Workshop on “Conflict Resolution and Peace Building” to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

Chandigarh, April 18, 2019: The Department of Gandhian & Peace Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh organised a one-day workshop on “Conflict Resolution and Peace Building” to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Dr.Ashu Pasricha, Chairperson of the Department introduced key speakers to the audience and also informed them about the event. Dr Sumit Narula, Director, Amity School of Communication, Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior was the Chief Facilitator of the workshop. During the workshop he gave hands-on training on the topic Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. He started his talk by saying that “We are surrounded by conflicts at our homes, workplace, society, within nations as well as internationally. How can we transform conflict societies into peace-loving societies? As part of the civil society, there is a need to formulate creative ways of dealing with conflicts. This workshop aims at educating people on the paradigms, models and skills that can aid societies in transforming conflicts in a peaceful manner and by spotting the possibilities of moving away from conflict and building peace. Peace Building is thus an always-ongoing and dynamic process.” Conflicts can be resolved successfully if we view it from the perspective of a WIN-WIN situation. The Workshop focused on the following: 1) To gain an understanding of the basic nature and challenges of contemporary conflicts. 2) Familiarize students with theoretical understandings of the related fields of Conflict Transformation, Conflict Prevention, Conflict Management, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding. 3) Develop capacities and skills for responding to social conflicts (such as dialogue, active listening, facilitation, meditation and negotiation). 4) Facilitate an in-depth knowledge about peacebuilding approaches in diverse conflict reasons. 5) Create an interactive space for the building of a network of young people committed to constructive social change. 6) Build a synergy between the theory and practice of Conflict Transformation, Human security and Development. The faculty members, research scholars, students and members of the staff of the department similarly, faculty members, staff and students from other departments of the University attended this Lecture. The Chairperson, Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies & Honorary Director, Gandhi Bhawan, Dr. Ashu Pasricha, extended her warm thanks to all the invited guests and the attendees. She emphasised that the values, thoughts and principles espoused by Gandhiji can guide our planet towards a better future.