Ways to bring peace to a world at war and communities in conflict will be explored during "Building a Culture of Peace," a week of activities hosted by Fresno Pacific University (FPU) and California State University, Fresno (CSUF), September 27-Ocotber 3.
Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and peacemaker in his own right, will be the special guest during the event. He will speak at Veteran's Memorial Auditorium as well as on both campuses.
Growing up in apartheid South Africa as a person of Indian heritage meant Arun Gandhi was beaten by both blacks and whites. Arun's parents sent him to his grandfather after learning of his plans to become a bodybuilder to gain vengeance. The boy saw and participated in Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent revolution for independence.
After leading successful projects of his own for reform in India, Arun Gandhi came to the U.S. in 1988. In 1991, he and wife Sunanda founded the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence at Christian Brothers University, Memphis. Arun Gandhi has spoken at hundreds of colleges and universities, corporate, civic and governmental organizations in Croatia, France, Ireland, Holland, Lithuania, Nicaragua and other countries.
Other "Build a Culture of Peace" events include cultural festivals, a documentary on Mahatma Gandhi, dramatic readings, music and a prayer vigil. All activities are free. Additional sponsors are the Fresno Center for Nonviolence, Interfaith Alliance, the FPU Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, the Central California Cultural Society of India and the City of Fresno.
Schedule
Saturday, September 27
CSUF
- 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prejudice Reduction Workshop, Renaissance Room
Monday, September 29
FPU
- 10:00-11:00 a.m. Opening Prayer Service, Alumni Plaza
- 6:00-7:30 p.m. International Festival, Alumni Plaza
CSUF
- Noon Opening Ceremonies, South Patio, University Student Union
Tuesday, September 30
FPU
A collection of original and prepared short readings by students and faculty.
- 7:00 p.m.Getting Along: People Who Walk the Extra Mile,Kriegbaum Theater Lab
CSUF
- Noon Musical Entertainment, South Patio, University Student Union
Wednesday, October 1
FPU
- 8:00 p.m. Documentary on Mahatma Gandhi, Ashley Auditorium
CSUF
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cultural Vendors Faire, Memorial Garden
- 6 p.m. Candlelight Vigil, Peace Garden
- 7 p.m. Poetry Jam, Coffeehouse and Pub
Thursday, October 2
CSUF
- 1:00 p.m. Garlanding Ceremony, Peace Garden, with Arun Gandhi
FPU
- 4:30-5:30 p.m. Reception for Arun Gandhi, Ashley Auditorium
- 7:00 p.m. "Nonviolence or Nonexistence," Arun Gandhi's City Address, Veteran's Memorial Auditorium
Friday, October 3
FPU
- 10 a.m. "Christians as Peacemakers," Duane Ruth-Heffelbower, FPU Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, Butler Church
- 7:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil for the World, East Hall Green
CSUF
- 7:00 p.m. Educational Forum, Peace Garden
Saturday, October 4
CSUF
- 6:30 p.m. International Culture Night, Satellite Student Union