J. S.
Mathur, Gandhi Bhawan, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, UP
(India)
Founded: 1976. The foundation of the
Institute was laid by the Nobel Peace Laureate Mother Teresa, on the
anniversary of Gandhi's birth. The Institute is an extension of Gandhi
Bhawan, University of Allahabad, the foundation of which (the university)
was laid by Sri Prakasa, the then governor of Maharashtra State on
February 6, 1961.
Purpose: The Institute is essentially an
interdisciplinary advanced center for study and research in
Gandhian and peace thought. This covers research on conflict resolution,
new world order, nonviolence and social change, and other allied subjects
with particular emphasis on the relevance of Gandhian thought and
technique for contemporary society.
Funding: The Institute is funded
primarily by donations from individuals and institutions, but it also
receives some financial support from the government of Uttar Pradesh and
other public bodies.
Principal Activities: With a view to arousing the
interest of the youth, the intelligentsia, and the academic community, in
an objective, scientific, and dispassionate analysis of Gandhi's thought
and his techniques of socioeconomic change, the Institute undertakes the
following activities:
(a) Regular classes on various facets of Gandhian thought on a
voluntary basis.
(b) Gandhian study circles have been set up in various local colleges
which, besides arranging lectures, also organize debates, essay
competitions, and cultural programs.
(c) Essay competitions are organized both at the local and
international university levels.
(d) Seminars - the Institute has organized All-Indian Seminars with
the view to examining the significance of Gandhi's ideas and techniques
for a new peaceful socioeconomic order.
(e) Courses in Gandhian thought at the postgraduate level.
(f) Indian Society of Gandhian Studies - the
Institute was primarily responsible for formation of an All-India body,
the Indian Society of Gandhian Studies, with the main objective of
arousing the interest of the academic community in Gandhi's thought. The
Society meets at regular intervals to discuss various aspects of Gandhi
and Peace thought.
Periodicals: Journal of Gandhian Studies
(quarterly)
Publications:
(a) Youth on Gandhi
(b) Gandhi Vichar Sampoornta Ka Darshan
(c) Gandhian Thought and Contemporary Society
(d) Facets of Gandhian Thought
(e) Non-Violence and Social Change
(f) An Analytical Study of Gandhian Thought
(g) Mother Teresa Souvenir
