'Hunger and violence' prevails 100 years after Satyagraha

New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) ''We are Satyagrahis and offer Satyagraha, believing ourselves to be strong... we grow stronger and stronger everyday,'' said Mahatma Gandhi, while bearing the torch of non-violent protest against the British Raj.

It has been 100 years since a dhoti-clad man ''walked'' to protest against the brutalities of the British rulers. With non-violence as his only weapon and inspiration, Gandhiji dreamt of a society without hunger and violence.

But his dream of a peaceful and prosperous India remains unfulfilled even 60 years after independence and 'hunger and violence' still looms large.

Commemorating the centenary of the Mahatma's 'Satyagraha', chairman of Indian Council for Gandhian Studies Prof N Radhakrishnan said,'' We are trying to spread the message of non-violence because it is the only way we can proceed towards a civilised society.'' Academicians and activists are the two pillars in this process as only they can change the face of society through education and spread of awareness,'' Prof Radhakrishnan said, adding that the government had the equal responsibility of forming policies in this regard and ensuring their successfull implemention.

''We are celebrating the centenary of the 'Satyagraha' to introduce the youth of our country to the philosophies of Gandhiji which need to be accepted if we have to eradicate hunger and violence,'' he noted.

IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, who was also present on the occasion, emphasised the need for spreading the message of non-violence through education.

''We believe in the stregth of youth, they can change the destiny of India. Violence and hunger are the biggest enemies of any society. If we have to grow we have to uproot these problems first and foremost,'' he said.

Prof Radhakrishnan also announced a national dialogue on 'An India without Hunger and Violence' on January 27-28, as part of the activities organised to mark the centenary of the 'Satyagraha'.

The dialogue will be inaugurated by Human Resources and Development Minister Arjun Singh.

The two-day dialogue will focus on issues like the role of civil society, agriculture, industry, trade, legislature, Judiciary, media and the executive in combating hunger and violence. In today's era when India is facing the brunt of terrorism and communal violence, the mantra of the 100-year-old 'Satyagraha' can change the status of our nation if it is incorporated in ''true spirit'', the speakers opined.

UNI