The dawn of the 21st century has heralded a world rife and riddled with a number of new and complex conflicts at different levels in the society. Resolution to these conflicts seems even more challenging than anything ever experienced in human histor
ing than anything ever experienced in human history. Pundits and policy makers are at a loss even to fathom the depth and density of the resulting crises.
At the same time numerous newly formulated rational methods as well as faith-based approaches embedded in different cultures and traditions are being considered both for an understanding of the nature and dimensions of conflicts but also for crafting the much-needed strategies to resolve differences, reach reconciliation and ultimately usher in transcendental peace—all towards achieving global consensus for a humane and ecologically viable new global order.
Keeping this in perspective, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has set up in the School of Social Sciences an interdisciplinary teaching, research and practice centre: Centre for Gandhi and Peace Studies (CGPS).
The prime objective of the CGPS is to train students to participate creatively in all aspects of peace studies—peace-building in conflict and post-conflict societies. Analysis of systemic and overt violence and the causes of war, of human rights and peace-building, and of conflict resolution alternatives leads students to a deeper understanding of the complexities of conflict situations, the social impact of non-violent movements, conflict resolution practice, and peace studies.
Towards this objective, the CGPS has evolved a rigorous academic curriculum developed by the leading Indian scholars in the field that helps students to develop critical thinking and analytical skills as well as alternative methodologies for research. Together the professional engagement of faculty members encourages students to develop new models of peace-building and link theory with practice.
The broad themes that underpin the range of ‘taught’ and research programmes of the Centre at graduate and post-graduate levels include:
Contending theories of conflict, the causes of war, organized violence and the conditions for peace, their basic assumptions, and their relationship to present global policies, structures, and events.
Alternative approaches to peace-making, their basic assumptions and methodologies, and their application to current conflict situations.
The role of culture and cross-cultural communication in conflict situations, conflict resolution, international negotiations, realization of human rights, and the role of identity labels such as gender, race, ethnicity and their role in conflict dynamics and conflict resolution. Development of skills in critical analysis and conflict resolution alternatives.
Values and ethics embedded in different religious traditions as well as ways of fostering reconciliation and co-existence.
Gandhi’s views and perceptions on economic, social, gender, political, environmental and sustainable development issues including critiques and evaluation of Gandhian concepts, its relevance in the contemporary world and contributions made by distinguished thinkers and scholars to the development of Gandhian thought and philosophy.
Role of international organisations including importantly the United Nations on preventive diplomacy and process of peace-making, peace-keeping and peace-building and peace-enforcement to seek answers to critical questions such as non-violence and the skill required by practitioners of non-violence; and how could principles of non-violence be applied to contemporary conflicts.
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