Panjab University observed the Martyrs' Day with two minute silence

Chandigarh, January 30 ,2015 : Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh today observed the Martyrs' Day with two minute silence. Various departments of the University including Department of Gandhian & Peace Studies recalled the great services rendered by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

Department of Gandhian & Peace Studies today organized one day International Conference on Gandhi’s Approach to Conflict Resolution and World Peace at the Gandhi Bhawan.

Department of Peace Studies & Philosophy, Bicol University, Daraga, Philippines, Prof Herbert S. Rosana delivered the key note address. PU, Dean Research, Prof Lalit K. Bansal presided over the function. In the Conference more than 50 scholars from different parts of the country and abroad presented their papers and some presentations were also through the skype (via Internet).

Further the painting of Suraj Sadan (Renowned Artist from Canada) also displayed his Paintings on the Topic of “Faces of a Peace & Freedom” related to Mahatma Gandhi. 

At 11 AM, two minutes silence was also observed by the audience to give respect to all the martyrs. 

In his key note address Prof Herbert S. Rosana explained the meaning of Gandhi’s Satyagraha and pointed out that today, the unique on-violent method known as Satyagraha was being misunderstood, misused and abused by the individuals, politicians and the power hungry people for their personal gains. Further, he added that it is very important to understand the real meaning of Satyagraha for which Gandhi fought against all kinds of discriminations, in-justices and exploitation in all spheres of life and society.

He emphasised that if we want to bring change in the society we must change ourselves first as Gandhi had stated that be the change we wish to see in the world. He reminded that it is very important to note that it is better to live Satyagraha.

Furthermore, he also explained Gandhi’s approach to truth and highlighted the significance of relative truth (practical truth).

In his presidential address, Prof. L.K. Bansal,  pointed out that today men has become so violent that he has been killing his own fellow beings so that was not good on the part of human beings.

Furthermore, he also explained Gandhi’s approach to truth and highlighted the significance of relative truth (practical truth) so far to understand the truth it was necessary for introspection of the self.

Earlier, Chairperson of the Department, Dr. Manish Sharma explained the theme of the Conference and gave a warm welcome to the national & international delegates and guests.

Before the formal start the dignitaries gave tributes to the freedom fighters and all prominent peace loving dignitaries all over the world.

The valedictory address was given by PU Dean Faculty of Arts, Prof. Ronki Ram. He pointed out that we have to make truth and nonviolence, not matters for more individual practice but practice by groups and communities and nations. That at any rate is my dream. I shall live and die in trying to realise it. My faith helps me to discover new truths every day. Ahimsa is the attribute of the soul, therefore, life practiced by everybody in all affairs of life. He also emphasised the concept of John Galtung on conflict resolution.

The Chairperson of the Department Dr. Manish Sharma extended warm thanks to all the participants and all those who attended the Conference. /(SK Vyas, Jalandhar)