Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Wellington in collaboration with the High Commission of India last week organised a lecture on “Mahatma Gandhi’s Nonviolent Action for Social Change” presented by Shobhana Radhakrishna, Chief Functionary of the Gandhian Forum for Ethical Corporate Governance, India.
Shobhana has lectured in over 30 countries and has dedicated her life to spreading the message of the Mahatma. Gandhi inspired many across the globe including the likes of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jnr. and many others to lead their own resistance movements against discrimination but by following the path of truth and non-violent civil disobedience that is also known as “Satyagraha”.
Event organiser Pushpa Wood said “Gandhi’s message of peace, equality and conflict resolution by dialogue is just as relevant today as it was when he was alive. It has been a pleasure hosting someone like Shobhana ji who has dedicated her life to spread the message of peace through Gandhi’s teachings.”
With the recent events in Christchurch and more recently the bombings in Sri Lanka, it is even more important to acknowledge the need for peace in this world. It is vital that New Zealand continues on its tradition of promoting the message of peace.
“Gandhi’s message to the world was that humanity is at crossroads and must choose between violence (law of the jungle) or non-violence (law of humanity). We have an unprecedented opportunity to open a new page in human history” says Shobhana
Shobhana will deliver another lecture in Hamilton before heading to South Korea, Japan and Russia to spread the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
“It is a huge honour and a privilege to have someone of Shobhana’s calibre here in New Zealand and I hope that we can spread the message of Gandhi through Shobhana to more New Zealanders” – Arish Naresh, New Zealand program coordinator, Gandhian Forum.
