Global conference on Gandhi inaugurated

Jaipur, Apr 6(UNI) Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil inaugurated an International conference on ''Gandhi is Back: Gandhian Theory Non-violent Conflict Resolution'' organised by the Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University here today.

Mrs Patil said the Gandhian principle of non-violent resolution of conflicts, Ahimsa and satyagraha are as important and relevant today as they were in the previous centuries.

She said ''peace is a universal goal which transcends time, space and societies and Gandhiji stood for peace - peace in society, amongst nations, peace with nature and with one's self''. She also reiterated that Gandhian principle of non-violence resolution of conflicts has been recognised by not only Indians but leaders across the world including Martin Luther King, Badshah Khan, Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Lech Walesa and others who believed in the path of non-violence for purposeful social change and justice.

Mrs Patil said ''today we are encountering different kind of conflicts. On the one hand, there is the challenge of international terrorism, civil wars, and weapons of mass destruction, while on the other hand, there are religious , social and economic conflicts within groups, societies and nations. She said non-violence and satyagraha evolved by Gandhiji continues to be the most potent weapon available to mankind for bringing social transformation and justice.

Indira Gandhi National Open University Vice Chancellor Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai and Vardhaman University Vice chancellor Prof Naresh Dadhich also spoke on the occassion.

UNI