By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 19 Nov: Nanhi Dunya celebrated the 78th anniversary of its foundation. On the occasion, Satish Kumar, a world-renowned peace campaigner who is also an author, founder and an orator came from England to join the celebrations.
Nanhi Dunya ‘The International (Intercultural) Movement of Children and their Friends’ was founded in 1946 by Prof Lekh Raj Ulfat (1920-1991) with eight children listening to stories and playing games under a tree in the foothills of the Himalaya, in Dehradun. Later he was joined by his wife, Harbans Sadhana Ulfat and together they strove for the expansion of the movement.
Nanhi Dunya began with a clear intention of contributing to a peaceful, diverse, sustainable and integrated world, where all living beings can live and grow in universal harmony. At present, Nanhi Dunya has grown into a widespread social movement. It runs 9 welfare centres located in both urban and rural areas. They serve as schools; recreation centres and centres for ongoing learning through workshops for women and young people, including those with special needs.
There are 1200 beneficiaries attending nine centres between the ages of 3 to 16 years. There are 50 teachers, co-workers and volunteers engaged in various activities of the movement. Nanhi Dunya has limited but not limiting resources and yet works to serve with full strength. Nanhi Dunya is committed to alternate education, inclusive schools for special needs, teacher training, social work and ecological awareness.
Nanhi Dunya gives special attention to the underprivileged and economically deprived. Nanhi Dunya also invites privileged society to engage in acts of giving to the underprivileged children. Nanhi Dunya with its elegant simplicity, cultural activities and humble resources, continues to serve society. Every year, numerous visitors from India and abroad participate in Nanhi Dunya’s activities.
Nanhi Dunya Rangshala, a pioneering effort was created to promote art and culture and has been engaging children and youth for over three decades in creative communication independent thinking and self-expression.
On 17 November, the day began with Prabhat Pheri. A group of children and adults of Nanhi Dunya community came together at 5 a.m. for a walk, singing songs and observing nature. Guided by Alok Ulfat the gathering witnessed the sunrise and learnt the values of getting up early to nourish the inner life. Later, a Hawan was performed and the ensemble chanted Sanskrit mantras and sang devotional songs written and composed by children and teachers together for the occasion.
On the occasion Kiran U Goyal, the Chief Promotor of Nanhi Dunya, led the ceremonies with grace and beauty and proposed a vote of thanks to all present during the festival.
Satish Kumar is visiting Dehradun to conduct a workshop on Gandhi and Globalisation at Bija Vidyapeeth. Satish Kumar is a peace pilgrim, passionate seeker and former Jain monk. He has been inspiring global change through remarkable journeys and countless efforts in the field of deep ecology, social justice, activism, wholistic education, sustainable living and various creative forums with his dynamic engagement. Kumar walked 8000 miles for peace from India through Moscow, Paris, London, and Washington. He founded The Resurgence Trust, co-founded the Schumacher College and The Small School. He has been recognised as UK’s longest-serving editor of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine for over 40 years. He is also a world-renowned author, has written countless articles and books. He passionately and ceaselessly lives to shape the discourse on environmental regeneration, cultural and social reform to build more plural, peaceful and beautiful world.
Satish Kumar’s vision and guidance has also been a strong driving force for Nanhi Dunya Movement in Dehradun since the ‘80s.On the occasion, addressing the children and the Nanhi Dunya community he began by telling about the adventures of his 8000 mile walk for peace crossing through three continents and oceans, without any money in his pocket. He said that Shanti is not merely absence of war, it is daily practice and should be the basis of everything we are doing. He said that there is a great need to practice peace on three levels; first with one self, second with others and third with nature. He highly appreciated Nanhi Dunya and felt that it should be supported by society
Nanhi Dunya with its humble infrastructure has attracted the wise and compassionate individuals like Satish Kumar. Today it has friends around the world and is recognised by the government as a progressive charity. Those who wish to contribute to this unique initiative through volunteering or in any other way, may contact alokulfat@gmail.com.
