The book launch of Ahimsa Ki Kavita (Echoes of the Bhoodan Movement) took place on September 13, 2024, at the LCRI Hall, during the Hindi Day Week celebrations organized by the Faculty of Languages and Cultural Studies, Hindi Department, St. Aloysius ( Deemed to be University), Mangaluru.
The book, edited by researcher Vivek Kumar Shaw and Assistant Professor Lilu Kumari, is a collection of poems and songs centered around the Bhoodan Movement initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave. This book brings together poems from renowned and regional poets of the Bhoodan era, compiled from various magazines and journals. Additionally, it features an interview with Gautam Bajaj, who was closely associated with Vinoba Bhave in the Bhoodan Movement, focusing on the role of poets involved in the movement. The event was graced by chief guest Dr. B.R. Pal, Chief Manager - Rajbhasha (MRPL), Mangaluru, along with the university's Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rev Praveen Martis S.J., Registrar Dr. Alwyn Dsa, Director of Xavier Block Dr. Eshwar Bhatt, Director of Arrupe Block Dr. Denis Fernandes, Head of the Hindi Department Dr. Mukund Prabhu, Dr. Mahboob Ali Nadaf, Dr. Sandhya U. Sirsikar, Dr. Govind Thapa Chetry, Ms. Roysi Rekha Braggs, and Mrs. Shaila D’Souza.
Editor Vivek Kumar Shaw highlighted the impact of the Bhoodan Movement on Hindi literature, explaining that Vinoba Bhave's long march wasn't solely for land donation. Bhave was fostering human connection, aiming to establish a non-violent, exploitation-free, and egalitarian society, while working to make the landless and poor self-reliant. He bridged the societal divide while spreading Gandhian ideals. Program coordinator Lilu Kumari discussed the various backgrounds related to the Bhoodan Movement, emphasizing that its path was one of Sarvodaya (universal uplift) and non-violence. Vinoba Bhave stressed that land should belong to those who work on it and sought to bring about a change of heart among landlords, encouraging them to willingly donate land to the poor.
A significant highlight of the program was the prize distribution ceremony, recognizing the achievements of students in various Hindi-related competitions. The Registrar of the university delivered the presidential address, reinforcing the institution's commitment to language preservation and promotion.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, expressing gratitude to everyone, program coordinator and Assistant Professor of the Hindi Department, Dr Govind Thapa Chetry, acknowledged the support of students, teachers, and many dignitaries of the university. The event was attended by university deans, heads of various departments, faculty members, guests, students from different departments, and many staff members.