UGC Sponsored Gandhian Studies Centre

UGC Sponsored Gandhian Studies Centre
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UGC Sponsored Gandhian Studies Centre

The Gandhian Studies centre at Maniben Nanavati Women’s College (MNWC) was established in 2010. It is a platform dedicated to promoting the timeless teachings of Mahatma Gandhi By integrating his principles of truth, non-violence, and social equality into academia, the centre fosters a deep understanding of his philosophy among students and researchers. Established under the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Scheme of Epoch-Making Social Thinkers of India, the centre has become a significant hub for Gandhi studies in Mumbai.

Vision and Objectives

The Gandhian Studies Centre was established to inspire and educate future generations about the relevance of Gandhian ideals in addressing contemporary challenges. Its core objectives include:

Promoting awareness about Gandhian values such as peace, sustainability, and social harmony.
Facilitating research and academic discussions on Gandhi’s contributions to various fields, including politics, education, and economics.
Encouraging students to adopt Gandhian principles in their personal and professional lives through engaging activities and practical applications.
Advisory Committee

Smt. Himadri Nanavati (Chairperson) Trust, Managing Committee, MNWC
Dr. Smt. Yogini Sheth (Hon. Secretary) managing Committee, MNWC
Prof. Vibhuti Patel Member, Managing Committee, MNWC
Dr. Rajshree Trivedi (Principal)
Executive body
Mrs. Sheetal Sawant Incharge
Dr. Swati Partani – Co Incharge
Dr. Rita Chandarana
Dr. Sandeepa Chatterjee
Mrs. Amita Gaikwad
Ms. Janhavi Masekar
Ms. Amruta Joshi

The Gandhi Studies Centre also aims to uphold MNWC’s institutional theme of “Gender Diversity for Peaceful Coexistence,” inspired by Gandhi’s advocacy for equality and justice.

Academic and Community-Centric Activities

At the heart of the Gandhian Studies Centre is its diverse activities designed to create awareness, inspire change, and build connections:

Guest Lectures and Workshops
The centre regularly invites renowned speakers, including direct descendants of Mahatma Gandhi and eminent scholars, to share insights into Gandhian philosophy. These interactive sessions explore topics such as the relevance of non-violence in today’s world, the importance of truth in leadership, and Gandhi’s thoughts on education and self-reliance.
Educational Trips and Visits
As part of its experiential learning initiatives, the centre organizes trips to key historical sites connected to Gandhi’s life. Visits to Mani Bhavan in Mumbai and the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad allow students to witness the spaces where Gandhi’s revolutionary ideas took shape. These trips offer participants a profound connection to Gandhi’s life and legacy.
Inter-College Competitions and Events
The Gandhi studies centre hosts competitions such as short plays, debates, and research presentations, enabling students to creatively engage with Gandhian themes. Events like ANVESHAN, an inter-college research competition, and debates on “Man vs. Machine” have become flagship activities of the centre.
Research & Publication
The centre encourages academic contributions through its publications. One notable achievement is the compilation of scholarly essays in the book Gandhi For All Times. This book not only revisits Gandhi’s ideologies but also includes rare letters written by Gandhi to Mani Ba, providing unique insights into his personal correspondence.
Eco-Friendly and Social Initiatives
The Gandhian Studies centre actively engages with the community through initiatives like making and distributing reusable cloth bags and collecting toys for underprivileged children. These activities embody Gandhi’s ideals of sustainability, compassion, and service to humanity.

Collaborations and Conferences

The Gandhi Studies Centre collaborates with national and international organizations to host seminars, conferences, and research projects. Events such as the National Conference on “Language, Literature, and Culture” and thematic sessions commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi have brought together scholars from various disciplines. These events highlight the enduring relevance of Gandhi’s ideas in a globalised world.

Activities