South Asian Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (SAIPR)
Inception
In 2016, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV) and the University of Winchester (UoW) entered into a formal Memorandum of Understanding, with the intention of jointly developing research and education in a number of different areas, including peace studies. The Institute was inaugurated by H.E. the Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Ji on March 19th, 2022. A Peace Institute which focuses on the role of religion in conflict and peace building located in South Asia (SA) is a unique and much needed addition to global Peace Studies scholarship and practice. This does not necessarily mean that the Institute will have an exclusive geographical focus on South Asia, but that it values Asian knowledge, wisdom and values in its study of peace. SAIPR would also have a strong research focus on reconciliation, as this is an extremely important and relatively under-researched area which is strongly linked to the religious/cultural dimensions of peace building.
Hon. Vice President of India inaugurates “South Asian Institute of Peace and Reconciliation” in DSVV On the occasion of Shantikunj Golden Jubilee Year, Vice President of India H.E. M. Venkaiah Naidu and Hon'ble Governor of Uttarakhand Lt. General (Retd.) Gurmeet Singh visited Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. On this special occasion, Hon'ble Vice-President inaugurated the South Asian Institute of Peace and Reconciliation.
SAIPR
Vision
The Institute has been set up on the lines of collaboration of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya with the University of Winchester,U.K. which aims for developing research in religion, peace building and reconciliation. This institute is a much-needed addition to global Peace Studies, scholarship and practice. It will provide practical training on religious peacebuilding, conflict analysis, and interfaith dialogue. In a ceremony held after the inauguration, Mr.Naidu said, “It is my privilege to inaugurate the ‘South Asian Institute of Peace and Reconciliation’ dedicated to the service of humanity.” He also praised the university for its impactful worldwide efforts in the fields of Yoga, Yagya and scientific spirituality. Further Honourable Governor said, “It is my strong belief that this institution will work for peace, harmony and love in the world.” After Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, the visit continued to the Gayatri Teerth Shantikunj where dignitaries paid obeisance to Pt. Shriram Acharya Ji and Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma Ji. He tweeted that he was inspired by his lines – “If we change, the world will change”, and “If we form ourselves, the world will be reformed.”
Objectives
The Centre would engage in:
- World class research in religion, peace building and reconciliation.
- Research informed Post Graduate teaching and supervision initially, leading to Undergraduate provision as the Centre and resources develop.
- Practical training on religious peace building, conflict analysis, and interfaith dialogue.
- Policy briefings and a consultancy dimension.
ACTIVITIES OF SAIPR
The activities proposed under the South Asian Institute of Peace and Reconciliation are as follows:
Dialogue Sessions: Organize structured dialogue sessions that bring together individuals from opposing sides of a conflict. Facilitators can help guide discussions where participants share their experiences, grievances, and aspirations, leading to a better understanding of each other’s perspectives.
Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Offer mediation services to help parties in conflict find common ground and mutually agreeable solutions. Trained mediators can facilitate negotiations, enabling conflicting parties to reach settlements that address their concerns.
Trauma Healing Workshops: Conduct workshops and counseling sessions to address the psychological and emotional wounds resulting from conflict. These workshops can provide tools for coping with trauma and promote healing and resilience.
Historical and Cultural Understanding: Develop educational programs that into the history and culture of the conflicted region. Understanding the roots of the conflict and the historical context can help foster empathy and a more nuanced perspective.
Arts and Expression: Use artistic activities such as music, visual arts, theater, and storytelling as a medium for people to express their feelings, promote empathy, and connect on a deeper level.
Skills Training and Economic Empowerment: Provide training programs that equip individuals with marketable skills. Empowering people economically can contribute to stability and a sense of purpose, reducing the likelihood of future conflicts.
Community Building Workshops: Organize workshops that focus on building trust and cooperation within communities. These workshops can emphasize shared goals, values, and interests to strengthen social cohesion.
Youth Engagement Programs: Engage young people in the peace-building process by offering mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities for them to voice their perspectives on conflict resolution and community development.
Cross-Cultural Exchanges: Arrange exchanges and interactions between communities that have historically been in conflict. These exchanges can promote cross-cultural understanding, break down stereotypes, and build personal connections.
Restorative Justice Programs: Implement restorative justice practices that emphasize repairing harm caused by conflicts rather than punitive measures. This can involve victims, offenders, and the community in a collaborative process of healing and resolution.
Conflict Prevention Workshops: Offer workshops that teach conflict prevention skills, communication techniques, and early warning signs of potential conflicts to address issues before they escalate.
Advocacy and Policy Development: Engage with policymakers and advocate for policies that promote inclusivity, justice, and peace. Collaborate with local and national governments to implement sustainable peacebuilding strategies.
Interfaith and Inter-ethnic Dialogue: Facilitate conversations among different religious and ethnic groups to bridge divides and promote interfaith understanding.
Research and Documentation: Conduct research to better understand the root causes of conflicts and effective reconciliation strategies. Document success stories and lessons learned to contribute to a growing body of knowledge in the field.
Community Projects: Collaborate on community-based projects that benefit all parties involved. Common projects, such as infrastructure development or environmental conservation, can foster cooperation and a sense of shared purpose.
