaves rustling with the wind. You hear the birds; you hear the tree frogs. In the distance you hear a cow. You feel the grass. The mud gives a little bit on the river bank. It’s quiet; it’s peaceful. And all of a sudden, it’s a gear shift inside you. And it’s like taking a deep breath and going, "Oh yeah, I forgot about this." ”
— Al Gore in the opening monologue of An Inconvenient Truth

An Inconvenient Truth focuses on Al Gore and his travels in support of his efforts to educate the public about the severity of the climate crisis. Gore says, "I've been trying to tell this story for a long time and I feel as I've failed to get the message across." The film nearly follows a Keynote presentation (dubbed "the slideshow") that Gore presented throughout the world. It intersperses Gore's exploration of data and predictions regarding climate change and its potential for disaster with Gore's life story. It weaves in events that changed his worldview, including his college education with early climate expert Roger Revelle at Harvard University, his sister's death from lung cancer, and his young son's near-fatal car accident.

In the slideshow Gore reviews the scientific opinion on climate change, discusses the politics and economics of global warming, and describes the consequences he believes global climate change will produce if the amount of human-generated greenhouse gases are not significantly reduced in the very near future.

The film includes many segments intended to refute critics who say that global warming is insignificant or unproven. For example, Gore discusses the risk of the collapse of a major ice sheet in Greenland or in West Antarctica, either of which could raise global sea levels by approximately 20 feet (6m), flooding coastal areas and producing 100 million refugees. Meltwater from Greenland, because of its lower salinity, could halt the Gulf Stream current and quickly trigger dramatic local cooling in Northern Europe.

The film examines annual temperature and CO2 levels for the past 650,000 years in Antarctic ice core samples.

The documentary ends with Gore noting that if appropriate actions are taken soon, the effects of global warming can be successfully reversed by releasing less carbon dioxide and growing more plants which produce oxygen, like trees for example. Gore calls upon viewers to learn how they can help in this hyped initiative.

Gore's book of the same title was published concurrently with the theatrical release of the documentary. The book contains additional information, scientific analysis, and Gore's commentary on the issues presented in the documentary.

What can we do? Switch to and encourage the development of alternative energy sources: Solar, wind, tidal, biofuels Move quickly toward hybrid and electric cars. Pour money into public transit, and subsidize the fares. Save energy in our houses.

Film review from Wikipedia

Asma Jehangir Pakistani Human rights activist in Pune

2007-07-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

PUNE, 26 July 2007 —.
Whenever she comes to India and wherever she speaks, she draws large crowds: she is a great orator and Indians like to listen to a Pakistani pleading for friendly relations with India Speaking at a program organized by the Pune Union of Working Journalists here, Asma Jehangir, a Pakistani human rights activist, said free and fair elections in Pakistan were not possible until Musharraf quits.
Asma also criticized the Indian government for giving Musharraf a grand welcome during his Agra visit.
The human rights activist did not rule out the possibility of Musharraf imposing a state of emergency in the country. “The United States, which has supported Musharraf so far, should see the pro-democracy mood in Pakistan,” she remarked.
The human rights activist condemned the storming of the Red Mosque in Islamabad and the alleged indiscriminate use of force against students and militants inside. She asked how arms entered the mosque and who was financing the mosque’s authorities.
Saying that terrorism was a genuine threat, Asma claimed that Musharraf was “psychologically” finished and that the US may act according to the situation. She was very optimistic that former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif would return to Pakistan to contest elections.

Interview with Asma Jehangir on the state of the civil movements across the border

How would you describe the human rights movement in Pakistan?

It is stunted. But then, what can you expect in dictatorship? There is constant pressure on the judicial system. The voice of those fighting for human causes is not heard. This will happen because the system is not participatory as seen in most democracies.

How can true democracy return? Aren't the citizens fed up with propaganda that does not suit them?

It is only the elite and feudal lords who think like this. But the ordinary Pakistani knows what he wants. He knows that if the country has to move forward then the yoke of military dictatorship has to be thrown out. They also know that it is not the easy way out. And they are fighting it daily.

What about the inhuman laws which still continue to govern Pakistani women?

Inhuman laws like Karo Kari (constitutes honour killings) and Hadood Ordinance, in which a rape case requires the evidence of four adult male Muslims in order for the penalty of hadood to be imposed upon the accused, continue to exist. But now, some MPs like Sherry Rehman from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) have been talking of reforms.

How much impact you think the people's exchanges across the border can have on civil movements?

We can learn so much from each other. Indians can certainly take a tip or two from us on activism. Under a military regime,we certainly know how to beat the system and march.

However, the beginning is not yet made. Visas are denied and TV channels continued to be banned...

There is a problem. We have tried to bring several artists from India. Motivate singers like Lata Mangeshkar to come to Pakistan. Let me assure you that if she does that, there would be a riot across the border!

Courtesy Arab News and Times of India

Pune Education Meet Stresses Education for All

2007-07-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

EDUCATION for all on a common platform, with availability of the necessary resources, has been emphasised as part of the Pune Declaration which came up in a day-long workshop hosted by the Indian Consortium for Educational Transformation (ICONSENT) on Saturday.

ICONSENT consists of institutions such as Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL), the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Indian Institute of Education (IIE), SNDT University among others.

The Pune Declaration will be put up on the website for three weeks inviting suggestions and objections. The declaration will stand to be implemented by educationists under ICONSENT.

Ram Takawale, chairperson of ICONSENT, said the Pune Declaration that focused on quality education for anyone, anywhere, enlisted points which focus on incorporating policies and resources for quality education.

The one-day workshop held to mark the birth centenary of educationist JP Naik, saw discussions which encapsulated education in the state. “Quality of education has dipped with a high dropout rate and there is a good percentage who are not even attending schools. Among those attending, it is seen that 40 per cent are hardly able to read and write well. There is a need to bring them all at one level,” said Takawale.

He also pointed out the discrepancies in education meted out by the private and government schools with many students actually going to the latter. “There is a huge divide and this needs to be bridged,” he said.

The meet also emphasised on meeting the learning needs of every learner with internet facility to be made available in every school. “Technology is the need of the hour and this needs to be made available,” he said

Among the other recommendations: Emphaisising on self-learning and not rote learning, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship and not content memorisation was also highlighted. Mutual cooperation between private and government players and introduction of policies to go with the present global scenario too were put in the declaration.

Courtesy: PUNENewsline Monday July 2 2007

Kachra KIondi documentary on Pune's sanitary workers screened

2007-07-04T01:15:00.000-07:00

In this high-tech age, it is ironical that a municipal sanitary worker in Pune has to still step into overflowing sewers (down manholes) without an oxygen mask and go underwater in contaminated sewage to remove debris with has bare hands! Two workers perished a few years ago due to extreme asphyxiation. The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) garbage staff has to clear overflowing garbage containers, which could contain anything from rotting food to used sanitary napkins and dead animals, with their bare hands. PMC’s women street sweepers have to sweep human excreta every day, come rain or shine, and the PMC sanitary staff has to dispose of unclaimed bodies from the general hospital morgue.

All this is and more has been captured on ‘Kachra Kondi’ (Garbage Jam), the latest documentary film made by Pune-based theatre director, Atul Pethe. The 55-minute film, produced by the PMC Workers’ Union on a shoe string budget had its first, free public viewing at the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) auditorium on July 1. The film tries to look at the lives of conservancy staff including sweepers, garbage lifters, toilet cleaners and people who dispose unclaimed bodies.

In ‘Kachra Kondi’, Pethe, who shot and directed the film himself, brings us face to face with the PMC sanitary workers and their tough working lives, be it in the choked sewers, dirty toilets or overflowing garbage bins. In the film, the PMC garbage truck drivers complain about the poor condition of their trucks which, according to them, have faulty brakes, engine problems and breakdowns resulting in accidents. And, even though the PMC commissioner states on camera that the sanitary staff is entitled to a ration of gumboots, gloves, soaps and rainwear, the situation on the ground is very different. “All these provisions are on paper. We have not been issued any of this equipment,” a worker laments.

Explaining the aim behind producing the film, Mukta Manohar, general secretary, PMC Workers Union says, “We wanted to share with society the sheer drudgery experienced by sanitary workers every day, We hope the film is viewed enthusiastically and the resultant debate will help improve the lives of the sanitary worker,” Says Manohar, “I appeal to Punekars to segregate their wet and dry garbage, compost the wet garbage and say no to plastic. This will make the lives of the sanitary workers easier.”

There are at present 8,000 conservancy staff under the PMC Employee’s Union while over 5,000 people work in the unorganisd sector and are hired by contractors. Said Atul Pethe, director and producer of the film “This is a section that is always neglected by the society. They are termed as uncivilised only because they dispose the garbage generated by the civilised society”.

Courtesy: Maharashtra Herald, TOI and Indian Express Pune

PS! A copy of the film can be ordered from Atul Pethe atul_pethe@hotmail.com or you may borrow my copy for viewing

World backs Oct 2 as Intl.Non-Violence Day

2007-06-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

TIMES NEWS NETWORK
New Delhi: Brand Gandhi is getting bigger with 114 UN member countries joining hands on Monday to support India’s resolution to declare Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday on October 2 as ‘International Day of Non-Violence’. The move to get the international community to pay tribute to the Mahatma’s ideology followed the satyagraha conference organised by the Congress early this year and a dedicated campaign that was launched under the aegis of the government.
Source: The Times of India, 05.06.2007

Pune citizens celebrate World Environment Day

2007-06-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

National Society for Clean Cities, Pune ( NSCC, Pune) conducted a Clean Pune campaign for better waste management by Punekars from 15th May to 8th June. Sakal, Times of India and CII as well as other institutions and corporate bodies joined hands with NSCC to spread the message. The Mayor, Ms Rajlaxmi Bhosale and Ajit Pawar,guardian minister of Pune were also keenly involved in making this project a success.

To celebrate World Environment Day, a public meeting was held on 8th June, 2007 at 5.00pm at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, JM Road. Over 1000 concerned citizens participated and took the following pledge:

I pledge…

I will separate my wet and dry garbage

I will compost my wet waste and recycle my dry waste

I will keep my area clean

Delia Maria, Tanaji and Leela Waghmare representing the airport road mohalla committee participated, put up banners in Marathi and English and distributed leaflets and literature to the public.

Adieu, Sanjay bhai

2007-06-03T23:09:00.001-07:00

It is with great sorrow that we inform you about the sad demise of Sanjay Sangvai, a great visionary, committed activist and a wonderful human being. Sanjay dedicated his life to the various struggles of the marginalized people especially Narmada Bachao Aandolan. He passed away at 7.00 am (29th May 2007 ) this morning at the Nature Life Hospital at Kochi run by Dr. Jacob Vadakkanchery.

For a while Sanjay has been under treatment for his heart and respiratory problem. In spite of being very ill, he continued to contribute to various people’s struggles with passion. He rarely expressed the toll his ill health was taking on him and continued with his engagements in the usual manner. However, he was very sick of late and the family had decided to take him to Kochi to be at Dr. Jacob's place for treatment.

Sanjay was a journalist and activist throughout his life. He had been writing, in English, Hindi and Marathi, about the issues of the displaced people and the struggles of NBA and other such people's movements. For the past couple of years, he has been closely involved with issues of SEZs, land acquisition and displacement. Before joining as a full-time activist of NBA in 1989, he worked as a lecturer in departmen of journalism of Pune University. Besides NBA he was involved in various initiatives like “Pakistan, India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy”.

Sanjay was closely associated with National Centre for Advocacy Studies, Pune. Being a part of the Media Unit, he was always there to motivate and inspire us to take up action on various fronts. Sanjay through his life and writings has been a source of inspiration to youth to get involved in the struggles for a just society. He may no longer be amongst us today - but his spirit will inspire all of us forever.

Zindabad. In Solidarity
NCAS team

Pune Congress Party celebrates Gandhi’s Satyagraha Centenary

2007-06-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

Pune, 20 May 2007: On the even of anti-terrorism day, senior national and state congress leaders made a strong pitch in Pune for the revival of ‘satyagraha’ as a potent weapon to counter social evils like terrorism and communalism.

The occasion was the centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi’s first satyagraha ( a non violent resistance which the Mahatma successfully demonstrated during his staying South Africa in 1906)held at the congress Bhavan on Sunday.

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) organized the function that was attended among others, the AICC treasurer Motilal Vora, general secretaries Digv ijay Singh and and Mukul Wasnik, Congress Working committee member Mohsina Quidwai, Union minister of Maharashtra ministers Patangrao Kadam Narayan Rane and Harshavardhan Patil

Close to 100 freedom fighters, including veteran leader Prabhakar Kunte, were fecilitated at the function chaired by MPCC chief Prabha Rao. Union minister of state for home Manikrao Gavit said that the ministry has issued orders clearing a hike in the pension for freedom fighters, which would be enforced with retrospective effect from October 2006.

On the occasion successive speakers emphasized the relevance of Gandhi’s thoughts in these times of terrorism and communal issues and expressed concern over incidents like May 18 blast at Mecca mosque in Hyderabad and the previous blasts in Mumbai and Malegaon. The leaders expressed the view that the Mahatma’s thoughts were all the more relevant in the modern day.

The Congress then planned centenary functions at 12 states in the country. Pune which formed the 10th venue was chosen for its glorious historical past that includes the Mahatma’s association with the city, either by way of his incarceration at the Yerawada prison by the then British rulers or the satyagraha at Aga Khan palace.

Courtesy The Times of India Pune, Monday May 21 2007

Pune NGOs protest ban on sex education in schools

2007-04-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Coming down heavily on the Maharashtra government and the education department over the recently imposed ban on sex education in schools, members of the civil society and NGOs have asked the government to clarify its position. After Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra has become the third state that is planning to ban sex education. Around 40 delegates from more than two dozen NGOs in the field of child and women's rights gathered in Pune city on April 11 to formulate a joint action plan. They adopted a three-poit programme as the civil society's response to the governmen's ban on sex education in schools. Termining the government's decision as another example of tolerance of child sexual abuse in the guise of "protection of Indian cultrure and ethos" , Meena Seshu of Sangram NGO said issues related to education should not be politicised. "It is not a question of subscribing to right wing or left wing ideology. The matter is inculcating positive attitude about human sexuality by empowering the children to have an idea of what is the common phenomenon in the world".

Writes Meena Seshu, "We have enough evidence to show that young married girls are totally unprepared for sex when they get married leading to a lot of issues from Rape to the inability to cope with sex within marriage. From our experience in Sangli with rural girls and boys we can say with some authority that the young are really unprepared clumsy!! We need to teach them that sex is enjoyable, safe and not dirty. They have a right to information and to enjoy a satisfactory and healthy sexual life.

The meeting resolved to write a letter to the state primary and secondary education minister demanding clarification of the government's position. The participants also volunteered to be part of the effort in case the education department feels the need for modification of the curriculum.

In a shocking revelation a government commissioned survey had earlier found that more than 53% of children in India are subjected to sexual abuse, but most don't report the anssault to anyone. In 50% of child abuse cases, the abusers were known to the child or were in a position of trust and responsibility and most children did not report the matter to anyone.

Nandita Patel .of Indian Express writes: If the maharashta government had any concrete plans to address the rampant male bias across the nation they would see the importance of sexual education in high school and its role in reversing the long term prejudices against women in Indian society. That the Maharashtra government cannot see the link between the CBSE's Adolescent Life Skills Programme and the rights of women in society, only betrays the patriarchy inherent in their own world view. That the Maharashtra government thinks educating school children about sex is a Western influence that will corrupt "pure" Indian minds demonstrates its own adverse snobbery and stupidity. Aren't AIDs and other STDs , teenage pregnancies and sincgle motherhood, dysfunctional families, sexual abuse and paedophilia, child prostitution - to name a few - as much Indian issues as they are Western ones?

Citizens join hands to make Pune pollution-free

2007-04-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, the S M Joshi Bridge witnessed the gathering of a group of citizens from doctors, cost acdcountants and industrialists to teachers and students. And what bound the motley group was the passion to put a bar on the alarming levels of pollution in the city. In a unique concept to tackle the issue, around 60 people from across the city came together to celebrate Sunday as a Green Day by voluntarily abstaining from using their private vehicles. The initiatives will henceforth see the first Sunday of each month being devoted to the activity of curbing carbon levels in the city.

Said Dilip Sarda, president , Pune Cycle Patisthan, who was part of the rally, "Right from students to senior citizesn, people from all age groups and walks of life participated in the rally ".

Participants have already made plans to involved their kith and kin in the project. Said Sanjeev Gawade, a fitness expert, "Many of us were riding on the city streets for the first time. And its not just about riding cycles, but we are also encouraging people to use public transport. The basic idea is to discourage the use of private vehicles". "A calendar has been designed that contains details about the route the rally will be following each month" said Sarda.

No Iraqi bombed this vehicle - Pune cyclist @ orkut" was a banner carried by a student showing the picture of a cycle.

Courtesy Pune Newsline, April 2, 2007

Bhagat Singh’s birth centenary celebrations in Pune

2007-04-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

23rd March 2007 was the 100th birth anniversary of Shahid Bhagat Singh, the young Indian revolutionary. He was hanged by the British Government at the tender age of 23 on the 23rd March 1931. Bhagat Singh still lives in the hearts of many Indians. He will always be remembered for his open defiance of British imperialism. He was also an intellectual, a poet and a writer; his writings still inspire young Indians. Over five Hindi movies are made on his life.
Many programmes were held in Pune city to remember the young martyr. In many Government offices in the city, portraits of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru (who hailed from Pune) were decorated with flowers. At Dr.Ambedkar Cultural Bhavan, near Sassoon Hospital, a cultural programme was held.
The Bhagat Singh Brigade organized by left groups took out a march from Shramik Hall to the Pune Collectorate. It consisted of over 200 youth demanding more jobs from the government and criticizing the government’s jobless growth policies. Delia Maria, Sheela and Maria aunty joined the march. The marchers shouted Inquilab Zindabad, Long live freedom! Bhagat Singh Amar Rahe!

Villagers do Shramdhan for Carter Lonavala and other housing projects

2007-04-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

After former US president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter’s visit to Patan village in November 2006, an ambitious housing project bearing his name now provides life shelter for 100 needy families of 26 villages around Lonavla in Pune district.

The Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) 2006, undertaken by an international NGO Habitat for Humanity (HFH), has signed an official partnership agreement with Social Action for Manpower Creation (SAMPARC), based in Maval taluka, to build 100 houses for needy families in and around the villages.

The Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) is on a seven-acre site near Patan Village. The 100 families were selected from among the members of Abhinav Co-operative Credit Society (ACCS), a part of SAMPARC. Each family was given possession of a house (360 sq ft) under this project. The houses built in partnership with families in need, cost Rs 2.25 lakh each, of which Rs 75,000 is borne by the respective families. One-third of the amount had to be paid before taking possession and the remaining amount will be recovered in interest-free instalments in the next eight years.

The villager beneficiaries did shramdhan for their houses construction. They were also assisted by an estimated 2,000 volunteers of different organisations like SAMPARC and corporate ventures like Citigroup, Dow Chemicals, Whirlpool Corporation, HDFC Ltd, Aditya Birla Group and Nivara Sahya also assisted the project. The moneyn however, will be utilised in the next phase of JCWP in other villages. ACCS will also take the initiative to form women self-help groups, who will come to reside here soon. Dow Chemical International has decided to invest Rs 2.2 crore over two years in JCWP. Similarly, other corporate giants, involved in the project, will also be financially support the cause. The list includes Citigroup, Whirlpool, HDFC Ltd and many others who also supported for the same project in other countries.

Courtesy Maharashtra Herald

Sardar Patel National Award for Dr. Ravindra Kumar

2007-04-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

It is a matter of great pleasure that Universally Renowned Gandhian Scholar, Peace Worker, Founder of W.P. M.T. and the Former Vice-Chancellor of CCS University, Meerut (India) Dr. Ravindra Kumar has been selected for the "FIRST SARDAR PATEL NATIONAL AWARD" by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Foundation, for his outstanding national and human services.

Earlier Dr. Kumar was conferred the PADMA SHRI by H. E. the President of India.

Dr. Kumar is acquainted with FOGM since 2000. He has contributed his articles to this website from time to time. In February 2006 he visited the Gandhi National Memorial Pune and delivered a talk at the National Conference on Women and Peace.

Mrinal Khurana
For World Peace Movement Trust

Pune anti-war marchers joined global protest against the US invasion of Iraq on March 17, 2007

2007-03-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

On the 4th year of the occupation of Iraq by the US and other imperialist forces, relay anti-war protests were held in major cities all over the world. In Pune, the protest rally was organized by the Anti-Imperialist Action Committee Pune. The march started at 4.30 pm and the marchers walked from Shaniwarwada to Pune Camp. Nearly 200 young and old, students, peace activists, women and workers participated.

Exactly four years ago, the US imperialists invaded and occupied Iraq. All the reasons given by the US to invade and occupy Iraq have been proven to be false. The US has violated the UN charter and all international laws. Since 2003, US military aircraft have mercilessly bombed Iraqi infrastructure. All essential services like water supply and electricity have collapsed. Entire cities, from Fallujah to Samarra, have been razed to the ground.

The US is attempting to wipe out Iraqi people. It has used depleted uranium in these bombs. This emits radioactive rays. The consequences have been horrifying – deformed births, babies born with no eyes or no brain, sharp rise in the incidence of cancer.

The 1.5 lakh US troops in Iraq have made life hell for Iraqi people. They routinely invade houses; shoot people. Tens of thousands of Iraqi youth are in jails, where they've been brutally tortured.

More than 6,50,000 Iraqis have been killed since the occupation began in March 2003 …

The real reason for the invasion
· The real reason for the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 is to take control of Iraqi oil. Iraq's oil resources are the second biggest in the world and also very cheap to extract. With the global oil crisis deepening, the US, having weakened Iraq through sanctions, now decided to invade and occupy Iraq and seize control of these oil reserves.
· The other aim was to establish permanent military bases in Iraq . This would help US dominate not just the Middle East , but Central Asia too, which also has enormous reserves of oil and natural gas.
Speakers at the march condemned aggression and plunder of Iraq by US imperialists and its allies!! They called USA is the world's biggest terrorist state! The US has been the world's biggest user of chemical and biological weapons. It is also only nation ever to use the biggest weapon of mass destruction, the atomic bomb.

Demands at the rally were:
· US and its allies must unconditionally and immediately withdraw all forces from Iraq.
· US must pay full compensation to Iraq for damages done to life and property, not just since 2003 but since 1991.
· Bush should be tried in the International Court of Justice as a War Criminal, and punished.
· Ownership of all of Iraq's nationalized resources, including oil, banks and factories, should remain with the Iraqi people.

Delia Maria, Amiri and Sheela walked in the march carrying banners asking “no more war, no more violence, no more nuke deals, we want peace!”

Pune Women stage Dharna on Intl. Womens Day 2007

2007-03-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

International Women's Day, celebrated internationally on 8 March every year for over thirty years now, this year focused on the theme "Ending Impunity for Violence against Women." The Day highlighted the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.

This year fifteen left and progressive womens groups in Pune district staged a five hour Dharna at the Pune Collectorate near the Pune Railway Station. The issues they discussed were: the Khairlanji killings, violence against women including domestic violence, sexual abuse at work place, dowry, unorganised women workers and uniform issue of Nurses among others. Young women from Daund taluka staged a street play and other womens groups sang revolutionary songs.

Delia Maria, Maria aunty and Sheila participated in the 8th March dharna and held banners supporting our Muslim sisters in the middle east facing years of imperialist war. “War murders women” were one of the slogans FOGM’s banner read. Mr. Amiri from NAMIR also attended with his Iranian comrades and distributed handbills giving details of how Iranian women are suffering under the Islamic regime in their country.

In Indiranagar slum on Airport Road, over 30 women had an annual day celebration to commemorate womens day and to congratulate ten neo-literate women of their vasti who had undergone a year’s literacy class programme sponsored and co-ordinated by the FOGM. Delia Maria, Thangamma, and Maria Aunty were the volunteers in the programme. Nirmala was the regular adult educator.

FAS peace education seminar in Pune

2007-03-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Foundation for Advancement of Science, Bhopal, organized a Seminar titled “Fostering Intellectual and Spiritual Growth” in Pune. The seminar called attention to the need for the spiritual and intellectual aspects of learning to work together harmoniously in approaches to education that seek to equip young people to build a more peaceful society. The seminar, held at the Poona Club on February 24th, was attended by 35 participants representing 14 different schools and educational organizations, and featured four speakers addressing a range of topics.

A central concern of the seminar was peace education in all its aspects. Peace education has been promoted internationally for years by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Steps are being taken to develop and strengthen it on the regional, national, and local levels. One example is the recent effects of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in India. The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) has stated that “Education for peace seeks to nurture ethical development with values, attitudes and skills required for living in harmony within oneself and with others including nature.”

Speakers at the seminar addressed the concerns of peace education from a variety of angles: Mr. Deepak Dalal, environmentalist and author of the popular children’s books Lakshadweep Adventure, Ladakh Adventure, Ranthambhor Adventure and Snow Leopard Adventure, spoke about creating awareness in urban young people of the rich natural diversity of India. Accompanying his presentation with a breathtaking array of photos of natural wonders in every corner of India, he drew attention to the importance of teaching our young people about their environment. Appreciation for the beauty of the natural environment is a pivotal part of education for conservation.

Mr. Payam Shoghi, Director of Foundation for Advancement of Science-Bhopal, reviewed some of the aspects of the current, content-based educational system, and presented elements of a new approach to education that equips young people to become conscious subjects of their own growth, and active participants in social transformation. He outlined Foundation for Advancement of Science’s efforts toward this end, including in-service teacher trainings in cooperative learning and cooperative games, conflict resolution, communication, and new approaches to classroom discipline which promote student self-discipline both in and outside the school. Mr. Shoghi also explained the Junior Youth Empowerment Program, which addresses the special needs of youth aged 12-15, who are in a transitional phase in their lives.

Dr. H.T.D. Rost, of New Era Foundation, Panchgani, and author of numerous books and textbooks, shared insights from his many decades of work as an educationist in the U.S., Kenya, Uganda and India. Dr. Rost’s conviction is that peace education is most effective when not only the content of the textbook delves into the concept of peace, but the classroom structure also gives children the opportunity to practice cooperation, conflict resolution, and empathy during the lesson. His newly released textbooks for standards I-V, The Foundation of Peace, published by FAS, employ methods of training young children to be peaceful and active "peacemakers" using cooperative learning and cooperative games.

Dr. Vasudevan Nair, Principal of Riverdale International School, Pune, discussed the way science and spirituality can work together harmoniously in approaches to education that seek to cultivate the limitless potentialities of the human being.

Delia Maria from FOGM who has written a manual titled “Teaching Communal Harmony in the classroom” attended the seminar. She is trying to network with the other participants she met there to hold a FAS workshop for Pune teachers in July.

For peace education literature or to organize a teacher training workshop write to FAS, 174, Sector-2, Shakti Nagar , Bhopal–462 024, Madhya Pradesh (India), Tel: 755 4274110; Email: director@fasindia.org; payam@sancharnet.in; Website: www.fasindia.org

Book Release by Friends of Gandhi Museum in Pune

2007-02-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

Friends of the Gandhi Museum released Jeff Knaebel’s book titled Experiments in Moral Sovereignty Notes of an American Exile in two separate functions. It was released at the hands of Shri Babulal Sharma of the Gandhi Peace foundation Delhi during the World Social Forum there in November 2006. It was again released at the 30th Janurary 2007 Gandhi Martyr Day function, Aga Khan Palace, Pune at the hands of Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer of CSSS Mumbai.

Jeff Knaebel is an American expatriate domiciled in Pune with
his Indian wife Dr. Delia Maria and stepson Siddarth Thomas. The book is his first, in which he presents his case for expatriation from his country of birth. The book expresses three main themes:

(1) A call to people of the world to generate an evolutionary quantum leap into a higher consciousness of nonviolence in order that we may survive as a species. This call is for a revolution from fear to love, from greed to generosity, from cruelty to compassion, from deceit to truth, from dependence to self reliance, from war to peace, from corporate enslavement to individual liberty.

(2) An appeal to India to help raise humanity to a more sacred destiny – not as a nation state, but as a people - to guide mankind to that spiritual unity which alone can bring peace on earth.

(3) The story of one man's quest for individual moral sovereignty in a world of institutionalized structural violence imposed by the corporate warfare state. This struggle - within himself as well as with powers that be – led him to renunciation of and severance from his native land.

The book is 233 pages and is available at a discounted price of Rupees 150 from

Narayan Desai’s Gandhi Katha in Pune

2007-02-18T23:49:00.000-08:00

A series of talks by Narayan Desai on Gandhiji’s life started at the Ganesh Kala Krida Manch Pune. It has been organized by Gandhi National Memorial Society and is titled Gandhi Kathakathan. It will reveal various facets of the Mahatma’s life. The talks are between 6-8 pm from February 16-22.

Not content with his four-volume biography of the Mahatma, Narayan Desai is now taking Gandhiji to people through katha. Besides being a Gandhian scholar, the septuagenarian Desai has links with Gandhiji that go back a generation: he’s the son of Mahadev Desai, the Mahatma’s secretary and close associate.

Desai says he first thought his recent four-volume biography of Gandhiji, Maru Jeevan Aej Mari Vaani, was the culmination of his efforts to let the world know what the Mahatma was and what he stood for. ‘‘But there are people who cannot read or have no time to read,’’ he says. ‘‘I searched for ways of educating them, and came up with the idea of Gandhi katha.’’

Desai says the katha will have a prose narrative, of course, but in order not to bore listeners, there will be parts in verse and song. All this he has written himself.

Moraribapu was my inspiration, said Desai. ‘‘I had no experience of narrating a katha. I observed Moraribapu and learnt how to narrate and represent an incident.’’

Courtesy Ahmedabad Times and Maharashtra Herald Pune

Gandhi's Martyr Day Observed in Pune

2007-02-18T22:24:00.000-08:00

Pune: Jan 30. In a Seminar organized at Gandhi National Memorial at Pune, H H Swami Advaitanadji of Chimaya Mission, Kolkatta, urged the audience to pay respect to the different religious traditions and to rediscover the depth of Indian spirituality. The Seminar focused on Gandhiji and the fundamental unity and truth in all religions. In his inaugural address Swami urged the gathering to work for the material and spiritual prosperity of the country.

Rt Rev Valerian D’Souza, Bishop of Pune, highlighted the role that religions have to play to promote peace in the society. He urged the Indians to work for the upliftment of the poor in our midst, following the example of the Father of the Nation. Dr Ashgar Ali Engineer, in his keynote address, pleaded for communal harmony based on respect and fairness for different religions.

In the welcome speech Smt Rama Rauta, convener of the Seminar, focused on the need to cleanse Ganges so that the future generation will be grateful to us. Inspired by Gandhi, she said that the National Women’s Organization, Pune, has been working for social and environmental concerns.

The seminar organized to honour Mahatma Gandhi was held At Aghakhan Palace, more than 200 people took part. The main speakers paid homage to Kasturba Gandhi and to Mahatma Gandhi. Two books, Gandhi, Ganja and Giriraj by Professor L Khubchandani and Experiments in Moral Sovereignity by Jeff Knaebel were released.

Representatives form Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Jainism took part in the prayer at the Samadhi. Smt Shobhana Tai Ranade presided over the inaugural function.

Dr. Kuruvilla SJ, Delia Maria Ph.d., Dr. Sawant, and others from the Friends of the Gandhi Museum also spoke. The seminar was arranged by National Women’s Organization and Gandhi National Memorial Society, Pune and assisted by the Friends of the Gandhi Museumk Pune..

TOI Correspondent

Gandhi's Martyr Day Observed in Mumbai

2007-02-18T22:21:00.000-08:00

1200 students from 42 colleges marched for Peace & Communal Harmony Rally to commemorate Gandhi's Martyr Day from Azad Maidan to Hutatma Chowk which was jointly organised by Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal, Hindustani Praschar Sabha, Gandhi Smarak Nidhi & NSS Units of Mumbai & SNDT University.

1200 NSS from students 42 colleges along with the Gandhian activists, social workers, peace loving citizens marched for Peace and Communal Harmony to commemorate Gandhi’s death anniversary from Azad Maidan to Hutatma Chowk with play-cards, banners and aprons carrying slogans on Communal Harmony, “HATE HURTS, HARMONY HEALS” etc.

The purpose of the rally was to inculcate the spirit of peace and communal harmony as Gandhi had visualized amongst people from different walks of life which is the need of the hour to lead our country towards progress. This is more relevant and necessary in today’s atmosphere where hatred, disharmony, violence and intolerance are spreading at an alarming rate and moral values are on a decline.

The Peace & Communal Harmony March was jointly organized by Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal, Hindustani Prachar Sabha, Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and the NSS units of Mumbai and SNDT University.

At 5.17 p.m. (the time when Gandhi was assassinated), an oath to oppose all forms of communalism, casteism, chauvinism; never to resort to violence and intolerance and to work for promoting harmony, goodwill and peace in the world.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GLOBAL CONFLICTS AND TERRORISM

2007-02-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

Emphasing tolerance and an increase to the role of spirituality, participants at the International conference on Global conflicts and Terrorism said both were required to make the world a better place and ridding it of terrorism and conflict.

The conference was held on the city on Monday 22nd January . Former Council of Scientific and Industrial Research director RA Malshekar said “Religion spirituality and science together can bring harmony”. He added that on the last decade, though there had been huge advancement in material wealth, there had been little advancement in terms of spirituality. “Spirituality should be at the centrestage for the promotion of harmony . In this respect, the 21st century will be a defining period in the history of mankind” he said.

Vanrai founder Mohan Dharia said that if the systematic destruction of nature was not stopped, a time would come when the human race should be destroyed by nature’s fury. Dharia urged people to be more introspective to find the cause behind the spate to global terrorism and rise in conflict.

Referring to Swami Vivekanda’s speech at the World Religious Meet 1893, Vishwanath Karad said the time had come to recount the speech and practice more tolerance. “Transform pilgrim centres in India to divine knowledge centres of India” Karad said.

Jeff Knaebel of friends of Gandhi Museum Pune also spoke on state terrorism. No political institution, no authoritarian person, no economic policy, and no government can save us from the self-inflicted disaster bearing down upon us. Only the freedom to be in love with life. To express this love, we must get the State out of our way. He said.

The conference was organized by the World conference on Reverence for all Life under the chairmanship of Shri Bahri Malhotra. Delia Maria from Friends of the Gandhi Museum was among one of the volunteer organizers. Delegates of every religion participated in the conference.

Courtesy Express News Service, January 22, 2007

Mohan Dharia quits waste land board

2007-01-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

Vanrai founder Mohan Dharia and a friend of the Gandhi Museum Pune, has resigned from the post of chief advisor on State government’s Waste Land Development Board. Speaking to Newsline, Dharia said he sent the resignation to the State Government on December 23 to protest against Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and State government’s apathy towards development of waste land and waiving loans of farmers.

Dharia said, when the board was formed, it was to work on two aspects, first on water harvesting and secondly on development of waste land. He said after the Democratic Front came to power, the government launched the tanker-free Maharashtra mission. However all-out efforts were not made to implement the mission. He went on an indefinite hunger strike on the issue of farmer’s suicides. Deshmukh had promised to waive farmers’ loans and to provide loans to farmers at four per cent interest rate, but later denied having given any such promise.

Courtesy Express News Service , December 28, 2006

On behalf of FOGM, Delia Maria visited Mohan Dharia when he was recovering after his fast in Poona Hospital and presented him a banner supporting his stand on the farmers’ suicides issue.

Veteran Pune Gandhian Bharade passes away Nov 22, 2006

2006-11-26T00:16:00.000-08:00

Veteran freedom fighter, a Gandhian and former Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Balasaheb Shivram Bharade died here today of old age. He was 94 and is survived by his wife, five sons and a daughter. The veteran leader, who was on life support system for the past few days at the Poona Hospital here, was declared dead by doctors at 1745 hrs this evening. The immediate cause of death was stated as ''septicaemia'', hospital sources said. Balasaheb was born at Shevgaon in Ahmednagar district in 1912. He was the Member of the State Legislative Assembly from 1952 to 1972 from Shevgaon. He had held various positions including the State Assembly Speaker's from 1962 to 1972. Prior to that he was the State Cooperation Minister from 1957 to 1962. He was chairman of the Mahatma Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, chairman of the Maharashtra State Khadi Board and chairman of the Akhil Bharatiya Khadi Commission. He was closely associated with the Mahatma Gandhi and Bhoodan Movement leader Vinoba Bhave. During the freedom struggle, he was imprisoned at the time of the 1942 Quit India Movement. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh had visited the Poona Hospital yesterday to inquire after the health of the veteran leader and had spent time with his family members.

Courtesy Pune, Nov 22 UNI

Balasaheb wanted Gandhi academy for youth at Ralegan Siddhi

Social activist Anna Hazare talks about the man who taught him to live by what he spoke

Pune, November 23: Forty years ago, when I first met Balasaheb, I saw the dream of Gram-Swarajya in his eyes. He held Gandhiji’s thoughts close to his heart. So much so that even in his last days, which were spent in bed, he was worried about who would fulfil his dream of establishing the Gandhi academy. That dream remains unfulfilled.

Balasaheb wanted the youth to be taught Gandhian thought. The academy would be for those young people who wanted to do something for society and were ready to devote their lives. While a theoretical study on Gandhian thoughts would be given at Maharashtra Gandhi Nidhi Trust’s Gandhi Bhavan, the practical study would be conducted at Ralegan Siddhi.

Bharade’s death is the loss of a true and loyal Gandhian. Balasaheb would say, ‘‘Nothing is impossible if one has clean intentions and good behaviour.’’ People like me have tried to follow his thoughts but have achieved very little. He was selfless. Listening to his constant talk on Gandhi’s thoughts and philosophies, we have been able to accomplish few things in life.

Balasaheb also dreamt about Gram Swarajya. He would visit Ralegan and participate in many village programmes. My first association with Balasaheb was in 1976 when he had come to Ralegan for a de-addiction campaign along with businessman and Gandhian Navalbhai Firodia. I was a follower of Swami Vivekanand who had a great impact on my life. After our meeting, Balasaheb and I were together in several social activities and projects.

In 1992, when Sudhakar Naik was the chief minister, Balasaheb suggested the concept of a ‘model village’. He had prepared the criteria of one and wanted one village from every taluka to follow it. However, the State government failed to realise its importance. Balasaheb would always say the country would progress if villages were developed.

Balasaheb and V S Page were both gifted leaders. The Bharade-Page pair made immense difference to the State. They showed how cooperatives would work wonders for Maharashtra. I learnt the art of sacrifice from both.

Balasaheb was outspoken and dared to call a spade a spade. He would openly speak about mistakes or wrongdoings of fellow politicians. In Balasaheb, I saw someone who acted on what he spoke. He taught us to live by words.

Courtesy Pune Newsline, Friday November 24 , 2006

Farmers march in Pune city against SEZ Policy

2006-10-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

On 6th October 2006, nearly a hundred farmers from Karla took a march from the Gandhi statue in front of the Pune station to the Pune collectorate to protest against the Government’s SEZ policy allowing selling of farmland to big business houses. They were accompanied by Pune workers, environmentalists and left trade unionists. Pune citizens from Nagpur Chawl also protesting eviction from the local corporation joined the march.

The march was organized by the SEZ Virodhi Sangharsha Kriti Samiti. The Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the land acquisition processes for SEZs have been causing widespread discontent among the farmers and common people all over India. Since 2005, 267 SEZs have been approved by the Commerce Ministry. Out of this 41 SEZs have been approved in Maharashtra alone. In Pune, the zones include 16 villages with a total of 57000 acres of agricultural land in Rajgurunagar in Khed taluka, nine villages of 3000 acres in Karla in Lonavala and the village of Maan with 1100 acres in Raigad district. Past few months have seen great resistance to the land acquisition processes for SEZs in Dadri in U.P., Pen, Uran, Rajgurunagar and Karla in Maharashtra. The State repression of resistance and people's demands with the help of police and the corporate powers has increased the frustration, anger, and increased their suspicion about the state machinery as the agent of the corporates. This has shaken the faith of people in the democratic state. The people consider the whole process of SEZs as an affront to the Constitution of this country.

Among some of the objections of the Pune based Kriti Samiti to the SEZ policy are: loss of local livelihoods of the farmers, inadequate employment opportunities, increasing burden on natural resources and environment, the creation of real estate zones on agricultural land, revenue loss due to subsidizing SEZs, overruling of the local self governments, adverse impact on labour conditions, and no public consultations.

Activist Medha Patkar was among the speakers at the march. The next day, a documentary titile Arajakachi Nandi on SEZs by city based writer-director Atul Pethe was screened at Patrakar Bhavan. It documents the plight of farmers in villages who will loose their land to make way for the SEZ. The film has given voice to the ordinary farmer and his family, who are persistently fighting a battle to retain their rightful homes. The documentary also explores the situation in the 45 villages at Panvel, Pen and Uran where a total of 35,000 acres of agricultural land have been handed over to a big business house for setting up SEZ.

Delia Maria from FOGM, Dr. Dendle and friends of Nagpur Chawl participated in the march.

Medha Patkar at Nagpur Chawl Airport road

2006-10-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Pune, Oct 6: Criticising the policy of acquiring agricultural and slum lands for setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs), social activist Medha Patkar today alleged that the governments at the Centre and state are seeking development at the cost of farmers and poor.

"What development can be envisioned by dispossessing some people against their will from a particular place?" she asked at a meeting here organised by Nagpur Chawl Vikas Kriti Samiti, near Yerawada Central Jail.

The Nagpur Chawl, comprising 2,000 houses, is proposed to be demolished for the construction of multi-storeyed buildings by the Slum Development Rehabilitation Authority.

Nagpur Chawl is no more a slum but has developed into a colony, Patkar said, seeking to know the real reason behind the decision of the authorities to demolish it.

"The governments both at the Centre and state are seeking development at the cost of the farmers and poor. Are the SEZs and multi-storeyed buildings only the yardstick to measure development?" she asked.

Warning that "the dispossessed would not sit quiet and launch a relentless campaign to protect their rights," Patkar said it appears the real motive behind the decision to demolish the Nagpur Chawl at Yerawada was commercial.

"The colony, if turned into a cluster of multi-storied buildings, would be commercially viable as it is located near Pune International Airport", she added.

--- PTI

Indo-Pak Students Peace Camp 2nd Oct06

2006-10-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

GANDHI JAYANTI OBSERVED AS INDO-PAK PEACE DAYWITH INAUGURATION OF A INDO-PAK STUDENTS PEACE CAMP
Today, to promote peace, non-violence and people topeople dialogue between youngsters from India andPakistan Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Union Minister ofState for Finance, Government of India inaugurated asix day long Indo-Pak Students Peace Camp beingorganised by YUVSATTA, The Youth-Pakistan, Dev SamajCollege of Education, DAV College, Moti Ram Arya Sr.Sec. School and Gandhi Smriti & Darshan Samiti, NewDelhi with the help of Department of Public Relationsand Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration.
Welcoming the participants Dr. Satinder Dhillon,Convenor of ‘Campaign for Peace-city Chandigarh’ saidthat to aid the process further, they’re alsocelebrating this GANDHI JAYANTI, which is also beingcelebrated this year as Dusshera i.e. the victory ofgood over evil as INDIA PAKISTAN PEACE DAY, thussaluting the Gandhian spirit of tolerance, forgivenessand brotherhood.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal saidthat the Peace process between India and Pakistan isquite fragile. Biased bureaucrats, people vested incontinuation of hostilities, and acts of terrorism caneasily derail it. As we approach the 60th anniversaryof Independence of India and Pakistan, the peoples ofthe region, especially the silent majority, shouldseriously reflect on what they want, and what would bein the long range interest of the two nations and thatof the whole region. And such initiatives ofyoungsters can play a great role in promotingbrotherhood, peace and progress.
Mr. Bansal, appreciated the organisation of GandhiJayanti as INDO-PAK PEACE DAY, thus saluting the 100years of birth of Gandhiji’s Satyagraha. He alsopresented autobiographies of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘TheStory of My Experiments with Truth’ to all theparticipating students from Pakistan. He also saidthat with fast expanding information technology worldhas become a global village in true sense...and peopleof India and Pakistan have just to remove mentalbarriers to cross over to each other to grow andprogress together.
In this Camp 16 youngsters from The Youth-Pakistan (anNGO) and 25 local students are participating.
Giving information about the Camp Mr. Parmod Sharma,Coordinator, Yuvsatta said that the good part of thisinitiative is that guests from Pakistan are staying inlocal families and College Hostels with local studentsand this will certainly help to promote mutualgoodwill and feeling of brotherhood. Next six days ofthis group are packed with deliberations on role ofyouth in promoting universal peace, disarmament, unityof religions and strengthening Indo-Pak relations.Alongside serious discussions, special city Chandigarhtour on bus and bicycles will also be there andthey’ll also not miss watching ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’.
Mr. Mubashir Mirza the group leader of studentsrepresenting The Youth-Pakistan (an NGO) said thatafter this Camp, now it’ll be their turn to host asimilar initiative in Pakistan, in which they’llrequest students from Schools and Colleges ofpeace-city Chandigarh to participate.
Today, this group of youngsters were also specialinvitees of Shri Ramlila Committee, Sector 17, towatch the Dusshera celebrations.

PRAMOD SHARMA

Brand Mahatma

2006-09-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Mahatma in a Makeover
Outlook - India - September 11, 2006
Gandhi goes glitzy for Gen Y, and the signs are everywhere
Museum muse
One of the world’s first digital multimedia museums in Delhi’s Gandhi Smriti has sent footfalls soaring to 2,000 visitors a day.
A mobile Gandhi museum begins countrywide tour after an extended show in Mumbai.
Gandhi Smriti goes for makeover in ethnic chic, adding cafeteria, shops, live demo-exhibits of pottery, spinning.
Becomes hub of activities for schoolkids and underprivileged, including computer classes.
Gandhiana for the kids
Schoolkids open new version of Gandhi’s newspaper.
A Gandhi quiz competition for schoolkids goes national.
Over one lakh school and college children pay to take an exam on Gandhi’s life.
Debating and elocution competitions on Gandhi’s relevance.
Summer camps, tours, workshops
Summer camps at Sevagram ashram becoming popular.
Chennai schoolkids line up for ‘In Gandhi’s Footsteps’ tour of four states
Free radio/newspaper/comicbook workshops on Gandhi’s principles.
Kids go as volunteers to work in slums/villages.
Workshops on non-violent communication.
Bestselling icon
An audiotape abridging Gandhi’s autobiography with Shekhar Kapoor and Nandita Das launched in Planet M music stores in five metros.
Regional translations of My Experiments with Truth in last five years sell in lakhs of copies.
Publishers/authors applying for rights of Gandhi’s works doubled in last 2-3 years.
Between 1,000 and 2,000 new books on Gandhi every year across the world—publishers here say huge demand for new, attractive, relevant books on Gandhi for young readers. New Gandhi picturebooks coming up.
A Times Music cassette on Gandhi’s bhajans climbs to top of music bestseller list.
Renewed interest in Gandhi seeps into popular cinema; Rakeysh Mehra, director of Rang de Basanti, claims Gandhi is India’s single-largest export; filmmakers and playwrights try to reinvent Gandhi for a new generation.
Buddhists from across the world begin their pilgrimage to Buddhist holy places with a visit to Gandhi museum.
A new breed of social activists drawn from young, middle-class urban India start innovative schemes in slums and villages across India, claiming their inspiration is Gandhi—recent campaigns include the tribal land struggle campaign in Umariya district of Madhya Pradesh, and the campaign against multinational steel company POSCO in Orissa.
Universities open centres for Gandhian studies, search begins for postmodern lessons on Gandhi.
Brand Gandhi
T-shirts with Gandhi quotes
Car screens with his sayings
Posters of Gandhi hottest item at museum shops.
A new fashion collection for satyagraha centenary.

Outlook, Sept.11, 2006

Bharat Soka Gakkai's Pune Exhibition 'Seeds of Change"

2006-09-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

“The future at once holds great peril and great promise”
“We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history…a time when humanity must choose the future”
“No matter how complex global problems may seem, it is we ourselves who have given rise to them. They cannot be beyond our power to resolve…”

This text is on the introductory panel of Seeds of change : The Earth Charter and Human potential , an exhibition initially created by the Soka Gakkai International and the Earth Charter Initiative for the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. The exhibition reflects the global dimension of pollution, poverty and injustice, and the burden placed on the environment by technological progress. The message is clear: We must alter the situation confronting us before time runs out.

the inauguration of the exhibition was held on Saturday, 9th Sept. at 11 am at Nehru Memorial Hall. Pune citizens, environmentalists, students from Pune schools and NGOs visited the exhibition. The BSG Pune through this exhibition helped to spread awareness and motivate citizens initiative at a community level, to creating a sustainable and peaceful global society. A pamphlet titled What can I do? How can I make a difference? How can I bring change? was distributed to all visitors.

For more information contact:Dr. R. N Bharadwaj/ Mrs. Kanika Mall
(Local Co-ordinators)
E-A1, Konark Enclave, Bund Garden Road, Pune
Cell: 937135335, 9860666899

Gandhi back in style thanks to Bollywood blockbuster Munnabhai

2006-09-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

One hundred years after Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi launched his non-violence movement, a new runaway hit comedy film is helping to bring his teachings to a whole new audience. “Lage Raho Munnabhai” (Carry on Munnabhai)” has played to packed houses since it opened two weeks ago and is on its way to becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest moneymakers of the year, according to industry watchers. The film, which has earned rave reviews, features Bollywood superstar Sanjay Dutt as a gangster named Munnabhai with a heart of gold. But Gandhi, portrayed by veteran stage actor Dilip Prabhavalkar, steals the show as he steers the gangster onto the path of honesty while dispensing old-fashioned lessons about truth and honesty. “If Bapu (Gandhi) were to see the film today, he would have applauded the role,” said Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar. “Already, I hear people are buying more books on Gandhi after watching the film.” In the film — currently number one at the box office according to Bollywood website indiafm.com — Munnabhai falls in love with a female radio host who has no clue about his wicked past. Bapu, or father — as Gandhi is known in India — appears to Munnabhai as a ghost when the gangster starts researching the life of the loincloth-clad Indian leader in a bid to impress the radio presenter with his knowledge. Gandhi, famed as the torchbearer of India’s fight against British rule, urges the gangster to give up his life of crime to woo the woman. The gangster ends up co-hosting the advice chat show, and he ends up winning over both the woman and listeners with the folksy advice relayed to him in the studio by Gandhi himself — who is invisible to everyone else. Gandhi’s principles of austere living and passive resistance, which he followed in his everyday life and with which he fought British colonial rule, are a running theme in the comedy. An elderly man tired of paying bribes is told to shame the offender by offering all he has — his clothes, hearing aid and glasses — until the government official finally does what he asks without payment. “Gandhi is the real hero of the film. The film is really funny, and sends a message without being too heavy,” said student Aastha Singh. Gandhi’s portrayal has found favour in unusual quarters. The Delhi state government approved so much of the Hindi-language film’s message that it made the movie tickets tax-free so more people might see it. “The storytelling is swift, saucy and knife-sharp in critiquing the loss of Gandhian ideals” in everyday Indian life, wrote film critic Khalid Mohamed in Mumbai’s Daily News and Analysis newspaper. The release of the film coincided with centenary celebrations on September 11 to mark the start of Gandhi’s resistance movement against racial discrimination in British-ruled South Africa, where he practised as a lawyer. Ten years later in 1916, Gandhi came back to India and started leading India’s fight against British rule. Movie critics said young people could relate to Prabhavalkar’s portrayal of Gandhi, thanks to his use of slang spoken in Mumbai — where the film is set — and his friendly interaction with the underworld. “Hardcore moral preaching doesn’t sell, but if you package it with entertainment, it works,” said indiafm.com editor Taran Adarsh. “Bapu himself considered humour to be essential. He wasn’t a dour man at all. He used to say “If it wasn’t for my sense of humour, I would have committed suicide long ago’,” said his great-grandson Tushar.

Courtesy Khaleej Times, Sept 14, 2006, New Delhi

Munnabhai sends new Gandhians rushing to city bookstores!

2006-09-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

The portrayal of Gandhian principles in Sanjay Dutt’s new film has revived an interest in the Father of The Nation!
There has been an unexpected rise in the sale of Gandhi books in this past week. And taking deserving credit for this rise is our innocent ‘Munnabhai’. The newly released movie, ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ is based on Gandhian principles and the portrayal of these principles is done so well in the movie, that the audience is rushing into bookstores to learn more about the ‘Father of The Nation’.
Amazed at such a rise, Oxford Bookstore’s all India head of sales, Abhijit Chandra, said, “Usually, there is not much demand for Gandhi books, but in the last one week, the sales have risen 35 per cent. We had to order new stock within this week.”
Chandra also said that it is college students who are inquiring the most. The demand at Oxford is for titles like ‘Samadhi’ written by Bhikhu Parekh, ‘Gandhi on Personal Leadership’ written by Anand Kumar Swami, and ‘M. K. Gandhi, An Autobiography’.
The Gandhi Book Centre at Tardeo, which is run by the Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal, not only has experienced a rise in the sale of Gandhi books, but also a rise in audiences at their yearly function that celebrates Satyagraha. “On September 11, we had a function at Bharti Vidya Bhavan. This time, not only was the entire auditorium full, but we had arranged a screening in the hall above the auditorium as well,” said a very surprised Tulsidas Somaiya, who is in charge of the Book Centre.
The sale in books has been tremendous. “We sell books on a wholesale basis too. In this last week, we have already given 9,000 books away and are currently packing another order of 400,” said Somaiya, who has been receiving many calls urging him to watch ‘Lage Raho...’ “I was busy in the function, but now I am planning to see it,” he said.
The most selling books on Gandhi, are ‘M. K. Gandhi, An Autobiography’, and ‘My Experiments With Truth’, written by Gandhi. “In this store, currently we just have around 300 copies of Gandhi books,” said Somaiya.
However, Strand Bookstore at Fort is not experiencing any difference in the sales of books. “At an average, there is a sale of two or three books on Gandhi every day. This sale will go up a week before October 2. But currently the sale is average,” said Sanjiv Kamat, a sales executive at Strand.

BY A STAFF REPORTER Friday, September 15, 2006 11:18:21 IST
Cybernoon

Pune Gandhi Exhibition

2006-09-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Exhibition has come to Pune for one month. It is sponsored by the Aditya Birla Group and designed by the Sacred World Research Laboratory. Interactive Multimedia has been used to bring out the message of Gandhi whilst tracing his life and messages from his childhood to death. Special sections are devoted to the Salt Satyagraha, the charka and communal harmony. This is the first of its kind exhibition in which Gandhi’s teachings are depicted through a blend of the traditional and the modern; by the use of traditional handicrafts and skills and computer screens. Young people will find the exhibition especially exciting and inspiring ,while olders ones like ourselves will be assisted to catch up with little details that we may have missed in our readings and discussions.

Do not miss it. A must see for everyone.

Venue: 5th Floor, A Wing, MCCIA Trade Tower, Intl.Convention Centre,
Senapati Bapat Road
Duration: 30 August upto 10th October 2006
Timings: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. except Tuesdays
Entrance free

Pushbutton Gandhi

2006-09-03T01:52:00.000-07:00

Gandhi is now available at the push of a button. The Eternal Gandhi museum seeks to bring the nation’s founding father to people growing up in an India the ascetic never envisioned, one filled with foreign cars, cellphones, fast-food chains, malls and multiplex theatres.

The challenge was to get the message across to the younger generation. The exhibition is an expansion of an older, more solemn memorial, the sprawling colonial-style house where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life. It was on its grounds in 1948 that Gandhi, walking to a daily prayer meeting, was shot dead by a Hindu radical.
For many years, the house has been pilgrimage destinations for millions of Indian and foreign visitors. Now the house also has what claims to be India’s first hands-on, multimedia museum.

The musem uses archival film footage extensively in several exhibits. In the first gallery, a small touch screen computer slides along a mud wall which, in a blend of tradition and the modern, is coated with cow dung that in Indian villages is traditionally viewed as a purifying agent. Moving along the wall, the screen presents a tableau of events from Gandhi’s life in film and photographs, his childhood, family portraits, the scene from Richard Attenborough’s 1982 Gandhi when he is thrown out of first-class train coach in South Africa, and many others.

In a section about Gandhi’s timeless campaign against India’s caste system, visitors are encouraged to form a human chain around a carved pillar. When the visitors hold hands, the pillar lights up. The mere act of people touching strangers whose caste is unknown to them is meant to remove biases at this exhibit called the “Pillar of Castelessness”.

Courtesy Sunday Express, August 27, 2006

9/11 Programme – 100 Years of Non-violence

2006-08-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Nearly 100 years before the World Trade Towers became associated with Sept 11, Mohandas K. Gandhi launched the modern nonviolent movement on Sept 11, 1906.

To mark this 100-year anniversary, New Yorkers for a Department of Peace (NY-DOP), in partnership with the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, have organized nationwide screenings of the 1982 movie, Gandhi, along with a debut release of a 10-minute short film entitled Satyagraha: 100 Years of Nonviolence.
Thousands of people will be inspired by the message of peace. There are screenings planned in 10 states and 3 countries!

A heartfelt wish for peace to our friends in the Middle East; there were groups planning to participate in 100 Years of Nonviolence in Beirut, Lebanon and Bethlehem, Palestine before the war broke out. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and with ALL people affected by violence. We are more determined than ever to continue working for lasting, sustainable peace for EVERYONE.
In Peace,
NY-DOP Team
New Yorkers for a Department of Peace
Email: peace@nyc-dop.comWeb: http://www.nyc-dop.com/gandhi

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON “WOMEN FOSTERING A CULTURE OF PEACE “

2006-04-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

A NATIONAL SEMINAR ON “WOMEN FOSTERING A CULTURE OF PEACE “ was
organised by Pune University Gandhi Chair and Gandhi National Memorial Society, Aga Khan Palace, Pune, from 23rd March to the 25th March 2006.

The main objective of this seminar was to provide a platform for young social workers, activists and students who are motivated to do peacework in the community to share their thoughts and experiences. Participants for the seminar came from all over India including Pune. Among some of the speakers at the seminar were, Smt Shobhana Ranade(Trustee Secretary, GNMS), Dr Aparna Basu, Patron -All India Womens Conference, N.Delhi, Dr. Savita Singh ,Secretary, Gandhi Smriti New Delhi, Dr Ravindra Kumar Ex V.C Meerut University, and Ashgar Ali Engineer. Delia Maria, Mallika Mistry, and Asha Deshpande, from the Friends of the Gandhi Museum, also presented papers.

At the end of the Seminar, all the delegates present took a Peace Pledge, promising to shun any form of violence and to become mediators for peace where ever they are.

Women's Day 2006 in Pune city

2006-04-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

International Women's Day 8th March 2006 was a memoriable celebration , the Stree Mukti Andolan Sampark Samiti completed 25 years of active work in women's movement in Pune. The Sampark Samiti is an umbrella organisation for over 20 local women's groups and has been in the forefront in organising Pune women for their rights.

On 8th March 2006, the Samiti took out a procession in which all its members participated. Violence against women, rations for the poor, more representation for women in the Parliament, campaign against sex determination tests and female foeticide were among many of the issues that were addressed this Women's Day.

To commemorate the silver jubilee year, a souvenir covering the years of struggles, victories and events, will be published by Bayaja Trust in July 2006. FOGM wishes the Sampark Samiti and all our sisters in the movement, our solidarity and support.

Long live the Sampark Samiti, Long life the women's movement in Pune!

New from Lexington Books: Gandhi's Experiments with Truth

2006-04-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

*Gandhi's Experiments with Truth*Essential Writings by and about Mahatma Gandhi*Edited by Richard L. Johnson*

Richard L. Johnson* professor of Germanic languages and director of peaceand conflict studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Ft. Wayne. This is a new book from Richard Johnson, his book is the first Gandhi reader in 50 years with writings by and about Mahatma Gandhi and the first ever with a biography.

*"Those looking for an introduction to Gandhi, seasoned nonviolentactivists, and long time students of Gandhi will all find this to be aremarkable collection. Johnson has brought together key selections fromGandhi's writings with insightful essays by a variety of Gandhian scholarson Gandhi's nonviolence, views on religion, methods of political, economic,and cultural change and his continuing influence and relevance for today. Icannot think of a better book that unites Gandhi's own words with veryreadable essays covering a breadth of topics on Gandhi's life andthought. Johnson'sbook makes clear again Gandhi's importance as a resource for creating a morejust and peaceful world."**-Peter R. Gathje, Christian Brothers University

For more information about this book, please click here, or copy andpaste in your browser this w39111426">ww.LexingtonBooks.com/ISBN/0739111426

Anti-Bush protests in Pune city

2006-03-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

2nd March 2006
Over 400 activists, peacelovers and students from Pune city joined the echoes of other voices of the anti-imperialist peoples all over the world - in the US, UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Australia, South Korea, and many others who, in recent months, have spoken "Bush Go Home! Get out of our country!" Bush was in India for two days to sign a nuclear deal with the Indian government; despite continuing oppositions both within the US and India, and also at the international levels – both governmental and popular. While red carpets were rolled out by the government of India to welcome this ‘distinguished’ dignitary, large sections of people were out on the streets asking this guest of honour to “Go Back!”

It’s not the usual privilege of a visiting dignitary to face such openpublic wrath. But then Bush is no ordinary dignitary either. He is the head ofthe most powerful state of today’s world – the only ‘superpower’, so to say.That’s precisely why the Indian government was so excited. And, rather paradoxically, it’s precisely the crass display of gross, and awesome, military‘power’ that makes Bush perhaps the greatest hate figure in the contemporaryworld. In the eyes of too many, he is the nastiest criminal around.

In Pune, the CITU and 15 other organisations marched from Swargate to the Municipal Corporation. Carrying placards and banners, and shouting anti-Bush slogans, they walked from Jedhe Sataue at Swargate upto the PMC and then had meeting there. Delia, Chandamma and Pradip of Lok Raj Sanghatan, one of the participating organisations in the protest carried the following slogan: Butcher Bush You are not our guest ! You are not welcome ! We all unitedly oppose Bush's visit to India !

The peaceloving people of India, and Pune like all those in the world, stood up and said NO!

Gandhi in California

2006-03-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

The 2006 Latino Peace Pilgrimage to End the Iraq War
By David Howard t r u t h o u t Perspective
Saturday 11 March 2006
Seventy-six years ago, on March 12, 1930, Mohandas Gandhi began the Salt Satyagraha, a seemingly quixotic journey of nonviolent protest against omnipotent empire, a march to the sea powered by what Gandhi called his inner vision. Joined by thousands of ordinary Indians, Gandhi walked 400 kilometers (241 miles) from Ahmedabad to Dandi, Gujarat.
On March 12, 2006, the seventy-sixth anniversary of the Salt March, as the world suffers the intended and unintended consequences of a hideous war of aggression against Iraq, Latino conscientious objectors and parents of fallen soldiers begin their own two-week march of nonviolent protest.
Like Gandhi in India, they will walk 241 California miles between Tijuana on the Mexican border and the Pacific Bay city of San Francisco. Each stop on the march for peace and justice is important to the history of the Latino movimiento: la frontera, the border between North and South, privilege and poverty; La Paz, the burial site of Caesar Chavez; Camp Pendleton, where generations of troops have trained for the killing fields of Southeast Asia, Afghanistan and Iraq. The march will end in San Francisco's Mission District on March 26-27, where participants will donate blood for both soldiers and civilians in Iraq.
The leaders of the march are Fernando Suarez del Solar, whose Marine Corps son was among the first US soldiers to die in the Iraq War; Pablo Paredes, the Navy seaman who was court-martialed for refusing to board an Iraq-bound ship; Camilo Mejiaa, who chose military prison over redeployment in Iraq; and Aidan Delgado, who was granted conscientious objector status while stationed at Abu Ghraib prison.
We in Ventura County, California, will honor these peace marchers in the spirit of Gandhi, King, Parks, Chavez and Huerta. On Monday, March 20, we will house them in the sanctuary of Oxnard's Congregation for Peace. We will walk with them to teach our children at Oxnard High School. We will join them in protest in front of Oxnard's military recruitment office, and we will arrive together at the County Government Center to call upon attorneys, judges and elected officials to help us end the war.
No one knows when the Iraq War will end. No one knows who among the children at Oxnard High School will heed Gandhi's message and who will fall prey to a multi-billion-dollar military propaganda program hell-bent on persuading them to fight.
But we do know that 75 years from now, our great grandchildren will remember our grain of salt. They will stand at our humble milestones and recall how we contributed our drop of blood, sweat and salt tears to help end an obscene war of immense cruelty and folly. They will remember not because our gestures are unique or grandiose, but because they reflect a perennial vision of peace transmitted across borders, cultures and religions. A vision worth a mere grain of salt; a vision that shakes the foundations of empire.
--------
David Howard is co-chair of Ventura County Citizens for Peaceful Resolution/CPR

Intl.Youth Congress for World Peace Pune 2006

2006-03-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

Pune, February 19, 2006

THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONGRESS ON WORLD PEACE PUNE was held on, 19th February 2006 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. SIMS, Kirkee, Pune -3. The Objectives were:
To promote means and ways to promote Peace and Harmony in all Religions all over the world thought an International Youth Congress; as youth constitute the richest wealth of every country. It was jointly organized by Top Management Consortium, Pune University, Symbiosis International., Sadhu Vaswani Mission, and MIT World Peace Centre .

Nearly 300 young students from different countries studying in Pune participated. An essay contest titled Role of Youth in Promoting peace was conducted in which 35 students participated and ten best student essays were presented during the conference. Delia Maria from FOGM screened all the essays and selected the best ones. She also helped organise the conference. Thankamma, Delia and Sheela attended the conference and set up a Gandhi table outside the venue to distribute youth badges and leaflets containing a message from Codepink for an online petition saying no to the Iraqi war. Look for photos in the photo gallery.

For more details contact:
World Foundation on Reverence for All Life, Malhotra Bhavan, 116
Koregaon Park, Pune 411 001
Tel: 020-26135919, 25671802 Fax: 020-26633380
e-mail: reverence@wminet.net
Visit: www.reverence.info

Film Amu based on Sikh riots screened in Pune

2006-03-10T06:22:00.000-08:00

The Committee for Peoples Empowerment (Lok Raj Sanghatan)screened the internationally acclaimed and national award winning film AMU on 13th December at the Film Archives Pune, to celebrate Human Rights Day 2005. Over 300 activists, students and social workers from Pune city viewed the film.

The film is by Shonali Bose. Amu is one of the bravest political film by any Indian director in years because it deals with a subject that most Indians have forgotten, - the anti Sikh pogrom that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984. Twenty years after the riots, Shonali Bose attempts to recreate some of the horrors without sentimentality. As you watch a hapless Sikh being dragged off to be scalped, his cries of “Mainey ki kitha?” (what did I do?) makes you recall Kashmir, Gujarat and the Mandal riots where innocent died. Bold and moving performances are given by Brinda Karat and Konkona Sen Sharma.

Delia, Thankamma and Sheela of the FOGM assisted LRS in organising the show.

Mumbai pays tribute to the Mahatma on 30 Jan

2006-02-22T06:21:00.000-08:00

To commemorate Gandhi’s death anniversary, Gandhian activists, social workers, peace loving citizens and peace activists from different countries along with the 900 NSS students of Mumbai and SNDT University marched for Peace and Communal Harmony from Azad Maidan to utatma Chowk with play-cards, banners and aprons carrying slogans on Communal Harmony, “HATE HURTS, HARMONY HEALS” etc. The purpose of the rally was to in culcate the spirit of peace and communal harmony as Gandhi had visualised amongst people from different walks of life which is the need of the hour to lead our country towards progress. This is more relevant and necessary in today’s atmosphere where hatred, disharmony, violence and intolerance are spreading at an alarming rate and moral values are on a decline.

The March was organised jointly by Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal, Hindustani Prachar Sabha, Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and the NSS units of Mumbai and SNDT University. At 5.17 p.m (the time when Gandhi was assassinated), an oath to oppose all forms of communalism, casteism, hauvinism; never to resort to violence and intolerance and to work for promoting harmony, goodwill and peace in the world.

Audiobook on My Experiments with Truth M K Gandhi

2005-11-28T22:26:00.000-08:00

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi inspired the spiritual and political souls of millions of people. His concept of non-violent resistance propelled numerous struggles throughout the world. Written after his release from prison, first published in English in 1927, The Story Of My Experiments With Truth is Gandhi's autobiography, documenting his spiritual journey amidst the political strife of his times. Rendered as an abridged audiobook and textured with songs and background score, this presentation seeks to inspire minds and hearts all over the world.

High-profile film director Shekhar Kapur provides the voice for Gandhi's words, said Narayan Parasuram, creative director of Charkha Audio Books, at the recording's release ceremony on Monday. "Through this audio book we have primarily tried to imbibe the spirit of Gandhi's autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth," Parasuram told reporters in Bombay, India's financial and entertainment center. The audio book also features narration by popular Indian actor Nandita Das, who said she felt close to the subject because her mother was related to Gandhi.

http://www.karaditales.com/contactus.html
Karadi Tales Company Pvt. Ltd.,

Chennai Office
3A Dev Regency, 11 First Main Road,
Gandhinagar, Adyar,
Chennai - 600 020, India
Phone: 91 44 2442 1775/2442 3728, Fax: 91 44 2442 2443
Email : karadi2000@vsnl.com

Mumbai Office
535 Sahakar Nagar, No. 2, Chembur,
Mumbai - 400 071, India.
Phone: 91 22 25225776, Fax: 91 22 25226809
Email : karadi@vsnl.com

CD is available for sale with Gandhi Book Centre, 299 Tardeo Road, Nana Chowk, Mumbai - 400 007, India. Tel. +91 22 2387 2061 Email: info@mkgandhi.org

Gandhi courses begin all over the world

2005-11-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

New Delhi: An increasing number of universities and colleges in the US are starting courses on Gandhian Thought. About 50 universities and colleges in the US have launched courses in Gandhism in the last few years says Savita Singh, Director of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti here.
"The West has reached an extreme stage of development, progress and over-indulgence. Now they are trying to back to simplicity. In this mission, they are looking for the route in Gandhism," she says.
Among the leading institutions in America, University of West Virginia, University of Hawaii, George Mason University and many more have started courses.
Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non-violence and ‘treat thy neighbour as thyself’ is the focus of the courses offered in these universities. Singh says that the Harvard School of Business Management has recognised Gandhi as the ‘Management Guru’ of 20th century. "Gandhi was all along a popular figure among the people in the West. He was a product of the West, who later got disillusioned with the West’s culture, which tended to discriminate people on the basis of colour," she says.
At the individual level, Bapu has a significant influence also. Lieah Wells, a scholar of Gandhian Studies, has formed a core group of 10,000 students in California recently to learn and spread Gandhism.
In Berlin, a school was renamed after Gandhi following demand by the students just two months ago, she remarks.
In India also, the Father of the Nation has made himself into the curricula in sprawling university campuses.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the Gandhian study centres in 14 universities during the 9th plan period from 1997 to 2002. These centres are getting special grants from the UGC for the courses.
"The ideals of Gandhi can have profound insights into conditions of individuals, in socio-economic and political life. So UGC has launched special scheme ensuring support to institutes starting Gandhian study centres," said a senior official in UGC.
UGC, the apex body to standardise higher education in India, provides Rs 3.5 lakh non-recurring and Rs 4.7 lakh recurring grants to each centre. These institutes include Bhavnagar University, Annamalai University, Mumbai University, Kerala University, Rabindra Bharati University and Sardar Patel University.
"Gandhi is the guiding soul for all generations and all ages. The institutes are feeling the necessity to spread Gandhi’s philosophy by starting special courses," said AIU under secretary of Association of Indian Universities, Veena Bhalla, a Gandhian scholar.
This apart, general subjects like History and Political Science have special papers on Gandhian thought, she said. Indira Gandhi Open University has started a programme on Gandhian studies.

Know your PMC meet 15th Oct05

2005-10-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

Citizen activists of the National Society of Clean Cities mohalla committees met for a one day workshop on the 15th October 2005 to learn more about the Pune Municipal Corporation PMC and its functioning. The workshop began with the PMC municipal commissioner Dr. Nitin Kareer who exhorted the activists to participate in the buget making in the corporation . He said that one crore is available for each ward and that citizens must suggest how it is to be spent for their wards. Officers from different departments of the PMC explained the working of their deparments and gave tips on how citizens could work with them. Delia Maria of FOGM attended the workshop and has become an invidual member of NSCC. Though there is no branch of NSCC in Lohegaon at present, Maria hopes to take up some civic issues along with friends in the neighbourhood. Amongst the issues will be widening of the airport road and construction of storm drains by the PMC.

For more information about the PMCs go to its website at www.punemahapalika.org.

Yerawada Central Jail’s prisoners learn Ahimsa

2005-10-03T03:26:00.000-07:00

Pune Oct 1, 2005

Thirty five jailbirds at the Yerawada Central Prison received certificates for having passed the 2004 Gandhi Vichar Pariksha which was conducted by the Gujarat Vidyapeeth. The Sahyog Trust which holds the exams in prisons all over Maharashtra, along with volunteers of the Friends of the Gandhi Museum had prepared the prisoners for the exams, one month before the exam. Simple texts on Gandhi’s life, teachings and moral values were distributed for study and preparation to the male prisoners. The certificate distribution programme was also held to commemorate the 136th birth anniversary of the Mahatma. There was laughter and inspiration as veteran Gandhians addressed the prisoners narrating anecdotes from Gandhi’s life. Asim Sarode, a young Gandhian and human rights lawyer co-ordinate the programme. Delia Maria, Jeff Knaebel and Thankamma of FOGM also participated in the programme. See the programme snaps on our website photo gallery.

Walking the Mahatma’s path

2005-10-03T03:25:00.000-07:00

Pune, October 2, 2005: AN 80-year-old working for women’s empowerment and a doctor striving for a drug-free society received the Ba-Bapu awards, while a social worker fighting against dowry and a man working for Hindu-Muslim unity, became recipients of young workers awards for constructive activity.

On Gandhi Jayanti on Sunday, the awards were presented to Ramaben Ruia, Dr HV Sardesai, Abdul Aziz Rajan and Asha Kulkarni. “Gandhian principles inspire hundreds everyday. These awards are given to those who follow and practice those principles,” stated Shobhna Ranade, chairperson, Gandhi National Memorial Society.

“Gandhi’s thoughts still exist in the Sabarmati Ashram, but during the riots, when a frightened mob tried to enter, the doors were shut. At that time I felt that Gandhi died once more,” said Abdul Rajan. “Gandhiji doesn’t stay in ashram but in acharan. It is necessary for us all to practice what Gandhiji believed in — non-violence.”

Asha Kulkarni works against dowry and drugs. Both Abdul Rajan and Kulkarni received the young workers award for constructive activity.

For the recipients, the path shown by Gandhi remains the only way to lead their lives.

Courtesy Express News Service

New Book Gandhi and the 21st Century

2005-09-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dr. V.V. Ghanekar from the Institute of Rural Development released his book Gandhi and the 21st Century at Ness Wadia College of Commerce on the 30th August 2005 amidst a gathering of Gandhians from the city of Pune and students of the college. The book is priced at Rs. 120/- and is avialable from shrighanekar@hotmail.com