A One Day public lecture was organized by the Gandhian Centre for peace and conflict studies University of Jammu in collaboration with Gandhi Peace Foundation.
Professor Paul Bueno de Mesquita, Director, Centre for Nonviolence and Peace Studies University Of Rhode Island, USA was the resource person who delivered the lecture on the topic “Martin Luther King Jr.- The Man, His Message and Our Future. He acquainted the audience about the manner in which King was inspired by the thoughts and ideas of Mahatma Gandhi particularly by his methodology of nonviolent resistance which he applied later in the civil rights movements that he led in America against racial injustice and segregation in America.
Elaborating further the resource person said that Dr. King embodied the spirit of nonviolence throughout his life. King’s nonviolent leadership and vision for a beloved community of justice and peace were major contributions to the success of the Civil Rights movements that he led in America. His first real experience with leading a nonviolence campaign was during the 381 day long Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. He also went on to lead other numerous demonstrations and protests of nonviolent civil disobedience particularly noteworthy was the Birmingham movement of 1963, the March on Washington during which he delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech, and the Selma, voting rights campaign of 1965.
Further Professor Paul apprised the gathering about the King being the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, at age of 35. Besides, he also referred to King’s essay Pilgrimage to Nonviolence that articulated six Principles of Kingian nonviolence. The lecture was substantiated by the documentary film and music clippings showcasing the important contributions of King Jr. towards leading the Civil Rights and Liberties movements against racism in America.
Professor Varun Sahni, The Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu presided over the function. In his presidential address he made a comparative analysis of the nature of roles taken up by great personalities that is Mahatama Gandhi in India and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in America. Further, he also stressed upon the need to internationalize and institutionalize peace reconciliation initiatives. Besides this, he also congratulated the Gandhian Centre and the organizing secretaries for taking the lead in institulising the Kingian Philosophy in Jammu University and hoped for carrying the Kingian and the Gandhian legacy forward by practising nonviolence in our everyday lives.
Prof. Anurag Gangal, Director Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, in his welcome address spoke about the methods of conflict resolution like arbitration, mediation and conciliation. He mentioned that the purpose of all the efforts is finally to bring peace and love to everyone.
This seminar was an outcome of the efforts of Dr. Seema Rohmetra and Dr. Sapna K. Sangra who are the first Indians to have been certified as peace – trainers in Kingian Philosophy of Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation from University of Rhode Island, USA. They were the organizing Secretaries of the event. Dr. Sangra introduced the noted speaker to the august gathering while Dr. Rohmetra moved the formal vote of thanks. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Mrinalini Atrey. Besides the University fraternity, others who attended the lecture include former DGP Mr. M M Khajuria, Mr. Sanjay Dhar from Sharika Foundation, Mr. Ashok Kalra and Mr. S.K.gupta from the civil society.