Antim Jan. With. Gandhi's Talisman GANDHI SMRITI A N D DARSHAN SAMITI A N N U A L R E P O R T

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1 A N N U A L R E P R T Gandhi's Talisan "I will give you a talisan. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self bees too uch with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest an [woan] who you ay have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you nteplate is going to be of any use to hi [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore hi [her] to a ntrol over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedo] for the hungry and spiritually starving illions? Then you will find your doubts and your self elt away." ne of the last notes left behind by Gandhi in 1948, expressing his deepest social thought Source: Mahata Gandhi [Last Phase, Vol. II (1958), P. 65] Published by : The Director, Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti, Gandhi Sriti, 5, Tees January Marg, New Delhi-1111 Phone No. : / / / / Fax No. : , E-ail : 21gsds@gail. Website : With Anti Jan CPYRIGHT GANDHI SMRITI AND DARSHAN SAMITI Conceptualisation by : Vedabhyas Kundu, Rajdeep Pathak, Pankaj Kuar Design by : Vinay Aditya, Y S Rawat Print by: Systes Vision GANDHI SMRITI A N D DARSHAN SAMITI

2 Contents Foreword... 2 Introduction... 8 Structure of the Saiti Tieline Activities at a Glance Tributes to Mahata Gandhi th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Major Prograes Children with Gandhi... 6 Youth with Gandhi Prograes for Woen Coeorative Prograes Prograes to Proote Hindi Language Prograes in North East Exhibitions Friends fro Across the Border... 1 Dialogues and Conferences Miscellaneous Prograes Regular Prograes Library, Docuentation Publications Visitors in Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti Farewell to Retiring Staff Mebers Last Tributes In the Media

3 Foreword Reaching the Unreached I want to bring about an equalization of status. The working classes have, all these centuries, been isolated and relegated to a lower status. They have been shoodras, and the word has been interpreted to ean an inferior status. I want to allow no differentiation between the son of a weaver, of an agriculturist and of a schoolaster. Mahata Gandhi, Harijan, The isolation and relegation of the arginalized as articulated by Bapu reains a challenge and in fact sees to be widening. While the haves in our society ay be having a wide range of opportunities and space to proote their well-being, the arginalized in nteporary India ntinue to reain voiceless. These deprived sections of the society are ntinuously facing violation of their right to live with dignity and discriination in different fors, both direct and indirect. Justice ntinues to elude a large nuber of the across the untry. The capitalist nature of our society is rapidly pushing the destitute and arginalized to the brink and aggravating their struggle for daily survival. These large sections of the society are excluded fro decision aking processes and ntinue to 2 u Annual Report

4 suffer fro liited representation. For every stage of arginalized people, there exists a hierarchy of inequality within that group, ntributing to the degree of arginalization. Hence the challenge today is to facilitate and enurage initiatives which reach the arginalized and develop their capacities to fight for their dignity. It is also pertinent to question the current fraework of developent. No doubt if policies are aied at further arginalizing the poor and ake the subservient in their own land then the credibility of the developent pattern needs to be criticized. The current developent pattern is indeed prooting hegeony of a few individuals giving the power and status while pushing a ajority of the population further back. This trend needs to be questioned. Mahata Gandhi s Talisan fors the basis of any initiative which tries to underine the unequal distribution of resources and helps proote an inclusive society. Taking inspiration fro the Talisan and with a ission to give voice to the voiceless or the last person in the society, Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti ntinued its journey to take its prograes to the arginalized and the excluded in The ai was to take the probles and issues of the last person of the society to the forefront and in the larger public doain. The unequal nature of our society, however, is always a challenge to ensure that the issues of rights and justice of the excluded bees a national disurse. This challenge was taken up by the Saiti so that any of these groups find an appropriate platfor to air their views and ncern. It is significant to note that during the year we organized special prograes to ark the 15th anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore wherein we uld stage three of his plays, Dak Ghar, Chhutti and Tasher Desh. All these Annual Report u 3

5 plays reflected the deep philosophical insights of the Nobel Laureate. In the backdrop of the thrust to facilitate voice to the deprived, the Saiti organized a series of prograes including a National Convention on Conteporary Issues related to Land, Adivasi Sanskriti Sanga, Kargha Yagya and a nuber of work caps. I strongly feel, we at Gandhi Sriti will be able to further strengthen our efforts to showcase the talents of the arginalized and take up their ncerns at national platfors in ing years. The National Convention on Conteporary Issues Related to Land was organized to eorate the 6 years of Acharya Vinobha Bhave s Bhoodan oveent. Discussions were organized on critical challenges on the issue of land today. Representatives and activists fro different land oveents across the untry and any who gave their land during the Bhoodan oveent took part in the nvention. Current land policies, the role of rporate and how land was taken away fro poor, arginalized people in the nae of developent were the focus of discussions. Meanwhile in an effort to further the disurse on inclusive developent, the Saiti organized its first Adivasi Sanskriti Sanga. About 7 adivasis fro 19 states of the untry nverged at Gandhi Darshan to express ncern at how rapant industrialization was resulting in increasing displaceent and ipoverishent fro the. A ajor deand of the adivasis was that their basic right to life, land and livelihood be protected. It was reiterated that the developent fraework should acknowledge the tenets of the adivasi life style. Another deand was to ensure strong and effective PESA Act, Forest Rights Act and Lokpal Bill for ensuring justice for the adivasi unities. 4 u Annual Report

6 Another significant effort during the year was the Kargha Yagya. It was a ntinuation to the Charkha Yagya organized by the Saiti in the previous year. Alost 6 weavers with 1 loos showcased their creativity and also highlighted their struggle for livelihood in the prograe. There were extensive discussions on advocacy initiatives to iprove the enoic and social nditions of the weavers and spinners. Concerns were raised on the increasing ercialization process which was resulting in the death of the traditional art. The overarching goal of the Kargha Yagya was to take the poor nditions of ajority of weavers across the untry in the public disurse. A visible ipact of this endeavour was the Governent s announceent to write off debt of large nuber of weavers across the untry. The Saiti ade an iportant effort to bring the arginalized unities of Tana Bhagats on different national platfors. The followers of Bapu, Tana Bhagats have been ntinuing their satyagraha of not giving any tax for their land for the past 1 years. Their non violent struggle has hardly ever been heard in national disurses, so the initiative of the Saiti to organize different prograes involving the was to regnize their spirit of nonviolence. It was significant that the Saiti tried to facilitate space and opportunities to this group which is virtually out of national ainstrea. In order to nnect the people of Jau and Kashir with the rest of the untry, the Saiti organized a series of prograes in the State. Ephasis was laid to enurage dialogue aongst different groups and proote utual trust. During all these prograes it was felt that increasing peopleto-people interaction uld help in resolving the nflict as it was the people of the region who needed to take the leadership to steer the peace process. Annual Report u 5

7 The endeavour towards prooting an inclusive society propelled the Saiti to organize a series of capacity building prograes for woen. The Saiti is itted to take up the cause of woen and proote gender equality in all its initiatives. Right fro organizing a powerful dance draa, Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, on the issue of feale foeticide, to having prograes on woen leadership in Panchayati Raj, the thrust was on how to ensure equal space for woen in different spheres of the society. The ai was also to proote voices against age old injustices and violence against woen. We plan to take up the ncerns of the girl child and woen in a bigger way in the ing years. To ark the 1th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers, the Saiti organized a National Convention on Youth Volunteering. A large nuber of youth fro different states of the untry took part in the nvention to discuss different diensions of youth volunteering. The challenges and opportunities to volunteering in India and the role of volunteering in prooting an inclusive society were discussed at length. The Saiti will be organizing a series of work caps for young volunteers in the ing years. The ai would be to develop a volunteer cadre to work on Gandhian nstructive work. During the year the Saiti organized a series of work caps including the Gandhi Suer School. The underlying philosophy of reaching the unreached guided in the organization of these caps. Children and youth fro difficult and arginalized backgrounds took part in these caps which were essentially eant to proote the life and essage of Mahata Gandhi. 6 u Annual Report

8 The Saiti also took a ajor step to proote and expand its publications in a big way. As we firly believe that disseination of Gandhian philosophy and values is a powerful channel to ake people understand and inculcate these values, we are working to increase our capacities in publications. We published Moniya, a book on the childhood of Gandhi, both in Hindi and Urdu. Then we started a onthly agazine, Anti Jan and published booklets on different prograes of the Saiti. We hope to further expand our prograes and reach in the ing year. We would also be striving to ensure that we reach new unreached areas and groups in the untry with the life and essage of the Father of the Nation. Maniala Annual Report u 7

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10 Introduction Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti: A Profile Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti (GSDS) was fored in Septeber 1984 by the erger of Gandhi Darshan at Rajghat and Gandhi Sriti, at 5, Tees January Marg as an autonoous body, and is functioning under the nstructive advice and financial support fro the Ministry of Culture, Governent of India. The Prie Minister of India is its Chairperson and it has a noinated body of senior Gandhians and representatives of various governent departents to guide it in its activities. The basic ai and objective of the Saiti is to propagate the life, ission and thought of Mahata Gandhi through various socio-educational and cultural prograes. It has two capuses: (a) Gandhi Sriti Gandhi Sriti, housed in the ld Birla House on 5, Tees January Marg, New Delhi, is the sacred place where Mahata Gandhi s epic Life ended on 3 January Mahata Gandhi had lived in this house fro 9 Septeber 1947 to 3 January Thus, the hallowed house treasures any eories of the last 144 days of his life. The ld Birla House was acquired by the Governent of India in 1971 and was nverted into a National Meorial of the Father of the Nation and was opened to the public on August 15, The preserves include the roo where Gandhiji lived and the prayer ground where ass ngregation used to be held and where Gandhiji was felled by the assassin s bullets. The building and the landscape have been preserved as they were in those days. The Meorial nsists of: Visual Aspects to perpetuate the eory of Mahata Gandhi and the noble ideals they represented, Annual Report u 9

11 Educative Aspects to focus ncentrated attention on certain values of life that ade Gandhi a Mahata, and Service Aspects to introduce activities in order to subserve certain felt needs. n display in the Museu are photographs, sculptures, paintings, fress, inscriptions on rocks and relics pertaining to the years Gandhiji spent here. The eagre personal effects of Gandhiji too are carefully preserved. The entrance gate itself is of great historical significance as it was fro the top of this gate Prie Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announced to the World about the passing away of Mahata Gandhi, the light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere A larger than life statue of Mahata Gandhi, with a boy and a girl holding a dove in their hands standing on either side, eerging out of the globe, sybolising his universal ncern for the poor and the deprived, weles the visitor at the ain entrance of the Gandhi The entrance at Gandhi Sriti 1 u Annual Report

12 Sriti. It is the work of the renowned sculptor Sri Ra Sutar. The legend at the base of the sculpture says, My Life is My Message. A Martyr s Colun stands at the spot where the Father of the Nation was assassinated, eorating the Martyrdo of Mahata Gandhi as the ebodient of all the sufferings and sacrifices that characterised the long struggle for India s Freedo. A broad stone paveent is laid round the Colun for devotees to take a reverential parikraa (walk around). The wide space in front of the Colun is ade for devotees to offer hoage. Close to the Martyr s Colun on the lower lawns are the words of Gurudev Tagore, He stopped at the threshold of every hut In the centre of the Prayer Ground, is a Pavilion with fress on the walls, depicting the ntinuity of India s cultural voyage, her interaction across the globe and the eergence of Mahata Gandhi as a universal Man ebodying in his person all that is sublie in huan life as he said, for y aterial needs y village is y world but for y spiritual needs the whole world is y village. Statue of Mahata Gandhi with children at the entrance in Gandhi Sriti utside the Pavilion there is a bench, ade of red sand stone on which Mahata Gandhi used to sit during the prayer or in nversation with the vast ass of huanity who would asseble on the lawns of the ld Birla House seeking his unsel and solace in those troubled days. The green lawns are the ain feature of the Prayer Ground with peripheral derations with white rose beds laid round the lawn. Near the entrance of the eorial on its right lawn is inscribed India of y dreas. At the roundabout close to the prayer ground are the words of Albert Einstein, Generations to e will scarce believe In the centre of the roundabout is a creation of the renowned artist Sankho Chowdhury in bronze, sybolising the Eternal Flae lit by Gandhi with his artyrdo. Gandhiji s roo at Gandhi Sriti has been kept exactly as it was on the day of his assassination. All his possessions are on display: his glasses, walking stick, a knife, fork and spoon, the rough stone he used instead of soap. His bed was a attress on the floor, plain white, with a low, wooden desk by its side. There is also an old and well-used py of the Gita. Annual Report u 11

13 The entire building is now divided into different sections. n either side of the ain entrance of the building a Prayer posed by the Mahata A Servant s Prayer and his eternal essage, his Talisan are on display. The evolution of Mohandas Karachand Gandhi to Mahata Gandhi is depicted in the south wing through 35 panels of black and white photographs acpanied by a siple narrative. The south wing also houses an auditoriu and a ittee roo. Besides, the exhibition has been so aligned that the south wing gives a siple narration of the journey and evolution of a boy called Mohandas Karachand Gandhi and how through his experients with truth, he leads India and huanity to its eancipation. The northern wing has five different sections. The first section, the gallery leading towards the roo where Gandhiji spent the last 144 days of his life is devoted to his Peace Pilgriage and Martyrdo. Next to this is the send section, another roo with special focus on the last 48 hours of his life, which culinates with his artyrdo. This section has also an auditoriu with facilities to screen fils on Mahata Gandhi. A view of the Gandhi Sriti Gallery 12 u Annual Report

14 The third section of the north wing projects the India of Gandhi s Drea and the forulae he has left behind for posterity to realise this drea: the Eighteen Point Constructive Prograe. Gandhi wanted to present India as a odel of developent before the world with scientific precision. The epic journey ends Father of the Nation is gone. But his legacy lives on. Above all, an unfulfilled drea reains as a challenge before us to build the India of his dreas. The Minifigure section in Gandhi Sriti, depicting the historic journey of M.K. Gandhi that in St. Pieteraritzburg, when he was thrown out of the train. The fourth section Suana has twenty-eight enclosures/panels in all. The section, which is today, is the Minifigures, depicts iportant events in the life of Mahata Gandhi fro his boyhood to his artyrdo. Crafted by St. Sushila Rajni Patel, this section of the useu is an enriching experience. In the fifth section Sanati, the Gandhi Sriti literature centre, there is a vast llection of Gandhiana and other related and relevant books available under one roof. A special section is devoted to explain how the world reveres Mahata Gandhi. First, through the eyes of the artists reflecting on the agnificent life of the Mahata, and sendly, Gandhi on hiself. In the centre, people are led to assiilate, absorb and feel the presence of the Mahata through a 4 send ulti-edia aniation, depicting the last journey of the Father of the Nation towards his Martyrdo. A prehensive exhibition vering Fro Raj to Swaraj has been installed in the pergola, which is now a walking art gallery, which provides an opportunity to artists fro all segents of our society and all parts of the world to witness India s March to Freedo and have an interface with the visiting ass of huanity. Children and artists fro weaker sections are given special opportunity by Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti. Fro here the visitors are guided into the roo where Bapuji spent the last 144 days of his life. As they e out of this roo they are acquainted with history of these 144 days through the Photo Exhibition acpanied by narratives culled out fro the acunts of the eye witnesses. The World Peace Gong that faces the roof where the ortal reains of Gandhiji was kept for people to pay their last respects on January 3, 1948, was inaugurated on Annual Report u 13

15 Septeber 11, 26 to ark the centenary of the Birth of Satyagraha (Septeber 11, 196). Swaraj at Gandhi Sriti showcases Gandhian ephasis on khadi, ttage industries and rural developent. There is also a Souvenir Shop, which showcases sculptures and other relevant artifacts. The Kirti Mandap pandal christened by the einent Sarod Player Ustad Ajad Ali Khan, near the Martyr s Colun at Gandhi Sriti has the capacity to acodate 5 participants for ajor prograes. The World Peace Gong at Gandhi Sriti In an endeavour to provide the underprivileged section of the society skills in puter, stitching and ebroidery, early childhood care and education, unity health, pottery, spinning and weaving, puppetry, ie, usic and storytelling, Srijan the Gandhi Sriti Educational Centre - has been set up at Gandhi Sriti. Srijan ais to help the learn these vocational urses in order to instill in the appreciation for self-help, nfidence and bread-labour. The useu added in April 25 a ultiedia exhibition entitled Eternal Gandhi, which is housed on the entire first floor of the building. It has used state-of-the-art electronic hardware and new edia to bring Gandhiji s life and vision alive. The approach has been both historical and interpretative. This exhibition using 21 st century technology highlights the re of Gandhian thought the itent of a Satyagrahi to the principles of truth. Two sculptures of Ba and Bapu ade in fiberglass, which are the creations of a uple, Mr. Decha Saisoboon and Mrs. Wipa Saisoboon fro Thailand, are also kept at the ulti-edia useu. It is these ponents that together ake Gandhi Sriti a Coposite Museu. (b) Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat The send capus is situated adjacent to the Mahata Gandhi Saadhi at Rajghat. It was twenty-one years after the Mahata s artyrdo that the whole world decided to observe his centenary in 1969 in a way worthy of the Pilgri of Peace. It was then the sprawling thirty-six acre capus cae into existence to ark the centenary of Mahata Gandhi. Thirteen Indian States and seven foreign untries had joined hands in creating the agic called the Gandhi Darshan International Exhibition. The ain objective of the exhibition was the interpretation of Gandhi s essage and gospel of 14 u Annual Report

16 truth and non-violence against the background of the odern world and the way it has pereated and affected the nation s life and influenced the other untries of the odern world. At the Gandhi Darshan Museu, hundreds of archival photographs have been arranged on the walls, along with brief textual narratives, in the first pavilion entitled My Life is My Message. Soe of these iages of Gandhiji as a child and young an are rarely seen. There is also a odel of the house in which he was born, as well as the actual ary vehicle in which his body was transported for creation to the grounds, now known as Rajghat. In addition, visitors can see Gandhiji s school report cards, newspaper clippings and cartoons that show nteporary reports and reviews of his activities, the letters exchanged between Gandhiji and Leo Tolstoy, portraits of his wife and parents and other fascinating aterial. ne display showcases the any eorative staps issued by untries around the world in the years that followed Gandhiji s assassination; and another displays the letters that were sent to hi. These, especially, reveal, how widespread was the fae that a siple Gujarati lawyer acquired in his lifetie. For exaple, one is addressed to Gandhiji: Wherever He May Be ; another (posted in New York) siply has a sketch of Gandhiji on the envelope. A panoraic view of Gandhi Darshan The boat used by Gandhiji during the historic Dandi March in 193 The Gun Carriage that carried the ortal reains of Mahata Gandhi fro Gandhi Sriti onjanuary 31, 1948 to Rajghat. Annual Report u 15

17 Facilities available at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat A library and docuentation centre with over 15 books by and on Gandhi, and related subjects. n Coprehensive walk-in exhibition entitled My Life Is My Message n Conference, seinar and lecture halls with all facilities n International Hostel for scholars-in-residence n Peranent photographs and books related to Mahata Gandhi. n Youth Hostel (4 doritories with facilities to acodate 1 persons) n Publications Division: Apart fro books, it publishes a Journal, a News Magazine n Photo unit n Caping facility for ajor national and international eets n pen space for ntact prograes In 1994, during the 125th Birth Anniversary of Gandhiji, while addressing the Nation Prie Minister Shri P. V. Narasiha Rao forally announced the setting up of International Centre of Gandhian Studies at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat. n 3 January 2 President K. R. Narayanan unveiled a Colun and inaugurated the International Centre of Gandhian Studies and Peace Research in the presence of Prie Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and several other dignitaries. Activities at a Glance In ore than three decades of its existence, the Saiti keeping in step with ties with a vision of the 21 st century has been forulating, designing and reorienting several activities and prograes for various categories of people with ajor focus on woen, children, youth and arginalised unities. Chief aong the are taking Gandhi to Schools, child participation prograes, youth caps, dialogues and nferences, woen epowerent prograes, initiatives for unal harony, rendering of Gandhi bhajans and songs, regular charkha spinning classes, fil shows on Gandhi, Freedo Moveent and National leaders, eorative prograes, Gandhi Meorial lectures, acadeic prograes with universities and educational institutions. In the last few years the nature and spe of the Saiti s work has assued a ore national and international diension. The prograes have bee ore focused and issue-centric, picking up fro the current issues of significance. The Saiti has spread out to all parts of the untry. The endeavour is to prepare today s children and youngsters towards the goal of total developent as envisioned by the Mahata, using innovative processes. 16 u Annual Report

18 Structure of the Saiti Governing Body Chairan The Prie Minister Vice-Chairperson St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee Mebers Minister Incharge, Ministry of Culture H.E. Shri Tejender Khanna (The Lt. Governor of Delhi) Mayor of Delhi Dr. S.N. Subba Rao St. Vila Shara St. Rajashree Birla Dr. V. Mohini Giri Secretary, Ministry of Culture Inforation Advisor to the Prie Minister Director General, CPWD Secretary, (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance Secretary, Ministry of Urban Developent Coissioner of Delhi, Municipal Corporation of Delhi Chairan, New Delhi Municipal Coittee Meber Secretary Shri Sanjiv Mittal (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture) Executive Coittee Chairperson St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee Mebers Dr. S N Subba Rao St. Rajashree Birla Shri Anil Nauriya Meber Secretary Shri Sanjiv Mittal (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture) Director Maniala Annual Report u 17

19 Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti Tieline Prograes April 1, 211-March 31, 212 Date Prograe Venue Thrust Area of the Prograes April 9, 211 President Pratibha Patil launches Nanhi Chhan Gandhi Darshan Prograe on Save the Girl Child April 11, 211 pen house for GSDS Staff Gandhi Darshan Planning eeting for finalising prograes for the financial year April 11, 211 Interfaith Prayers for Tsunai hit Japan victis Gandhi Sriti Hoage to the victis of natural disaster in Japan April 27, 28 & May 3, 211 Workshop for Kalyanpuri Youth Gandhi Darshan Youth prograes to reach out to the unity. The prograe was organised with the youth of the slus to help the understand the life s essage of Mahata Gandhi through his autobiography May 1, 211 Sharir Shra Diwas (Labour Day) Gandhi Darshan To celebrate the work force (physical labour) and discuss the challenges associated with it May 9, 211 Staging of Tagore s Play Dak Ghar. The play was directed by Shri Surender Shara fro the National School of Draa, presented by the group, Rang Saptak Gandhi Darshan 15th birth anniversary celebrations of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore May 23, 211 to June 24, 211 Gandhi SuerSchool 211 Gandhi Darshan Prootion of Gandhian values through creative arts like theatre, ie, dance, sanitation, etc May 5 to May 1, 211 Workshop to develop Gandhi Katha by Kanwar art Rajasthan To spread the essage of Mahata Gandhi through different kinds of traditional folk art fors, and take it to the asses. May 15 to June 19, 211 Script writing on Gandhian values begins Jaipur To spread the essage of Mahata Gandhi through different ways of unications skills and develop the habit of writing on different issues of social ncerns and link it with Gandhian ideology. 18 u Annual Report

20 May 211 Launch of Gandhi Study Circles Rajasthan - [Mohanpura Prithvi, Harsuliya Panchayat; Jhodinda Bhojpura, Pchala Panchayat; Rapura Dabri, Rapura Panchayat; and Chandvaji, Panchayat] Gandhi Darshan To spread the reading habit aongst different sections of the society and different age-groups, especially the Gandhian Literature. Also to help in the outreach of the Gandhian Literature to the on asses thereby prootion of Gandhian Values June 14, 211 Chutti Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore s play staged To give a platfor to the underprivileged children and youth through creative perforances using the ediu of theatre. The play was organised as part of the 15th birth anniversary celebrations of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Training on how to use the obile phone as (FM) radio through the internet The prograe further aied towards training people to use the obile phone to nvey their probles and also seek redressal. n the whole ncept of Swaraj, the prograe aied towards developing skillsets and providing livelihood opportunities through their locally available resources. The ai was towards providing self dependency to the rural youth. To have an idea of the ipact of the Saiti s prograes in the North East. The VC GSDS during her visit, saw the functioning of the vocational training centre of the KGID in Manipur, held eetings with social workers and scholars working at the grassroots. In Shillong, the VC participated at the ncluding cereony of the Gandhi Workshops. To spread the essage of Mahata Gandhi through different kinds of traditional folk art fors, and take it to the asses. Also the ai was to revive this art which is fast dying in this age of odification. June 2-25, 211 Deocratisation of Media - An experiental workshop by CG Net Gandhi Darshan June 11 August 12, 211 Training prograe in Food/fruits processing and preservation for rural youth Khongan,Zone No 3, Iphal East by Kasturba Gandhi Seva Ashra June 211 Prograes in association with Kasturba Gandhi Institute for Developent KGID (Manipur) and Purvottar Hindi Acadey, Shillong Manipur and Shillong (respectively) June 211 Kanwar workshop organised Bassi village of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan Annual Report u 19

21 June 27, 211 Majlis E- Mausiqui July 1, 211 Tagore s Tasher Desh by West Bengal Gandhi Mission Trust July 6, 211 Minister of Culture Kuari Selja visits Gandhi Sriti July 12-13, 211 Training prograe on Research Methodology for Dalit Woen in association with NAR July 15, 211 Pak s cultural perforance by Tehrik e-niswan on the thee Jang Ab Nahin Hogi by Sheea Karani and Anwar Jafri. July 23-25, 21 Need for Social Transforation A Practical Approach Seinar in Doda July 3, 211 Interaction on Peace Education with Prof Yasin Saikia fro South Asian History in the Arizona State University). She teaches Peace Studies and History in the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict Gandhi Darshan Gandhi Darshan Gandhi Sriti Gandhi Darshan Gandhi Sriti Doda (Jau) Gandhi Darshan To develop Indo-Pak ties through cultural initiatives and dialogues To celebrate the 15th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore To understand the functioning of the Saiti Senior woen activists and social worker took part in the training prograe that discussed on the rights of the woen, their social upliftent and their education. It also discussed issues related to dowry, caste syste and feale foeticide Tribute to Faiz Ahed Faiz [Celebration of the centenary of Faiz] Developing Indo- Pak relations through cultural initiatives People fro different parts of the untry participated in the prograe to discuss the issues and challenges of the people of Jau and Kashir, and to listen to the probles the people of J&K face in their day-to-day life. The prograe was also aied towards developing utual trust aongst the people in J&K which also becae the pan Indian feeling during the nference To discuss how peace studies are changing the global discussions on evolving a culture of peace and non-violence 2 u Annual Report

22 August 11, 211 August 13-15, 211 Septeber 1-14, 211 Septeber 17-19, 211 ctober 2, 211 ctober 2, 211 Yatra Naryastu Pujyante (Where Woen are Worshipped) Prograe at Wagha Border Hindi Pakhwara Bhoodan Moveent: 6 Years National Convention on Conteporary Issues related to Land Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated 142nd Birth Anniversary of the Mahata A Moent of Introspection Kaani Auditoriu, New Delhi Wagha Border Gandhi Sriti & Gandhi Darshan Gandhi Sriti Gandhi Sriti Gandhi Darshan ctober 2-4, 211 Gandhi Jayanti Mela Pragati Maidan ctober 31, 211 Presentation of Espetarra by the Ebassy of Colobia ctober 2-3, 211 Exhibition on Mahata Gandhi Gandhi Sriti Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh Dance Draa against Feale Foeticide by Naad Roop, Pune. Choreographed by Shaa Bhate To develop Indo-Pak friendship and create an environent of peace To involve the staff to develop the practice of writing, working and creatively thinking in Hindi Celebrating 6th anniversary of the Bhoodan Moveenet; felicitation of Bhoodan Satyagrahis and discuss the critical challenges before land issues today. Musical tribute and Bhakti Sangeet to the Father of the Nation, Mahata Gandhi. Á Minute of Silence for Non-Violence: A Moent of Introspection. An initiative of the Saiti, the inute of silence was a global oent of enlightenent of the soul and was observed at 12 noon rganised by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the ai of the Saiti was to take Gandhian Literature to the asses. ther publications of the Saiti Anti Jan, Moniya (in Urdu, Hindi) and Anasakti Darshan (Hindi and English) and exhibition on Mahata Gandhi, My Life is My Message was on display to spread awareness on the life s essage of Mahata Gandhi A peace instruent Espetarra (ade fro the gun guitar) was presented to the GSDS sybolising a essage against all types/fors of violence. It also sybolises how to transfor an instruent of war in a sybol of peace. To spread the essage of Mahata Gandhi to the asses through photographic and textual exhibition and Gandhian Literature. Annual Report u 21

23 Septeber 26- ctober 2, 211 6th International Youth Peace Festival ctober 2-8, 211 Gandhi Jayanti Week celebrated by Jan Kala Sahitya Manch, Jaipur ctober 2-8, 211 Srijan celebrates Gandhi Jayanti Week ctober 211 ctober 31 to Noveber 1, 211 Noveber 16-18, 211 Gandhi Peace Foundation, Thrissur Centre celebrates Gandhi Jayanti National Dialogue on Conteporary questions related to Developent Chandigarh in association with Yuvasatta Jaipur Rajasthan Kerala Gandhi Darshan To discuss issues of peace and non-violence in the global ntext and sustainable developent. Also to discuss the spirit of volunteeris aongst the youth and how volunteers can build a peaceful world. To celebrate the festival of truth and non-violence. The focus was on the epowerent of the street and working children as well as children who have fled their hoes To bring children, woen and youth fro the arginalised unities to learn and develop various skill sets, to teach the to set up ttage and sall scale industries, and provide livelihood opportunities. Prograes were held to pay hoage to Mahata Gandhi and to involve children fro all sections of the society. They were held in: Bethani English Mediu Higher Sendary School of the Kunakula district Governent High School V R Pura Chalakudi Cepru sub district participated at Janatha U P School, Varandarappilly Viyyur, Thrissur with the Prisoners of the Central Jail and Kalotsav at Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Acadey in Thrissur The focus was on how in the nteporary ties, natural resources were exploited and the livelihoods of poor people are affected all in the nae of developent. Issues of rruption and exploitation of the arginalized people; and the line of action needed to fight the capitalist exploitation of resources etc were raised. Bal Mela Gandhi Darshan Bringing children fro the arginalised unities fro the far-flung regions of the untry under one on platfor to develop linkages and friendships aong the and to know one another s culture. Children fro Kashir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Narada Ghati and Delhi. 22 u Annual Report

24 Noveber 23-25, 211 Adivasi Sanskriti Sanga Gandhi Sriti and Gandhi Darshan To discuss the issues and challenges of the tribals in different parts of the untry. An Adivasi Jansansad was also organised to discuss the challenges faced by the Adivasi People who deanded for the protection of their basic right to life, land and livelihood. Social activists, intellegentsia and tribals fro diverse rners of the untry participated. A national dialogue was organised to reeber the great freedo fighter s ntribution in social developent. Also a special exhibition on Kakasaheb was organised to spread the essage of Kakasaheb to different sections of the society. Literatures on Kakasaheb were released on the occasion. Painting petition organised in association with Happy School to involve children fro different schools, NGs, special children in a foru that brings out their creativity through the use of lours. Theatic paintings on various social issues were also the highlight of the occasion. The overarching goal of the Convention was to develop a roadap to proote a culture of volunteering, which is rights-based and focuses on Mahata Gandhi s ncept of creative, nstructive and inclusive volunteeris for huan developent. Looking at education for sustainable developent fro the perspective of peace education to build a non-violent and just society. Dialogue to discuss efforts towards the strengthening the deocratic set up, weed out rruption that has taken over the untry like a plague and to work out a Gandhian alternative to act as a watchdog to prevent further decay of the political syste. The nference focused on ntribution of Tana Bhagats, their present ndition and their role in realisation of Gra Swaraj. Deceber 1-2, 211 Concluding Cereony of Kakasaheb Kalelkar s 125th Birth Anniversary Gandhi Darshan Deceber 2, 211 Mosaic 211 organised Gandhi Darshan Deceber 8-9, 211 Convention on volunteeris on Prooting a culture of volunteering for unity building Gandhi Darshan Deceber 21-22, 211 National Convention on Peace Education for Sustainable Developent Dialogue on Deocracy A Syste and Culture Gandhi Darshan Deceber 3-31, 211 Gandhi Darshan Deceber 21-22, 211 Conference of Gra Swaraj organised by the Tana Bhagats Ranchi, Jharkhand Annual Report u 23

25 Deceber 211 January 2, 212 Youth cap in Pattikalyana in association with Gandhi Sarak Nidhi Frontier Gandhi Meorial Lecture Haryana Gandhi Sriti Discussions on youth to develop groups, linkages with different unities, plan out prograes to epower children and youth and work as volunteers for nstructive work. rganised in association with Khudai Khidatgars, Dr. S.N. Subba Rao delivered the lecture as a tribute to Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. January 21, 212 Pledge Festival held Gandhi Darshan Involving students, ebers of civil society and people, associated with various organisations to affir their love and loyalty to the untry by taking a Pledge in their respective other tongues. January 3, 212 January 28, 212 February 1, 212 February 22-25, 212 February 25- March 4, th Martyrdo Day of Mahata Gandhi Relief work for flood victis Lecture by Pada Bhusan Devki Jain (a feinist writer who has worked ainly in the field of feinist enoics.) Kargha Yagya A tribute to Ba (Kasturba Gandhi) on her 68th Nirvan Diwas World Book Fair organised by National Book Trust, India Gandhi Sriti Supal, Bihar Gandhi Sriti Gandhi Darshan Pragati Maidan Hoage to Mahata Gandhi by children fro different segents of the society, sarva dhara prarthana (inter-faith prayer service) bhakti sangeet. The relief work was undertaken in association with Vinoba Sewa Ashra by distributing blankets, shawls to the flood affected victis as part of the unity outreach prograes of the Saiti The lecture focussed on issues related to woen, epowerent of woen and youth and social justice. The prograe addressed the need towards iproving the nditions of the weavers and spinners in different parts of the untry, thereby deanding for a larger role of the Governent in aking an iediate effort to acrd ore relevance and regnition to the weavers. Display and sale of Gandhian Literature, publications of the Saiti such as Anti Jan, Moniya in different languages, Anasakti Darshan. 24 u Annual Report

26 March 27-29, 212 National Conference on Sanitation and Environent in association with Anna Saheb Sahasrabuddhe Trust. Youth Leadership Cap Gandhi Darshan The nference focussed on issues related to sanitation as well as environent and discussed ways for a better and cleaner life and environent. The nditions of cleaners of public toilets, their health and hygiene were also discussed at length. Practical hands-on-training was held. Developing youth leadership to work within the unity and organise training prograes. March 21-22, 212 Assa in association with Asha Darshan and North East Social Trust Assa March 23-25, 212 Woen leadership in Panchayati Raj Syste in association with Asha Darshan and North East Social Trust The prograe was organised as part of the International Woen s Day. The discussions featured on the lines on why woen epowerent in Panchayati Raj reains unrealised; and why spouses or ale relatives of the elected woen representatives act as de-facto Pradhans or Praukhs and interfere in the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions and the role of the Governent in strengthening the PRI s. The prograe focussed on epowerent of woen per se beginning with their education, right to live, provide equal opportunities, how to provide legal help to woen who are victis of social evils such as dowry, feale foeticide, trafficking, etc. The prograe also highlighted the need and necessity for ensuring free legal aid for the underprivileged and the distressed. The prograe was organized with an ai to integrate Gandhian philosophy with the nteporary issues and work towards the betterent of the rural population who are ostly unaware of the basic ncepts of health and hygiene. The seinar also aied at the restoration of rural health. March 28-3, 212 Awareness cap on Woen Epowerent Bihar in association with Sadbhavna Ashra Foundation in Bihar March 17-18, 212 National seinar on Role of Gandhian Philosophy in prootion of Health and Hygiene of Rural Population Saanvaya Maharashtra Annual Report u 25

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40 Tributes to Mahata Gandhi 142nd Birth Anniversary of the Mahata celebrated Hon ble Vice-President of India, Dr. Mohaad Haid Ansari and Prie Minister Dr Manohan Singh led the nation in paying rich tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahata Gandhi on ctober 2, 211 in Gandhi Sriti on the occasion of the 142 nd Birth Anniversary of the Mahata. Besides other ebers fro the diploatic rps, along with people fro different segents of the society offered rich tributes to Bapu on the occasion. About 5 children drawn fro different organizations/ schools of Delhi participated in the eorative prograe and sang patriotic songs. The participating organizations/ schools were: Chandra Arya Vidya Mandir, East of Kailash; Rani Dutta Arya Vidya Mandir, Daryaganj; Bapa Ashra Residential Priary School, Harijan Sevak Sangh; Jan Jyoti Yuva Sangathan, Burari; Khushi, Devli village; Andh Kanya Vidyalaya; G P Public School, Dilshad Colony. The usical tribute by children was ordinated by Shri Sudhanshu Bahuguna fro Swar Trishna. Bhakti Sangeet was rendered by Dr Kuud Diwan. During the prograe Kiran Mehra-Kerpelan, Director, United Nations Inforation Centre read a essage of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on the occasion of International Day of Non-Violence. Annual Report u 39

41 A Moent of Introspection A silent tribute to peace As part of the International Day of Non-Violence being celebrated on ctober 2, the Saiti organized a prograe, Á Minute of Silence for Non-Violence: A Moent of Introspection. An initiative led by the Saiti s Vice Chairperson St Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, the inute of silence was a global oent of enlightenent of the soul and was observed at 12 noon. More than 3 people took part in the prograe held at Gandhi Darshan. In a unique tribute to Mahata Gandhi, Pakistani painter Mr Waseel Awan handed over a portrait of the Mahata ade with his own blood to Gandhi Sriti. Speaking on the occasion, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee said Non-violence and peace were a celebration of the nsciousness to honour life and creation, and. This celebration of our nsciousness should be translated into the objective of a people s oveent for cleaning the huan ind of violence and protecting the environent fro pollution. She further said, Non-violence eans uch ore than just the lack of violence. Non-violence is also action and introspection. It is the urage of truth with love. It is the reawakening of the spirit in harony with nature and environent and all fors of life. n this occasion, ebers fro the Swar Trishna choir led by Shri Sudhanshu and Shravani Bahuguna presented bhakti sangeet. (Above) St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson of the Saiti unveiling the portrait of Mahata Gandhi ade by Mr Waseel Awan, artist fro Pakistan. (Below) St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee being greeted by the participants fro Assa. 4 u Annual Report

42 64th Martyrdo Day bserved The Saiti observed the 64th Martyrdo of Mahata Gandhi on January 3, 212 in a solen anner by paying rich tributes to the Father of the Nation in Gandhi Sriti. Wearing T-shirts and Gandhi caps with the essage of the Mahata Truth is God on the, the children sang songs with social essages. The children fro the following organisations took part in the tribute function: Gandhi Sarak Nidhi, Pattikalyana, Haryana; Jan Kala Sahitya Manch Sanshta, Jaipur; Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan; Mera Sahara School, Nithari; C. L. Bhalla, Dayanand Model School; Little Flowers Public School; Navjyoti India Foundation, Bawana; Governent Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya; Rashtriya Virjanand Andh Kanya Vidyalaya and Saheed Heu Kalani Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya. Charkha spinning was done by participants fro the Bapa Ashra, Harijan Sevak Sangh and the GSDS respectively. Religious leaders fro different religious faiths offered inter-faith prayer on the occasion as part of the sarva dhara prarthana. The Vice President, Prie Minister, Minister of Culture, acpanied by Director GSDS sharing greetings with the Dhara Gurus on the occasion. Bhakti Sangeet was rendered by einent Dhrupad singers the Gundecha brothers, Padashree Uakant and Raakant Gundecha. Shri Akhilesh Gundecha acpanied the on the Pakhawaj. The acpanists were Ajey Mishra, Sanjeev Jha, St Renu Gundecha and Shri Nirant Gundecha. n the occasion, Dr. Mohaed Haid Ansari, Vice President of India; Dr. Manohan Singh, Prie Minister; Shri A K Antony, Defence Minister; Kuari Selja, Minister of Culture; Shri Rajiv Shukla, MS, Parliaentary Affairs; St. Sheila Dikshit, Participating children offering their tribute to Chief Minister of Delhi; forer first lady, Mahata Gandhi through usic. St. Bila Shara; forer Governor of West Bengal, Shri Gopal Krishna Gandhi; St. Gursharan Kaur; ebers fro the diploatic rps; ebers fro the civil society and people fro different segents of the society offered their tributes. Annual Report u 41

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44 Let e not pray to be sheltered fro dangers, but to be fearless in facing the. Let e not beg for the stilling of y pain, but for the heart to nquer it. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Collected Poes and Plays of Rabindranath Tagore 15 th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Tagore s Play, Dak Ghar staged As part of the 15th birth anniversary celebrations of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti staged a well-known play of Tagore, Dak Ghar on May 9, 211. The play directed by Shri Surender Shara fro the National School of Draa was presented by the group, Rang Saptak. About 1 people fro different walks of life were present on the occasion to see the Play. The Play written by Gurudev in 1912 expresses the universal urge to be free, where every character is sybolic. It is also full of narratives and iagination. The story is about an eight-year old boy, Aal, who is terinally ill and whose only ntact with the outside world is through his window. Fro there he sees the village life and is fascinated by a newly opened Post ffice. The play is poignant tribute to the huan spirit to gather hope, even when there sees to be none. It sybolizes the huan experience of unrrupted soul with its yearning and flights of iagination being trapped in the liitations of the body. Annual Report u 43

45 Chhutti A play by Gurudev Tagore staged With the joint efforts of Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti, Abhigyan Natya Association and Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Sabha, a usical draa Chhutti written by Gurudev Ravindranath Tagore was staged in Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat on June 14, 211. The play was directed by Shri Akhilesh Khanna, a senior theatre artist fro Rashtriya Natya Vidyalaya. In this one-hour play, 35 underprivileged children showed their acting abilities. Tagore s Tasher Desh staged In the Land of Cards (Tasher Desh), where nothing can ove beyond the law of the land, where eotions and feelings have no space, a prince along with his erchant friend who is shipwrecked, es to this land of cards only to disver that this land is full of astonishents and thus ebarks on a ission to ake the lifeless cards who talk and walk and live like robots learn to live with joy. St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson GSDS and Ms. Maniala, Director GSDS weles the High Coissioner of Bangladesh H.E. Shri Tariq Kari. Enacted in the for of a dance draa by the village school-going children fro Medinapore, West Bengal, the perforance left the audience awestruck. Presented by the Nicn Group fro Kolkata, Tasher Desh was staged at Gandhi Darshan on July 1, 211. rganised by the Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti in association with the Gandhi 44 u Annual Report

46 Mission Trust, West Bengal, Tasher Desh was a tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, to ark his 15th birth anniversary celebration. Styled in the genre of a dance draa, Tasher Desh is the story of a prince feeling tortured in his glided opulence and his search for freedo and true eaning of life. In this land of the cards, the prince and his erchant friend finds that all the people are living like robots, devoid of any eotions. He decided to change the situation and gradually akes the aware of joy, happiness and the entire range of eotions. Finally he succeeds in freeing the fro the shackles of age, old taboos and teaches the the joy of existence. A new experience thus begins. HE Shri Tariq Kari, Abassador of Bangladesh in India graced the occasion as a chief guest along with his wife. St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee Vice- Chairperson GSDS and Ms. Maniala, Director GSDS was also present on the occasion. People fro different cultural societies in Delhi were also part of this celebration. An exhibition on Gurudev and his work, and his association with Mahata Gandhi, was on display on the occasion. Presentation of Tagore s Tasher Desh. Annual Report u 45

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48 Major Prograes Bhoodan Moveent: 6 Years National Convention on Conteporary Issues related to Land In a significant resolution to find long ter solutions, a eeting of ore than 3 Bhoodan Satyagrahis and activists representing different land oveents in the untry resolved to fight the issues related to land and natural resources through non-violent and Gandhian ethods. The Convention was organized by Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti fro Septeber 17-19, 211 to ark the 6 th anniversary of the Bhoodan Moveent. The resolution passed at the National Convention on Conteporary Issues related to Land urged on the need to proote dialogue and understanding in resolving outstanding issues related to land. It also called upon state governents to refrain fro using violence to acquire land. The resolution talked on the need to involve gra sabhas in issues related to land acquisition. Earlier, in a unique tribute to Acharya Vinobha Bhave s Bhoodan oveent, the Saiti felicitated 37 donors who donated their land at the clarion call of the Acharya. The donors who cae fro different parts of the untry shared their experiences of how they were influenced by the Bhoodan oveent. Five donees (who received land during the oveent) also spoke about their experiences. Delivering her wele address, the Vice Chairperson of the Saiti talked about how she was inspired by Acharya Vinobha Bhave. She said the Annual Report u 47

49 philosophy and ideals of the Acharya was relevant even today and needed to be ibibed by all. She felt that by bringing together the bhoodan satyagrahis, the Saiti was trying to revisit the essage of Gandhi and Acharya. Critical discussions were organized on different diensions of land issues on Septeber 18-19, 211. The first session focussed on the question of land acquisition vs bhoodan. The key speaker in the session, Shri Shivaurthy fro Bihar said historically all ajor nflicts were fought on the question of land. Shri Mahadev Vidrohi said very less docuentation was done on Bhoodan land. The send session was on the critical challenges before land issues today. The speakers in this session discussed on how agricultural land was acquired for industrial projects. Representatives fro different oveents spoke in detail about their initiatives in the third session which took up the debate on developent vs developent. Representatives fro Gandardhan oveent, PSC, Marvan oveent, Chandel Moveent, Khet Bachao Saiti etc spoke on the occasion. They talked about the atrocities on poor and arginalized people and violation of huan rights of activists who took up the causes of the poor vis-à-vis the land acquisition process. The fourth session organized on Septeber 19, 211 focused on unrest due to land acquisition in different parts of the untry. The speakers discussed on different probles and challenges faced by those who were involved to raise the issue of land acquisition. Bhoodan Satyagrahis at the Martyr s Colun in Gandhi Sriti. 48 u Annual Report

50 Speakers at the Bhoodan Satyagraha prograe in Gandhi Sriti The final session where the resolution was passed by the participants was chaired by Shri P V Rajagopal of Ekta Parishad. He stressed that all those involved in various land oveents across the untry should e together and generate a single voice on the question of land. He ephasized the iportance of dialogue to find aicable solutions to the plex issue involving land and land acquisition. Dr. Maniala, Director, Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti undersred the need for the youth of the untry to e forward and spearhead the different land oveents across the untry. Felicitation of Bhoodan Satyagrahis in progress in Gandhi Sriti. Son of first ever donor Sh. (late) Ra Chandra Reddy fro Bhoodan Pochapalli receiving the Bhoodan eento fro Shri. S N Subba Rao and Ms Maniala. Annual Report u 49

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52 Three-day Adivasi Sanskriti Sanga organised About 7 Adivasis fro 19 states of India cae together in Gandhi Darshan to highlight their issues and ncerns fro Noveber 23-25, 212. They also showcased their traditional cultural traditions through diverse artistic perforances during the three-day Adivasi Sanskriti Sanga. Inaugurating the Sanga, Shri Veer Bhadra Singh, Union Minister for Micro, Sall and Mediu Enterprises said, Developent does not ean radical change, but integration. It also should not be at the st of uprooting the culture and traditions of the adivasi people. Addressing the ngregation, Shri Veer Bhadra Singh underlined the iportance of bringing the Advasi unities fro different States under a on platfor and ephasised that the developent process should acknowledge the tenets of the Adivasi life style. Calling the traditional ethods of nserving nature of the adivasis ore practical, he said that the sae should be replicated at the national level. He laid ephasis in the preservation of the Adivasi knowledge and culture Referring to her proxiity to the tribal culture and linking it with the Gandhian philosophy, Ms. Agatha Sanga, Minister of State for Rural Developent and Touris, in her address said that the Adivasi probles are ncerns of national iportance and ought to be redressed for an inclusive developent. St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson GSDS and Maniala, Director GSDS also spoke on the occasion. Senior Gandhian Dashriben Chaudhari, who was a close associate of Ba (Kasturba Gandhi) was felicitated during the prograe. Later the cultural prograe was inaugurated by the dignitaries jointly by beating the traditional dhasa (drus). Annual Report u 51

53 Cultural presentations fro States including Kerala, Jharkhand, rissa, Bengal, Ladakh, Assa, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chattisgarh and Meghalaya was a special attraction of the inaugural prograe. As part of the Sanga, an Adivasi Jansansad was held at Gandhi Darshan on Noveber 24, 211. Speakers in the Jansansad represented their own Adivasi groups and highlighted the probles and issues nfronting the. They asked for the protection of their basic right to life, land and livelihood. (Fro L to R): Ms. Maniala, Shri Veer Bhadra Singh, Ms. Agatha Sanga and St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee inaugurate the Sanga by beating the traditional dhasa (drus). Speakers at the Jansansad unaniously deanded a larger role for the Gra Sabhas and an iediate effort on the part of the governent to acrd ore relevance and regnition to the Gra Sabhas. Gra Sabhas should be allowed to function in the real sense and its reendations should be taken seriously. 52 u Annual Report

54 They highlighted the enace of rapant industrialization resulting in increasing displaceent and subsequent ipoverishent. Adivasi people do not have anything, besides their land, forest and culture, which they are being uprooted, said Kuar Chandra Mardy fro Jharkhand. Bireshwar Tudu of rissa spoke at length of the probles in the kind of education being ipleented. He said, Teachers are not well-versed with the local language creating practical probles of prehension. An interaction with the Adivasis was also organized with the edia where journalists highlighted the role of the press in bringing the Adivasi probles in the national disurse. Referring to the increasing ercialization of the edia, Shri Shrawan Garg fro Dainik Bhaskar said that the poor ntinuously fail to find their voice in the ainstrea edia. He stressed about the efficacy of a unified Adivasi voice to generate ass awareness. Sita Gupta fro The Hindu raised the probles of journalists vering reote tribal areas. Shri Anshuan Dey, representing the Ministry of Micro, Sall and Mediu Enterprises spoke about the various schees and progras of the Governent operational in the adivasi areas. Earlier, Shri Ghanshya fro Jharkhand spoke at length on the adivasi culture, heritage and traditions and stressed on the need for the preservation of the tenets of Swashashan, swavalavan, swabhian and sanskriti (self rule, self reliance, self dignity and culture). He ephasized on the need for a strong and effective PESA Act, Forest Rights Act and Lokpal Bill for ensuring justice for the Adivasi unities. Cultural perforances by the tribal groups representing different states were the highlights of the Adivasi Sanskriti Sanga. Annual Report u 53

55 54 u Annual Report

56 Kargha Yagya A tribute to Ba (Kasturba Gandhi) As a tribute to Ba (Kasturba Gandhi) on her 68 th Nirvan Diwas, a Kargha Yagya was organised at Gandhi Darshan fro February 22-25, 212. The three-day Yagya was inaugurated by HE Shri B L Joshi, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, St. Margaret Alva, Governor of Uttarakhand and Dr. Shekhar Dutt, Governor of Chattishgarh. St.Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson GSDS and Maniala, Director GSDS were present on the occasion. Addressing a ngregation of alost 6 weavers with 1 loos (karghas) fro far-flung areas of the untry, Dr. Shekhar Dutt highlighted the iportance of land and natural resources for the overall developent of the huankind. He stressed on the need for protecting the natural resources and natural wealth of the nation. The weavers cae fro Maharashtra, Assa, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Chaparan, Jharkhand, Kashir, rissa, West Bengal and Rajathan. Ephasizing on the need to iprove the nditions of the weavers and spinners in different parts of the untry, he called upon organisations working in this sector to work towards iproving the enoic and social order of the weavers. Sharing her association with Khadi to the days when she was a young eber of the Rajya Sabha, St. Margaret Alva spoke at length about the probles the weavers are facing today fro the petitive power loos and industrialization. St. Alva stressed on the epowerent of the weavers of the nation. Referring to Charkha as a sybol of freedo, used by Mahata Gandhi during the freedo struggle, she called for ore investent by the Governent and the people towards iproving the lacunae in the spinning and weaving industry. 6 weavers with 1 loos (karghas) fro far-flung areas of the untry, took part in the Kargha Yagya. Annual Report u 55

57 HE Dr. Shekhar Dutt, Governor of Chattishgarh, St. Margaret Alva, Governor of Uttarakhand, Shri B L Joshi, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson GSDS and Maniala, Director GSDS forally inaugurating the Kargha Yagya by spinning on the loos brought by the participants fro different parts of the untry. She further said, There are 25 lakh handloos in the untry and 4 to 5 lakh people work in this sector. Yet the ndition of the weavers is such that it brings tears to our eyes. In his address to the gathering, Shri B L Joshi reiterated the words of Mahata Gandhi that for changing the lives, one has to go to the villages. Calling the Father of the Nation an institution in hiself, he said, If we have to epower the villages, we have to first iprove the ndition of the villagers. Referring to the traditional weaving industry which was faous the world over, he hoped that the weaving industry will prosper in the days to e. Earlier in her wele address, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee linked Khadi to ahisa and truth. She said, I see different lours in white khadi and I a with all in the aha yagya of khadi sutra. Stressing for better arketing strategies for the betterent of the weavers and spinners, St. Bhattacharjee said that Khadi is directly linked to huan culture and especially in India, charkha is directly associated with peace and non-violence. She further said that if the quality of khadi is not aintained and the benefit doesn t reach the weavers and spinners directly it will be hard for khadi to survive. 56 u Annual Report

58 Referring to the nditions of the weavers and spinners of the untry, Maniala, Director GSDS said that the Kargha Yagya was a follow-up of the Charkha Yagya which the Saiti organized as a tribute to Kasturba Gandhi in 211 and the purpose of organizing the prograe was to bring the nditions of the weaving industry to the public disurse. During the prograe, the in-house publications of the Saiti Anti Jan (onthly Hindi agazine); Monia, (Urdu book for children) and Anasakti Darshan (bi-annual journal) were released by Dr. Shekhar Dutt, Governor of Chattisgarh, St. Margaret Alva, Governor of Uttarakhand and Shri B L Joshi, Governor of Uttar Pradesh respectively. Director GSDS Ms Maniala felicitating senior weaver Shri Prahallad Nevade fro Akola, Maharashtra. Senior weaver Shri Prahallad Nevade fro Akola, Maharashtra who has developed a unique unit of weaving achine that weaves fro, tton seed to cloth (kapas se kapra) was felicitated. An interaction on the ndition of the weavers across the untry was held at Gandhi Darshan on February 23, 212. The session was chaired by Shri Ashok Sharan, forer Director KVIC and and presently Secretary of the Punjab, Haryana and Hiachal Pradesh of Gandhi Sarak Release of the Moniya in Urdu by the distinguished Nidhi and Shri Laxi Das, forer director, gathering on the occasion. KVIC and presently, Secretary, Harijan Sevak Sangh. Speakers at the interaction unaniously deanded for a larger role of the Governent in iproving the nditions of the weavers and an iediate effort on the part of the governent to acrd ore relevance and regnition to the weavers. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Laxi Das, referred to the unorganized sector as an iportant sector, because it represents a decentralized enoic policy of Mahata Gandhi. He said, Unfortunately, this art is not getting enuraged because of various reasons such as it Annual Report u 57

59 Shri B L Joshi, St. Margaret Alva, Ms. Maniala, Shri Shekhar Dutt, appreciating the beautiful clothes woven by the weavers. represents castes, which is a social stiga; it requires capital ay be little but which is not available. The speakers reiterated at the interaction that The requireent of soe policy support is needed to strengthen the weaving industry in this untry. It is a source of ine. It has the potential of a balanced enoic growth. Shri Ashok Sharan, spoke about the probles of the weavers and laented the fact that weavers are leaving their profession due to poverty and financial burdens. It was further felt that getting loan at a subsidized rate was a difficult task for the weavers and hoped that the banks be a little flexible while dealing with the poor and arginalized weavers. Weavers fro all parts of the untry shared their on probles and issues and also cae up with suggestions. Ms. Nangkhalina Longchat (Arunachal Pradesh): There is a dearth of availability of raw aterials. There are also no opportunities for the weavers and ostly their work which is very unique is nfined within their locality. The lack of awareness about arketing strategies is also a hindrance to their growth. Ms. Sapa Deka and Ms Biju Baruah (Assa): Because of frequent floods and rise in prices in Assa, the weavers are reduced to arginalized groups despite the fact that they are a ajor population in the state. They hoped that the Saiti organize training workshops for the weavers and hoped their (weavers ) financial burden is reduced. A weaver fro Assa at the Kargha Yagya deonstrating the process of aking clothes on the loos. The weaver unity in Kashir put forward the probles faced by the. They said that in J& K there are no big factories and, therefore, the artisans work fro hoes and it is ostly ttage industry. The entire faily is involved in the process of weaving, but they do not earn enough to sustain their failies. 58 u Annual Report

60 In order to save their traditional art fro dying, they cae forward with a few suggestions, such as: the weavers should be provided with credit card facilities; their failies should be provided with health insurance benefits; their children be provided with training in textile diploa, engineering, dyeing diploa and other educational facilities so that they can take the traditional art forward. Shri Devkant Vera (Benares): He highlighted the plight of the weavers of the legendary Benarasi sarees and expressed ncern on the igration of the weavers to cities and towns in search of different profession. Cultural perforances by folk artists were highlights of the Kargha Yagya. The three-day Kargha Yagya ncluded at Gandhi Darshan on February 24, 212. The ncluding cereony was graced by Shri Ashok Sharan, forer Director, KVIC and presently Secretary of Gandhi Sarak Nidhi of Haryana, Hiachal Pradesh and Punjab; Shri Jayant Matkar, senior Gandhian and Khadi worker, Shri Raan Kuar fro Chaparan, Shri Rauf Shah fro Kashir, Ms. Biju Baruah fro Assa and Ms. Maniala, Director GSDS. The reendations prepared during the Kargha Yagya are as follows: The Weaving unity should be provided with: credit card facilities; health insurance, basic aenities of life, such as education, shelter, training for the new generation weavers; availability of raw aterials required for production of clothes; sae set of policies for the fine sall, ediu weavers, rural igration to be stopped, weavers to be provided with loans with subsidized rates, proper arketing facilities, iniu interference of the iddle an, various exhibitions to be arranged to highlight the work of the sall scale weavers and the poor weavers should be provided with pucca hoes under the governent housing schees and also to be provided with financial support. Taking the thread of life ahead through the Charkha Annual Report u 59

61 6 u Annual Report

62 Children with Gandhi Gandhi Suer School 211 A onth-long Gandhi Suer School for underprivileged children began on May 23, 211. During the onth-long School, about 15 students fro different areas of Delhi took part in a variety of disciplines. These include theatre, ie, usic, dance, creative writing, painting, volunteeris and peace and nflict resolution. While the overarching goal of the School was to accliatize the students with the life, essage and philosophy of Mahata Gandhi, the process was taken forward through eaningful group activities and creative tools including vocational training, perforing arts, traditional and odern eans of unication, etc. The Suer School prograe involved students fro four different organisations Asha; Arya Bal Graha, Pataudi House; Burari Shishu Panchayat and Gandhi Darshan group. Laying ephasis on sanitation and cleanliness and how Mahata Gandhi strongly advocated the ncept personal hygiene, Dr. Maniala stressed on the whole idea of shradaan and also developing reading habits aongst children. During the onth-long Suer School prograe, the participants were divided into various groups. The urses that were nducted included: Yoga, Charkha Spinning, Painting/Drawing, Music, Mie, Dance, Theatre, Coputers. Special focus was laid on Peace Education, Volunteeris, and Creative Writing. Daily Shradaan was organised and students were taught the essence of cleanliness and the whole ncept of sanitation and sharadaan. Annual Report u 61

63 Another special training that was provided to the entire group was to develop Reading Habits aongst children. The Autobiography of Mahata Gandhi, My Experients with Truth was provided to the children and they were asked to read and thereafter wrote what they have read. Indu Bahen fro Sannidhi trains children in Charkha spinning. Children doing shradaan at Gandhi Darshan. Shri Pankaj Vidyarthi and Shri Dinesh ordinated the Yoga workshop; Shri Sunil Kuar Varshney nducted the Peace Education training prograe. The training on Developing Skills on Volunteeris and Reality Checks was nducted by Shri Vedabhyas Kundu. While Shri Rajiv Ranjan Giri ordinated the Creative Writing workshop, Shri Madhusudhan Das ordinated the workshop on Painting workshop along with St. Hena Chakraborty. The entire Shradaan was ordinated by St. Sunita Joshi, along with Shri Krishan, Shri Ganesh, Shri Vivek, Shri Sushil, Ms. Soni and Ms. Preeti fro the Saiti. Training in the classical for of Kathak (dance) was provided by Shri Deepak and Shri Minhaz fro Kathak Kendra; Ms. Reshi and St. Uril Wadhera provided training in Music. Training in Mie was given by Shri Swapan Kuar Sarkar. The training on Developing Reading Habits was ordinated by St. Shashwati Jhalani. Ms. Kanak and Mr. Raan Kuar provided training on Coputers. Charkha Spinning was ordinated for the entire group by Indu Behen and Shri Miri Lal. The Theatre workshop was ordinated by Shri Yasin Khan fro Indu Arts Theatre and Fil Society. The ncluding prograe of the Gandhi Suer School was held on June 24, 211. The Chief Guest of the prograe was Ms. Radha Bhatt, Chairperson Gandhi Peace Foundation. The guests of honour on the occasion were: Ms. Sangeeta Malik, Director, National Gandhi Museu and Shri Raesh Shara, senior Gandhian fro Gandhi Peace Foundation. Shri Rajneesh, Secretary, Mahata Gandhi Meorial, Rajghat was also present on the occasion. 62 u Annual Report

64 In the Pix: (Fro L to R): Shri Yasin Khan fro Indu Arts and Theatre and St Hena Chakraborty, nducing the training in theatre and painting workshops respectively during the Suer Cap. The cultural prograe showcased the creativity of children. Based on the onth-long training prograe, children not only spoke of their experiences in the Saiti during the onth-long workshop, but also ade a beautiful presentation of the training prograe. If the dance perforance left the audience eserized, the theatre on farers rights nveyed a social essage to the audiences. The perforance by the group on how peace education can transfor people was another highlight of the valedictory prograe. Students also presented a play on unity work. The audiences were left awestruck when deonstration on different techniques of yoga by the students on asanaas, pranaya, etc. began. While, the usical renditions soothed the ears and left a essage of hope and peace, the necessity to save the environent and biodiversity nservation was highlighted by a pantoie. Deonstration on charkha spinning with songs on charkha was another highlight of the prograe. Certificates, books, charkhas were awarded to the students, the entors and the ordinators. The Gandhi Suer School, started fourteen years ago, is an innovative Field Study in Delhi Gate as part of the Suer Cap. experient to creatively engage children during their long suer vacations. The overarching goal is to accliatize the students with the life, essage and philosophy of Mahata Gandhi; the process is taken forward through eaningful group activities and creative tools including vocational training, perforing arts, traditional and odern eans of unications, etc. Annual Report u 63

65 Bal Mela organised GSDS organised a Bal Mela fro Noveber at Gandhi Darshan. The Bal Mela was unique in the sense that the 25 participating children cae fro far flung regions of the untry, staying and playing together at the Bal Mela. The children spent tie together which helped the children to know about each others culture and way of living. The Director GSDS, Ms. Maniala told that the participating children at the Bal Mela had e fro the ost deprived sections of society, cut off fro the ainstrea and are leading difficult lives in their respective regions. The children were fro Kashir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Narada Valley and Delhi. They were in the age group of 1 to 16 years. The children fro Bihar were the victis of the Kosi River s flood in which they had lost everything. Siilarly the Kashiri children live in troubled ties alost daily enuntering violence. The children for the Narada Valley are the victis of nstant upheaval and dislocation. All these children when they cae together forgot their woes and for three days they sang and danced to their heart s ntent. n the ncluding day of the cap the children presented a cultural prograe which included plays, group songs etc. The VC of GSDS, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee was present on the occasion. Cultural prograes, theatre, skit, dance and group exercises arked the Bal Mela celebrations. 64 u Annual Report

66 Creativity blossos at MSAIC 211 The Saiti in association with Happy School, Daryaganj organized Mosaic- 211, Inter-school on-the-spot Padachand Meorial Painting petition in Gandhi Darshan on Deceber 2, children representing 23 schools of Delhi and NCR participated in the petition. The students were free to paint on any issues/subjects of their choice. Mr. Niraj Mitra Visual artist fro Happy School ordinated the event. A special feature of the petition was the participation of special children. Director GSDS Ms Maniala lights the cereonial lap at the inauguration of MSAIC-211 in Gandhi Darshan. Aong those who joined the event was Mr. & Mrs. Tibor Koracs Jary, Director, Hungarian Inforation & Cultural Centre who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. St. Uril Wadhera nducts a training prograe for students in usic A view of children fro different schools taking part in the painting petition in Gandhi Darshan. Annual Report u 65

67 Einent Sculptor Padashree Mr. Ra V Sutar; fil aker Mr. Avijit, actor, theatre director; Dr. Sangeeta Malik Director, National Gandhi Museu; Mrs. Gita Arora, Principal, Happy School, Daryaganj; Shri Krishan Kuar, Hony Secretary, Happy School and Ms. Maniala, Director GSDS were also present at the prograe and enuraged the participants. Pledge Festival reaffirs itent towards national integration The creative iagination of alost 6 school children fro different schools of Delhi and NCR and different states was seen at Gandhi Darshan on January 21, 212, where posters designed by the to speak against rruption and terroris and love for the otherland were released. Students fro Apeejay School, Kalka Public School, Sun Valley International and City Prince Public School also took a pledge in 15 languages to keep the untry s interest paraount in their thoughts, words and action. Inaugurating the prograe, the Saiti s Vice-Chairperson, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee said it was a unique prograe designed to capture the iagination of the on an. Such oveents are taking part across the globe, but we ust learn to carry forwar for a longer duration. The proble is that people who participate in such oveents do not get a chance to articulate their feelings. They also need to understand basics of their oveents rather than depend on their leaders. Anyhow, this is a great oveent to send the essage across. Speaking on the occasion, Build India Group president Biraja Mahapatra said: Every year, the Pledge Festival is celebrated across the untry on the third Saturday of January when students, ebers of civil society and people, associated with various organisation affir their love and loyalty to the untry by taking a pledge in their respective other tongues. In the Pix (fro L to R): A child perfors an invocation during the Pledge Festival and St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee adinistering the pledge to the dignitaries and the children. 66 u Annual Report

68 He said the need of the hour is to have ore such integrity building oveents that create awareness about the need to speak against rruption and terroris while prooting a sense of belonging to the nation. Moving on to the identity aspect, Mahapatra feels the need of the hour is eotional integration. India is a untry of festivals. I feel we should have this pledge festival as a national festival where at the stroke of an appointed hour, every Indian takes a pledge. He feels this can work as a force to create a sense of patriotis towards the otherland and hatred against rruption and terroris. Even a child can point out to his father if he deviates fro the pledge creating an eotional ipact, Mahapatra said. Present on the occasion were judges of the High Court of Delhi, ebers of civil society, edia institutions, schools fro NCR, and As part of this prograe, school kids also designed posters that speak against rruption and terroris and love for the otherland. The earth, the air, the land and the water are not an inheritance fro our forefathers but on loan fro our children. So we have to handover to the at least as it was handed over to us. M.K. Gandhi Annual Report u 67

69 68 u Annual Report

70 Youth with Gandhi Workshop for Youth fro Kalyanpuri A three-day workshop on developing of writing habit was organized for a youth group fro Kalyanpuri. The group represented the Saathi Centre of the ISST (The Institute of Social Studies Trust). This was part of the unity outreach prograe of the Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti. 75 youth participated in the workshop fro April 27, 28 and May 3, 211. The workshop was ordinated by St. Shashwati Jhalani, Librarian GSDS. A visit to the Gandhi Sriti Museu was also organized as part of the prograe. The youth also visited the exhibitions at Gandhi Darshan and wrote about their experiences. The habit of diary writing was also developed during the workshop. Workshop on Mobile Radio The Saiti organised a six-day workshop on Deocratisation of Media an Experiental Workshop fro June 2-25, 211 in Gandhi Darshan. Senior Journalist, Sh. Shubhranshu Choudhury nducted the workshop. The workshop was nducted for about 4 people fro the tribal belt of Chhatisgarh, Tail Nadu, and Jharkhand. Five staff ebers of GSDS also participated in the workshop. The participants were divided into six groups and on-field training was provided to the on the functioning of the CG Net. The trainees were given Annual Report u 69

71 training to raise the issues which are not brought forward by the television and newspapers. Senior Journalist, Sh. Shubhranshu Choudhury (extree left) nducted the Mobile Radio workshop. The ain objective of the workshop was to train people to use the obile phone to nvey their probles and also seek redressal through the CG Net. The urse also included training in rerding, reporting and the art of oderation. Prograe at the Wagah Border A tea fro the Saiti took part in an Indo-Pak friendship prograe organized at the Wagah Border fro August 13-15, 211. Different cultural prograes were organized on the occasion. National Youth Leadership Cap The Cap was organized by the Saiti at Gandhi Darshan fro Septeber 27-3, 211. About 25 delegates fro Jau and Kashir including Ladakh and the North-East took part in the Cap. There were series of discussions on the need to ensure peace and harony in the nflict areas of the untry. The young people shared their experiences of working during nflicts. Two senior ordinators fro Assa, Shri He Bhai and Shri Shuklaji nducted the workshops. The capers were divided into social and national issues and the re point was Mahata Gandhi s philosophy of truth and non-violence. In the pix (fro L to R): Shri He Bhai addressing the participants at Gandhi Darshan; and Ms. Maniala lights the cereonial lap. In her inaugural address, the Director, Ms Maniala felt people fro far-flung areas of the untry should e together with the rest of India ore often so that there is proper sharing of ncerns and solution to probles before the nation. 7 u Annual Report

72 6th International Youth Peace Festival held The 6th International Youth Peace Fest in Chandigarh saw the participation of 6 students fro 15 untries of the world participated. The festival was organised by Yuvsatta in association with Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti fro Septeber 26 to ctober 2, 211. The prograe began on World Touris Day, in which the Mayor of Chandigarh, Mr. Ravinder Singh honoured representatives of all untries. Cultural perforances fro Myanar, Nepal and Bhutan and perforances by over 2 folk artists fro 13 states was a ajor highlight of Participants at the International Youth Peace Festival the prograe. Shri Shivraj V Patil, with Donald McAvinchey. Governor of Punjab and Adinistrator of Chandigarh was the chief guest at the cultural prograe organised by the Director, North Zone Cultural Centre. The distinguished guests at the nvention included: Shri Tushar Gandhi, great grandson of Mahata Gandhi, Dr. Madhu Purnia Kishwar, founder-director of Manushi, Bernie Meyer and Donald McAvinchey, Ms. Sandhya Prakash fro UAE and founder of Meveg and peace activist Mr. Sandeep Pandey. As part of the prograe, alost 1,5, students were adinistered a pledge in schools and lleges to adopt the path of non-violence and huanity. Kite-flying and cricket to proote one world one sky and stop HIV/AIDS saw great enthusias aongst the participants. A Run for Forest and Wild Life to spread the essage aongst the asses about the depleting forest spread and endangered species in the world was also organised. The Union Cabinet Minister for Parliaentary Affairs and Water Resources, Governent of India, Shri Pawan Kuar Bansal was the chief guest at the valedictory prograe. Celebrating Xth anniversary of International Year of Volunteers Prooting Volunteering aongst Youth A two-day national nvention on Prooting a Culture of Volunteering for unity building was organized fro Deceber 8-9, 211 at Gandhi Darshan. The nvention was organized by Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti in association with National Foundation for Counal Harony, UN Volunteers, United Nations Inforation Centre in India and Annual Report u 71

73 Bhutan and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan. 1 youth fro different states such as Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh took part at the nvention. The following were the thees of the two-day nvention: Volunteering tradition in India and nteporary volunteering practices, Challenges and pportunities to Volunteering Dialectics of Volunteering as active citizenry for good governance & Discussion on World Volunteeris Report Understanding of Volunteering Traditions in nteporary Indian societies Youth Volunteering: Inclusivity and Innovation Influence of social, political, acadeic and cultural leaders in creating volunteering traditions The Future of Volunteering in India The speakers at the nvention included: Dr Rakesh Mohan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports & Director General NYKS; einent Gandhian, Shri Natwar Thakkar; Magsasay award winner Shri Rajendra Singh Rana; Ms. Maniala, Director, Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti; Prof Sanjai Bhatt, Delhi School of Social Work; Mrs Indira Das Gupta, Asia Pacific Representative Mr. Vedabhyas Kundu, Prograe fficer, GSDS giving an of the International Association of Volunteer Effort; Dr Lalit Kuar, Secre- outline of the prograe to the participants fro 15 states. tary, National Foundation for Counal Harony; Vedabhyas Kundu, Prograe fficer, GSDS; Mr. Rajiv Chandran, UNIC; Mr. Praveen Kuar, Head, Prograes, Voluntary Services verseas; Ms. Renu Kakkar, Vice President, Apeejay Surrendra Group; Dr Chandrasekhar Pran, Director NYKS; Ms. Aita Dhaiya, UN Volunteers; Mr Biraja Mahapatra, Coordinator for Pledge Moveent for Nation Building; Mr. Mathew Cherian, Chief Executive, Helpage India; Navneet Prakash, Prograe Coordinator, Pravah; Vineeta Singh fro We the People; Dr. A K Merchant, Secretary, Sarvodaya International Trust, Delhi Chapter. 72 u Annual Report

74 During the occasion, a essage fro UN Secretary General, H.E. Ban Ki Moon was read out at the nvention. Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Rakesh Mohan, Joint secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, observed the unique power of volunteeris in engineering a social change. He ephasized on the need to epathise with the poorest of the poor in order to redee their plight. Ephasizing on the need to editate and introspect, Mr. Vedabhyas Kundu, furthered that volunteeris nourishes the self and allows it to reinvent itself on a higher plane of nsciousness. Mr. Navneet Prakash, Prograe Coordinator, Pravah lighting the lap along with the youth at the nvention. Prof. Sanjai Bhatt spoke at length about the spirit of volunteeris being inculcated by rudientary social structures viz. faily. He argued that extree institutionalization of voluntaris hapers the essential spirit of nobility that should be the priary diving spirit of volunteers. He opined that the undue iportance acrded to the idea of developent over welfare has reduced volunteeris to a ere act rather than being a service. Echoing a siilar tone, Mrs. C. Indira Dasgupta, Asia Pacific Representative of the International Association of Volunteer Effort, aintained that the spirit of Seva should alone otivate volunteers and each individual can ntribute his/her share even by working within the personal space of the faily. In his special address, Shri Natwar Thakkar referred to the infectious voluntary zeal that took the untry by stor during the freedo struggle. He aintained that, keeping true to Gandhian ideals, the youth of the nation should work tirelessly for the project of national renstruction without expecting any prospects for self aggrandiseent. Speaking about the hurdles faced by voluntary bodies in ordinating with their international unterparts, Ms. Aita Dahiya, National IYV (International Year of Volunteering + 1) Coordinator pointed at the need to evolve criterion to easure value of voluntary works and hailed the UN effort in this direction. She also noted the proinent part played by volunteers in itigating the ill ipacts of unal clashes. Dr. C.S Pran Director, Prograe, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, argued for the need to look at the practice of volunteeris fro an Indian perspective and claied that volunteeris in India sres beyond the real of statistics. Shri Biraja Mahapatra, Senior Advocate of Supree Court of India while speaking about Understanding of Volunteering Traditions In Conteporary Indian Societies, presented a panoraic view of the social anxieties of the iddle class post independence and observed Annual Report u 73

75 that the vicious tentacles of rruption has underined the voluntary potential of the youth. The Convention also saw two young volunteers fro Delhi University working sharing their invaluable personal experiences of working in Mewat. The two young enthusiasts spoke at length about the hurdles they faced while working on ground in one of the ost backward districts of the untry. Ms. Sita Vats, Director ITIHAAS (Indian Traditions Heritage Society) addresses the participants on role of volunteers in heritage education as Dr. Chandrashekhar Pran, Director NYKS and Dr. A K Merchant, Trustee Sarvodaya International Trust (Delhi Chapter) listens attentively. Ms Shivani s ntention about voluntary spirit as an offshoot of the urge for radical social engineering was substantiated by Ms. Shelly, who described voluntary activities as a quest for self satisfaction. Ms Sita Vats representing ITIHAAS, an organization working to instill a sense of appreciation of history and heritage in children, spoke about the need to sensitize people about their past and through it forge a link between education and heritage. Ms. Shelly Singh Shri Natwar Thakkar Ms. Shivani Rathee Ms. Maniala Mr. Praveen G Ms. Aita Dahiya 74 u Annual Report

76 Divinity was the thee even for Dr. A. K Merchant, whose disurse on voluntary tenets of Bahaiis ade hi declare seva bhab as of paraount iportance for both the Bahais and individuals itted to volunteeris. Shri Rajender Singh Rana, Magasaysay Award recipient and popularly known as the Wateran, gave the valedictory address, and spoke about the Mahata s drea of organizing a shanti sena as a voluntary group and Acharya Vinobha Bhabe s work and observed that iediate steps were the need of the hour to utilize the voluntary zeal of Indian youth. The youth at the nvention resolved to it theselves in volunteer work. They felt youth had a great role in volunteering to resolve nflicts and ntribute to social justice. Youth Leadership Cap organised With a view to channelise the energy of the youth and woen for nstructive work and for the betterent of the people living in the North-Eastern States of the untry, the Saiti, in association with Asha Darshan and North East Social Trust in Assa organized a two-day Youth Leadership Cap on March 21-22, 212. Director GSDS, Ms. Maniala attended the prograe. Enuraging the participants attending the caps, Ms. Maniala urged the to utilize the training for self and national developent. She also said that the youth and woen should be brought to the forefront, while taking forward efforts towards peace-building, peace-aking and peace-keeping initiatives. Youth cap in Pattikalyana A youth cap in Pattikalyana in association with Gandhi Sarak Nidhi was organised by the GSDS on Deceber 211. Students fro the Departent of Social Work in Jaia Milia University participated in the cap. Shri Ajay Sahai, social worker and Shri Ashok Sharan Secretary Gandhi Sarak Nidhi in Haryana ordinated the cap. Director GSDS, Ms. Maniala participated in the cap and interacted with the students. Students presenting their perspectives during the cap. Annual Report u 75

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78 Prograes for Woen President Pratibha Patil launches Nanhi Chhan The pain of India s vanishing daughters found expression in the heartfelt utterances of President Pratibha Patil who inced no words aditting that the declining feale ratio for the population was a pathetic scenario for the untry that uld be reversed only by a new social oveent for gender equality. The President dedicated the Nanhi Chhan oveent for the protection of the girl child to the nation at a function organized in Gandhi Darshan on April 9, 211. There should be an urgency to eliinate the surge of dowry which, she said, gave the girl s faily a sense of subordination. Dowry is killing the girl child. The provisional Census figures for 211 have shown that our child sex ratio is the lowest since Independence. The picture is distressful in the prosperous states. We need a new oveent to fight feale foeticide and infanticide, President Pratibha Patil said. St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson GSDS in her address to the gathering said that the need to save the girl child is no doubt very iportant, but stressed on the need to save the boy child too. In Gandhi s abode, everyone has the right to his opinion. But the Yatra Naryastu Pujyante A dance draa against feale foeticide Annual Report u 77

79 girl child alone should not be the focus. We ust also talk about the boy child who is equally vulnerable, is trapped in abuse and nflict and is being forced to take to the gun, bee a terrorist. Boys have also had trauatic childhoods. We need to protect the as well, she said. President Pratibha Devisingh Patil planting a sapling in Gandhi Darshan. Aong the guests were Zila Khan, the vocalist daughter of Ustad Vilayat Alii Khan who sang an invocation to goddess Durga, kathak exponent Shovana Narayan who danced her way into the day s thee. Interaction on Peace Education Prof. Yasin Saikia, Prof. of History, Arizona State University, USA, interacting with the staff of Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti in Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat. The Saiti organized an interactive session with Prof. Yasin Saikia on July 3, 211 at Gandhi Darshan. Prof. Saikia teaches South Asian History in the Arizona State University. Prof. Saikia teaches Peace Studies and History in the Center for the Study of Religion and nflict. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Saikia spoke about her book, Woen, War and the Making of Bangladesh: Reebering 1971 that was recently released in Bangladesh and about to be released in India. The book is based on the 1971 war of liberation of Bangladesh. Her special effort has been to depict the effect of war upon the psyche of en and woen, the latter in particular. She told how she went to Bangladesh to interview the victis of the war of liberation and felt that gradually woen were opening up about their sufferings. The author also went to Pakistan and felt that people there too were repentant about the past and felt tauba and forgiveness both were necessary. After atrocities Zul it is Insaniyat huanity which triuphs. The title of her book is Woen, war and the aking of Bangladesh Reebering u Annual Report

80 Yatra Naryastu Pujyante (Where woen are worshipped): A dance draa against feale foeticide To highlight the grave issue of feale foeticide, the Saiti organized, Ýatra Naryastu Pujyante a dance draa on August 11, 211. The prograe was inaugurated by Swai Agnivesh, Pandit Birju Maharaj, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee and Ms. Maniala. About 1 people were present to see the draa which was staged in Kaani Auditoriu. The dance draa was nceived and choreographed by Shaa Bhate fro Nad Roop, Pune. Prof. Shaa has created her own personal idio of Kathak, blending it with special inputs in Taal and Laya. Her original perspective on Kathak allows her to choreograph abstract subjects and nteporary thees with equal ease. The draa expressed ncern on the declining sex ratio in different parts of the untry. The high incidence of feale foeticide speaks of a whole syste gone rrupt, a whole society Perforance of Yatra Naraystu Pujyante (where woen involved in nspiracy against woen, against are worshipped) a dance draa on feale foeticide destruction of half the population of the society. in Kaani Auditoriu in New Delhi. The choreography progresses through ancient ties to the twenty first century - the plight of woen follow through centuries. Fro R to L St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Swai Agnivesh, Shri Satyapaul, and Ms. Maniala engrossed in the dance draa on Feale Foeticide. Annual Report u 79

81 Awareness prograe on Woen Epowerent The Sadbhavna Ashra Foundation in Bihar organized a three-day awareness cap on Woen Epowerent fro March 28-3, 212. The ephasis of the prograe was on aking woen aware of their own rights and power, by aking the educated and enoically independent. The cap was attended by the districts of Supoul, Madhepura and Saharsa showed their overwheling participation. The participants raised crucial issues related to woen and their rights. They strongly voiced on social evils, such as dowry, feale foeticide, child arriage and illiteracy and expressed the need for their eradication for realizing the drea of Mahata Gandhi and Vinoba Bhawe, of a society and nation where woen are equal to en. Discussions were held on different issues related to woan. These included: Rights at work place; Equal Reuneration / Miniu Wages Act / Rights under Factories Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Mines and Plantation Act; Rules of work - in such specific areas, Sexual harassent at work place; Reproductive Health Rights - Foeticide, Infanticide, prenception and prenatal diagnostic techniques, etc. Woen Leadership in Panchayati Raj Syste With a view to channelise the energy of the youth and woen for nstructive work for the betterent of the people living in the North-Eastern States of the untry, the Saiti, in association with Asha Darshan, and North East Social Trust in Assa organized Woen leadership in Panchayati Raj Syste a prograe as part of the International Woen s Day on March 23-25, 212. Director GSDS, Ms. Maniala participated in the prograe. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Maniala, Director GSDS said, In order to fight against increasing crie against woen, we have to ould youth and woen leadership. The two-day prograe addressed issues like Woen of North East India after 1 years of International Woen s Day; Epowerent of Woen in North East; Perspectives of GSDS towards Epowerent of Woen in North East, etc. Enoic epowerent of Dalit woen: Training in research ethodology A training prograe on Research Methodology for Dalit Woen was organised by the Saiti in Gandhi Darshan in association with NAR on July 12-13, 211. Senior woen activists and social workers took part in the training prograe that discussed the rights 8 u Annual Report

82 of the woen, their social upliftent and their education. It also discussed issues related to dowry, caste syste and feale foeticide. Ms. Maniala also interacted with the participants and expressed her ncern over the pitiable ndition of woen. She hoped that the Ministry of Woen and Child Welfare would initiate strong easures to punish the offenders who it crie on woen. Speakers at the training prograe on Research Methodology for Dalit Woen raising several crucial issues related to woen s rights and education. A Speaker at the training prograe related to woen s rights and education aking a point. Annual Report u 81

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84 Coeorative Prograes Interfaith Prayers for Tsunai hit Japan victis UPF-India, the Guild for Service, the Woen s Initiative for Peace in South Asia, and Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti organized an inter-religious interfaith evening prayer eeting for the victis of the Tsunai hit Japanese disaster at Kriti Mandap in Gandhi Sriti, on April 11, 211. St. Gursharan Kaur, wife of the Prie Minister of India, Dr. Manohan Singh, participated in the prayer service. thers included Vice-Chairperson of GSDS, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee; Guild of Service Chairperson, Dr. V. Mohini Giri; and forer Abassador and Vice-Chair of UPF-India, Ab. K.V. Rajan. Director GSDS, Ms. Maniala was also present on the occasion. Annual Report u 83

85 Diploats fro Japan and Australia, representatives of various faiths (Hinduis, Judais, Isla, Christianity, Jainis, Sikhis, Zoroastrianis, Buddhis, and Unificationis) ore than 25 people, joined their hands and hearts together for prayer and singing devotional songs. Students fro Springdales School, Pusa Road and Srijan, GSDS Educational Centre participated in the prayer and offered hyns. The progra ncluded with candlelight prayers led by H.E. St. Gursharan Kaur. PRGRAMMES AS PART F GANDHI JAYANTI Several prograes were organised as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. They were: Jan Kala Sahitya Manch, Jaipur Jan Kala Sahitya Manch, Jaipur in association with Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti organised the Gandhi Jayanti Week fro ctober 2-8, 211 in Jaipur. The participants paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahata Gandhi. The focus was on the epowerent of the street and working children as well as children who have fled fro their hoes. These children of the society who the society often neglects participated in the Gandhi Jayanti week and displayed their creative ingenuity. Srijan, Rajasthan A lac worker fro Rajasthan, Rahi Bhai has rightly said that the ideal inspiration behind the establishent and prootion of sall-scale and ttage industries is our Father of the Nation, Mahata Gandhi. Rahi is a dedicated worker who works to proote the ttage industries of the state. In the onth of ctober, Srijan, an organisation working in the field of self-eployent through handicrafts and ttage industries organised a series of workshops with the llaboration of Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti. The workshops were held between ctober 2-8, 211 at Jaipur, Udaipur Bassi, Chittorgarh. Several workshops were held for the prootion of rural self-eployent. The artisans were fro the field of lac, etals, stones, iniature paintings, wood-carving, etc. Gandhi Peace Foundation, Thrissur Centre Several prograes were organized by the Gandhi Peace Foundation (GPF) Thrissur Dirstrict, Kerala as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. The first prograe was organized at Bethani English Mediu Higher Sendary School of the Kunakula district. About 5 students participated in the prograe. 84 u Annual Report

86 Shri T. S Subraania, Kunnakula Municipal Chairan inaugurated the prograe. The prograe was presided over by St. K V Annaa, Assistant Education fficer. Rev. Fr. Dr. Devassy Panthalookaran, retd. principal of St. Thoas College gave the key note address. n this occasion, an aniation fil on Gandhi My Dear Bapuji was screened. At another prograe at Governent High School V R Pura, 14 students fro different schools of the Chalakudi sub district participated. Shri V Pylappan, Municipal Chairan of Chalakudi inaugurated the prograe. The prograe was presided over by St. Alice Shibu, Standing Coittee Chairperson. The key note address was delivered by Sri. C P Gangadharan. An all religious prayer was organized on the occasion. About 8 students fro different schools of the Cepru sub district participated at Janatha U P School, Varandarappilly to pay tributes to Mahata Gandhi on his birth anniversary. Shri P V Gangadharan Master inaugurated the prograe. Shri K S Sethuadhavan, Assistant Education fficer presided over the prograe. Another special prograe was organized with the prisoners at Central Jail, Viyyur, Thrissur. 85 inates and 2 GPF activists along with the authorities participated in the prograe. Present on the occasion were Sri Mohanakuaran, Sri K Paraeswara Sara, Secretary inaugurated the prograe. Cultural prograes were organized in Kalotsav at Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Acadey in Thrissur, as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. Alost 354 students and teachers participated in the prograe that brought out the creativity of 226 students who presented cultural prograes. Gandhi Jayanti celebrations were also held in various other states. They were: Gandhi Jayanti Festival and Gra Swaraj Yatra in association with Muzaffarpur Vikas Mandal; Indian Red Cross Society, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh; Gandhi Jayanti Festival in association with Kisan Vikas Trust, Patna; Gandhi Festival and Gra Swaraj Yatra in association with Saagra Shikshan Eva Vikas Sansthan, Bihar and Special prograes with the Karigar Sabhas on Gandhi An Ideal for Self-Entrepreneur in association with Srijan. PRGRAMMES AS PART F MARTYRDM DAY The GSDS organized prograes in different states to eorate the Martyrdo of Mahata Gandhi. The details are: Annual Report u 85

87 Grain Saajik Eva Sanskritik Research Sansthan, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Patna Jan Kala Sahitya Manch Sanstha, Jaipur Saagra Shikshan Eva Vikas Sansthan Sarjo Singhbhu, Jharkhand Srijan, Jaipur Utkarsh Sansthan, Rajasthan Saagra Shikshan Eva Vikas Sansthan Various prograes were organised in Vrindavan Ashra in Bettiah, West Chaparan to ark the artyrdo day of Mahata Gandhi. The prograe was inaugurated by the District Education fficer, Shri Hariharnath Jha. An essay petition based on the illustrious life and philosophy of Gandhiji and a Gandhi Quiz was organized for school students of the region. The children fro over 19 Vidyalayas fared very well in the sae and were given prizes and Gandhian literature. Srijan, Jaipur The Saiti in association with Srijan, Jaipur organised a week-long prograe for January 24-3, 212 The ain objective of the prograe was to proote the village handicrafts and sall-scale industries by providing the artisans financial help, technical knowledge and livelihood opportunities. Through this prograe, an effort was ade towards attepting Gra Swaraj as envisaged by Mahata Gandhi. The Constructive Prograe principles of Mahata Gandhi reflected through various karigar sabhas, workshops and play presentations. Many artisans participated in the two Karigar Sabhas organised in the various districts of Rajasthan, such as Ajer, Udaipur, Bassi, Jaipur, Chittorgarh and Banswada. Jan Kala Sahitya Manch, Jaipur The Saiti in association with Jan Kala Sahitya Manch Sanstha, Jaipur organised the Counity Awareness Week fro January 24 3, 212 The ain objective of the prograe was to spread the life and essage of Mahata Gandhi to the various sections of the society through awareness prograes. Various activities such as Gandhi Quiz, Sadvhabna March, Theatre, Essay Writing and Signature capaigns, etc, were organised during the week. About 5 children participated in the prograes. At the end of the week, 55 children were awarded for their excellent work. 86 u Annual Report

88 Utkarsh Sansthan, Kota, Rajasthan The Saiti in association with Utkarsh Sansthan organised a Gandhi Meorial Week fro January 24-3, 212. The prograe was a tribute to Bapu on his Martyrdo and a pledge to observe the basic tenets of his life and philosophy in our lives. About 5 children fro various schools of the area participated in the petitions on Essay writing, slogan writing, painting, debate, etc. and won prizes. Concluding Cereony of Kakasaheb Kalelkar s 125th Birth Anniversary A national dialogue, to ark the ncluding cereony of the 125th birth anniversary of Kakasaheb Kalelkar, was organized by the Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti in association with the Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Sabha (Sannidhi) fro Deceber 1-2, 211 at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat. Alost 2 Scholars and intellectuals fro Goa, disha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat participated in the prograe. Present on the occasion were Shri Alok Mehta, Editor Nai Duniya; Shri Indrajit, Advocate; Dr. Kusu Bahen addressing the gathering on the occasion. Ashok Pandey IAS (Retd), St. Mohini Mathur, Dr. Sita Bibra fro Delhi University, Dr. Madhavi Sardesai fro Goa University, Shri Raesh Bharadwaj, Shri Hianshu Joshi, Littérateur and Ms. Maniala. A special photo exhibition on Kakasaheb was put on display on the occasion. Guests releasing Annual Mohini Report Mathur s book Kaka u 87 Kalelkar An Abassador of Gandhian Philosophy at the valedictory function.

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90 Prograes to Proote Hindi Language Script writing on Gandhian values A script writing prograe was organized on Gandhian values in Jaipur fro May 15 to July 19, 211. Meanwhile in order to establish quality of Kanwar handicrafts and script for it, a Quality Maintenance Coittee was fored on May 16-17, 211. This ittee nsists of Gandhian acadeicians and social work under the chairpersonship of Dr. Renuka Paecha, Director, Gandhian Studies Center in Rajasthan University. Hindi Pakhwara The Saiti organized a fortnight long Hindi Pakhwara fro Septeber 1-14, 211. Alost all the staff and volunteers enthusiastically took part in different petitions organized during the fortnight. The petitions that were organized included: A significant feature of the Hindi Pakhwara was an exhibition on the life and writings of Hindi and Urdu litterateurs. 1. Speech 2. Story writing 3. Story reading 4. Dictation 5. Essay 6. Hindi Typing 7. Poetry writing 8. Poetry recitation 9. Reporting 1. Handwriting 11. Letter writing 12. Coputer Annual Report u 89

91 & 2. Dr. Asha Jha fro Wardha nducting the Hindi Quiz, as students participate enthusiastically. 3 & 4. The staff ebers of the GSDS participating at different activities during Hindi Pakhwara in Gandhi Darshan and Gandhi Sriti respectively. 5. A plete schedule of the activities of Hindi Pakhwara in display. A significant aspect of the Pakhwara was a Hindi Quiz organized during the period. Associate Professor Dr Asha Jha fro Wardha nducted the Quiz on Hindi literature which saw the participation of students fro Delhi University and JNU. Another significant feature was the developent of exhibition based on the life and writings of 14 Hindi and Urdu litterateurs. Senior resource persons with background of Hindi Literature were the judges for the petition. 9 u Annual Report

92 The exhibition depicted the centenary celebrations of the Hindi and Urdu poets and authors. The exhibition paid tribute to Munshi Prechand ( ); Maithalisharan Gupt ( ); Faiz Ahed Faiz ( ); Asrar-Ul-Haq Mazaz ( ); Sachidanand Hiranand Vatsayan Agyeya ( ); Kedarnath Aggrawal (1911-2); Nagarjun ( ); Arsi Prasad Singh ( ) and Gopal Singh Nepali ( ). The GSDS staff ebers participating at the Hindi Tyipng petition during the Hindi Pakhwara. The exhibition on the life and writings of great Hindi and Urdu litterateurs on display. Annual Report u 91

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94 Prograes in North-East Training prograe for Rural Youth The six-week (45 days) training prograe on Food/Fruits Processing and Preservation for Rural Youth was organized fro June 11 to August 12, 211 at Khongan, Zone No 3, Iphal East by Kasturba Gandhi Seva Ashra, in association with Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti. Shri S M Sukalji, Convenor Ekta Parishad North East Region (NER), Shri M Toba Singh (Ex-Councillor) and St Gunapati Devi, (President Meira Paibi) were present at the inaugural cereony of the training prograe. Ms. Medhabati, Secretary KGSA was also present on the occasion. Vice-Chairperson GSDS Visits North East To study the ipact of the Saiti s activities in the North- East, the Vice Chairperson GSDS, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee visited three areas of North-East viz Guwahati, Shillong and Manipur where ajority of the Saiti s prograes are going on. She also et several people working on issues of social ncern, and stressed towards building a wide network in the states. ASSAM During her stay in Guwahati, St. Bhattacharjee sought an audience with the Archbishop of Guwahati, Thoas Menapaanpil who was noinated for the Nobel Peace Prize in regnition of his efforts to bring peace aong ethnic unities of the North-East. The award does not atter while carrying out peace initiatives. I will ntinue y ission for peace irrespective of whether I get any regnition or award. The need of the Annual Report u 93

95 hour is adopting a non-nfrontational attitude, tolerance and respect for each other for lasting peace in society, the Archbishop told the VC, GSDS. St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee also visited Sarania Ashra and et nonagenarian Shakuntala Choudhary. A eeting with Shri He Bhai fro Shanti Sadhana Ashra was also held. Speaking on the occasion, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattachajee said, In the ntext of today s world such as appalling environent pollution, horrifying huan violence, the treatent of biological cheical and nuclear weapons, there is a big challenge for GSDS for the right education of children and youth in schools and lleges respectively. To enforce right values, the ncept of Nai Tali needs to be introduced. St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee also et the Governor of Meghalaya, H.E. Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary during the visit. SHILLNG There is a need to rejuvenate the youth spirit in nstructive direction: Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee Purvottar Hindi Acadey, and TLIC Shillong, in llaboration with Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti hosted the closing of the Gandhi Workshop organized in Shillong in June 211. The chief guest of the valedictory function was St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson, GSDS. Shri Atul Kuar Mathur, Additional General of Police, Govt. of Meghalaya was present on the occasion. Col. Binod Bhaskar, Coander, Meghalya Battalion, NCC along with Brigader (Adns) Dinesh Shara, Assa Rifles was also present. Speaking on the occasion, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee said that the probles in the North Eastern region need to be addressed at a national level. She ephasized on the need to rejuvenate the youth spirit in nstructive direction. She further stressed on the need to protect the girl child and the boy child. St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee addressing the gathering at the valedictory function of the Gandhi Workshops. Cultural perforances fro four troupes fro Manipur and Meghalaya participated at the closing cereony. The Manipuri dance troupe perfored Maibee Dance and Dhool Chaloo. The troupe fro Meghalaya also perfored their traditional dances like the Khasi Dance and the Garo Folk Dance. 94 u Annual Report

96 Certificate and eentos were distributed during the prograe by St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee. Earlier, St. Sushita Das along with her troupe sang the wele song along with a bhajan. The wele address was given by (Maj) Nilesh Ingle, Secretary, TLIC Shillong. ther prograes of the Purvottar Hindi Acadey as part of the Gandhi Festival are as under: A three-day workshop fro A view of the participating children fro different schools in Shillong June 2-22 was organised at the and other guests on the occasion of the valedictory function. Assa Rifles Public School in which 11 students fro Meghalaya schools participated in various petitions. A three-day workshop fro June was organised at the Upling Girls Sendary School, Rynjah in which the children were taught various educational and cultural activities. A two-day Gandhi Workshop fro June 29-3 was organised at the Ary Public School, Happy Valley in which any students fro the region participated. Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated by the Acadey at the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Muaflong. Gandhi Painting Copetition was organised in ten schools of the region fro ctober 25 to Noveber 3 in which 325 children participated enthusiastically. 12 winners were given prizes, eentos and certificates. n Noveber 3, an elocution petition was organised at the Shillong College, in which 18 schools participated and won prizes. Gandhi Quiz was organised on Noveber 4-5 in which 84 students in the Junior Group, and 97 students in the Senior Group participated. Concluding cereony of the Gandhi Festival (utsav) was organised on Noveber 12 in Shillong College. 124 students were given prizes and certificates for their achieveents. Martyrs Day was observed on January 3, by organising a devotional usic prograe at the office of the Border Security Force (BSF). n March 17-18, 212, a Gandhi Workshop was organised at the Gorkha Sendary School in Upper Shillong, in which 17 students participated and learnt about the tieless life and essage of Mahata Gandhi. Annual Report u 95

97 Traditional Manipuri dance by local artist were one of the highlights of the prograe. (In the Pix): St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee with the artists and ebers of the KGID. MANIPUR The VC GSDS, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee visited Iphal. She visited the Kasturba Gandhi Institute for Developent, an institute working for the arginalized sections of the society, especially woen. A eeting with the anageent of KGID was held on the occasion. Ms. Sareeta Devi briefed the VC on the work undertaken by the KGID and their association with the Saiti for the past several years. St. Bhattacharjee also et H.E. Shri Gurbachand Jagat the Governor of Manipur. n the suggestion of the Governor, St. Bhattacharjee, St. Geeta Shukla, Research fficer, GSDS visited Ea Bazar in Iphal. They discussed the initiative that uld be initiated by Saiti in the state. n her reflections, St. Bhattacharjee writes, The Ea Bazaar was even ore powerful than I had expected. A nstructed dusty, usty, noisy and lourful village area in the 96 u Annual Report

98 iddle of Iphal was alost a special republic of woan power. The endless bazaar of cloth, clothing, household tools, handicrafts, fruits, fish and vegetable arket was indeed an aazing experience. Whenever the head turned, there were young and old Manipuri woen in their traditional attire selling and negotiating for their wares Fear is unknown to the. MIZRAM Gandhi Workshop St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee and St.Geeta Shukla at the vocational training centre of KGID in Iphal. A four-day Gandhi Workshop was organised in Pukpui village in Lunglai District, 155 ks away fro Aizwal in the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya capus fro February 21-24, 212. The prograe was organised by the Saiti in association with the Purvottar Hindi Acadey, Shillong. Dr. A H Akela Bhai ordinated the prograe on behalf of the Saiti. During the workshop, the participants were given training in different aspects of edia. Workshop on Shishu Panchayat for Social Change Taulpur, Assa The Saiti in association with Asha Darshan organised a five-day workshop on Shishu Panchayat for Social Change fro Deceber 16-2, 211 in Taulpur Assa. 67 children fro five schools participated in the workshop. They learnt about the workings of the Shishu Panchayat and its role in social change. Through various activities, the children were taught about their rights and responsibilities, so that they uld iprove the present and create a better toorrow. Annual Report u 97

99 A view of the Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti 98 stall u Annual at the World Report Book Fair at Pragati Maidan.

100 Exhibitions Gandhi Jayanti Mela The Saiti participated at the Gandhi Jayanti Mela at Pragati Maidan fro ctober 2-4, 211. The Mela was organised by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Shri Raan Kuar, Shri Sushil Yadav and Shri Dinesh participated at the Mela. An exhibition on Mahata Gandhi: My Life is My Message was put up by the Saiti at the event. The Saiti won the third prize at the Mela. GSDS participates in Exhibition in Jhansi Rajkiya Sanghralaya, Jhansi, organised an exhibition fro ctober 2-3, 211 in Jhansi as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti participated in the exhibition. Two volunteers of the Saiti, Shyalal and Dhara were sent to participate in the exhibition. World Book Fair The Saiti participated in the World Book Fair organized at Pragati Maidan by the National Book Trust of India fro February 25 March 4, 212. There was an overwheling response of visitors in the purchase of Gandhiana and other literatures. Publications of the Saiti, Monia, Anasakti Darshan and Anti Jan were also exhibited and sold. Shri Manoj, Shri Mohan, Shri Raesh, volunteers of the GSDS and Mr. Raan Kuar ordinated the nine-day event. Shri Sandeep, Ms. Rita also helped the staff of the Saiti. Annual Report u 99

101 1 u Annual Report Jang Ab Nahin Hogi

102 Friends fro across the border Pak s cultural extravaganza The Saiti staged Tehrik-e-Niswan, a cultural perforance by artists fro Pakistan in Gandhi Sriti on July 15, 211 on the thee Jang Ab Nahin Hogi. The artistes fro across the border in Pakistan, began with Intesaab (dedication), a prayer, perfored in the Kathak style of dance, based on the poetry of Faiz Ahed Faiz, whose birth centenary the world celebrates. While Faizs Aaj ke naa / aaj ke un safiroon ke naa who jo apne hi paiga par khud fida ho gaye, set the tone for an enchating evening, Bulleh Shah s Kafi, (a classical for of Sufi poetry originating fro Sindh in Pakistan) elevated the perforance to a spiritual plane. Choreographed by well-known dansuese Sheea Kerani and her troupe, the perforances on Leva (folk dance) and Air Khusrau s Qual Aaj Rung Hae, had both the touch of the soil and the divinity that is the underlying philosophy of Sufis. Janab Anwar Jafri s narratives added ore depth to all the perforances. Another ajor highlight of the evening was the staging of the anti-war play Jang Ab Nahin Hogi. Directed by Anwar Jafri and Sheea Kerani, Jang Ab Nahin Hogi is a feinist anti-war play in Urdu based on Aristophanes Greek classic Lysistrata. The play is an adaptation by Fahida Riaz and Anwar Jafri. n stage with Sheea Kerani were: Abid Pervez, Abdul Haq, Aisha Maqsood, Atif, Hafeez Ali, Haris Khan, Iran Khan, Mehood Bhatti, Muhaad Mohsin Ali, Iran Bashir Bhatti, Saia Rafiq, Syed Najaf Hasan, Sehrish Mehood Bhatti, Suhaee Abro, Uza Mazhar and Zeenat Adajee Bayat. Annual Report u 11

103 Dansuese Sheea Kerani and her troupe perfors Tehrik-e-Niswan, in Gandhi Sriti. Perforances on Leva (folk dance) and Air Khusrau's "Qual" Aaj Rung Hae and tribute to Faiz Ahed Faiz through his poetry were highlights of the evening. 12 u Annual Report

104 Earlier, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson GSDS weled the guest artistes and called for peaceful dialogues between the two untries. She hoped that the cultural bondings between the two nations can bring in peace and harony and can be an exaple for the whole world. A one-inute silence was observed to pay tributes to the victis of the terror attacks in Mubai. With recitals of Urdu poetry and few anecdotes, Mr. Rizwan-ur-Rahan, kept the audiences engaged. Majlis E-Mausiqui A special cultural prograe Majlis E- Mausiqui was organized by the Saiti on June 27, 211 at Gandhi Darshan. The highlight of the prograe was the perforance by Pakistani artist Ms. Muqaddas Gill and Mr. Azee Salee. Director GSDS Ms. Maniala was present on the occasion. Students of Srijan usic group joined the Pakistani artists in this usical journey into ghazals, Sufi usic. Pakistani artists Ms. Muqaddas Gill and Mr. Azee Salee perforing in Gandhi Darshan. Bharat-Pak Yuva Savad organised An interactive session with children and youth on Indo-Pak relations and Role of Youth in Peace-Building was held in Gandhi Darshan on June 23, 211. Ms Muqaddas Gill and Mr. Azee Salee interacted with the youth on various issues. The youth reiterated that ore such dialogues are necessary for developing utual trust and respect. An interaction of Pakistan and Indian youth in Gandhi Darshan. Annual Report u 13

105 Waste 14 Manageent u Annual Report in Gandhi Darshan.

106 Dialogues and Conferences Annual Report u 15

107 Sharir Shra Diwas (Labour Day) What the two hands of a labourer uld achieve, the capitalist uld never get with all his gold and silver - said Gandhiji (Arit Bazar Patrika August 3, 1934). It clearly indicates Gandhiji s belief in hard work and huan power. To regnize the iportance of labour, the Saiti in llaboration with 16 other organizations celebrated Labour Day on May 1, 211, by holding a day long discussion. During the prograe, the participants delved into the people s approach towards physical labour, challenges and probles nfronting laborers and their solution. Einent Gandhian Dr. B.D. Shara graced the occasion. National Dialogue on Conteporary questions related to Developent The Saiti organized a two-day dialogue on Conteporary Questions Related to Developent on ctober 31 Noveber 1, 211. Senior activists fro different parts of the untry including Medha Patkar took part in the national dialogue. The thrust of the dialogue was how in the nteporary ties, in the nae of developent, natural resources were exploited and the livelihood of poor people has affected. The dialogue also discussed issues of rruption and exploitation of the arginalized people. The participants discussed the line of action needed to fight the capitalist exploitation of resources and the increasing doinance of foreign ultinational panies. Noted Social activist, Ms. Medha Patkar (L) interacting with the participants (R) at the national dialogue. 16 u Annual Report

108 In the pix (fro L to R): Shri Mirilal lights the inaugural lap in Rithala village and addresses the gathering. Dialogue on Mahata Gandhi s Gra Swaraj, Charkha & Khadi A dialogue was held on Mahata Gandhi s Gra Swaraj, Charkha and Khadi and its relevance in the present day in Rithala village on Noveber 14, 211. Senior spinner and weaver of the Saiti, Shri Mirilal represented the Saiti in the prograe and also trained the participants in Charkha spinning. During the prograe, children also participated in a painting petition that was organised. National Convention on Peace Education for Sustainable Developent A two-day National Convention on Peace Education for Sustainable Developent was organized by Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti fro Deceber 14-15, 211. About 1 participants fro nine states were present at the nvention. Soe of the speakers at the nvention included: Prof. N Radhakrishnan, einent Gandhian and forer Director of the GSDS; Prof. Moolchand Shara, Vice- Chancellor, Haryana Central University; Prof. Raj Kachroo, founder Aan Satya Kachroo Trust; Shri K C Shashidhar, Chief General Manager, NABARD; Prof. Susheela Bhan, The Institute of Peace Research and Action; Mr. Franklin Ms. Maniala, delivering the wele address at the National Convention on Peace Education for Sustainable Developent in Gandhi Darshan. In the pix: (fro L to R) Shri M L Shara, Dr. N Radhakrishnan, Prof. Raj Kachroo and Shri K C Sashidhar. Annual Report u 17

109 Dr. N Radhakrishnan addressing the participants at the national nvention. Richard Schneider, Chief Executive fficer, Institute of Global Education; Prof. Willia Basharan, Head, Departent of Gandhian Studies; Dr. Suraya Mathai, Associate Professor, St. Josheph s Training College, Kerala, Dr. Leban Serto, Dept. of Education, Martin Luther Christian University; Prof. Gauri Srivastava, Head DWS, NCERT, Prof. Yasin Saikia, Prof of History, Arizona State University, USA; St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice- Chairperson GSDS and Dr. Maniala, Director, GSDS. The thees discussed at the nvention were: Iportance of the relationship between peace education and environent for sustainable developent in nteporary ntext Strategies for peace education Deocratic governance for prooting a culture of peace Prooting inter-disciplinary research in peace studies for elogical sustainability The sessions saw the speakers speaking about the necessity to have a vision to guide all efforts for redeption of the educational scenario. An internnected and interdisciplinary approach eerged as the iediate reedy and nviction about the need to adopt a nonviolent approach in life and the need for political legitiization of the non-violent odes of nflict resolution found resonance aidst the participants. The speakers underlined the need to think in ters of -operation rather than petition. Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, set the right tone by expounding upon the ubilical relationship that existed between developent, sustainable developent and the right kind of education that uld ensure a nducive, nflict free environent to ake the forer ideas relevant. Stressing on the need of character developent and a paradig shift in attitude towards education the speakers spoke at length about the dangers associated with an undue stress on petitive spirit. Tering it as audacious, they criticized the prevalent state of foral education in India that engenders gs to fit into the juggernaut of capitalist production achine. The speakers further underlined Gandhiji s nviction about the need to ake traditional values as the basis of future developent. Warning against an uncritical and unprobleatic 18 u Annual Report

110 A view of the speakers at the National Convention. appraisal of Gandhiji s principles, they also spoke about the threats of achinocracy as a product of an insensitive foral education syste. Expounding further on the dialectics of need and greed, they highlighted the relevance of Gandhian ideal of harony as a panacea for redressal of huan-nature nflict scenario. The speakers also reiterated the need to guarantee sustainable nsuption as the basis of sustainable developent. A bination of culture of peace and ethos of sustainable developent was seen as the fundaental preise on which education refors should be based. Claiing that the planet has bypassed the critical point of sustainability, they identified abject greed and subsequent exploitation of resources as the culprits. The ncluding session was addressed by Prof. Moolchand Shara, Vice-Chancellor, Haryana Central University. Prof. Shara provided a fitting finale to the nvention and said that there is a need for privileging heart over the head. This alone, he ephasized would help one to appreciate that attitude of peace, subsequently internalizing it by practicing it as a ode of life. St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee (send fro right) along with Ms. Maniala (extree right) at the nvention. Annual Report u 19

111 Build Bridges through Dialogue and Mutual Trust in Doda, (J&K) We shall try to find solutions to our probles by trusting each other through non-violence declared the 35 participants representing different states of India in the three-day nference held fro July 23-25, 211 in Doda on Need for Social Transforation a Practical Approach organized by the Saiti. An effort was ade in this seinar to discuss the issues affecting the nation at large and Jau and Kashir and Ladakh in particular. The proceedings of the seinar were divided into different areas as under: Epowerent through RTI; Enoic epowerent the need of the hour; Deocracy, peace and social Justice a Gandhian Approach and Farooq Khan (District issioner Doda), Shri Wajahat Habibullah (Chairan Minority Coission), Madhu Kishwar, a Social Activist and eber of Kashir Coittee, Raja Muzaffar Bhat, RTI Activist, Jau and Kashir, SP Vara, Prof. Rajendra Choudhry, were the key speakers during the sessions. Earlier, Ms. Maniala, Director of the Saiti while inaugurating the three-day nference said that the ain purpose of the nference was to reach out to the asses, strive for heart bonding followed by bonding of thoughts. Ms. Maniala laid ephasis on dialogue to resolve nflicts and proote utual trust. The speakers stressed that increase people-to-people interaction would resolve the nflict, as it is the people of the region can better steer the peace process. Participants sharing their experiences at the seinar in Doda. The participants fro the state laented that the state was suffering fro rruption, social injustice and bad governance, besides violence. They said that whenever issues related to rruption or governance was raised, they were labeled as extreists working against national interest. The role of the edia in reoving the isunderstanding aongst people of the state was discussed at length. 11 u Annual Report

112 Shri Wajahat Habibullah endorsed siilar opinion. He said that RTI in the right perspective would help in clearing his isunderstanding between people. It is a very potent tool in heralding social transforation. Ms. Madhu Kishwer, ephasized on building of bridges of understanding between people. ne of the iportant objectives of the nference was to nscientize the participants of each others probles. They shared apprehensions, Ms. Madhu Kishwar, a social activist and eber of Kashir fears, sypathy-freely with each others. Thus, ing together was the Coittee, addressing a session at the seinar. first step towards realizing our goal of national integration. Conference on Gra Swaraj for Tana Bhagats organised Bhagats who have been preaching non-violence for long, are now struggling for their existence. They have been fighting for the land, which were taken away fro the during British rule. Dressed in white, Tana Bhagats fro different districts of Jharkhand participated in a two-day nference at Ranchi College preises fro Deceber 21-22, 211. The nference focused on ntribution of Tana Bhagats, their present ndition and their role in realisation of Gra Swaraj. The nference was organised by Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti, New Delhi and Akhil Bhartiya Swatantrata Senani Tana Bhagat Saudai. The nference saw the presence of over 3 Tana Bhagats fro different districts, especially Chotanagpur region. Ms. Maniala, Director GSDS said, The oveent of Tana Bhagats is the longest fought non-violent struggle and is still going on. She focused on the ntribution of Mahata Gandhi and stressed on the iportance of education. Tana Bhagats in Gandhi Darshan. Annual Report u 111

113 Rose Kerkatta, the Chief Guest at the nference said, The followers of Tana Bhagat are still intact. The oveent for bringing change in the society was started by Jatra raon and is still going on. Einent scholar B.P. Kesri who was present at the eet, advised the Tana Bhagats to give their children the benefits of higher education so that their younger generation knows the logic behind Mahata Gandhi s ideology and not just follow the blindly. Dialogue on Deocracy A Syste and Culture Alost 25 participants fro different states of the untry participated in a dialogue on Deocracy A Syste and Culture on Deceber 3-31, 212 in Gandhi Darshan. rganised by the Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti, the dialogue outlined the need for strealining the Indian deocracy and aking the political syste ore effective, rruption free and people-friendly. Dr. Y P Anand, forer Director National Gandhi Museu along with Director GSDS Ms. Maniala and other participants at the inauguration of the dialogue. Speakers fro across social structures and professions ranging fro local leaders who have dedicated their lives to the cause of deocracy, participants in J.P Narain s Bhoodan oveent as well as school students fro Delhi schools spoke in unison about the unsavoury turn that Indian deocracy has taken due to the twin deons of rruption and apathetical attitude of the political class. The participants at the two-day dialogue called for ass participation of people fro all rners of the untry for bringing a change in the functioning of Indian Deocracy. A clarion call was given to St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, (fourth fro left) with distinguished guests at the dialogue in Gandhi Darshan. 112 u Annual Report

114 the people to bee watchdog of the syste, to ste the untry s descent into the abyss of rruption. The nference ade an attept to revisit the definition of Indian deocracy, it s eaning and relevance for the citizens of India, the paraeters and spe of deocracy in India, the role of a burgeoning edia in shaping deocratic values, the relevance, advantages and drawbacks of parliaentary deocracy. Dialogue with scholars fro the U.S. The Saiti organized a lecture by Prof. Devaki Jain, on February 1, 212 in Gandhi Sriti. The lecture was related to issues on woen. St. Devaki Jain is a feinist writer who has worked ainly in the field of feinist enoics. In 26 she was awarded the Pada Bhusan, the third highest civilian award fro Governent of India for her ntribution to social justice and woen epowerent. She is the wife of the Gandhian enoist Shri Lakshi Chand Jain. Around 3 people participated in the lecture. Scholars fro the USA also took part in the lecture. The lecture was attended by St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson GSDS and Ms. Maniala, Director, GSDS. Pada Bhushan Dr. Devaki Jain, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Ms. Maniala with the scholars fro the U.S. in Gandhi Sriti. Annual Report u 113

115 Seinar on health and hygiene organised A national seinar on Role of Gandhian Philosophy in prootion of Health and Hygiene of Rural Population was organized by the Saiti in association with Saanvaya, an organisation involved in the prootion of literary, cultural and health activities in Maharashtra. The prograe was organized on March 17-18, 212 with an ai to integrate Gandhian philosophy with the nteporary issues and work towards the betterent of the rural population who are ostly unaware of the basic ncepts of health and hygiene. The seinar also aied at the restoration of rural health. Participants fro rural areas of Wardha, staff and residents of Gandhi Ashra and Pawanar Ashra, people fro different parts of Vidarhba, took part in the two-day seinar. National Conference on Sanitation and Environent A two-day national nference on Sanitation and Environent was organized at Gandhi Darshan fro March 27-29, 212 in association with Anna Saheb Sahasrabuddhe Trust. The nference was inaugurated by Justice (Dada) Chandraskehkhar Dharaadhikari, Shri Jayvant Matkar, and Shri Sugan Barant. Ms. Maniala, Director GSDS was also present on the occasion. Justice (Dada) Chandraskehkhar Dharaadhikari lights the cereonial lap with the Director GSDS Ms Maniala at the inauguration of the nference. Participants fro different parts of the untry such as Aurangabad, Gandhian Studies Institute, Niral Gra Niran Kendra, Nasik, Maharashtra, Gopuri Ashra, Wardha, Environental Institute of Sanitation, Ahedabad, Zero-waste Manageent, Vellore Model, Tail Nadu; SEARCH Institution and a few local organisations participated. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Maniala said that for Mahata Gandhi, sanitation was of prie iportance, in fact a way of life and that is the way the Mahata wanted it for all the people. St Shashwati Jhalani, Librarian GSDS speaking at the nference. The participating organisations discussed the challenges and opportunities in the field and also shared their work experiences. Shri Balasubraania was given the Anna Saheb Sahasrabuddhe Puraskar for his work in the field of rural upliftent and renstruction. 114 u Annual Report

116 In his address to the gathering, Dada Dharadhikari said that for Mahata Gandhi, it was essential that we go fro Antyodaya to Sarvodaya. He said that health and sanitation were given an iportant status in Mahata Gandhi s nstructive prograe. The national nvention addressed the following issues: Sustainable Sanitation: Understanding the Issues Soe Iportant Aspects of Total Sanitation Technologies for Sustainable Developent Sanitation Prograe: Beyond the Boundaries Participants receiving hands-on-training in waste anageent in Gandhi Darshan. Frontier Gandhi Meorial Lecture The Saiti in association with Khudai Khidatgar, - an organisation started by Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, popularly known as Frontier Gandhi organized the Frontier Gandhi Meorial Lecture in Gandhi Sriti, on January 2, 212. The lecture which was organized as a tribute to Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan was delivered by einent Gandhian and social thinker, Dr. S N Subba Rao. The other speakers on the occasion were: writer and social activist, Shri Bharat Dogra; Gandhian critic and Prof of IIT Shri B K Tripathi; social activist, Shri Faizal Khan; Vice-Chairperson GSDS, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, and Director GSDS, Maniala. About 15 youth participants fro different segents of the society as well as Khudai Khidatgar took part in the lecture. Recalling the phase of independence and freedo struggle, Dr. Subba Rao called for the itent (Above) Shri S N Subba Rao delivering the Khan of the youth towards their nation. Calling Mahata Abdul Gaffar Khan Meorial Lecture and (Below) Gandhi and Gaffar Khan as ins of century, he Shri S N Subba Rao, Ms. Maniala, Shri Faisal hoped that youths will be the torch-bearers of the Khan along with the Khudai Khidatgars. principles as advocated by these great national leaders. He said, Mahata Gandhi still lives through the lives of any dedicated soldiers of peace and the youth will be the best essengers of ahisa. Annual Report u 115

117 116 u Annual Report

118 Miscellaneous Prograes Minister of Culture visits Gandhi Sriti Kuari Selja, Union Minister of Culture, Governent of India, paid a special visit to Gandhi Sriti on July 6, 211. St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson GSDS weled the inister and also showed her the Gandhi Sriti Museu. The Minister also offered tributes at the Martyr s Colun. She visited the Eternal Gandhi Multi-Media Exhibition. A eeting was thereafter organized with the VC GSDS to understand the activities and functioning of the Saiti. St Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee along with the staff ebers of the GSDS greets Kuari Selja, Union Minister of Culture, Governent of Annual India in Report Gandhi Sriti. u 117

119 pen house for GSDS Staff An open house for the staff and ebers of the Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti was organized on April 11, 211 in Gandhi Darshan. Director GSDS, Maniala was present on the occasion. The open house was a foru to chalk out future prograes that the Saiti uld organize in the current financial year. The working staff fro different departents ade a presentation on the need to iprove the current echanis of each departent and suggest prograes that each one of the uld organize at individual level and departent wise. Director GSDS addressed the staff and ebers of the different departents and said that this (open house) was intended to explore avenues and bring out the best fro individuals in their respective capacities that will in the long run benefit the as well as help in the growth of the organisation. GSDS staff at the pen House Session. 118 u Annual Report

120 The different departents who ade a presentation were: Safai Karacharis (house keeping departent) Gardeners Security Drivers Acunts Technical Guide Lecturers Exhibition Unit Srijan Resource persons for different vocational training prograes like Dance, Mie, Tailoring unit, puter unit. GSDS Museu Volunteer Guides Photo Unit Mobile Book Exhibition Hostels and Acodation Electrical Departent Mason Library and docuentation Research Unit Prograe Unit Earlier, the Shri Vedabhyas Kundu, Prograe fficer GSDS outlined the objectives of the RFD (Result Fraework Docuent) as outlined by the Ministry of Culture, Governent of India regarding the nature and purpose of prograes to be organized by the Saiti. Workshop to develop Gandhi Katha by Kanwar art Kanwar is a traditional but dying art of Rajasthan. Kanwar is a wooden alirah like structure where the story is depicted in the inside layers. When this structure is opened layer by layer the entire story is revealed. Unfortunately this powerful art for is loosing its popularity and now it is liited to the reote village of Bassi in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. To revive this traditional art, the Saiti has started workshops to nscientize people of this art and plight of Kanwar craftsen. The workshop was held fro May 5 to May 1, 211. A siilar two-onth long Kanwar workshop ntinued in Bassi village of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. About 15 artists are taking part in the workshop. An Expert Coittee has been fored to develop Gandhi Katha based on Kanwar art. Gandhi Study Circles Four Gandhi Study Circles were initiated by the Saiti in different areas of Rajasthan in May. These included Mohanpura Prithvi, Harsuliya Panchayat; Jhodinda Bhojpura, Pchala Panchayat; Rapura Dabri, Rapura Panchayat; and Chandvaji, Panchayat. People of all age and walk e for study every evening for two hours i.e. 5 p to 7 p. nce a week, Annual Report u 119

121 children, youth and senior citizens are enuraged to participate and discuss their probles in these Study Circles. The Saiti has donated 5 books related to Gandhi, Gandhian Philosophy and other related subjects. Also an exhibition spread out in 5 odd panels to be exhibited in these Gandhi Study Circles is being planned by the Saiti. The ai was also to spread the reading habit aongst different sections of the society and different age-groups, especially with the Gandhian Literature and thereby proote Gandhian Values. Presentation of Espetarra Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti in association with the Ebassy of Colobia in India and the United Nations ffice on Drugs and Crie organised a special prograe in which a peace instruent Espetarra (a gun-like guitar) was presented to the GSDS on ctober 31, 211. Present on the occasion were Mrs. Monica Lanzetta, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Colobia Ebassy; Mrs. Cristina Albertini, UN- DC Representative in India, Abassador Juan Alfredo Pinto, St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson GSDS and Director GSDS, Maniala. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Monica Lanzetta expressed her happiness over the presentation cereony of the Espetarra in Gandhi Sriti, where, the great soul of the father of this extraordinary Nation sacrificed his life in favour of the non-violence, the spirit of peace and against intolerance and fanaticis. (Above) Mrs Monica Lanzetta, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Colobia Ebassy in India lights the cereonial lap during the cereony for the presentation of the Espetarra in Gandhi Sriti; and (Below) Mr. Ceaser Lopez handing over the guitar built on parts of an old rifle AK-47/AKM, to St. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee. La Expetarra is a guitar built on parts of an old rifle AK-47/AKM, disabled, deactivated and without aunition. This electric guitar was built as a sybol of peace in what was left fro the gun (AK-47), used by illegal ared groups deobilised in Colobia. Built by luthier Luis Alberto Paredes, builder of the best guitars in Colobia and handed over by the United Nations ffice on Drugs and Crie to the Colobian usician Ceaser Lopez, who since 26, has been working with UNDC in a non-violence capaign around the world. 12 u Annual Report

122 Relief work for flood victis of Bihar The Saiti took the initiative of carrying the relief work for the flood victis of people, who were affected due to the floods in the Kosi River. The Saiti in association with the Vinoba Sewa Ashra helped the flood victis, ostly poor peasants, by distributing blankets and shawls to the on January 28, failies were given 5 shawls and blankets as part of the relief service undertaken by the Saiti. n January 3, 212, a Gandhi Quiz was organized at the Buniyadi Vidyalaya in, Bettiah, Chaparan. 2 children fro 53 schools participated in the quiz. Docuentation work on Chaparan Bhooi Satyagraha Chaparan in Bihar has been the first Satyagraha experient nducted by Mahata Gandhi, and it is here that the Saiti has taken up the task of joining hands for the Bhooi Satyagraha of the landless. The Saiti as part of its endeavour to work in Chaparan, entrusted Ms. Putul to carry on the docuentation work on Chaparan Bhooi Satyagraha. Excerpts fro the report is as under: The biggest proble here (in Chaparan) is the redistribution of land, in spite of various laws passed since independence. Alost 35, failies are facing uprootent and landlessness. Social activists are helping the villagers to fight for their rights. Through various educational and epowerent activities nducted for the villages, the struggle is gaining oentu. A strategy has been evolved for success in this task which is as follows: To involve as any people as possible To create awareness about the proble aong the people of the district and ake the sypathetic towards the oveent and also seek their operation and To intensify the oveent and put lot of pressure on the Governent and the bureaucracy for effective action. No labour is too ean for one, who wants to earn an honest penny. The only thing is the readiness to use the hands and feet that God has given us... if the sense of shae that wrongly attaches to physical labour uld be got rid of, there is enough work to spare for young en and woen of average intelligence. M.K. Gandhi Annual Report u 121

123 Regular Prograes The regular prograes undertaken are: Sarvadhara Prarthana, Rendering of Gandhi Bhajans and songs on unal harony, Charkha spinning, and Fil shows on Gandhi, freedo oveent and national leaders. ther regular prograes are: Srijan Gandhi Sriti Shikshan Kendra Srijan iparts vocational training to children through its regular creative activities like tailoring, ebroidery, pottery aking, story telling and creative writing, ie and usic, besides the six vocational urses regnised by National Institute of pen Schooling (NIS). School drop outs and the underprivileged section of the society are the prie beneficiaries of these vocational prograes. 122 u Annual Report

124 Library and Docuentation In nfority with the objective of the Saiti to organise and preserve books, photographs, fils, docuents, leading to better understanding of Mahata Gandhi s work and thought, a Library and Docuentation Centre has been set up. The library has a llection of nearly 12, books on Gandhiji s life and thought, art, culture, history, enoics, politics, religion, archaeology, including reference books, naely World Atlas, Encyclopedias and Dictionaries. There is a special section for children. It also subscribes to about 5 journals and agazines on a regular basis and caters to the needs of scholars, research fellows and students. Around 5 new books were added during the year. At the Docuentation Centre, press-clipping files are being aintained on different topics such as Gandhi, Woen, Children, Youth, Crie against Woen, Environent, Indo-Pak relations, Counalis, International affairs. In an effort to strengthen the Docuentation Centre, several other topics have been added this year. Annual Report u 123

125 Publications Anti Jan (the GSDS onthly news agazine) Issue on January-February 212 Year 1, No 2, March 212 Moniya (book on the childhood of Mohandas Karachand Gandhi) Hindi and Urdu Anasakti Darshan Special Bhoodan Issue Hindi and English Booklet on Adivasi Sanskriti Sanga (Noveber 23-25, 211) Booklet on Deocracy A culture, a dialogue (Deceber 3-31, 211) Booklet on Kargha Yagya (February 22-24, 212) 124 u Annual Report

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129 Farewell to Retiring Staff Mebers Shri Kartik Anand (Electrician) 2. Shri Arit Lal (Electrician) 3 & 4. Shri Jagdish Lal (Peon), Shri Baleshwar Prasad (Security guard) 5. Shri Mahadev Bose (Sr. Photographer) 3 & 4 6. Shri B N Pal (Photographer) 128 u Annual Report

130 Last Tributes Shri Anil Sengupta ( ) In Anil Sengupta s life, Gandhi lived. This dedicated Gandhian and true artist actively participated in Vindoba Bhave s Bhoodan Moveent. A student of the Indian Traditional Art and History fro Shantiniketan and Presidency College, Shri Anil Sengupta has painted over 5 paintings on India s Cultural Heritage, Mahata Gandhi s Life and Philosophy, the Bhoodan Gradan Moveent and the philosophy of Sarvodaya. Initially he was appointed as the Art Advisor of the National Gandhi Centenary Coittee and associated with the foundation of Gandhi Darshan Exhibition, since its inception. It was his sincere and honest efforts which succeeded in aking the prestigious International Gandhi Darshan Exhibition at Rajghat set up to eorate Gandhi s centenary in 1969, a peranent exhibition for posterity. As its curator and overall-incharge he raised the institution to great heights. Through six huge pavilions it undersred Gandhi s philosophy, My Life is My Message. In all his life, he has painted Gandhi and Gandhi s vision of nstructive prograes. In his paintings of the Mahata, one uld find the space between tie and these were interwoven in thoughts that are so nteporary. With photograph like accuracy, his canvas brought Gandhi alive at a spinning wheel. In a saller lainated sketch, one uld see Gandhi s different ntributions, be it in agriculture or education, through siple sybols. During the 5s and 6s, he was assigned the responsibility to undertake the preparations of exhibitions on the life and philosophy of Mahata Gandhi and Khadi and Village Industries and also do the art work for all the AICC sessions in different parts of the untry. Annual Report u 129

131 For a ajor part the last two decades of his life the artist saint and freedo fighter lived in Harijan Sevak Sangh. It was here Shri Sengupta set up the Gandhi Museu and also edited the bi-lingual journal Harijan Sewa for any years. Black and white photographs of St. Indira Gandhi, Mahata Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave, a calendar print of Hanuan and his own canvases all had their allotted space in his roo at Gandhi Darshan, where he spent the last days of his life. Shri Anil Sengupta s life (April 26, 1929 January 27, 212) was an extraordinary life of dedication and siplicity. ut of the world s ad rush, his life was surrounded by his thoughts, which he gifted to the world through his poes, writings and paintings. The faily of Gandhi Sriti and Darshan Saiti bids farewell to this illustrious Gandhian. The Saiti also lost soe other ebers in the year Sh. Avadh Kishore worked as a Peon. He joined the Saiti on ctober 3, After prolonged illness, he passed away on Septeber 18, 211, while in service. Sh. Pratap Narain Shukla, worked as an Assistant in the Photo Unit. He joined the Saiti on April 1, 1974, took VRS because of ill-health. He passed away on Deceber 22, u Annual Report

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