Mir Lecture Series presents Arun Gandhi, Peace Activist & Mahatma Gandhi’s Grandson
By Contributor
Join Arun Gandhi as he addresses violence through education and his work with impoverished children using the lessons that he learned from his famous grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi. This lecture takes place at the Brilliant Cultural Centre on May 17th.
Inspired Legacy
Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, was born in South Africa and deeply influenced by the Apartheid system. He was also greatly inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s campaign to create racial equality for all South Africans. Arun Gandhi moved to the United States in 1987, along with his wife and activist partner, Sunanda, where they founded the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolencein Memphis, Tennessee.
Gandhi has carried on the legacy of his famous grandfather by addressing violence, particularly in India and other areas of the developing world. His work has focused on children. Gandhi states, “Poverty is the worst form of violence, and must be tackled on all fronts to ensure human rights and human dignity to those who are victims of societal exploitation. “
Tackling Issues through Education
Gandhi’s organizations have focused on addressing child labor and trafficking, particularly in the global sex trade industry. He is committed to tackling these issues through education.The Gandhi World Wide Education Institute has rescued children from the poorest slums of India, provided them with shelter and basic education. This endeavour has opened doors for these students to start up their own small businesses or to find meaningful employment with a living wage. Gandhi’s Institute also works with the parents of these children so that the poverty eradication programs reach far into the communities.
Nonviolence in a Violent World
Gandhi’s talk is entitled Lessons learned from My Grandfather: Nonviolence in a Violent World. This lecture will be held at the Brilliant Cultural Centre, 1876 Brilliant Road, in Castlegar on Friday, May 17th, at 7:00 pm. There will be a special music performance by local artist Soniko.
Tickets are available at Otter Books in Nelson 250.352.3434, and Selkirk College Bookstore 250.365.1281. They cost $16 adults, $13 students and seniors.
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