International Conference “Towards a non-violent economy” – A Report

On 30^th January, “Martyrs Day”, the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri. Shivraj Singh Chauhan graced the occasion and spoke about the ground realities of economic suppression by global entities in his state, even though the region is rich in mineral resources. He also invited the delegates for a dinner at his house on the 1^st of February.

Earlier, the senior Gandhian Leader Dr.S.N.Subba Rao made his humble and imminent presence during the inauguration, while Shri. RajaGopal, the president of Ekta Parishad presented the workshop with the introduction of foreign delegates. Shri. Loui Campana, the president of Gandhi International, France, the co-organisers of the convention presented his inaugural speech on non-violent economy followed by the speakers from various non-violent organizations and institutions.

Some of the features and topics discussed on non-violent economy are as follows:

• To identify basic human needs and the means to fulfil them.
• To ensure self-sufficiency of every village, region and country in meeting basic needs
• To prioritize oranic and food producing agriculture as a basis of viable economy and society
• To re-assert the value of manual work and craftsmanship which develops strengths, talent and intelligence and is as noble as intellectual work.
• To provide opportunities for work for people facing physical, mental or psycohological challenges
• How in a time of war or foreign occupation, to survive economically?
• To put machines in the service of man and thus so man not become slave to machines
• To avoid mass production and promote production by the masses
• To prioritize small producers and to protect existing micro-economic structures
• To seek alternatives to heavy industry and large-scale producers
• To encourage the return to rural areas where labour will be needed
• To ensure a legitimate involvement of a western company in a southern country
• To anticipate and confront diminishing petroleum resources and develop renewable energy
• To ensure equal opportunity and eliminate disparities through education and lifelong training
• To limit the concentration of economic power and to establish a maximum income limitation

Having participated and actively took part in every moment of this convention was indeed a memorable and useful occassion in my life. I also here attached an write-up on Non-violent economy that explicates the politial and current perspectives including what is violent and what is not violent. Kindly look at the "Forum" section for it.