Release from Shobhit University :
Shobhit University (a University declared u/s 3 of UGC Act 1956) is providing quality education and employable technical and managerial skills to young people in India and from abroad at graduation, post graduation and doctorate/research levels.
Besides above, we are meeting out our social responsibility through philanthropic activities in the field of education, vocational training, skills development, health care, and social cohesion; thereby developing and empowering local communities, especially youth from needy and weaker sections of our society. It is humble contribution for equitable and inclusive growth of our nation. In this context, Adarsh Community College at Gangoh, Saharanpur has also been established.
As a step further and in order to commemorate the 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi Ji’s “Hind Swaraj”; Shobhit University in association with Indian Council of Gandhian Studies, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan & Himsamukat Bharat Andolan and under the Chairmanship of Shri Oscar Fernandes, MP, organized a Violence Free India Campaign at 100 places in India from 13-22 November 2009. It’s the follow up of the historic declaration signed on 6th August 2009 (the 64th Anniversary of Hiroshima Atomic Bombing) at Shobhit University Tower, New Delhi held under the guidance of Prof. N. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Indian Council of Gandhian Studies.
HIND SWARAJ is Gandhi Ji’s vision of a just and nonviolent society. The 100 anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s writing of this seminal work brings to one’s mind how Gandhi’s country chose to ignore the warning he offered in Hind Swaraj. Gandhi Ji’s critique of violence, the nonviolent alternatives he offered, his analysis of the growing tentacles of terror and violence, unprincipled growth of materialism and callous indifference to values etc. have all been ignored or not taken seriously.
One of the biggest challenges our country faces today is widespread violence and terror. Following this, the India society is fast becoming increasingly intolerant and violent. It is a known fact by being indifferent or merely condemning it, violence will not disappear. Nor can combating this menace be left to the government alone. Should not the citizens reflect on appropriate strategies and creative initiatives to reign in these monsters that have dug their feet very deep and have assumed ominous proportion capable enough to threaten the very existence of our nation?
As responsible citizens, what should then be our response? The civil society, especially the youth, should be brought in to the forefront of any effort towards Peace-buildings, Peace-making and Peace-keeping initiatives. Hence, the organization of Nationwide “Violence Free Campaign”. Highlights of this Nation wide campaign included:
* Ten-day intensive Youth awareness creation campaigns
* Seminars and discussions in 100 places in India on the problems of Violence and Terror
* National Youth Assembly at New Delhi on 21 November 2009 to launch revitalized UYVA SHANTI SENA
* Launch of Shanti Kendras (Peace Education Centers) in educational institutions in Delhi
* Launch of 100 Community Peace Centers in the Community Colleges of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Moreover, Shobhit University at their level organized a Seminar on “Education for Nation Building and Civilizational Issues in Hind Swaraj” on 15th November 2009 at University Tower, Institutional Area, Pocket-B, Mayur Vihar Phase II, New Delhi. The programme was attended by more than 150 youth, students, educationists, social workers, Gandhian Scholars and NGOs. Shri Bishwajit Bhattacharyya, Addl. Solicitor General of India was the Chief Guest and Shri Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra, Pro-Chancellor, Shobhit University was the Chairman of this program. Eminent speakers during the program included Shri Devdutt, senior journalist and Gandhian scholar; Prof. N. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Indian Council of Gandhian Studies and seminar Director: Dr.Anoop Swarup, Vice-Chancellor, Shobhit University.
As a sequel to the national campaign, a National Youth Assembly against Violence and Terror, dedicated to the sacred memory of former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji – a martyr for harmony, tolerance and unity- was organized in New Delhi during the ‘Quami Ekta Week’ on 21 November 2009.
This national event focused attention on the specific role the youth of India can play in both understanding the gravity and nature of extremism, violence and terror the country is facing now, and encourage them to reflect on the role each one of them can play back in their places of study, work or activities. The aim, in short, was to encourage them to reflect and help take initiatives at individual, local and institutional levels, so that each one will become a partner in promoting harmony, reconciliation, peace and development. This is also to remind the youth of India that in a crisis; instead of remaining silent or indifferent, they have a special positive role to play.
The program started in the morning at Gandhi Samadhi, Rajghat by Lighting of “Ahimsa Jyotis (representing all States & Union Territories of India) by Shri Oscar Fernandes, M P and Chairman, National Organizing Committee. Shri Pratik P. Patil, Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, administered the Shanti Sena Pledge to the Youth Participants. Young volunteers from NYKS, NSS and Shobhit University carried the “Ahimsa Jyotis” on motorcycles to Mavalankar Hall, New Delhi.
At Mavalankar Hall, the program was attended by nearly 900 youth, students (Shanti Seniks), educationists, social workers, Gandhian Scholars and NGOs. The function of the National Youth Assembly started with lighting of lamp and all religions Prayer by students from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. Prof. N. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Indian Council of Gandhian Studies welcomed the participants, guests and invitees. Shri Oscar Fernandes, M.P. and Chairman, National Organizing Committee was the Chairman of the function.
The function was inaugurated by Shri Motilal Vohra, M.P. The Shanti Seniks and other participants were addressed and motivated by Guests of Honour: Dr. S. N. Subba Rao, Chairman, Citizens, Commission For Dialogue, Justice and Reconciliation; Shri Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra,
Pro-Chancellor, Shobhit University; Shri. J. D. Seelam, M.P; Shri P.V.Rajagopal, President, Ekta Prasishad; Samani Dr.Mangal Pragya, Vice-Chancellor, Jain Vishwabharti University, Ladnun; Dr.Anoop Swarup, Vice-Chancellor, Shobhit University; Prof. Vinod Tyagi, Secretary, Organizing Committee.
The messages received from Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Hon’ble Chairperson, UPA; Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Delhi and His Holiness Acharya Mahapragya were read during the function.
Prof. V.N. Rajashekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU announced the launching of Community Peace Centers in the Community Colleges associated with IGNOU, where as Dr. Y.P. Anand, Former Chairman, Railway Board and Director, National Gandhi Museum, announced commencing of Shanti Kendras in educational institutions in Delhi. It was followed by a Working and Interactive Session during which, a Standing Body of Yuva Shanti Sainiks / Peace Volunteers to promote peace-building, Peace-making and peace-keeping initiatives was developed. The programme ended by giving Vote of Thanks by Shri. N. Vasudevan, Director, Indian Council of Gandhian Studies and Dr. Vinod Tyagi, Secretary, Organizing Committee.
On behalf of Shobhit University, Dr.Anoop Swarup, Vice-Chancellor, announced a “Gandhi Darshan” Center to be launched at Shobhit University Campus.
