Mahatma Gandhi Forum: June 2012

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

launches three courses on

Mahatma Gandhi and Peace Studies

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched three new modular programmes on Mahatma Gandhi and Peace Studies.

According to the University, the MAGPS programme, which can be completed between two and five years, provides in-depth knowledge in Gandhian thoughts, peace studies and conflict resolution. A graduate in any discipline is eligible to join the programme for July 2012 session.

"It develops peace methods from the inter-disciplinary perspectives to train the participants in peace making and conflict resolution in real life situations. The diploma holders can then join media, NGOs or opt for teaching and research," a IGNOU release said.

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News Courtesy: The Times of India, dt. 26.06.2012

Physical Labour

A farmer, while he was ploughing his field, once asked, “kindly tell me about the dignity of labour”. In response, he said, “perform physical labour so that you are in unison with the universe and the soul of universe.

To be lazy and to be indifferent to the seasons amount to walking against the very process of life that marches towards the infinite, taking pride in the total surrender.

When you are performing labour, you are like a flute which transforms the soft sound made by the passing time into divine music the moment it comes in contact with the soul of the flute. And when the whole universe is resonating a symphony in one voice, who among you wants to be a dumb, voiceless machine?

You have always been taught that to perform physical labour is a curse and anyone performing it is unfortunate. But I’m telling you that performing labour is the same as loving life. To love life by performing labour is to unfold the secrets of life.

- Khalil Gibran