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Building on Gandhian legacy: Chambal region eyes next phase of non‑violent struggle

By Bharat Dogra 
The Chambal region in central India has long drawn national and global attention for its remarkable peace initiative—the voluntary surrender of over 600 dacoits. The pressing question now is whether this legacy can be carried forward to strengthen non‑violent thinking and action as a means of reducing distress, destruction, and violence in society.  
This issue was at the heart of a recent dialogue at the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Ashram in Jaura (Madhya Pradesh), where villagers, peace activists, surrendered baagis, and others engaged in peace processes gathered.  
PV Rajagopal, a veteran Sarvodaya activist deeply involved in Chambal’s peace efforts, emphasized the need to build on past achievements. He argued that the region should be known not only for its historic surrenders but also for its continuing use of non‑violence to secure justice and resolve pressing social problems. The Ashram, he suggested, could serve as a hub for such initiatives, spreading the message widely.  
Rajagopal highlighted multiple layers of violence: the everyday violence that causes avoidable distress, and the systemic violence of mafias—mining, sand, liquor—who exploit society and the environment. Both must be resisted through non‑violent means. He recalled the vision of Vinoba Bhave, Jayaprakash Narayan, and S.N. Subba Rao to mobilize youth into a Shanti Sena, or “peace army,” committed to justice through non‑violent struggle.  
Supporting him, Anuradha Behan, former Director General of Police, stressed the urgency of addressing discrimination and violence based on gender, caste, and faith. Jill Carr Harris underscored the role of women in peace movements and the strength gained by linking local efforts to global initiatives such as the Women’s Call for Global Peace.  
Consensus emerged around strengthening the base for non‑violence at several levels:  
- Education and training in non‑violent living to reduce daily violence and discrimination.  
- Campaigns against intoxicants and environmental destruction, particularly liquor abuse and indiscriminate mining.  
- Resource support for youth joining the Shanti Sena to sustain long‑term peace efforts.  
The dialogue recalled the contributions of Subba Rao and Rann Singh Arya in mobilizing youth camps that fostered national integration and inter‑faith harmony. Encouragingly, local leaders pledged support: Jaura’s municipal president promised sanitation and hygiene campaigns, while the MLA committed to setting up libraries with literature on peace and justice.  
Rajagopal concluded that Chambal’s peace movement must grow strong enough to gain recognition at the global level, amplifying its voice for world peace while deepening local understanding of its urgency.  
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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include When the Two Streams Met, Man over Machine, A Day in 2071, and Protecting Earth for Children 

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