Celebrations of Bapu@150

 Panel Discussion on “Democracy:Non-Violent Struggles for Recognition”

             The University of Ottawa’s Institute for Fiscal Studies and Democracy (IFSD) in collaboration with the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council (MGPC) hosted a panel discussion on "Democracy: Non-violent struggles for recognition" on May 13 from 6:00 pm to 7;30 pm at Desmarais Hall, University of Ottawa.

            2.This event featured three distinguished panelists- Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi, well known scholar/journalist and also the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Mr. Ebrahim Ebrahim, Deputy Minister of the African National Congress and a close associate of Nelson Mandela, and Prof. Cindy Blackstock, famous Canadian academic and Indigenous rights activist from McGill University. The discussion was moderated by Professor Irwin Colter, Chair of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, Emeritus Professor of Law at McGill University, former Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada, longtime Member of Parliament & an acclaimed human rights lawyer.

           3.In his brief remarks, High Commissioner Vikas Swarup highlighted the celebration of democracy in the form of the on-going general elections in India and its resilience and Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution in gaining India’s independence from colonial rule. Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi spoke about the influence of Mahatma Gandhi in giving shape and character to India’s freedom struggle against British rule through his philopsy of non-violent and peaceful methods which inspired many leaders across the world. Mr. Ebrahim elaborated on how Gandhi spent nearly 21 years in South Africa practicing law, and adopting Satyagraha against the racist regime in which campaigners went on peaceful marches and presented themselves for arrest in protest against unjust laws.  This form of action was to become one of the great political tools of the 20^th century, influencing the civil rights movement of African National Congress in its early years of struggle against apartheid in South Africa.  Prof Blackstock said that Gandhi was one of her heroes and his philospy of non-violence had also influenced struggle of the indigenous people of Canada against discrimination and for equal opportunities and equal rights .

4. The event attracted a very good audience of more than 200 persons. A few photos of the event are attached.

 Ottawa

15 May 2019

Audience at the Panel discussion on Democracy: Non-violent struggle for Recognition.

 Professor Irwin Colter, Chair of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, Emeritus Professor of Law at McGill University, former Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada, longtime Member of Parliament moderating the discussion.

 High Commissioner Vikas Swarup delivering opening remarks

 Ms. Rashmi Gupta, President, Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council of Ottawa addressing the audience

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