Guyana Peace Council observes International Day of Non-Violence

…non-violent approach was continuously used by Jagan

Several members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP); Indian High Commissioner V Mahalingam and former President Donald Ramotar were present at the Mahatma Gandhi celebratory event at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre.
Addressing individuals present at the event, High Commissioner Mahalingam noted that Mahatma Gandhi was considered the founder of the non-violence movement. Non-violence is the way of taking positive action to resist oppression or bring about positive change.
The Indian High Commissioner, who was born in Gandhi’s homeland, added that the aim of non-violent conflict (satyagraha) was to convert your opponent, to win over their mind and heart and persuade them that your point of view is right.
An important element is often to make sure that the opponent is given a face-saving way of changing their mind. Non-violent protest seeks a ‘win-win’ solution

whenever possible.
Additionally, Head of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indra Chandarpal reminded individuals that Dr Cheddi Jagan used a non-violent approach in the 1973 elections, when the Army wanted to take over the ballot boxes.
Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, speaking on behalf of the Guyana Peace Council, thanked the Indian High Commissioner for the informative celebratory Mahatma Gandhi anniversary event.
Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India. He died on January 30, 1948, in Delhi. He was a lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer who became the leader of the nationalist movement against the British rule of India.
As such, he came to be considered the father of his country. Gandhi is internationally esteemed for his doctrine of non-violent protest (satyagraha) to achieve political and social progress.