Chintan Baithak – Spreading Gandhi’s Ideals | 150th Birth Anniversary Celebration

Chintan Baithak – A Two-Day Reflection on Gandhi’s Ideals

Organized by Hiteswar Saikia Foundation6 & 7 September 2019, Guwahati, AssamCommemorating 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

This event aims to take Gandhiji’s core values to the masses. The principles include Ahimsa (Non-violence), Satya (Truth), Asteya (Non-stealing), Brahmacharya (Self-discipline), Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness), Sharirshrama (Physical labor), Aswada (Control of taste), Sarvatra (Universal love), Bhayavarjana (Fearlessness), Sarva Dharma Samantva (Religious harmony), Swadeshi (Self-reliance), and Sparhbhavana (Compassion).

Day 1: Conversations with Renowned Gandhians

Theme: Understanding Gandhi’s Relevance in Contemporary India

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Registration & Welcome Tea

• Participants register and engage in informal discussions over tea.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Inaugural Session

• Lighting of the lamp to symbolize wisdom.
• Welcome address by the organizing committee.
• Opening remarks on Gandhi’s influence on modern society.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Panel Discussion: The Gandhians Speak

• Experts discuss how Gandhi’s philosophy applies to today’s socio-political challenges.
• Focus on non-violence, truth, and self-reliance.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch Break

• A simple, vegetarian meal reflecting Gandhian values.

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Interactive Conversations

• Senior Gandhians and young participants engage in a dialogue.
• Topics include conflict resolution, ethical leadership, and community-driven change.

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Tea Break

• An opportunity for informal networking.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Special Address: Walking the Path of Gandhi in the 21st Century

• Speakers share insights on living by Gandhi’s principles in today’s fast-changing world.

Day 2: Taking Gandhi’s Ideology to the Grassroots

• Theme: Gandhi’s Vision in Politics & Society

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Welcome & Recap of Day 1

• Key takeaways from the previous day are discussed.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Panel Discussion: Spreading Gandhi’s Ideals through Politics

• Exploring ethical governance and participatory democracy.
• Actionable steps for incorporating Gandhian values in leadership.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break

• Participants enjoy a meal inspired by Gandhi’s simplicity.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Workshop: Reaching the Grassroots

• Developing a practical action plan for promoting Gandhi’s teachings.
• Focus areas include education, community engagement, and self-sufficiency.

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Tea Break

• A moment to reflect and recharge.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Felicitation Ceremony

• Honoring veteran Gandhians and institutions such as Gandhi Ashram in Guwahati, South Sarania.
• Closing remarks expressing gratitude and reaffirming a commitment to Gandhian values.

Chintan Baithak serves as a powerful platform to reflect on Gandhi’s principles and apply them to modern challenges. This event encourages individuals and communities to practice non-violence, self-reliance, and truth in everyday life. Join this initiative to spread Gandhi’s timeless message for a better society.