The Wardha Peace Conference – 28-30

The peace conference, 28-30 Jan, began on the 129th Day of the Jai Jagat yatra. The three day conference marks the end of the four months of the Indian leg of the yearlong Jai Jagat global peace march.

It is organized around the theme of integrating nonviolence in governance, economy, and education song with a discussion on Gandhi being the way forward. The event is being hosted by the Mahatma Gandhi International University, Wardha, and saw about 250 people register for the event.

The conference began in the presence of honorary guests, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel Ji, Culture minister, Prof Rajnish Shukla and Prof Chandrakant Ragit, Sushri Radha Bhatt,
Shri Bal Vijay Ji, Shri Rajgopal & Jill Carr-Harris.
The round table conference opened with the topic on education for peace. Moderated by S.C. Behar, the distinguished participants including the Reva Joshee, the famous educationist, presented their viewpoint around the value system that informs peace education and the radical changes required to encourage it. It became clear that piece education is a continuous practice and needs to contextualized with justice.

Later in the day, Anuradha Sharma spoke on Kasturba Gandhi where she highlighted her dual role as Gandhi’s wife and freedom fighter.

The event was interspersed with the Jai Jagat songs and sharing of experiences of the four months of the yatra by Jai Jagat padyatrees.
A book, ‘Gandhi ji ki Ahimsa Drishti’ (Gandhi’s vision of non-violence) by Ajit and Manoj.

The much awaited Art for Peace exhibition, connected by Vikram, was also launched.

In the evening, the Jai Jagat team spoke with Karin Reyan (Director – Carter Center USA) and Jason Parker (Media Expert) in a video conference to share the experiences from the march so far. Women’s time as peace builders and make stakeholders in the process of developing was emphasized.

The event ended with a cultural performace by Tritha Sinha with an amazing rendition of classical songs in a fusion style. She was accompanied by famous hand pan musician from Europe.