The Light Unleashes "Gandhi and Khan: Power of Nonviolence" at the Parliament of the World's Religions
On July 11, 2004, at the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Barcelona ,Spain, In The Light successfully conveyed the much-needed message that peace and nonviolence are possible through religious and spiritual values. The inter-religious program opened with a peace invocation by Ven. Cheun Phangcham followed by a short Buddhist meditation. Presenting to an audience of over 250 noted religious leaders, practitioners, and academics from all over the world, David Capraro, President of In the Light opened the inter-religious program underscoring the importance of nonviolence rising out of perennial religious wisdom. Rare footage of Mahatma Gandhi and Badshah Khan set an appropriate tone for the presentation.
Prasanna Vengadam, Project Manager of "Gandhi and Khan: Power of Nonviolence" presented the influence of Hinduism and other major religions including Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Buddhism on the life and nonviolence of Mahatma Gandhi. While Gandhi is seen as an icon of peace, many overlook the role of his religious and spiritual philosophy behind his nonviolence.
Imam Achmat Salie, Director of the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit , focused on the nonviolence of Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a deeply devout Muslim leader. A contemporary of Mahatma Gandhi, Khan was a social reformer who transformed the Pashtun community to give up violence and embrace nonviolence purely on the basis of Prophet Muhammad's teachings.
At a time when many have grown cynical and critical of religion and see it as a threat to peace, the theme of "Religion is the Root of Nonviolence," was convincingly demonstrated through the lives and legacies of Gandhi and Khan, two practical idealists who stand before the world as the apostles of nonviolence and peace.
The presentations were simultaneously translated into Spanish and Catalan. All attendees of the program received a free copy of Eknath Easwaran's "Nonviolent Soldier of Islam" a biography on Khan's life and work. Scores of attendees signed the petition nominating Mahatma Gandhi and Badshah Khan for a joint posthumous Nobel Peace Prize. Attendees from different religious backgrounds and several countries, and various peace and nonviolence activists expressed support and enthusiasm for the project.
Following In The Light's participation at the Parliament of the World's Religions, several groups have expressed interest in hosting "Gandhi and Khan: Power of Nonviolence" events in their cities.
Feedback and Responses
Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, former Member of Parliament, South Africa, and Editor of "Satyagraha" newspaper in Durban had this to say after attending our Parliament presentation:
"It was really great ... hearing again about my hero and mentor, Abdul Ghaffar Khan. I met him when I was only seven years old. We were all staying at the Sevagram Ashram with Gandhiji. Gandhiji made time to see us children on a daily basis and often we would meet Abduljee [Khan]. I believe that his story is so important for us today. We really need to publicize it as much as we can".
- Interfaith activists from Israel and South Africa were happy to learn about
Gandhi and Khan, Hindu-Muslim allies in nonviolence, and were encouraged
to apply such examples in their work.
- Educators from U.S. and Turkey found the nonviolence of Khan illuminating and expressed a need for greater awareness on Khan's life and nonviolent leadership.
- Mr. Singh from India , but born and raised in Peshawar (Badshah
Khan's hometown) shared his childhood experience of meeting Khan
with warmth and joy. "Badshah Khan had just been released from a
prison in Southern India. People in Peshawar lined up for 30 miles
to welcome Khan, their hero, and kiss his hand. I asked Badshah
Khan for his autograph and Khan wrote, 'religion is love' and signed
his name."
- A noted writer and academic from the U.S. found the presentation
on Gandhi's spiritual source of nonviolence and his role as a compassionate
leader very unique.
- A physician who admired Gandhian principles was inspired to note the role of faith in nonviolence and peace, just as it is in healing and recovery.
Our Acknowledgments
The staff of the Council for a Parliament of World's Religions, Chicago for their immense help and consideration before and during the event.
Blue Mountain Meditation Center and Press, California for generously providing Eknath Easwaran's "The Nonviolent Soldier of Islam" books at production cost.
Donors in Michigan for providing the "The Nonviolent Soldier of Islam" book free to all attendees.
Sarvodaya Shramadana Movemnt of Sri Lanka , International Day of Peace Vigil coordinators, and other volunteers for providing critical logistics support for the program
The Gandhi and Khan: Power of Nonviolence Team for their work and dedication to see this project from its infancy to this stage where it is raising consciousness globally about the true nature of nonviolence which is bravery, universal love and service to humanity.