As the Season for Nonviolence draws to a close, we reflect on the impactful journey of advocating for peace and nonviolence. Throughout this season, we’ve been privileged to engage in various initiatives aimed at promoting peace and nonviolence in our communities and beyond. From the opening day of the Season, where we honored the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Coretta Scott King at the United Nations Economic and Social Council [ECOSOC] Forum on January 30, 2024, to inspiring the next generation of peace advocates during reading week in our local CCSD schools, our efforts have been guided by a shared commitment to creating a more just and compassionate world.
Prior to attending the United Nations ECOSOC Forum 2024, Common Peace, the Center for the Advancement of Nonviolence, The MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, The Peace Alliance, AVANI, alongside our organization, submitted a written statement to the United Nations, a testament to the power of collective action and compassion. The United Nations Economic and Social Committee took note of Gandhi Worldwide Education Institute and approved its ECOSOC status for another 4 years on January 26, 2024 (India’s Republic Day). This recognition highlights the importance of our ongoing efforts in promoting peace and nonviolence collaboratively.
A highlight during our Season for Nonviolence journey was our visit to Rundle Elementary School in Las Vegas, where we had the opportunity to share Arun Gandhi’s “Be The Change” children’s book with students. The faculty installed it in the school’s library along with other educational materials promoting nonviolence. Witnessing the students’ enthusiasm and appreciation for the message of nonviolence reinforced the importance of our work in promoting peace education.
The MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, founded by Arun and Sunanda Gandhi, continued its prison work during the Season for Nonviolence. AVANI’s Anuradha Bhosale joined our board of directors, bringing US-based donors who have long supported her work. AVANI is also preparing for Arun Gandhi’s one-year celebration of his passing on May 2 in Kolhapur, India, his eternal resting place.
April 4th marks the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s passing, a day when we not only commemorate his life and legacy but also renew our commitment to promoting nonviolence in all aspects of our lives. In honor of Dr. King’s enduring legacy, the City of Boulder, Nevada, has proclaimed April 4th as a Day of Nonviolence, thanks to the efforts of the Nevada Nonviolence Coalition.
On April 7th, 11:00 am PT Common Peace, the Center for the Advancement of Nonviolence, and The Agape International Spiritual Center will present Rev. James Lawson, Jr., who is featured in our film “Ahimsa – Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless,” with the Season for Nonviolence Inaugural Lifetime Legacy Super Hero Award in Los Angeles at the Agape Service in the Saban Theater.
As we commemorate Arun Gandhi’s birth anniversary on April 14th and reflect on the profound impact of the Season for Nonviolence, let us renew our commitment to promoting peace and nonviolence in all aspects of our lives.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce an upcoming Zoom event (link) hosted by The Peace Alliance, an organization founded by Marianne Williamson and Heart Phoenix. Taking place on April 17th, at 5 pm PT/ 8 pm ET this event will honor Arun Gandhi, the Season for Nonviolence Elders, and the peace weavers carrying forth.
We invite you to join us as we come together to celebrate the legacy of nonviolence and continue our collective journey towards a more peaceful and just world. Together, we can make a difference and inspire positive change in our communities and beyond. Our journey doesn’t end here – it is just the beginning of a continued effort to amplify the voices of nonviolence and drive positive change in our communities and beyond. Thank you for your continued dedication to the cause of peace.
Current Programs 2024
AHIMSA GANDHI: The Power of the Powerless by Ramesh Sharma
Season for Nonviolence Jan 30 – April 4, 2024
AVANI Sponsor the Children Fund
Satyagraha Tour of South Africa 2025
United Nations ECOSOC Consultative Status since July 23, 2015
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