The grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Arun Gandhi, peace activist and proponent of nonviolence,
will speak at the University of Wyoming Tuesday, Nov. 16, as part of the UW Social
Justice Research Center's semester speaker series.
His free public lecture, "Lessons Learned from My Grandfather: Non-violence in a Violent
World," -- offering firsthand insights into one of history's most influential leaders
-- is from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts main stage.
"We are excited to have Mr. Gandhi here at the University of Wyoming. At a time of
such contentious societal dialogue around the war in Afghanistan, immigration reform
and restrictions, and even the meaning of social justice, a voice of peace and civility
is much needed," says Francisco Rios, UW Social Justice Research Center director and
head of the Department of Educational Studies.
Few names in world history evoke such powerful images of integrity, courage, social
harmony and -- perhaps most of all -- hope, than Gandhi. Arun Gandhi carries within
himself the same guiding principles as his grandfather, the legendary peace-maker
and spiritual leader.
Growing up in apartheid South Africa as a person of Indian heritage meant racial confrontations
with both blacks and whites. Filled with rage and plotting to avenge his beatings,
Arun Gandhi subscribed to Charles Atlas' bodybuilding magazines so he would have the
strength to fight back. When his parents discovered the reason for their 12-year-old
son's sudden fascination with exercise, they decided that a visit to his grandfather
in India was in order.
What followed was an 18-month stay with one of the world's great leaders that would
give him the keys to the powerful philosophy of nonviolence and help shape the foundation
for his life's work.
After leading successful projects for economic and social reform in India, Arun Gandhi
came to the United States in 1987 to complete research for a comparative study on
racism in America. In 1991, Gandhi and his late wife, Sunanda, founded the M.K. Gandhi
Institute for Nonviolence, now headquartered at the University of Rochester, N.Y.
The institute promotes nonviolence through workshops, lectures and community outreach
programs.
UW's Social Justice Research Center, Indian Student Association and the Department
of Theatre and Dance sponsor the talk. For more information, call the UW Social Justice
Research Center at (307) 766-3422.