Winter Camp on Gandhian Thought at Sevagram Ashram

Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha, organized a five-day winter camp on Gandhian thought and action for college and university students from December 26-30, 2024. The camp aimed to acquaint participants with Mahatma Gandhi’s life, work, and relevance in today’s world. In this residential short-term course 51 college/ university students including three faculty members from 17 States of India participated. The participants were from Manipur University, Mahatma Gandhi University, Gandhigram Rural University, Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Central University of Gujarat, West Bengal Institute of Technology, Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University, Prayagraj State University, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, University of Allahabad, Noida International University,Pondicherry University and number of colleges in different parts of the country. The participants belonged to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,Karnataka,Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Odisha,West Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep and Delhi.The camp was coordinated by Sri Jamnalal Bajaj Memorial Library and Research Centre for Gandhian studies of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha.

The camp was inaugurated on December 26, 2024, at the Seminar Hall of the Library and Research Centre of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan. The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Director of Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies who introduced the theme of the camp and welcomed the participants.The dignitaries and representatives of participants from different states of India then spun the traditional Gandhi Charkha, symbolizing the beginning of the camp. Shri Ram Dhiraj, veteran Sarvodaya activist and President of Uttar Pradesh Sarvodaya Mandal delivered the inaugural address emphasizing the importance of Gandhian thought in today’s world.. Shri Vijay Tambe Secretary of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan presided over the function. Dr. D. John Chellaurai, Professor and Head,Department of Gandhian Studies and Dean Interdisciplinary Studies , Mahatma Gandhi Mission University, Aurangabad proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the organising team.

The camp featured a range of renowned experts who delivered lectures and guided discussions on various aspects of Gandhian thought. The resource persons included:Shri Ram Dhiraj , President of Uttar Pradesh Sarvodaya Mandal ; Dr. D. John Chellaurai, Professor and Head, Department of Gandhian Studies and Dean Interdisciplinary Studies , Mahatma Gandhi Mission University, Aurangabad ; Shri Vijay Tambe, Secretary of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Dr. William Baskaran , Former Professor, Department of Gandhian Thought and Peace Science, Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul, Dr. D. Jeevan Kumar, Hon. Professor, Karnataka State Rural Development & Panchayat Raj University; Managing Trustee, Sarvodaya International Trust, Bangalore; Shri Atul Sharma, Former Secretary , Gram Seva Mandal, Wardha; Dr. Tarak Kate , Founder Chairman Dharamitra, Wardha, Shri Gautam Bajaj, Paunar Ashram Wardha ;Dr. Sunil Ganatra, Professor, Institute of Science Nagpur; Shri Jaideep Hardikar, Nagpur based journalist Dr.Siby K. Joseph of Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan and others.The camp included a range of activities designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Gandhian thought and its relevance in today’s world. The visits to historic sites related to Mahatma Gandhi including Magan Sangrahalaya, Gita Mandir, Jamnalal Bajaj Exhibition , Vishwa Shanti Stupa, and Paunar Ashram, Sevagram Ashram Darshan , interaction with social activists and experts in the field of Gandhian studies and screening of documentaries were interwoven with academic sessions

The important areas dealt in the camp include the following: An introduction to the Life of Gandhi ,Fundamentals of Gandhian Thought, Nonviolence as the basis of Truth and Fundamentality of Truth,Scientific basis of Gandhianprinciples,Understanding Gandhi and common Misconceptions about Gandhi , Artificial Intelligence, Gandhi and Globalisation ,Gandhi, Environment and Sustainable Development , relevance of Khadi ,Gandhi in the 21st century : A development Perspective , Communal Harmony: role of Youth in strengthening Pluralistic and Secular society , Agriculture and Sustainable Development Gandhi, Community living and his ashrams , South African Gandhi : A Racist ? War And Peace: Understanding the Imperatives of Mutual Security and Development, Violence, Nonviolence and Youth, Life and Message of Gandhi from Wardha /Sevagram.

The daily routine of the winter camp on Gandhian thought was designed to provide participants with a holistic simple living experience that combined intellectual exploration, physical activity, and spiritual growth. Participants began their day with a wake-up call at 5:00 am, followed by a series of activities that helped them connect with nature, themselves, and each other. The day began with an interreligious prayer session led by Shri Jalandharnath at the Seminar Hall. This session helped participants connect with their spiritual selves and appreciate the diversity of faiths and traditions.Shri Climus T. J. led the participants in yoga and physical exercises, helping them develop physical discipline, flexibility, and mental focus.
Participants engaged in community work, including cleaning and mending public roads, sanitation work in the campus which helped them develop a sense of social responsibility and community engagement. The Peace Walk was a unique activity that helped participants connect with nature, reflect on their values and principles, and promote peace and harmony.The evening prayer session at the ashram, which helped participants connect with their spiritual selves in the light of essence of teachings of different religious faiths.Throughout the day, participants engaged in formal and informal discussions and interactions with the faculty and fellow campers, which helped them build relationships, share ideas, and learn from each other.These activities created indelible imprints in the minds and hearts of the campers, fostering a sense of community, social responsibility, and spiritual growth.

The valedictory session was held on the evening of December 30, 2024. Shri Jaideep Hardikar, journalist and researcher, delivered the valedictory address The participants were awarded certificates, and Dr. Siby K. Joseph thanked everyone for the successful conduct of the camp.The winter camp on Gandhian thought was a unique opportunity for students to learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and philosophy. The camp’s interactive and immersive approach helped participants develop a deeper understanding of Gandhian principles and their relevance in today’s world.

Photo credits:Participants of the camp and special thanks to Kanika Gupta for the kind help and coordination in the preparation of the report