PEACE, NON-VIOLENCE AND GANDHIAN CONCERNS

The twentieth century was the bloodiest century in history with two world wars and endless conflicts. The liberalization of trade has led the way to enslavement of people. The industrial/technological development, military supremacy, cultural hegemony and dehumanizing competition have endangered the very existence of human souls and mother nature. The phenomena of intolerance, terrorism and wars are inherent in globalization.

There is a strong need to create some sensitivity about the growing incidence of violence and new challenges to non-violence in different countries as well as developing an understanding of how to move to a peaceful world order of Gandhian vision. Today, Gandhi is relevant as he was never before. Gandhi is an apostle of peace, a man who lived and died for peace and non-violence. An effort to harmonize ecology, society, polity, economy, religion and technology with what Gandhi calls a law of life is essential. The present volume, therefore, attempts to share global understanding which will enable us to relive the legacy of non-violence and peace. The essays contained in this volume are inspired by a commitment to establish a culture of peace and strengthening the forces of non-violence throughout the globe. Each contributor has made in-depth analysis of theoretical understanding of Gandhian paradigm and empirical reality of different societies.

This interdisciplinary treatise will prove useful not only to Gandhian scholars but also draw attention of researchers, educationists, peace lovers and those engaged in non-violent action and conflict resolution all over the world.

Vidya Jain is Professor of Political Science and Director, Centre for Gandhian Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

She has also held many important positions such as the Deputy Secretary General of APPRA (Asia-Pacific Peace Research Association), member of Non-Violence Commission and Global Political Economic Commission of IPRA and the Non-killing Political Science Research Committee, Hawaii (USA). A widely travelled scholar, she has several research publications to her credit and has made presentations at many international forums. Her areas of research interest are Gandhian studies, peace, non-violence and gender studies.