A day-long festival celebrating the messages of Mahatma Gandhi is being held at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
Music, dance, performances, sport and thought-provoking talks will all feature in the 10-hour event, which begins on campus at 10am on Wednesday, 19 July.
During the event, special guest Padmashri SP Varma, Vice-President of the Gandhi Global Family (GGF), will meet students and young people taking part in the event. He will also speak about the work of the organisation which runs social awareness programmes in collaboration with the United Nations, teaching young people about different faiths to promote diversity.
The Gandhi Global Family holds peace festivals around the world to promote Gandhi’s philosophy of compassion and non-violence. DMU’s event will include schools, DMU students, faith groups, sports teams and musicians.
RELATED NEWS
Global charity appoints DMU VC as representative at UN
Leading Gandhi teacher impressed by diversity at DMU
Come to the next DMU Open Day. Book here.
Religious leaders from DMU will open the first section of the event from 10am to noon, when it will move to Leicester Electricity Sports Cricket Club’s ground, in New Bridge Road, for a match between teams of under 16s.
At 5pm, events return to Hawthorn Square where there will be performances from DMU societies as well as a selection of dance and music performances before DMU graduate, pyrotechnical artist Marcus Dove, presents a specially-commissioned artwork to SP Varma.
People will have the chance to share their ideas for creating peaceful communities throughout the day by putting them on boards set up around Hawthorn Square.
DMU Coordinating Chaplain, The Rev Hilary Surridge, said: “I’m looking forward to DMU’s vibrant Peace Festival which is packed with activities for people to celebrate together.
“It is also an opportunity to explore what peace means to us and to recognise those working for peace. Part of the work of The Chaplaincy is to provide space and opportunities where people can experience different views.
“Seeking peace can involve struggle, grace and creative imagination to see things from others’ perspectives. Here at DMU, we are committed to equip our students to explore ways that they can make a real difference in the world.”
Debbie Tinsley, #DMUlocal Project and Outreach Coordinator, added: “This event is a fantastic opportunity for both students and staff to get involved and share the message of peace through a variety of mediums.”
DMU has close links with the Gandhi Global Family. In January Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, was appointed a special representative to the United Nations by the Gandhi Global Family.
In 2013, DMU was awarded the Mahatma Gandhi International Award, presented to organisations which make a distinguished contribution to the community. The same year, Prof Shellard was given the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Medal for services to society.
Posted on Wednesday 12 July 2017