<p>At the Bangalore University, M V Nadkarni, former Vice-Chancellor of Gulbarga University and currently Honorary Visiting Professor at the Institute of Social and Economic Change, highlighted the Gandhian approach to development. <br /><br />Nadkarni who spoke of characteristics of Gandhian development said high rates of economic growth had no meaning when indicators of human development like infant and maternity mortality rates in India were among the highest in the world. “The major gains of development are confined to cities and towns, but the rural areas are actually witnessing a sharp decline in income.” <br /><br />Nadkarni stressed the need to recollect Gandhi’s prophetic wisdom. As early as 1909, Gandhi said he believed in a model of development that was holistic, social and moral, one that had as its focus, the uplift of the poor. <br /><br />“Gandhi believed in trade that was non-exploitative, in self-sufficiency, and in local initiative and enterprise. When viewed from this perspective, Gandhian development is ethical, moral and environmentally benign,” he added. <br /><br />Present day impact<br />BU Vice-Chancellor N Prabhu Dev spoke about the power of non-violence, and its importance in the present context of terrorism. He also expressed the need for Gandhian studies to be taught in all universities. <br /><br />As part of the programmes, BU’s Centre for Gandhian Studies organised a two-day workshop on ‘Non-Violent Conflict Resolution’. As many as 21 students from the postgraduate departments and affiliated colleges were given certificates. <br /><br />There were prayer meetings, padayatras, bike rallies and eye camps. A ‘Sadbhavana Jagruti Yatra’ was taken out from M G Statue to Gandhi Bhavan in Kumara Park. The procession was flagged off by Datty, wife of Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda. <br /><br />At the M G Statue, a prayer ceremony organised by the BBMP was attended by leaders of various faiths. Messages on peace and brotherhood were read from the scriptures. At the same venue, a boot polish programme was also organised. <br /><br />In Banashankari, Akshaya Pratishthana organised an eye check-up camp. As many as 62 persons got their eyes checked.</p>
<p>At the Bangalore University, M V Nadkarni, former Vice-Chancellor of Gulbarga University and currently Honorary Visiting Professor at the Institute of Social and Economic Change, highlighted the Gandhian approach to development. <br /><br />Nadkarni who spoke of characteristics of Gandhian development said high rates of economic growth had no meaning when indicators of human development like infant and maternity mortality rates in India were among the highest in the world. “The major gains of development are confined to cities and towns, but the rural areas are actually witnessing a sharp decline in income.” <br /><br />Nadkarni stressed the need to recollect Gandhi’s prophetic wisdom. As early as 1909, Gandhi said he believed in a model of development that was holistic, social and moral, one that had as its focus, the uplift of the poor. <br /><br />“Gandhi believed in trade that was non-exploitative, in self-sufficiency, and in local initiative and enterprise. When viewed from this perspective, Gandhian development is ethical, moral and environmentally benign,” he added. <br /><br />Present day impact<br />BU Vice-Chancellor N Prabhu Dev spoke about the power of non-violence, and its importance in the present context of terrorism. He also expressed the need for Gandhian studies to be taught in all universities. <br /><br />As part of the programmes, BU’s Centre for Gandhian Studies organised a two-day workshop on ‘Non-Violent Conflict Resolution’. As many as 21 students from the postgraduate departments and affiliated colleges were given certificates. <br /><br />There were prayer meetings, padayatras, bike rallies and eye camps. A ‘Sadbhavana Jagruti Yatra’ was taken out from M G Statue to Gandhi Bhavan in Kumara Park. The procession was flagged off by Datty, wife of Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda. <br /><br />At the M G Statue, a prayer ceremony organised by the BBMP was attended by leaders of various faiths. Messages on peace and brotherhood were read from the scriptures. At the same venue, a boot polish programme was also organised. <br /><br />In Banashankari, Akshaya Pratishthana organised an eye check-up camp. As many as 62 persons got their eyes checked.</p>
