New Delhi: The Centre for Distance and Open Education (CDOE), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Gandhi Smriti jointly organized an E-dialogue on ‘Women and Peace’ on 22 February, 2022 to commemorate the 78th Nirvan Diwas of Kasturba Gandhi. The aim of the programme was to discuss the role of women in empowering themselves and other sections of society.
The Welcome address was given by Dr. Sailaja Gullapalli, Research Associate, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti. In a brief introduction, she apprised the audience of the role played by Kasturba Gandhi in freedom struggle, her work in schools and ashrams that were opened during this time. She taught people about personal cleanliness and community sanitation which are so essential conditions.
Dr. Dayal Sandhu, Assistant Professor (Education), CDOE, moderated the session and in honor of the women achievers, read the citations for Smt.Hena Chakraborty, Smt.Shobha Girdhar, Dr Sita Ojha, Smt.Krishna Samajdhar, Smt.Geeta Shukhla , Smt.Shaswati Jhalani, Ms.Manimala ,Prof Talat Aziz, Prof Najma Amin and Prof Tasneem Fatma to mark the felicitation for women achievers.
Prof. Jessy Abraham, Director, CDOE, JMI, in her inaugural address acknowledged JMI Vice Chancellor Padma Sri Prof Najma Akhtar for her support to conduct the E-dialogue and remembered the contribution of Kasturba Gandhi, her active role in politics ever since South Africa days and the movements thereof. She was instrumental in teaching women to be part of freedom struggle. She was lathi-charged, arrested and even suffered extreme ill-health during the freedom movement days.
Prof.Vidya Jain, in her special address, dwelt on the role of Kasturba Gandhi as an equal partner of Mahatma Gandhi, evolving together with courage and determination. Gandhiji’s feminism evolved because of the influence of Kasturba on him. This helps in future too as Gandhiji’s feminism is crucial in addressing issues of gender, social emancipation and women’s liberation.
Prof.Najma Amin, in her special address, spoke on the role of Satyagraha as an influencing factor on masses and women in particular. The nonviolence of Satyagraha helps in understanding the concept of peace in holistic perspective. She gave examples of how women took active role in freedom struggle, sacrificing everything and even their jewelry and least other possessions.
Shri Laxmi Dass ji, renowned Gandhian in his special address, talked about developing an exhibition on Kasturba Gandhiji in Harijan Sewak Sangh. It is difficult to imagine Kasturba ji as a separate entity and present before the world though she was independent and had the courage to express herself fearlessly. She played important role in educating masses, picketing liquor vends and taking along women through her leadership qualities.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks given by Dr. Dayal Sandhu.
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