mahatma gandhi

Call for Applications: Global Youth Peace Fest by Yuvsatta

Yuvsatta (Youth for Peace) is calling for youth applicants of 18-35 years old from all over the world to be part of the Global Youth Peace Fest 2022, which will be held from 30 September to 2 October at the International Youth Centre (IYC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Young people around the world remain optimistic that an inclusive, resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is possible. With creativity and dedication, they are helping develop solutions to make sure communities emerge from the pandemic stronger than before. No doubt it is young people who have experienced the brunt of the pandemic’s impact worldwide. As Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said, “Young people are less at risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19 but will be the most affected by the long-term consequences of the pandemic, which will shape the world they live and work in for decades to come,”.

The Bilateral Relationship Between Mauritius and India

Mauritius and India share a long history, with over 330 years of ties. The two countries have enjoyed warm relations since the days of the British Empire, and Mauritius has been a trusted friend and ally of India since independence.

The two countries have signed several bilateral agreements to strengthen their bonds, such as an extradition treaty and a maritime boundary agreement. The liaison between the citizens of Mauritius and India is reflected in many Indian-origin people in Mauritius, the warm sentiments expressed at Independence Day celebrations, the numerous cultural and sporting events that are organised, and the large Indian community in Mauritius. Their partnership is rooted in shared democratic values, a history of close friendship, and a strong desire to build on a promising future. The collaboration between the two countries is similarly grounded in shared democratic values and a shared commitment to building a prosperous, democratic, and peaceful future for our nations and the world.

Mauritius Wishes India Happy Republic Day 2022

India’s Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 every year to remember the day when the Constitution of India came into effect after India gained independence after a very long freedom struggle. On this occasion, the Republic of Mauritius and YUVA Mauritius wish to wish all Indians a Happy Republic Day 2022.

A salute of 21 guns and the unfurling of the Indian National Flag by Dr Rajendra Prasad heralded the historic birth of the Indian Republic on that day. Thereafter 26th of January was decreed a national holiday and was recognised as the Republic Day of India. Ever since the historic day, January 26 is celebrated with festivities and patriotic fervour all around the country.

International Day of Non-Violence 2020: Say No to Violence

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.

YUVA 3rd Anniversary: Speech of Executive Director

A very warm welcome again to the YUVA 3^rd Anniversary Celebrations.

It is three years since our organisation was created. Time to reflect on the speed in which we have institutionalised internally, begun to change narratives nationally, and championed youth development in Mauritius. Continue reading “YUVA 3rd Anniversary: Speech of Executive Director”

NO to Corporate Social Responsibility, YES to Personal Social Responsibility: YUVA New Strategy

In its first session of the Central Committee meeting on 11 October 2015 at YUVA Head Office, YUVA has decided to adopt and implement the Personal Social Responsibility spirit in the organisation.

One of the key areas of interest of YUVA has always been how YUVANs as individuals and groups can improve Mauritius and the world. To YUVA, it is all about addressing how we live our lives and the impact we have on everything and everyone around us, both locally and globally.

The time has come when we cannot just rely on others – each one of us has to do our bit. Increasingly companies, or better said corporate social responsibility grants, are becoming more political and business-driven in Mauritius. It is now time for people to be more and more aware about their Personal Social Responsibility (PSR).

YUVA firmly believe that PSR is an idea whose time has come.

YUVA President Krishna Athal says, “As we marked the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (2 October) this month, bear in mind his oft repeated quote “Be the Change you wish to see in the world”. From the being, comes the doing and ultimately the having. So we now have the message “Do the change you wish to see in the world”. Taking this as the foundation of our though process, YUVA is pleased to announce the adoption of the Personal Social Responsibility spirit in its operation at all levels.”

PSR is all about doing to others what you would like others do to you. It is about recognising how your behaviour affects others, and holding yourself accountable for your actions.

Definition of Personal Social Responsibility

From his acclaimed book entitled “Personal Social Responsibility,” author Arvind Devalia defines this concept in terms of the golden rule as well as “recognising how your behaviour affects others, and holding yourself accountable for your actions.” He goes on to say that the key question we must ask ourselves if we are going to have personal social responsibility is whether or not our actions will improve the lives of others.

Pay It Forward

A key element of personal social responsibility is endeavouring to have a positive impact on other people and the environment. When individuals strive to make positive contributions, they are acting in a personally responsible way to society. By recognising that our every action and utterance impacts those around us, we become more conscious of our words and actions and therefore are more likely to act in a socially responsible way. For example, being kind to a stranger increases the likelihood that the stranger will be kind to someone else, creating a chain reaction of kindness whereby people are being treated well and paying it forward.

Personal Social Responsibility Overcomes Corporate Social Responsibility

YUVA has decided to not apply for any CSR grant in Mauritius. Instead, a new scheme is being put forward: every YUVAN or non-YUVAN who believes in the vision and work of YUVA would contribute an amount of Rs 50/- every month to the organisation. This would increase transparency since this money would be directly transferred from two bank accounts through standing order (banking), and also create a sense of belonging between the contributor and YUVA.

What happens, at the end of the day, is that every individual would opt for PSR rather than waiting for a company to contribute in bringing change in their life.

If you wish to be a contributor, click here.

2 October: International Day of Non-Violence

“There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.” – Mahatma Gandhi, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, 1927

The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolutionA/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.

The life and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence, has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The theory behind his actions, which included encouraging massive civil disobedience to British law as with the historic Salt March of 1930, was that “just means lead to just ends”; that is, it is irrational to try to use violence to achieve a peaceful society. He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism.

Definition of Non-Violence

The principle of non-violence — also known as non-violent resistance — rejects the use of physical violence in order to achieve social or political change. Often described as “the politics of ordinary people”, this form of social struggle has been adopted by mass populations all over the world in campaigns for social justice.

Professor Gene Sharp, a leading scholar on non-violent resistance, uses the following definition in his publication, The Politics of Nonviolent Action:

“Nonviolent action is a technique by which people who reject passivity and submission, and who see struggle as essential, can wage their conflict without violence. Nonviolent action is not an attempt to avoid or ignore conflict. It is one response to the problem of how to act effectively in politics, especially how to wield powers effectively.”

While non-violence is frequently used as a synonym for pacifism, since the mid-twentieth century the term non-violence has been adopted by many movements for social change which do not focus on opposition to war.

One key tenet of the theory of non-violence is that the power of rulers depends on the consent of the population, and non-violence therefore seeks to undermine such power through withdrawal of the consent and cooperation of the populace.

There are three main categories of non-violence action:

protest and persuasion, including marches and vigils;
non-cooperation; and
non-violent intervention, such as blockades and occupations.

Documents

YUVA

Youth United in Voluntary Action

Tag: mahatma gandhi