“If nations can have defense ministries, why not peace ministries?” asks Rajagopal PV, the soft-spoken yet formidable founder of Ekta Parishad. This simple question raises some important points about the way we approach conflict and violence in our world today. Rajagopal PV’s organization, Ekta Parishad, is a nonviolent movement that works towards building a just and equitable society in India. Founded in 1989, Ekta Parishad has been at the forefront of promoting peace and nonviolence as a way of life.
In a world where nations spend exorbitant amounts of money on defense and military, Rajagopal PV’s question is both thought-provoking and timely. We are constantly told to see issues through a gender lens, to consider the impact on marginalized communities, and to promote diversity and inclusivity. So why can’t we also imagine a world where peace is at the forefront of our policies and actions? Why can’t we have a business model that is rooted in nonviolence or an education system that teaches peace?
The concept of a peace ministry may seem unconventional, but it is not a new idea. In fact, there are several countries that have already established a peace ministry or department within their government. For example, Nepal, Costa Rica, and South Africa all have a Ministry of Peace or a Department of Peace. These countries recognize the importance of promoting peace and nonviolence as a means to build a better society.
So why is it that more nations have not followed suit? The answer lies in our understanding of peace and how we perceive it. For many, peace is seen as the absence of war or conflict. But peace is so much more than that. It is a state of harmony and well-being, where people are able to live with dignity and have their basic needs met. It is about creating a society where everyone has equal opportunities and where violence is not the norm.
Rajagopal PV’s vision of a peace ministry is not just about preventing wars, but also about addressing the root causes of violence and promoting a culture of peace. It is about investing in peacebuilding efforts and creating a society where conflict is resolved through dialogue and understanding, rather than through weapons and force.
A peace ministry would also serve as a platform for marginalized communities to have a voice and be included in decision-making processes. It would promote diversity and inclusivity, and work towards creating a society where everyone’s rights are respected and protected.
Moreover, a peace ministry would also have a positive impact on the economy. As Rajagopal PV suggests, why can’t we have a business model rooted in nonviolence? This would not only create a more ethical and sustainable economy, but it would also contribute to building a peaceful society. Nonviolent businesses would prioritize the well-being of their workers and the community, rather than solely focusing on profits.
Similarly, an education system that teaches peace would have a profound impact on future generations. By promoting values of empathy, compassion, and nonviolence, we can create a more peaceful and just world. As the saying goes, “it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” By teaching peace from a young age, we can prevent violence and conflict in the future.
Some may argue that a peace ministry is a utopian idea and that violence is an inevitable part of human nature. But history has shown us that nonviolent movements have been successful in bringing about significant social and political changes. From Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance against British colonialism to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, nonviolent action has proven to be a powerful tool for change.
In the face of increasing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, we need to start thinking differently. We need to shift our focus from military solutions to peaceful and sustainable ones. As Rajagopal PV puts it, “peace is not just a goal, it is a means to achieve a better world.”
In conclusion, the concept of a peace ministry may seem radical, but it is a necessary step towards creating a more peaceful and just world. We need to move away from the traditional notion of peace as the absence of war and start promoting a culture of peace. We need to invest in peacebuilding efforts and prioritize the well-being of our communities. As individuals, we can all play a role in promoting peace by embracing nonviolence in our daily lives and supporting organizations like Ekta Parishad. Let
