An Introduction to Mahila Shanti Sena

Transcription

1 An Introduction to Mahila Shanti Sena (Women s Peace Brigade) A continuation of Gandhi s unfinished experiment with truth August 2005 Rama Shankar Singh Department of Biology, McMaster Universit, Hamilton, Canada Vaishali Sabha and the Origin of Mahila Shanti Sena The Vaishali Sabha gave us hope that Indian women have the capacity of emerging as a positive creative social force for creating a whole new culture of peace. This force has never been used before. If a new and violence- free civilization has to be created, what is needed is a new and positive force. With this end in view, an effort is being made to organize woman s creative power. Mahila Shanti Sena is its instrument. People ask What is Vaishali? What has it do with Mahila Shanti sena? The first thing is that Vaishali is the birth-place of republican democracy. Secondly, Buddha chose Vaishali to found his largest Sangh with a membership of thirteen thousand bhikshus (monks) to his sangh. In his sangha, Buddha refined and perfected the art of democratic functioning. His principle was; meet, talk and agree. The confederal assembly of Elders 7707 in number met periodically and functioned according to this principle of meeting, talking and agreeing. The ruins bear witness to the glory that Vaishali once was. Vaishali, a large and powerful republic, was also a confederation of 8 republics. There was no Nepal in thosedays. Quite far from Vaishali the dynasty of Shakyas ruled. It was there that Buddha was born. Mahavir (Founderv of Jainism) was born in a nearby village. Both Mahavir and Buddha were contemporaries but Mahavir was forty years Buddha s senior. Both preached nonviolence. Later, when Ashoka, the Great, succeeded his father to the throne of the Magadha empire, he became the first ruler to introduce in politics the dharma of the Buddha. Ashoka renounced war and negotiated nonaggression pacts with neighbouring powers. This was the first occasion when an emperor tried to initiate non-violence in foreign relations. Though a Buddhist himself Ashoka followed a policy of perfect religious neutrality. In not one of his about 75 rock - edicts does he mention Buddhism, his own religion. Ashoka s is the first example of a secular ruler, always solicitous about the welfare of his s ubjects. It was merely a chance that in 2000, Dr. Rama Shankar Singh, who belongs to the Centre for Peace Studies, McMaster University (Canada), happened to be in India. He came to Khadigram (Bihar), and met Acharya Ramamurti. The discussion led to the emergence of an idea and an action plan was formulated.

2 2 With the financial help extended by McMaster University and Bihar s Unicef, Vaishali Sabha took place on the last days of February 2002 on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. A training camp for Mahila Shanti Sena was organized. It was joined by one hundred and eight women from Bihar and the North East. The foundation of the Mahila Shanti Sena was laid. Shrambharati and Acharya Ramamurti Acharya Ramamurti, a revered, senior social activist and leader in the best of Gandhian tradition, is Director of Shrambharati - a non-government organization based in Khadigram, Jamui(Bihar). After the independence, heeding the call of Gandhi to serve the poors of the villages, Ramamurti resigned his comfortable professorial job in Varanasi and joined Khadigram Ashram in 1954 with his young family. He has served the people of India through his personal services in Bihar as well as through his involvement in and guidance of various peace movements that swept Bihar and the rest India during s. In Khadigram, Ramamurti helped to build a Gandhian service institution for the rural villagers and the place became a centre for the development of social leadership. Built on a 100 acre land in an isolated rural setting, one time the Ashram had a staff of over 70, a residential training facility for over 250. The place became famous enough to attract a bank branch, a post-office and even a radio trasmitter! Mahila Shanti Sena and Panchayat Raj In 1992 India s Constitution was amended to provide women one-third reservation in all elected bodies- from village council to national parliament. This amendment in the Constitution has providedwomen with an opportunity to come out of their homes and take part in social activities. The question is that if these women have got elected to panchayats, what will they do there? Many women of the Mahila Shanti Sena have been elected to different posts of Panchayati Raj institutions and some of the elected women have joined the Mahila Shanti Sena. Mahila Shanti Sena members are encouraged to participate in village panchayat and gramsabha meetings. What is Mahila Shanti Sena?? It is a peace movement to empower women to build a peaceful and just society.? To raise mass awareness among women to realize their strength and power.? To focus on women s problem such as violence, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment.? To provide women training in peace, democracy and development.? To make women aware of their rights and responsibility under the panchayatraj.? To educate them in the Gandhian tradition of engaging in constructive village service.

3 3 Declaration of The Mahila Shanti Sena This declaration was first made at Vaishali. We women have come from villages to participate in this sabha.. We have nothing to say on the top of our voice. But we want that you all, officers and citizens, may heed our silent language and understand it. Some of us have become Shanti Sainiks. We shall try that every panchayat organises at least one dasta (group of 10) of Shanti Sainiks. More than one dasta can be organised. In a small locality, a panja (of five) can also be formed. Thus the task of building Mahila Shanti Sena in every panchayat has to be completed soon. We women of the Shanti Sena want panchayatiraj; we seek honest bread. We want peace, security and self- respect. We have our homes and their small courtyards but we want that we now step out in a bigger courtyard of society and become full participants in building up a new, happy and harmonious society. If there be unrest in society or poverty in a family, we women have to bear the brunt of both. We want that we may live happily as good neighbours. We are women, this is not a fault. We are proud to be women. As a daughter, sister, wife and mother our position in society is that of equality. We should be so treated. We are determined to be treated as equals. When the country is free and independent, there is no reason why any one should be treated as a second - class citizen. We hope that our silent message will be heeded both by government and society. Mahila Shanti Sena Takes Root in Bihar? The message of Mahila Shanti Sena has now reached 11/38 districts of Bihar.? 4538 Women provided Mahila Shanti Sena training till December 2004.? About 65,000 have taken part in MSS meetings and rallies.? Major MSS Rallies in the towns of Saraiyya, Muzaffarpur, Bagaha (West Champaran), East Champaran, Jamui, Kharagpur, Patna, Vaishali, Seetamarhi. Mahila Shanti Sena Spreads outside Bihar? MSS founded in in Kumarikata (Nalwadi, Assam) at a meeting of 5000 women.? Several training camps held in Kumarikata (Assam), imphal(manipur) and Tripura.? A training camp held in Chunar (Mirzapur, UP).? Seceral training camps planned to be held in Orissa starting in September 2005.

4 4? A MSS workshop was held at McMaster University in conjunction with the visit of Acharya Ramamurti as the Eighth Annual Gandhi Lecturer at McMaster University in 2003 Neighborhood Building Peace Efforts by Mahila Shanti Sena in Different States? Peace Rally in Assam: The Mahila Shanti Sena in Assam did commendable work during the days when students and others from Bihar were attacked by Assamese people, especially at the time of an examination to be held for services in the railways. The peace-workers decided, first of all, to take out at least a peace rally They took out peace marches in Daranga, Kumarikata, and Tamulpur. Influenced by these rallies the local schools and colleges also took out rallies. These programmes had their impact. Peace returned.? Peaceful settlement odf mutual disputes was taken up by the MSS of Shramabharati, Khadigram. Similarly, they raised their voice against drinking and gambling. But the most important was a rape case, The Mahila Shanti Sena took notice and pursued it with the police. At first the police remained inactive, but when the Mahila Shanti Sena intervened, it became active, and arrested the culprits.in the village named Chakramdas near Vaishali, all disputes were settled out of court. One, or more than one women from family of the village, has joined the Mahila Shanti Sena. We call this small area a Peace Zone or Shanti Kshetra. In Bagaha (West Champaran) efforts have been made to resolve disputes amicably. Relief and rehabilitation work was done during floods and fire. Useful work was ldone in the direction of health and hygiene etc.? The American attack on Iraq created worldwide concern and protest. So long as wars continue women and children will continue to suffer the most. The Mahila Shanti Sena, in its respective areas, took out peace rallies, made human chains and held meetings in protest. A handbill against war and violence was distributed on this occasion.? Near-total Unemployment is the problem that troubles our Women Shanti Sainiks the most. They want work so that they may earn. But these are questions that defy easy and immediate solution. The question of a woman s livelihood is linked with the economic policy of the nation. However, women everywhere have started forming self-help groups. This is a good scheme sponsored by the Govt.? Women s Writing Workshops:Training camps were organized to train selected members of the Mahila Shanti Sena in the art of writing. One of these camps was held at Shramabharati Khadigram on November 5-7, 2005 in which 25 women from 11 distrcts participated, while in the other which was held at

5 5 Patna on January 20-21, 2005,- in which 24 women from 17 districts took part. Help was made available by Charkha, New Delhi. The aim behind this training was to enable women to learn the art of writing news items, reports, case studies and features etc. so that they may prepare good reports of their work and send them to newspapers.? Rapid Action Force: Efforts are on to raise a corps of the Mahila Shanti Sena by the name Tatpar Mahila Shanti Sena or Rapid Action Force of the Mahila Shanti Sena. Women are seen a moderating force in the Indian society and it is felt that women s involvement before or at the initial stages of social violence can stop it from breaking out or at least escalating.? Citizen s Forum: About one thousand women participated in a peace march of the Mahila Shanti Sena in the district of Saran. Acharya Ramamurti was leading the march. Some citizens were also present in the meeting of this peace march. On seeing the meeting of women and listening to some of the women speakers there, Dr. Vinod Kumar Singh, a 66- year old, retired Principal of a degree college, along with four more retired teachers, and two former government servants, also retired. These friends together have formed a Citizen s Forum. This group has been going to villages, talking to people, raising questions, explaining problems, etc. The forum has so far covered 25 panchayats in two blocks. A walking tour was organized from October The response of the people was very encouraging. People want their problems solved. People are responsive. What is required is people who are prepared to go to the villages and give them ideas. Voluntary Institutions Helping Mahila Shanti Sena? Van Vikas Bharati (West Champaran)? Sankalp Setu (East Champaran)? Nirdesh and Centre Direct (Muzaffarpur)? Vasfa in Vaishali, Jayaprakash Bharati (Saran)? Jaya Prabha Gram Vikas Mandal? Swaraj in Rohtas and Kaimur? Shramabharati Khadigram (Jamui)? Sewa in Munger? Tamulpur Anchalic Gramdan Sangh of Kumarikata? Unnayan (NGO/Orissa) Dialogue With Political Parties

6 6 With a view to enabling people of political parties to meet and talk with members of the People s Forum, a meeting of political party leaders was convened on November 24, 2002 at Mahila Charkha Samiti, former residence of J.P. at Patna. Persons from 13 political parties were invited. Nine political parties participated. Speaking on the aim of the meeting Acharya Ramamurti said, The existence of democracy is at stake. Democracy depends on people s power more than on the power of the state. A road map of Lokshakti (people s power) we have received from J.P. The need is a plan containing proposals for implementation- a kind of transition plan. There should be honourable cooperation between Lokshakti and Rajshakti for national reconstruction. Publication of Literature for Common People Books, posters, leaflets, folders etc. have been published from time to time on subjects such a Mahila Shanti Sena, Loktantra, (peoples democracy), Culture of Peace, neighbourhood building, panchayatiraj, etc. A bulletin entitled Pados (Neighborhood) was published until January 2004 but its publication at the moment has ceased for lack of funds. The English edition has also been discontinued. Some major publications are as follows: 1. Bharat Ka Loktantra: The step- forward 2. Panchayatiraj Aur Mahilayen 3. Mahila Shanti Sena 4. Mahila Shanti Kya Aur Kyon 5. Naye Bihar Ka Nirman Kaise Ho 6. Panchayatiraj: Sarkar ka Aur Gandhi Ka. 7. J.P Ka Ghoshna-Patra 8. Mahila Shanti Sena: What And Why? 9. Culture of peace, Participatory Democracy And Mahila Shanti Sena 10. Shanti Ki Sanskriti, Loktantra Aur Mahila Shanti Sena 11. Folders and posters for the training of Mahila Shanti Sena. Review of MSS Work/International Seminar in New Delhi An International Seminar was organised to evaluate the work and progress of the Mahila Shanti Sena and it was held on February 24-25, 2005 at the International Youth Centre in New Delhi. About 300 people attended the seminar including 100 Mahila Shanti Sainiks and 10 participants from Canada and some members of the Associations of India Development (AID). The seminar was very successful and a number of prominent people including former Prime Minister Sri V.P. Singh, Justice Dharmadhikari, Canadian High Commissioner Hon. Lucie Edwards, Sri B.P. Singh, Dr. Savita Singh and Professor Gangrade participated. In their presentations, the Mahila Shanti Sainiks emphasized the problems of doing peace work in the violence prone region of the north-eastern States such as Manipur, the problem of unemployment in rural areas and social violence.

7 7 However, their enthusiasm for the Mahila Shanti Sena was great as the Shantisena has given them hope. The general conclusions of the meeting included: (1) Concentrate on Mahila Shanti Sena in the eastern and north-estern part of India and not spread it thin all over India; (2) to find ways and means of creating local employment for women, (3) to find ways of removing local obstacles in the work of Mahila Shanti Sena in certain violence-prone regions of north-eastern states, (4) to secure major national and international funding to continue the work of Mahila Shanti Sena, (5) to seek linkages with and support from other like-minded international peace organizations, (6) to develop an international field course on Mahila Shanti Sena jointly between McMaster Centre for Peace Studies and Shrambharati, and (7) to explore the feasibility of adopting and using the concept of Mahila Shanti Sena in other countries. Next year Mahila Shanti Sena meeting will take place in February 2006 in Bhuvaneshwar (Orissa). A local organizing committee has been formed. It is expected that a number of Mahila Shanti Sena training camps will be held in varioius parts of Orissa in preparation of the meeting. Friends of Mahila Shanti Abroad A meeting of the Canadian delegation that participated in the international Seminar in New Delhi and local supporters will take place on June 4, 2005 at McMaster University. The agenda will be to discuss ways and means for puting some of the recommendations of the New Delhi meeting into practice, and to form a local support group of the Mahila Shanti Sena. Contact Information: Acharya Ramamurti, Shrambharati, B-173 Anisabad, Patna-2 (Bihar), India. Phone: ; (cell); rammurti_2000@yahoo.com Rama S. Singh, Department of Biology and Centre for Peace Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada. Phone: ext ; Fax: (905) ; singh@mcmaster.ca Website: