The Gandhi Foundation

🌟 South Asian Heritage Month: Focus Fridays 2024 🌟

This year, we are excited to introduce Focus Fridays to celebrate intersectionality within the South Asian communities. Here will highlight and honor different intersections within our community, shining a light on diverse identities and experiences.

🗓️ Focus Fridays Schedule:

🌈 19th July: LGBTQ+ Pride
♿ 2nd August: Dis/Ability
✋ 26th July: Multi Heritage
👨‍👩‍👦 9th August: Cross-Gen Understanding

Join us in celebrating these unique intersections and embracing the richness they bring to our South Asian heritage. Let's uplift and support each other as we explore these important facets of our community. 🌏❤️

South Asian Heritage Month runs from 18th August to 17th July annually. 🌟 This year's theme is "Free to Be Me." 🌟

"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent" - Mahatma Gandhi

Hate speech can take many different forms. But no matter what it looks like, hate speech has real consequences.

See how you can take action and say : https://www.un.org/en/hate-speech/take-action/engage

Mahatma Gandhi - "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."

Nonviolence Daily | Day 236 I am clear that whilst this machine age aims at converting men into machines, I am aiming at reinstating man turned machine to his original estate.-Gandhi, T...

On 6 September, Lepra Ambassador & Pavers Shoes Chairman Stuart Paver , Steve Ovenden and Lepra's Matt Lovelock are taking part in The 100 Shoe Walk - a challenge event walking 3 miles around the York Bar Walls barefoot.

Their aim is to raise awareness of leprosy and to help fund the purchase of 100 pairs of protective shoes for people affected by leprosy.

Take a look at their page:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/the100shoewalk?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fthe100shoewalk&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Photo:

Working together for Peace and Justice

Thursday is Nelson Mandela International Day, an opportunity to honour Madiba's commitment to freedom, justice and equality.

We commemorate his journey from prisoner to President of South Africa, and the triumph of an extraordinary individual against the forces of hate, ignorance and fear. https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/index.shtml

A Legacy of Truth: Asha Buch's Connection to Gandhi

Today, The Gandhi Foundation had the privilege of speaking with Asha Buch, a devoted advocate for the teachings and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. As our conversation began, Asha posed a question: “Why do people still look to follow Gandhi? After all, he was just an ordinary man who owned one dhoti and one shawl.” This simple query set the stage for an inspiring discussion about a man whose principles continue to resonate deeply with many, including Asha herself.

Asha explained, “What he taught and said is what he did. We must not just act truthfully; we must think it. His legacy was to live life as your principle.”

Gandhi's unwavering commitment to truth and nonviolence was nurtured by his father, who often invited people of all faiths into their home for discussions. This early exposure to diverse perspectives instilled in Gandhi a respect for all religions. Asha emphasised, “Gandhi belonged to all religions. After studying them deeply, he concluded that all faiths share the same message: the truth is God. Follow truth, and you will find divine peace.”

Asha’s personal connection to Gandhi is rooted in her family’s history. Her maternal grandfather, born in 1905, faced numerous hardships after losing his father at the age of two. By the 1920s, as a young man, he was captivated by Gandhi’s mission to eradicate untouchability in India. A chance encounter with Gandhi transformed his life. Despite facing ostracism from society and even his own family, he joined Gandhi's movement. Later on, with the support of like-minded friends, he established a school for the underprivileged.

The official abolition of untouchability came with the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950 and the enactment of the Untouchability Act in 1955. This marked a significant victory for Gandhi’s peaceful and truthful advocacy. Asha’s father was also inspired by Gandhi’s work also dedicated his life to constructive work programs. Naturally, Asha grew up immersed in the teachings of Gandhi and has continued this legacy. Since the age of seven, she has been spinning Khadi, a practice she now teaches in the UK. Spinning Khadi, one of Gandhi’s 18 Constructive Programmes, symbolises self-help, the dignity of labour, and employment potential.

Listening to Asha is a truly moving experience. Her words are imbued with wisdom and kindness, reflecting her deep admiration for Gandhi. She has a particular love for young people and emphasises the importance of intergenerational knowledge sharing. “Although I have much to teach, I also have much to learn from young people,” she often says.

Asha shared further insights into Gandhi’s thinking. Despite stepping away from the Indian Congress, political leaders continued to seek his guidance. His ability to discern truth and separate individuals from their actions was profound. “In society, we often ostracise those who commit bad deeds, but Gandhi argued that even the worst person can be separated from their actions. This reduces hatred, animosity, and violence. He would say, ‘You are good; your actions are not. The deed you have done is bad, but not the person.’” Asha stressed the importance of learning, forgiving, and not dwelling on negativity. “We must ask ourselves, why do we seek everlasting things? Is hatred everlasting?”

Gandhi's ideologies were so deeply ingrained in his life that they became a part of his daily routine. Asha illustrated this by saying, “Like you, in your life you are implementing practices. For example, in the morning—you get up, brush your teeth, and make breakfast. Gandhi also did this by following his steps in truth and non-violence.” His commitment to his principles was as habitual as the most basic daily activities, demonstrating how seamlessly his beliefs were woven into the fabric of his life.

In a lighter moment, Asha revealed Gandhi’s love for music and laughter. “Gandhi once said, ‘If I didn’t have a sense of humour, I would die,’” she explained, highlighting the joyous side of the man who is often seen as a stoic figure.

Through her heartfelt stories and reflections, Asha Buch keeps the spirit of Gandhi alive, reminding us of all the enduring power of truth, nonviolence, and the simple yet impactful principles that can transform lives.

Image 1. Asha's grandfather at the school he established in a rural area in India. In 1925, he toured with Gandhiji, however, there were hardly any photos taken at the time

Image 2. The Prime Minister of India presented an award to Asha's father for his work in the field of constructive work, particularly in the propagation of Hindi as their national language

Image 3. Asha's mother receiving recognition for her longstanding services to female education by three charity organisations in her hometown Rajkot - Gujarat

Portrait of Richard Attenborough by Bryan Organ (1985 acrylic on canvas) Displayed at the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

“Born in Cambridge, Richard Attenborough (1923-2014) grew up in Leicester following the family’s move to the city in 1932. He and his brothers David and John were educated at Wyggeston Grammar School for boys. During his formative years, Richard was a very active student, taking part in sporting and musical activities as well as being a member for the local Boy Scouts. He later moved to London and became a famous actor and film director, winning Academy Awards for ‘Gandhi’ in 1982. He was appointed a CBE in 1967 and knighted nine years later in 1976 before being made a life peer in 1993. He maintained a long relationship with Leicester and was keen that the Picasso Ceramics should have a home here” Leicester Museum.

Join Action Village India - this Saturday, July 6th, for the 21st anniversary of Walk for Women! Celebrate two decades of support for girls' education and gender equality in rural India.

The Gandhi Foundation attended the Eastern Eye Property Awards, in support of Lepra. Lepra’s impactful partnerships are transforming lives, and we were proud to see them chosen as the event's charity. Congratulations to all the deserving winners of the evening!

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/climate-change-india-elections-solutions/

Climate change was a hidden force in India’s elections. Now Modi needs to deliver solutions. The coalition government must adopt long-term climate solutions that connect to the livelihoods of India’s youth and agricultural sector.

Reviving H**p Textiles: An Interview with Kitty Wilson Brown

The Gandhi Foundation recently caught up Kitty Wilson Brown, a Textile Artist, regenerative h**p grower, and co-founder of Contemporary H**pery alongside Claire O’Sullivan. Contemporary H**pery is a pioneering enterprise dedicated to reviving h**p textiles in the UK.

Kitty's work with h**p is remarkable and aligns closely with the Gandhi Foundation’s mission of promoting egalitarian economics, emphasising self-reliance, and fostering a decentralised, grassroots democracy. Currently, their h**p crop is growing in Suffolk, where it will be harvested by the local community and spun in a mill in France. Despite their initial goal to have all manufacturing done in the UK, Kitty noted that the necessary spinning infrastructure doesn’t exist in the country. There are advanced capabilities found in other European nations like the Netherlands, Portugal, and Eastern Europe. “As a textile artist, it is so difficult for me to find materials from my own country,” Kitty remarked, explaining why taking their h**p to France was the best option for their precious fibre.

H**p is a versatile and sustainable crop, with significant benefits such as requiring less land than other plants to produce the same amount of fibre, being naturally pest-resistant, and offering superior durability and longevity. Despite its many advantages, h**p cultivation in the UK remains expensive and challenging due to strict legislation. Kitty hopes to start weaving and dyeing a fashion collection once they have a successful h**p yarn, envisioning bright, contemporary designs full of love.

After last year’s success, Contemporary H**pery will host another retreat this summer at Wakelyns Farm. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the world of h**p. They will get hands on with harvesting the crop of hope and spend time in the fields. They will be invited to educate themselves with some of the UK’s leading h**p textile pioneers and connect back to the land with likeminded people. “Let loose your creativity with a day of natural textile workshops. From weaving and natural dyeing to processing raw h**p straw to yarn. Live music, dancing in the party barn, creative dance work out and a sound journey gong bath. Join us at the oldest established agroforestry farm in Europe, where all food is organically grown and produced on the farm by the onsite bakery.” Kitty explained.

The event will feature craft courses, various activities and holiday accommodation. Attendees will connect with fellow peace lovers, enjoy music and dancing and foster a deep connection to the land—a sentiment echoed by Gandhi’s words, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Kitty recently returned from a life-changing trip around Southeast Asia, where she learned traditional textile techniques. Her adventure began in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with a three-month internship at Studio Naenna. There, she participated in a natural fibres festival and learned handcrafting skills from indigenous hill tribes, including back-strap loom weaving with the Karen hill tribe and h**p processing with the Hmong hill tribe. Despite h**p's rarity in textiles, the Hmong hill tribe keeps these techniques alive, using h**p for various cultural rituals.

Kitty’s journey continued with learning about natural dyes, including harvesting Myanmar rosewood, the vibrant orange dye from the Annatto plant, and the indigo plant. She discovered an bacteria indigo vat that has been alive since 1990. She observed weaving at an artisan village with Colour of Heat, who are collaborating with the Karen hill tribe and Kitty shared her own wealth of knowledge. “This weekend is something I will cherish forever. It was incredible to learn about the natural dyes they use and the tribe's weaving history. It meant so much to me to bring and share with the artisans my own back-strap weaving.”

In Cambodia, Kitty travelled spontaneously, connecting with local artisans and exploring vibrant textile traditions. One highlight was visiting a lotus farm in Siem Reap, where she marvelled at the sustainable and beautiful textiles produced from this plant. Kitty stated, “This incredible plant turns into the most beautiful textiles… pink, pink, pink!” She also visited the Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles, meeting master kimono painter Kikuo Morimoto, who specialised in natural dyes and Khmer silk manufacturing.

Kitty’s final stop was Vietnam, where she fulfilled her wish to see and weave h**p fabric. In the mountainous regions of North Vietnam, she met the Hmong tribe and participated in their h**p cultivation process. “I can’t believe how beautiful and shiny the h**p fabric is, wow!” she exclaimed.

Reflecting on her experiences, Kitty shared, “I learned how kind people are, and most people want to help and show you their way of life and doing things. I realised an inner confidence to embark on a trip like this.” Her advice for those wanting to learn about traditional textiles is to be considerate of other cultures, ask meaningful questions, and build connections. “It also helps knowing someone who can be a translator. One time I befriended a tuk-tuk driver, and he translated for us.”

Looking ahead, Kitty plans to exhibit her work and findings from her travels around Southeast Asia. Contemporary H**pery’s H**p Harvest Retreat is scheduled for August, and Kitty is excited to create products from this year's h**p harvest. She will be moving closer to the crop to focus on weaving and dyeing with h**p.

The Gandhi Foundation admires Kitty’s dedication to her craft, her connection to the land, and her commitment to community building. Her work embodies Gandhian philosophy, emphasising peace, self-reliance, and decentralised farming initiatives. As Gandhi said, “The future depends on what you do today,” a sentiment reflected in Kitty’s ongoing efforts and devotion to her practice.

Photo Credits: Kitty Wilson Brown

We were delighted to meet with the Lepra team Lepra to discuss how we can work together to support the important cause that Gandhiji cared so much about.

‘Due to fear and lack of knowledge, there are over 3 million people across the world living with undiagnosed leprosy and each day the disease causes more damage to their health, livelihood, and future. Through raising awareness, prevention, treatment, and follow up, Lepra support people so that they can have normal lives. They are also involved in strengthening health systems and assist local governments in their management programmes.’ Lepra

In 1947 Mahatma Gandhi wrote “Leprosy work is not merely relief; it is transforming the frustration of life into the joy of dedication and personal ambition into the selfless service. If you can change the life of a patient or change his values of life, you can change village and country.”

Today, let's take a moment to support . Every person has the right to seek safety. On this World Refugee Day and every day, join us in standing with refugees. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

Every person has the right to seek safety.

💙 Whoever they are 💙 Wherever they come from 💙 Whenever they are forced to flee

On Thursday's World Refugee Day & every day, join us in standing with refugees. via UNHCR

Today, the Gandhi Foundation had the pleasure of welcoming Artur Domingo Barnils. He toured Kingsley Hall and visited the very cell where Gandhiji stayed in 1931. We spent a wonderful time on the balcony overlooking the Peace Garden, discussing Gandhi’s work, legacy, and its relevance today.

Artur is a history professor in Catalonia, he has given lectures on Gandhi, Civil Disobedience, and Nonviolence, and has written for various publications. He is nearing the end of his five-year tenure writing a book on the life of Gandhi and the history of India. Soon to be finished next year and published in Catalan and Spanish.

Happy Eid celebrations from the Gandhi Foundation!

What a wonderful evening and a privilege for the Gandhi Foundation to support last week at the



Musical memories from official Sama launch earlier this week 🎶

📸

UPDATE: The Peace Award will now be located at Kingsley Hall

Date: 6th June 2024
Time: 3 to 5.00 pm
Kingsley Hall, Powis Rd, London E3 3HJ

Nearest Tube: Bromley-by-Bow (Hammersmith and City Line & District Line)

Please register at [email protected]

Refreshments will be provided.

This year’s award recipients are Ben Parkinson & the educational NGO Chrysalis Uganda.

Ben Parkinson, originally from Australia and raised in London, will share insights on his incredible journey. In 2008, Ben sold his house in the UK to fund his travel and poverty eradication efforts as an ambassador for the Global Poverty Project. Alongside community leader Grace Ayaa, Ben established the impactful Chrysalis Uganda project, which has made significant strides in education and poverty alleviation.

Presentation by Lord Bhikhu Parekh, President of the Gandhi Foundation.

You can learn more about the Gandhi Foundation Peace Award, past recipients and some of the other activities that the Gandhi Foundation is involved in by visiting our Activities page on the website.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/may/25/i-want-people-to-wake-up-nemonte-nenquimo-on-growing-up-in-the-rainforest-and-her-fight-to-save-it

‘I want people to wake up’: Nemonte Nenquimo on growing up in the rainforest and her fight to save it The Indigenous campaigner won a historic legal victory to protect Waorani land in the Amazon rainforest. Now she has written a groundbreaking memoir

Join our annual Peace Award in 2 weeks time!

If you would like to attend, please register your interest by emailing Mark at [email protected]

Photo credit: https://www.news18.com/.../remembering-mahatma-gandhi-100