Shun arms race, says American Gandhi
The noted Gandhian peace activist from the US, Bernie Meyer, who is also known as American Gandhi, visited GITAM University on Tuesday.
Visakhapatnam: The noted Gandhian peace activist from the US, Bernie Meyer, who is also known as American Gandhi, visited GITAM University on Tuesday. After paying floral tributes to the Dhyana Gandhi statue at GITAM Campus in the presence of the university authorities, he addressed students as part of GITAM value based lecture series organised by GITAM School of Gandhian Studies in association with GITAM School of Law.
Meyer warned against the arms race and the formation of nuclear club that have pushed humanity to the brink of total destruction. He spoke of the need to eliminate nuclear weapons and to adopt the Gandhian message of Ahimsa, Satyagraha and Sarvodaya to uplift the poorest of the poor. He warned that nuclear warfare would annihilate the human race.
Meyer criticised the US and other developed nations of the world for spending millions of dollars on manufacturing nuclear weapons while neglecting the conservation of nature and the welfare of the underprivileged.
He also spoke of the need for youth to create a silent revolution by adopting Gandhian ideals in their lives. He said that his main purpose of visiting India this year was to inspire the youth and adults with Gandhi’s message and share his thoughts about how Gandhi would speak and act today. Meyer had an interactive session with students of GITAM School of Gandhian Studies and GITAM School of Law.
Meyer is globally recognised for his efforts to promote peace and non-violent conflict resolution. He has been very successful in application of Gandhian methods to peaceful resolution of various community issues in the US and the world over since four decades. His writings are also acclaimed world over.
Meyer’s lecture was attended by eminent dignitaries from GITAM, including Vice-President M Gangadhara Rao, Chancellor Prof K Ramakrishna Rao, Vice-Chancellor MS Prasada Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof K Siva Rama Krishna, In-charge Director of GITAM School of Gandhian Studies and Director GITAM School of Law Y Satyanarayana. Later, Mayer distributed prizes to winners of various competitions. He also visited the Gandhi Museum.
