“If nations can have defense ministries, why not peace ministries?” asks Rajagopal PV, the soft-spoken yet formidable founder of Ekta Parishad. This simple yet thought-provoking question challenges the traditional notion of national security and calls for a paradigm shift towards a more peaceful and non-violent approach.
Founded in 1989, Ekta Parishad is a non-violent movement that works towards the empowerment of marginalized communities in India. It advocates for land rights, livelihood, and social justice through peaceful means. Rajagopal PV, also known as Rajaji, has been at the forefront of this movement, leading thousands of people in non-violent protests and marches.
But his vision goes beyond just addressing the immediate needs of the marginalized communities. He envisions a world where peace is not just a concept, but a way of life. A world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding, rather than through violence and war.
Rajaji’s question raises an important point – why do we only focus on defense and security when it comes to nations? Why not also prioritize peace and non-violence? After all, the ultimate goal of any defense ministry is to protect its citizens and ensure their safety. And what better way to achieve this than by promoting peace and non-violence?
We are often told to see issues through a gender lens, to consider the impact on women and girls. But why not also see them through a peace lens? This would mean looking at the root causes of conflicts and addressing them through peaceful means. It would mean involving women and marginalized communities in peacebuilding processes, as they are often the most affected by violence and war.
Rajaji’s vision also extends to other aspects of society. He asks, “Why can’t we imagine a business model rooted in non-violence?” In a world where competition and profit often take precedence over ethical and moral values, this question challenges us to rethink our priorities. Can we create a business model that not only generates profit but also promotes peace and social justice?
Similarly, he questions why our education system does not teach peace. We are taught history, science, and mathematics, but rarely do we learn about conflict resolution, empathy, and non-violent communication. By incorporating peace education into our curriculum, we can raise a generation of individuals who are equipped with the skills to resolve conflicts peacefully and promote a culture of peace.
Rajaji’s ideas may seem idealistic, but they are not impossible to achieve. In fact, there are already examples of countries and organizations that have embraced a peace lens. Costa Rica, for instance, abolished its army in 1948 and invested in education, healthcare, and social welfare instead. Today, it is one of the most peaceful countries in the world.
The United Nations also has a dedicated department for peacekeeping operations, which works towards preventing and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. It has successfully mediated and resolved numerous conflicts around the world, saving countless lives.
But we need to go beyond just having a peacekeeping department. We need to integrate the principles of peace and non-violence into all aspects of our society. We need to prioritize peace and social justice over profit and power. And this change can start with each one of us.
We can all be peacebuilders in our own ways – by promoting dialogue and understanding, by standing up against injustice and violence, and by practicing non-violent communication in our daily lives. We can also support organizations like Ekta Parishad, which are working towards creating a more peaceful and just world.
Rajaji’s question challenges us to think beyond the traditional notions of security and defense. It urges us to imagine a world where peace is not just a distant dream, but a reality. And it reminds us that we all have a role to play in making this world a more peaceful place. So let us all embrace the peace lens and work towards building a better future for generations to come.
