Ghandhi’s grandson to speak on nonviolence Feb. 28

CONTACT: Margot Dimond
PHONE: (713) 348-6775
E-MAIL: mdimond@rice.edu

GHANDHI’S GRANDSON TO SPEAK ON NONVIOLENCE FEB. 28
Lecture offered through Rice’s School of Continuing Studies

The principles of non-violence practiced by Mahatma Gandhi will be the topic of a lecture by his grandson, Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi, 7:30-9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 28.

The talk, titled ”Gandhi: An Enduring Legacy of Non-Violence,” is coordinated by Rice University’s School of Continuing Studies and will be held at Houston Community College,

When Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi was born in 1869 to a prosperous middle-class family in India, the country was a British colony.   When he died, in 1948, India was a free nation and is now one of the world’s great democracies.

Often called the Father of the Nation by his countrymen, Mahatma (meaning ”Great Soul”) Gandhi had a great impact on India’s political destiny.   His devotion to non-violence, his decision to embrace poverty despite being educated as a barrister in England, and his ultimate decision to support independence for India – all contributed to what has become a compelling and inspiring story of the triumph of the best in human nature over our own worst instincts.

Rajmohan Gandhi says he decided to promote the legacy of his famous grandfather when he faced situations somewhat similar to the ones Mahatma Gandhi faced – in this case, political difficulties between India and Pakistan over Kashmir and religious conflicts. ”What he said and did made a lot of sense relevant to the situation I was addressing,” he said.   ”Conflict is a part of contemporary life, and how to conduct these conflicts is a great question. ”

Rajmohan Gandhi is a visiting professor of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and faculty director of Global Crossroads at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.   He is not only the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, but also of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, first Governor General of Independent India.

The lecture fee is $30, and advance registration is required.

For more information, call the School of Continuing Studies at 713-348-4803, or visit www.scs.rice.edu