Paraminder Aujla

FRESNO, CA (TIP): California State University, Fresno, plans to establish a Gandhi Center to promote the development of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of inner peace and sarvodaya (universal uplift) with a $1.5 million donation from an Indian American foundation.

“The Ravi and Naina Patel Foundation members appreciate one of Gandhi’s most beloved principles, vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the whole world is my family),” the Indian American doctor couple stated. “In the spirit of this principle, although based in Bakersfield, we had no problem reaching outside our home city to create learning opportunities at Fresno State.”

“In a time of increasing unrest and polarization, we are excited by this one of its kind collaborations with the incredible leadership team at Fresno State to create a learning center emphasizing the two central pillars of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy — inner peace and sarvodaya,” they added.

The donation from the Foundation would be used to establish an endowed fund to create and support the “M.K. Gandhi Center: Inner Peace and Sarvodaya” in the College of Arts and Humanities, the University announced in a press release.

The Gandhi Center will promote the development of intellectual understanding and experiential learning of Gandhi’s philosophy of inner peace and sarvodaya. The idea of sarvodaya focuses on the development of the entire person and the construction of a nonviolent, peaceful and equitable society, the release noted.

A virtual gift announcement will be held Feb. 18. The Gandhi Center Fund will support a director, student scholarly research, curriculum development, and activities like conferences, essay and art competitions, and public lectures to bring campus and community together.

The Gandhi Center will be located in the campus library. Reflected in the library’s windows, the Fresno State Peace Garden occupies a central place on the campus.

Spearheaded by Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, professor emeritus and a supporter of the initiative, the Peace Garden holds the bust of Gandhi which looks east towards the monuments of leaders Jane Addams, Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez.

These leaders were influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, soul-force and the upliftment of all, the release noted.

As the Peace Garden is reflected in the glass, so is Gandhi’s philosophy reflected in Fresno State’s values of discovery, diversity and distinction. “Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence changed the course of human history by illuminating a path for the individual to make lasting change through peaceful and creative action,” University President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval said. “His ideals of peace, equity and sarvodaya are intertwined in the mission, vision and values at Fresno State.”

“Thanks to Drs. Ravi and Naina Patel’s generosity, the M.K. Gandhi Center: Inner Peace and Sarvodaya will enable an immersive experience for students who will become better equipped to make our community and the world a better place,” he said.

Dr. Honora Chapman, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State, is enthusiastic about the impact of this initiative.

“We are very grateful to the Patels for forging this unique partnership that underscores the University’s commitment to educate current and future generations about the principles and practices of inner peace and sarvodaya through courses, service-learning projects, public events and research.”

Sarvodaya is connected with the principles of equality, justice, sustainability and dignity. Gandhi proposed programs that were meant to create economic, social, religious and political welfare, the release noted.

These programs addressed all aspects of human life, including health, education, growing local and organic food, developing moral citizenry, sanitation practices, interfaith harmony, industries and local government structures.

Dr. Veena Howard, a Fresno State religious studies professor who holds the Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma, said, “The Gandhi Center will create academic and experiential opportunities for students to learn the value and social impact of Gandhi’s philosophy of inner peace and sarvodaya alongside his methods of satyagraha and ahimsa. “They will also learn the historical connections with American leaders, influenced by Gandhi in their nonviolent struggles to confront violence and injustice,” she added.