A one year Post Graduate Diploma in Gandhian and Peace Studies would be introduced at Manipal University during February 2010. The impetus for starting such course came because of the dynamic nature of international security environment. The growing religious fanaticism, violence, terrorism and terrorists networks has changed the nature of threat perception and the rise of non-state actors has made the likely future threats highly unpredictable. Under such existing circumstances, it would be a worthwhile exercise to make introspection and revisit Gandhian values, principles and philosophy and see how relevant these concepts would be in terms of resolving some of these complex problems confronting modern world and India.

In order to address the emerging challenge in the current international security environment, the course in Post Graduate Diploma in Gandhian & Peace Studies at Manipal University has been designed in such a way to suit those who would be interested in finding answers to the emerging complex problems related to peace, stability and international security. This one year (two semesters) course would be relevant for senior leaders in corporate institutions, strategic and academic community, diplomatic and people from the armed forces. The structure of the course would be flexible and one can be given the liberty to choose only a couple of modules suiting one’s own interest and also because of the time constraint in doing the complete course for a year. The fresher may like to do full two semesters course.

The various questions as to why Gandhi is relevant in modern world and India and what hopes do Gandhian values hold up to a world caught under the shadow of terror reflect the real concerns our modern society has been confronting with today. Gandhian philosophy is certainly considered by Gandhians as a universal and timeless philosophy and hence the course on Gandhian and peace studies becomes more relevant and important. Gandhian philosophy has become more relevant in the present context almost in every parts of the world. Understanding of Gandhi’s religious and social ideas and methods may help in bringing world peace.