Module 1: Defining Features of Gandhian Nonviolence

I

1. Correlation between Truth and Nonviolence – Truth as the end and Nonviolence the mean.

2. Meaning of nonviolence - Ontological, Epistemological and Ethical dimensions of nonviolence – negative and positive dimensions of nonviolence - Gandhi’s emphasis on the positive dimension

II

3. Basic Assumptions: spiritual basis - oneness of life – human nature and nonviolence

4. Nonviolence as Soul Force – invincibility of soul force – atom versus atman – universal applicability of nonviolence.

5. Nonviolence as ‘the law of our being’ – as ‘the law of our species’ and the law/direction of human evolution – History (of human evolution) as the unfolding of progressive nonviolence.

6. Nonviolence, the moral equivalent of the law of gravitation – revolutionary potential of nonviolence – the need for making nonviolence the central organising principle of all life activities.

III

7. Types of nonviolence – principled and strategic nonviolence – nonviolence of the weak and the coward – nonviolence, true/genuine and counterfeit – absolute and existential violence.

IV

8. Nonviolence – Gandhi’s prime concern – why nonviolence – futility of violence and efficacy of nonviolence.

module 2: Application of Nonviolence: Gandhian Approach

I

1. Gandhi’s life as a paradigm of nonviolence in action.

II

2. Nonviolence in personal life – as a way of life: intra-personal, inter-personal and ecological/cosmic dimensions.

3. Consolidating the power of nonviolence through personal sadhana – moral/spiritual authority of a nonviolent person – power of authentic nonviolence of an individual developing into an objective social force – its power and potential - examples from history, past and present.

III

4. Organised and collective use of nonviolence – Satyagraha/nonviolent direct action.

5. Basic assumptions and principles of Satyagraha.

6. Variants and techniques of Satyagraha.

7. Universal applicability of Satyagraha – reformative and revolutionary applications.

8. Satyagraha and Constructive Programme in the Gandhian scheme – Gandhian Constructive Programme as illustrative example.

IV

9. Case studies/examples of nonviolent resistances in different countries and situations - paradigmatic satyagrahies/nonviolent fighters.

Module 3: Dealing with Conflicts – Conflict Transformation

1. Meaning of Conflict

2. The sources of conflict- political - economic - environmental - historical - cultural - psychological

3. Analysis of conflict- actors – causes- issues, scope and stage of the conflict- power resources and relationships – stakeholders – facilitators- spoilers

4. Conflict- different phases- Conflict Prevention and early warning- ripeness

5. Problem –solving, including workshop approach in protracted conflicts

6. Negotiations – positions and interests- negotiating style – principled negotiationelements of Gandhian style negotiations- negotiating with difficult people

7. Third Party Intervention – Types of Third Party Intervention – Mediation- prescriptive vs. elicitive approaches

8. Thomas – Killman’s Five Conflict Styles 9. Satyagraha and Conflict Transformation

10. Conflict Transformation- Reconciliation- Truth, Justice, Mercy and Forgiveness

11. Essential skills – analyzing, communicating clearly, synthesizing, listening, drafting, inventing new options- cultural sensitivity- anger management etc.