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Dwarko Sundrani

When a direct disciple of Mahatma Gandhi -- Dwarko Sundrani -- says something, it has a different ring to it. Especially when it's something like, "We must resist violence with goodness."

Doing social work, running schools, practicing Gandhian traditions and values, Dwarko-ji has led a life of compassion, dedicated to the poorest of the poor in BodhGaya, the site where Buddha attained enlightenment. At 80 years of age, Dwarko is one of the last active disciples of Gandhi.

The network of 360 schools he founded has been visited by people like HH Dalai Lama and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. In fact, after the Dalai Lama visited his Ashram, he is reported to have said, "Dwarko-ji, I teach compassion; you are living it."

Currently, he is working on building the Center for Nonviolence Research in BodhGaya. At a sacred spot, CNVR is seen to be a place where nonviolence practioners can incubate projects that merge science, spirituality and mutual trust.

Being 80, Dwarko-ji doesn't anticipate too many more trips to the U.S. On October 23rd, however, we have the rare privilege of hosting an evening with Dwarko Sundrani. The event is hosted in our home and there is no cost to attend -- please RSVP for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What inspired you to take this path?
  • What was Gandhi like, in your experience?
  • Does non-violence apply in the modern context?
  • Can we counter terrorism and globalization through nonviolence?
  • What are Gandhian values and how does it affect education?
  • Why do you say you are not involved in "charity"? [He talks about self-help and helping others find it]
  • What can those of us who have families and hold jobs do to help?
  • Why do you not engage in fund raising? Why do you not ask anyone for donations?
  • How do we think globally and act locally? Give us some examples from your experience.
  • What is spirituality? How does it enter your life as a social worker?
  • What is "spiritual force"? How do we develop it in ourselves? Why is that important for peace and nonviolence workers?
  • What is religion? What is its role in modern context?
  • What does it mean to live the values that Gandhi spoke of?
  • Explain what you mean by "education for life, education through life".
  • What is Peace? How do we work toward that?

Read More

My Life is My Message: Evening with Dwarko Sundrani