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Gandhi Peace Foundation, Madras (1964-2017)

Gandhi Peace Foundation, Madras (1964-2017)

PEACE FOUNDATION, MADRAS (1964-2017)

GANDHI PEACE FOUNDATION, MADRAS 332, Ambujammal Street, (Opp to Chettiar Hall, T.T.K. Road), , -600018. Email: [email protected]

1 Late ‘Gandhiyamamani’ Sri T.D. Tirumalai, Founder-Secretary, , Madras.

2 PATRONS

Late Sri R. Venkatraman, Late Bharata Ratna Sri C. Subramaniam Former President of Finance Minister

Late Dr. Sarojini Varadappan, President, Women Late Smt Vasumathy Ramasamy, Indian Association, Patron, GPF, Madras. Writer

Representative from Mahabodhi Society, Dr. K.V.S. Habeeb Mohammed, Joint Secretary, Chennai. Islamic Foundation Trust, Chennai.

Sri P. Haridas, Senior Advocate Late Sri Surjeet Singh Sahney

3 Dr. Susheela Padmanabhan, Secretary, Srinivasa Late Sri. B.S. Grewal, Industrialist Gandhi Nilayam.

Smt. Swathanthra Sakthivel, Dr. Rt. Rev. Lawrence Pius, Secretary Bala Mandir Schools Arch Bishop of Dharmapuri

Mrs. Padma Venkataraman, Ms. Artar Kaur Virdi, President, Women Indian Association Life Member Punjab Association

Sr. Rosely Paul

4 TRUST MEMBERS

Late Sri. C.D.V. Raghavulu, Late Dr. S. Muthukumaran, Former Smt. Menaka Parthasarathy, Trust Member, GPF, Madras. Vice-Chancellor, Bharathidasan Trust Member, GPF, Chennai. University, Trust Member, GPF, Madras.

Smt. Padmaja Vasudev, Smt. Suraksha Giri, Smt. Perviz D.Bhote, Trust Member, GPF, Chennai. Trust Member, GPF, Chennai. Trust Member, GPF, Chennai.

Sri. M. Sri Ramachandran Dr. Laitha Ramamurthi, Dr. C. Shenbagavalli, Joint Chairperson, Gandhi Peace Secretary & Treasurer, Gandhi Foundation, Madras. Peace Foundation, Madras.

Dr. S. Kulandaisamy, Secretary, Gandhi Peace Foundation, Madras.

5 BRIEF REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF GANDHI PEACE FOUNDATION, MADRAS DURING FIFTY YEARS (1964-2014) 1. Taking Gandhi to Schools : Exams for students on Gandhian Thought, based on Gandhiji’s Autobiography- The Story of My Experiments with Truth. The Open- book Exam module is now a model for all educationists, which could be applied for regular subjects also. It is our endeavor to promote only healthy competition amongst the students while conducting this project. Prizes & certificates were awarded on Gandhi Jayanthi.

2. Taking Gandhi to Colleges: Colloquiums and Study Circles in Colleges were organized.

6 Workshops on Gandhian Thought in Schools and Colleges

7 3. Monthly Magazines and Wall Magazines in Tamil and English on the Relevance of Gandhian Thought, Art, Literature on Peace Culture.

8 4. Live together- Residential Camps - on ‘Gandhian Life-Style’ were held during 1990-94. Fifty such camps of 6-days duration were conducted twice a month for 6 days duration, for a group of 30-35 members in each camp. 2000 rural development workers, students, teachers and parents participated. “Peace through manual- labour based lifestyle” was the central theme of the camps. -‘People’s Democracy’ by living a life of self-restraint was the focussed.

9 5. All Religions Prayer for Peace - Prayer is complete surrender to God Almighty. It helps us to shift from self centeredness to universal consideration. Prayer blesses us with spiritual awakening and self resteaint which seems to be the only alternative for redeeming the erring humans. Today, crime and voilence stalk the whole country. People resort to violence at the slightest provocation without trying to find a solution by peaceful means. The recent bomb blast in Salem District on successive says caused grave concern. There is an apprehension that society instead of marching forward towards peace and harmony is going backward towards barbarism. The people are aghast at the loss of innocent lives on account of the senseless activities of a few. The strong arm of the police is unable to abate violence. Public condemnation has no effect on the miscreants. Self restraint through spiritual awakening seems to be the alternative for redeeming erring humans. It was therefore decided to hold a Sarva Dharma Prayer – All Religions Prayer – at the (near Gandhi Statue) on Friday, the

10 21st July 1995 at 5 p.m. Religious leaders from , Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism rendered prayers for peace, harmony and non-violence. The programme consisted of prayers for an hour. There were no speeches. Senior citizens and leaders, like Sri R. Venkataraman, Former President of India, Sri M.P. Sivagnanam (Ma.Po.Si) and many others participated. It was a moment of great joy for everyone who participated in the prayer. “Coming together” of all religious people and “Praying Together” for the same purpose “PEACE” was felt as a soothing hand that unconsciously brought vibrations of peace into the whole cosmos. To date 110 sessions have been conducted in Chennai City and 18 sessions in Trichy City and 1 in Madurai City.

Session 1: Date: 21-07-1995 Venue: Near Gandhi Statue, Marina Beach, Chennai-04. Session 2: Date: 29-09-1995 Venue: Jain Aradhana Bhavan (Prayer Hall), 351, Mint, Ch-79. Session 3: Date: 27-10-1995 Venue: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, East Mada Street, , Chennai-04. Session 4: Date: 20-11-1995 Venue: Gandhi Museum, Madurai-20. Session 5: Date: 24-11-1995 Venue: Anna Adarsh Mat.Hr.Sec. School, 9th Main Road, , Chennai-40. Session 6: Date: 29-12-1995 Venue: Unity House, Southern Railway Employees Sangh, 2, Road, , Chennai-11. Session 7: Date: 30-01-1996 Venue: Near Gandhi Statue, Marina Beach, Chennai-04. Session 8: Date: 23-02-1996 Venue: Guru Shree Shantivijay Jain College & Vidyalaya, 96, High Road, Vepery, Chennai-7. Session 9: Date: 29-03-1996 Venue: V.R. Thirumana Mandapam, 20, 1st Avenue Road, Shastri Nagar, Adyar, Chennai-20. Session 10: Date: 26-04-1996 Venue: Gurudwara Sahib (Sikh Temple), 127A, G.N. Road, T.Nagar, Chennai-17.

11 Session 11: Date: 25-05-1996 Venue: Seth Kaluram Ratanlal Maloo Jain Bhavan, 61, Swamy Pillai Street, , Chennai-112. Session 12: Date: 28-06-1996 Venue: M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, High Road, Chennai-34. Session 13: Date: 27-07-1996 Venue: Aikiya Alayam, 98, High Road, Chennai-28. Session 14: Date: 31.08.1996 Venue: Crescent Mat.Hr.Sec.School for Girls (Opp. Shastri Bhavan) 24, Pycrofts Garden Road, Chennai-06. Session 15: Date: 28.09.1996 Venue: Shri Shuddhadwaita Vaishnav Hr.Sec.School, 30, Ekambareswarar Agraharam, Park Town, Chennai - 03. Session 16: Date: 26.10.1996 Venue: Jadav Bai Nathmal Singhvi Jain Sthanak, 115, Big Street, , Chennai-05. Session 17: Date: 23.11.1996 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, (Opp. Chettiar Hall, T.T.K. Road), Alwarpet, Chennai-18. Session 18: Date: 28.12.1996 Venue: Dhyana Ashram, 13, Madha Church Road, Chennai-28. Session 19: Date: 30.01.1997 Venue: Gandhi Statue, Marina Beach, Chennai-04. Session 20: Date: 22.02.1997 Venue: Adi Dravida Samooga Sevagar Sangam Students Home, 19, Rathina Sabapathy Road, Chennai-21. Session 21: Date: 28.03.1997 Venue: S.S.Jain Students Home, 3, Madley Road, T.Nagar, Chennai-17. Session 22: Date: 25.04.1997 Venue: Mahabodhi Society, 18, Kennet Lane, , Chennai-08. Session 23: Date: 27-06-1997 Venue: Gandhiji Memorial Home, Perambur, Chennai-11. Session 24: Date: 25-07-1997 Venue: G.S.C. Mahal, Katchery Road, Chennai-04.

12 Session 25: Date: 31.08.1997 Venue: Near Gandhi Statue, Marina Beach, Chennai-04. Session 26: Date: 26.09.1997 Venue: Lazarus Multi Purpose Hall, 22-A, Kanakaraya Malayappan Street, Chennai-28. Session 27: Date: 30.11.1997 Venue: Don Bosco Youth Center, (Near Binny Mills), Basin Bridge, Chennai-12. Session 28: Date: 28-12-1997 Venue : Parish Hall, Santhome Cathedral Campus, Santhome, Chennai-04. Session 29: Date: 25-01-1998 Venue: Gandhi Mandapam, , Chennai-32. Session 30: Date: 30-01-1998 Venue: Nochikuppam, Fisherman’s Colony, Near Light House, Marina Beach, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 31: Date: 27-02-1998 Venue: Satya Nilayam, 81, Lattice Bridge Road, , Chennai-41. Session 32: Date: 27-03-1998 Venue: Assembly Hall, Olcott Memorial High School, Opp. Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Avenue, Besant Nagar, Chennai-90. Session 33: Date: 26-06-1998 Venue: Sri Geetha Bhavan, 233, Avvai Shanmugam Salai, Gopalapuram, Chennai-86. Session 34: Date: 25-07-1998 Venue: Dhyana Ashram, 13, Madha Church Road, Chennai-28. Session 35: Date: 28-08-1998 Venue: S.H.G. Terapanthi Bhavan, 38, Singarachari Street, Triplicane, Chennai-05. Session 37: Date: 29-10-1998 Venue: Lion. Vasantlal C. Metha Auditorium, 4, Venkatanarayana Road, T.Nagar, Chennai-17. Session 38: Date: 26-11-1998 Venue: Bhavans Rajaji Vidyashram, 485, Garden Road, Chennai-10. Session 39: Date: 24-12-1998 Venue: Smt. Jadavbai Nathmal Singhvi Jain Sthanak, 115, Big Street, Triplicane, Chennai-05. Session 40: Date: 30-01-1999 Venue: Aikiya Alayam, 98, Santhome High Road, Mandaveli, Chennai-28. Session 41: Date: 25-02-1999 Venue: M.Ct.M. Chidambaram Chettiyar Mat.Hr.Sec.School, 78, Luz Church Road, Chennai-04.

13 Session 42: Date: 25-03-1999 Venue: Hindi Prachar Sabha, Chennai-17. Session 43: Date: 24-06-1999 Venue: Shri JNSJV Mat.Hr.Sec.School 16&17, Ganapathi Mudali Street, Triplicane, Chennai-05. Session 44: Date: 23-07-1999 Venue: Savithriammal Oriental Hr.Sec.School, R.H.Road, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 45: Date: 28-10-1999 Venue: P.S.Hr.Sec.School Auditorium 215, R.K.Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 46: Date: 26-11-1999 Venue: Aikiya Alayam, 98, Santhome High Road, Chennai-28. Session 47: Date: 23-12-1999 Venue: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan 39, East Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 48: Date: 30-12-1999 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, (Opp. Chettiar Hall, T.T.K. Road), Alwarpet, Chennai-18. Session 49: Date: 31-01-2000 Venue: Vidyodaya Girls Hr.Sec. School, T.Nagar, Chennai-17. Session 50: Date: 14-02-2000 Venue: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 39, East Mada Street, Chennai-04. Session 51: Date: 04-03-2000 Venue: Sree Geetha Bhavan, 233, Avvai Shanmugam Salai, Gopalapuram, Chennai-86. Session 52: Date: 30-03-2000 Venue: St. Francis Hall, 2nd Floor, Stella Maris College, Chennai-86. Session 53: Date: 27-04-2000 Venue: Shanthinath Jain Temple 33, G.N.Chetty Road, T.Nagar, Chennai-17. Session 54: Date: 28-07-2000 Venue: St. Johns Mat.Hr.Sec.School , Chennai-87. Session 55: Date: 12-09-2000 Venue: Adarsh Senior Sec. School, T.Nagar, Chennai-17. Session 56: Date: 31-09-2000 Venue: Dr.Gurusamy Mudaliar T.T.V. Hr. Sec.School, 108, Amman Koil Street, Chennai-79. Session 57: Date: 25-11-2000 Venue: Lady Sivaswamy Ayyar Girls Hr.Sec.School, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 58: Date: 22-12-2000 Venue: Corporation High School, 79, Veeraperumal Koil Street, Myalpore, Chennai-04.

14 Session 59: Date: 02-01-2001 Venue: P.S. High School, 91, Mundakanniamman Koil Street, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 60: Date: 03-02-2001 Venue: AL Hudlva Mat.Hr.Sec.School, Railway Station Road, St.Thomas Mount Road, Chennai-16. Session 61: Date: 05-02-2001 Venue: Sai Vidyalaya Mat. School, 51-B, Alamelumangapuram, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 62: Date: 14-02-2001 Venue: Sacred Heart Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Church Park, Chennai-06. Session 63: Date: 17-02- 2001 Venue: Jaigopal Garodia Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Vivekananda Nagar, , Chennai-54. Session 64: Date: 19-02-2001 Venue: Kola Saraswathi Vaishnav Sr.Sec.School, Barnabi Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-10. Session 65: Date: 21-02-2001 Venue: Karthikeyan Mat.Hr.Sec. School, 84, , Chennai-26. Session 66: Date: 22-02- 2001 Venue: Rosary Mat.Hr.Sec.School, Santhome High Road, Chennai-04. Session 67: Date: 15-07-2001 Venue: Mahaveer Jain Bhavan, Chennai-21. Session 68: Date: 21-09-2001 Venue: Sri Sarada Secondary School, No.1, Second Street, Gopalapuram, Chennai-86. Session 69: Date: 02-10-2001 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 70: Date: 31-10-2001 Venue: L.M. Dadha Sr.Sec.School, No.19/6, Krishnapuram, , Chennai-94. Session 71: Date: 16-11-2001 Venue: St. Raphael’s Girls Hr.Sec. School, No.18, Rosary Church Road, Santhome, Chennai-04. Session 72: Date: 18-11-2001 Venue: St. Thomas Basilica, Santhome Cathedral, Santhome High Road, Chennai-04. Session 73: Date: 28-01-2002 Venue: N.K.T. National Girls Hr.Sec. School, Ice House, Triplicane, Chennai-05. Session 74: Date: 11-03-2002 Venue: Sri Tarachand Galada Jain Vidyalaya, 44, Madley 1st Street, T.Nagar, Chennai-17. 15 Session 75: Date: 20-03-2002 Venue: General Carippa Hr. Sec. School, No.1, Kamaraj Street, Gandhi Nagar, , Chennai-93. Session 76: Date: 28-06-2002 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 77: Date: 24-03-2003 Venue: Velammal Mat.Hr.Sec.School ‘Velammal Gardens’, T.S.Krishna Nagar, Chennai-50. Session 78: Date: 11-08-2002 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal St., Chennai-18. Session 79: Date: 02-10-2003 Venue: Fathima Convent Hr.Sec. School, 5th Cross St., 3rd Main Rd, United Colony, , Chennai-24. Session 80: Date: 08-10-2003 Venue: Rosary Matriculation Hr.Sec.School, Santhome, Chennai-04. Session 81: Date: 10-10-2003 Venue: St. Patricks Hr.Sec.School, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai-20. Session 82: Date: 04-01-2004 Venue: St. Joseph Technical Institute, Near Binny Mill, Basin Bridge, Chennai-12. Session 83: Date: 09-07- 2004 Venue: Karthikeyan Mat. School 55, Arunachalam Road, Saligramam, Chennai-93. Session 84: Date: 06-08-2004 Venue: Springfield Mat.Hr.Sec. School B-85, 50th Street, Sector IX, K.K.Nagar, Chennai-78. Session 85: Date: 27-08-2004 Venue: General Kariyappa Hr.Sec. School, Kamarajar Street, Saligramam, Chennai-93. Session 86: Date: 06-10-2004 Venue: St. Dominic’s A.I. Hr.Sec. School, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai-16. Session 87: Date: 08-10-2004 Venue: Mat.Hr.Sec. School, 25, Vengeeswarar Nagar, 1st Main Road, Vadapalani, Chennai-26. Session 88: Date: 06-03-2006 Venue: General Cariappa Hr.Sec. School, No.1, Kamaraj Street, Gandhi Nagar, Saligramam, Chennai-93. Session 89: Date: 02-10-2007 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 90: Date: 06-01-2007 Venue: Don Bosco Youth Centre, D’Castor Road, Basin Bridge, Near Natraj Theatre, Chennai-12.

16 Session 91: Date: 30-01-2008 Venue: M.P. Ananadh Mat.Hr.Sec. School, No.5, 1st Link Street, C.I.T.Colony, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 92: Date: 22-02-2008 Venue: Avvaiyar Primary School, V.R.R. Colony, Chetput, Chennai-31. Session 93: Date: 02-10-2008 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 94: Date: 30-01-2010 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 95: Date: 15-08-2010 Venue: Maharishi Int. Res. School, Santhavelur, Sunguvar Chathiram-602 106. Kanchipuram Dist. Session 96: Date: 08-09-2010 Venue: Vidya Ratna PTS Mat.Hr.Sec. School, Shastri Nagar, Adyar, Chennai-20. Session 97: Date: 16-09-2010 Venue: Vel’s Hr.Sec.School, Velan Nagar, , Chennai-117. Session 98: Date: 30-01-2011 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 99: Date: 15-05-2011 Venue: Sai Vidyalaya Mat. School, 51- B, Alamelumangapuram, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 100: Date: 10-06-2011 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 101: Date: 11-08-2011 Venue: Justice Basheer Ahmed Memorial Mat. Hr. Sec. School for Boys, 310, , , Chennai-18. Session 102: Date: 26-09-2011 Venue: Fathima Basheer Mat. Hr. Sec. School for Girls, 311, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai-18. Session 103: Date: 02-10-2011 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 104: Date: 12-12-2011 Venue: Besant Aremdale Sr. Sec. School, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai-41. Session 105: Date: 30-01-2012 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 106: Date: 18-02-2012 Venue: P.S. High School (North), M.K. Amman Koil Street, Mylapore, Chennai-04. Session 107: Date: 16-04-2012 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 108: Date: 30-01-2013 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal Street, Chennai-18. Session 109: Date: 11-08-2013 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal St., Chennai-18. Session 110: Date: 02-10-2013 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal St., Chennai-18. Session 111: Date: 02-10-2016 Venue: Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam, 248, Ambujammal St., Chennai-18. Session 112: Date: 26-10-2016 Venue: Holy Angels Anglo Indian Girls Hr. Sec. School, Chennai-17. Session 113: Date: 26-10-2016 Venue: Holy Angels Anglo Indian Girls Hr. Sec. School, Chennai-17.

17 Mr.Mohan and Members of Adhinath Jain Mandal

18 6. ‘Nine-Sundays Course’ on Inter Religious Understanding and Appreciation was conducted for students of 10th Standard to familiarize them with principles, customs and traditions of seven major religions, and a quiz was set at the end of the course. On the 8th Sunday, students undertook exposure visits to old age homes and leprosy rehabilitation centers. On the last Sunday, they were given orientation in Gandhian Thought and Holistic Peace Initiatives.

19 20 7. Monthly Sat Sangh sessions are held in our office in which Inter-faith experiences are being shared by friends.

8. Workshops on “Peace Education based on Gandhian Values” College students became volunteers of this project and this was recognized as a part of their NSS project. We thank the Management of Stella Maris College, the NSS Directors, and the volunteers for helping us in this initiative.

Eleven such workshops were conducted in Schools and Colleges in Dharmapuri Dt. with the help of Rt.Rev.Dr.Lawrence Pius, Arch Bishop of Dharmapuri in the first week of Jan 2015.

21 SYLLABUS CONTENT FOR TRAINING IN PEACE EDUCATION

22 23 24 25 9. Three-day Workshop on ‘Peace Education’ was conducted at Nepal by a three member team from GPF, Madras. 10. Publication of literature on Gandhian Thought and Peace Education 52 books have been published till now. Many of them have been accepted by Local Library Authority of Tamilnadu Government for all the village libraries. GANDHI PEACE FOUNDATION, MADRAS Publications on Peace Education & Gandhian Thought Sl.No. Title & Subject Language Relevant for Price Author 1. Oru Pinguvin Kadhai Tamil VI 24.00 Dr.S.Kulandaisamy 2. Meendum Oru Pingu Tamil VII 24.00 ” 3. Pinguvin Ezhuchi Tamil VIII 30.00 ” 4. Pinguvin Pudhu Ulagam Tamil IX - X 30.00 ” 5. Amaithi Veeran Pingu Tamil XI - XII 30.00 ” 6. The Joyful Forest English VI 15.00 ” 7. A Happy Home English VII 15.00 ” 8. A True Friend English VIII 15.00 ” 9. A New World English IX - X 15.00 ” 10. The Peace Soldier English XI - XII 15.00 ” Peace Ideas presented interestingly for the youth to get empowered as peace soldiers and for empowering others to undertake micro actions for peace. Relevant for value Education or Moral Education Classes. 11. Gandhiya Sindhanai Tamil VI - VIII 10.00 ” 12. Gandhian Thought English VI - VIII 10.00 ” Gandhaian ideas presented in the form of Quiz. 13. Amaithikalvi Tamil VI - VIII 10.00 ” 14. Peace Education English VI - VIII 10.00 ” Peace Ideas presented in the form of a quiz. 15. Amaithikku Ayiram Vazhigal Part-I Tamil IX - X 35.00 ” 16. Amaithikku Ayiram Vazhigal Part-II Tamil IX - X 35.00 ” Peace ideas for resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive way, presented with appropriate examples from day to day events. 17. Amaithi Kalvi Tamil Teachers 75.00 ” 18. Ahathul Ore Aasiriyan Tamil Teachers 40.00 ” 19. Kudumba Amaithi Tamil Teachers 40.00 Dr.C.Shenbagavalli Ideas for Teachers on Peace themes and the methodology of inculcating a culture of peace in the students, presented relating to daily events. 20. O...Ja...O Tamil VIII - XII 40.00 Dr.C.Shenbagavalli 21. Muthaaram Tamil V - VIII 40.00 ” 22. Ush... Tamil VIII - XII 30.00 Students Simple and short plays on peace themes and techniques that can be enacted by students to convey the message to a larger audience effectively. 23. Oru Pinguvin Kadhai Tamil VI - XII 75.00 Dr.S.Kulandaisamy Compilation of all the five small books as mentioned in items 6-10 24. The Story of Pingu English VI - XII 60.00 ” Compilation of all the five small books as mentioned in items 6-10 25. Thevaiya Gandhi? Tamil XI - XII & UG 40.00 ” Gandhian thought presented in a simple form as articles (already published in dailies) and lessons 26. Gandhi Darisanam Tamil XI - XII & UG 60.00 Mr. Harihara Subramaniyam Intersting presentation of Gandhiji’s personality relating it to eternal values like truth, love, dignity manual labour, simple life, sharing etc. 27. The Mahatma in us Tamil XI - XII & UG 40.00 Dr.S.Kulandaisamy 28. Gandhian Way to Peace English VI - VIII 200.00 ” (Compilation of 51 lession modules published in ‘-Young World’ in 2010) 29. Amaidhikku Gandhiya Vazhi Tamil VI - VIII 200.00 ” 30. SWA - Part I - 7 Books English VI - XII 75.00 per Book ” 37. SWA - A Special Reader English VI - XII 250.00 ” 38. SWA - Part II - 7 Books English VI - XII 75.00 per copy ” 45. Theo Series - 7 Books Pack English & Tamil VI - XII 250.00 per Pack ” Total - 52 Books 26 11. ‘Music for the Layman’ was a regular monthly programme to cater to the need of lay-lovers of music and Bhajans were conducted by Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.S.Ramanathan, musicologist. 22 such sessions were conducted.

12. Newspapers, visual media and radio were utilized appropriately for conveying the message of the Mahatma. Dr.S.Kulandaisamy and Dr.C.Shenbagavalli gave talks in AIR and in visual media.

Five talks by Dr.S. Kulandaisamy in Kalaingar TV, Jaya TV and Sun TV on the “Need of Gandhian Life Style today” A CD was also released and available.

27 13. ‘Peace Boys’ a team comprising school students were formed, which visited many schools and colleges to communicate peace messages to students all over Tamilnadu and in other states also.

14. Dr. Kulandaisamy and Dr. Shenbagavalli participated in the All India GPF Workers Meet.

15. -Walking Tours were undertaken - with Inter-faith groups - to violence ridden places. One such five-day tour was arranged to visit Rajapalayam, Sivakasi, Srivilliputhur (near Madurai) immediately after the caste-based violent incidents erupted in these places. Fifteen members from different religions walked and offered prayer for peace.

28 29 30 16. A Group of five members that went on for 13 days from Chennai to Nagapattinam-Velankanni to explore ‘life of insecurity’.

17. A Cycle Tour was undertaken to propagate Gandhian ideals and to create awareness on evils of liquor and drugs consumption in the villages. Twenty five youth along with Dr.S.Kulandaisamy undertook the cycle tour.

18. Drama Festival with the theme ‘Revelence of Gandhiji’s Eleven Vows Today’ - 22 dramas, each of 30 minutes duration, were staged throught the day by teams from various schools at Kamaraj Bhavan, Chennai-18.

31 32 19. Secretary and Joint Secretary Participated in the ‘Global Network of Religions for Children’ held at Tokyo, Japan.

20. State-level short story competition in Tamil on ‘Relevance of Gandhian Lifestyle’ was conducted jointly with Dinamani-Tamil Daily. Editor of Dinamani awarded the prizes.

21. ‘Visit to a School everyday’ and conduct atleast one hour session on Gandhian Thought is our regular work. 22. Students visiting Leprosy Rehabilitation Projects as a part of training peace volunteers. They also visited ‘Crocodile Park’.

23. ‘Teachers Workshop’ on Peace Education was conducted in many places. One such was held at Gandhi Peace Foundation Branch at Chidambaram. 24. ‘Pingu Club’ - Children Section Teaching Crafts and Spinning in Takli and Charkha.

33 25. Promoting and Sale of Gandhian Literature in Schools & Colleges. 26. Students learn Dignity of Manual Labour through ‘Shramdhan’ projects.

27. In collaboration with Inner Wheel Club, a 10-day camp for students was organized. Theme was: ‘Freedom and Youth’.

34 A BRIEF REPORT OF THE CAMP

35 36 37 38 28. Cultural group along with artists carnatic musicians offered Bhajans on Gandhi Jayanthi and staged dramas and Puppet shows on Gandhian thought and peace themes.

29. During Day Celebrations Teachers who offered their services in the promotion of our activities are honoured.

39 30. Teaching Peace Games. One day event for promoting ‘Peace Games’ were organized in schools. Inclusive games were introduced in place of the usual ‘Competitive games’.

31. 15-day Internship Programme for students of the Masters Course in Tamil Literature from Bharati Womens’ College, Chennai. Students were encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge to create practical solutions for the betterment of society.

32. Many emineat persons visited...

33. Many eminent persons support our projects.

34. ‘Youth for Peace’ project was launched in 36 Corporation Schools and a 4 hour session was conducted in each school for batches of 50 students at a time.

40 41 42 35. ‘People for Peace Movement’ was launched for Students, Teachers, Parents and the Public with a view to bringing about macro change in the society through micro actions. This was taken up by many schools and colleges.

36. Day was celebrated on every August 9th.

43 37. Mobile Photo Exhibition on Gandhijis life....

38. ‘Youth against Violence’ was the original idea that was later changed to ‘Youth for Peace’.

44 45 39. Selected volumes of Gandhiji’s works (5 Volumes in Tamil) published by Navjivan Trust, Ahmedabad-14 were released GPF at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

40. Volunteers of GPF visit slum areas and conduct classes on Health and Hygiene and provide snacks for the children.

41. Public Meetings: Dr. Aryaratne, President, Sarvodaya Movement, Srilanka and Dr.M.S. Swaminathan, Director, M.S.S.Research Foundation, Chennai and Sri Mariyappan, Gandhiyan Thinker from Madurai participated in our seminar on peace education.

46 42. Gandhiyamamani Sri T. D. Tirumalai’s (Our Founder-Secretary) memorial day being celebrated on Aug. 11th by honouring persons who promote Gandhian values.

43. Gandhi Jayanthi Celebrations: 125th birth day celebrations were conducted in Gandhi Mandapam, Chennai with a variety of programmes like Photo Exhibitions, Run for Peace, Khadi Fashion Show, Inter Faith Projects etc.

47 48 49 50 51 44. Dr S. Kulandaisamy participated in the Camp at India Peace Centre (17-21, March 97) on “Promoting Peace in South Asia”.

45. Annai Kasturba Day was celebrated. Shri Bal Vijay, Disciple of Poojya , Shri C.D.V. Raghavulu, Vice-Chairman, GPF, Shri S. Pandian, Secretary, Gandhi Museum participated.

46. Dr. S. Kulandaisamy visited Sri Lanka twice on a Peace Mission organized by Sri Subba Rao, Sarvodaya leader.

47. Independence Day Celebrations were organized in the remote villages - one at Kudaloor village near Kalpakkam.

52 48. Associates of Gandhi Peace Foundation are invited to be Chief Guests on the occasion of Independence Day Celebration in many schools.

49. Workshops on “Conflict Resolution Methods” were organized in many schools and colleges.

50. GPF Branch at Trichy: A Branch our GPF, Madras is functioning in Trichy with Miss K.G.Meenakshi as its Co-ordinator. Prayer sessions and workshops are similarly being conducted in the Trichy City.

53 54 The impact we see: • Goodwill created among the friends from different religions. • Regular classes in schools for study of Gandhian values as part of moral/value education classes. • A module for voluntary work created to suit the college students of NSS. • Students in lots participated in the ‘Exam schemes’ - in these fifty years, an average of 5000 students participated annually - that is, a total of 2,50,000 students. • Students who participated in our workshops have shared with us that after being involved with the activities of the GPF, they have been able to successfully get rid of their bad habits such as - copying in the exams, breaking benches, eve teasing, smoking, drinking, spitting and urinating in the public places, indulging in foot board travel, quarrelling etc., and are becoming more responsible citizens. • Many of the youth have changed their lifestyle and adopted non-violence interpreting it relevantly in terms of honesty, sharing, protecting nature, loving animals, etc. • Some of them are now social workers, small entrepreneurs, and teachers of a different type trying to promote a culture pf Peace. • Many teachers who were part of our projects have been successful in dealing with the problems that the youth face and are able to resolve them in a peaceful manner. In other words, they have become ‘counselling teachers’. • Many Principals have introduced our projects into their regular curriculum. • The books “Gandhian way to Peace (English)” and Amaidhikku Gandhiya Vazhi (Tamil)” have been prescribed as text books for the (Moral) Value Education Class in many schools in India. • Students who participate in our workshops learn public speaking, singing, staging dramas, mono acting with themes on Peace and Gandhian thought and present them at all School functions. This seems to be an effective way of propagating Gandhian ideals.

Secretary’s Note: I Joined Sri.T.D. Tirumalai in 1973 after my graduation in B.E. Chemical Engineering out of my interest in spreading Gandhian Thought and in the goodness of the ‘man’ Tirumalai. I had my ‘Gurukulavaasam’ with him till 1993 when he passed away. If at all I do have the joy and wisdom of life, the credit of it must go to him, who made me understand life in the right way. With what ever material available to me, I have prepared this report. If any discrepancies to be found, it should be my fault and I should be pardoned. - S. Kulandaisamy

55 Inspiring Quotes of

• “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if • “A leader is useless when he acts against the you were to live forever.” promptings of his own conscience, surrounded as he must be by people holding all kinds of • “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he views. He will drift like an anchorless ship, if thinks he becomes.” he has not the inner voice to hold him firm and • “Be the change that you want to see in the guide him.” world.” • “A leader is the greatest servant. A gets • “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an authority to order only when he has risen to the attribute of the strong.” greatest height of service. His orders would then • “I will not let anyone walk through my mind be, not in his own self-interest, but for the good with their dirty feet.” of the community.” • “Strength does not come from physical capacity. • “Those who claim to lead the masses must It comes from an indomitable will.” resolutely refuse to be led by them...In matters of vital importance, leaders must act contrary to • “An ounce of patience is worth more than a the mass opinion, if it does not commend itself tonne of preaching.” to their reason.” • “Change yourself – you are in control.” • “It should be a principle with us implicitly to • “See the good in people and help them.” obey the commands or instructions of one whom we have chosen to be our Sardar (leader). In • “Without action, you aren’t going anywhere.” public life, no matter whether one is father or • “Take care of this moment.” elder brother of the man under whom one serves, one must obey his instructions. It is not a new • “Be congruent, be authentic, be your true self.” law. It used to be a law even in ancient times.” • “Continue to grow and evolve.” • “One should try to emulate and imitate only the • “A ‘no’ uttered from the deepest conviction is virtues of one’s leaders, never their faults. Our better than a ‘Yes’ uttered merely to please, or national leaders do not claim to be paragons worse, to avoid trouble.” of perfection. They occupy the position on • “Glory lies in the attempt to reach one’s goal and eminence that they do in public life by virtue not in reaching it.” of certain qualities which they exhibit in their character. Let us ponder over those qualities and • “An eye for an eye will make the whole world try to assimilate them, let us not even think of blind.” their shortcomings.” • “Happiness is when what you think, what you • “A leader should allow himself to obey the ‘Inner say, and what you do are in harmony.” Voice’ in the face of pressure from outside. Any • “A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is leader who succumbs in this way forfeits his the prerogative of the brave.” right to leadership.” • “Nobody can hurt me without my permission.” • “Invalid leaders or public servants should give up the hankering after active leadership or service.” • “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” • “A servant of the people should never fear or give • “All cannot become leaders, but all can be way to bitterness, if he finds himself a victim bearers.” of misunderstanding, whether unintentional or • “A leader is only first among equals. Someone wilful. The acts of men, who have come out to must be put first, but he is and should be no serve or lead, have always been misunderstood stronger than the weakest link in the chain. since the beginning of the world and none can Having made our selection, we must follow him help it. To put up with these misrepresentations or the chain is broken and all is loose.” and to stick to one’s guns, come what might, this is the essence of the gift of leadership.” • “Only he can be a leader who never loses hope.”

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