Mahatma Gandhi’s humane philosophy and inherent spirituality had a profound influence not only on the people of India but the freedom loving people worldwide. 11th of September 2006 marked the centenary of the Satyagraha movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa for peaceful resistance against discriminatory and unjust laws. “Satyagraha—the firmness of the force Truth” became a powerful mass movement of peaceful resistance and civil disobedience. Over the years, it evolved into a dynamic mass movement of effective action.
Commemorating 100 years of ‘Satyagraha’ in a befitting manner, the Indian National Congress convened a two day international conference: “Peace, Non-violence and Empowerment: Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century”. Over 300 international delegates from 91 countries comprising world leaders, Nobel laureates, leading peace and human rights activists and Gandhian scholars reflected on the essence and the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy. The Conference deliberated on subjects and issues which represent the core of Gandhian thought. The discussion touched upon a wide range of Gandhian principles and values including Mahatma Gandhi’s concern for the poor and his abiding commitment to non-violence and people’s empowerment. Emerging from the discussions amongst the luminaries was the collective affirmation to renew people’s commitment to Mahatma’s noble mission of building a world that is in peace and harmony with itself.
Based on the deliberations of this conference, together with precious archival material, this volume—a book for the future—endeavours to reach out and connect the people, especially the younger generation, to the ‘Gandhian way’ and to carry forward his legacy into the 21st century.