PANEL ONE: GANDHI & MODERN ENVIRONMENTALISM | 5:00PM - 6:15PM
Gandhi is not easily imagined as an environmentalist, yet his views that “the modern civilisation is marked by indefinite multiplicity of wants, whereas ancient civilisations were marked by regulation of these wants,” and his commitment to the oneness of all life, brings him close to strands of modern environmentalism. It is environmental thought, instinctive to Gandhi, that the wellbeing and thriving of both human and non-human life is important, and that the richness and diversity of life forms have intrinsic value in themselves, that makes him significant in the field of ecology.
Panellists: Dr. Nishikant Kolge, Dr. Vijaya Ramadas Mandala, Dr. Lavanya Suresh, Dr. Shiv Visvanathan
Moderator: Dr. Usha Raman
PANEL TWO: GANDHI & DEMOCRATIC DISAGREEMENT | 6:45PM - 8:00PM
As is well known, MK Gandhi held prejudices of race, caste & gender in his younger years. While some may argue that these were never fully resolved, Gandhi’s thoughts transformed profoundly over the course of his life, often due to his discussions with other thinkers of the time, many who disagreed with him. In modern India, and around the world, this approach of democratic disagreement is vital for us to consider. Gandhi’s life teaches us the importance of trying to recognise, if not reconcile, our differences, and to maintain respect and generosity, even in the most fundamental of them.
Panelists: Dr. Bhangya Bhukya, Dr. Mridula Mukherjee, Ms. Gita Ramaswamy
Moderator: Mr. Mohan Guruswamy
