Dr. Arun Gandhi Presents ‘How is Anger a Gift?’ April 20

SALISBURY, MD---One of the world’s greatest teachers of peace and nonviolence was Mahatma Gandhi. The Salisbury University community has the opportunity to learn from one of his closest pupils, his grandson Dr. Arun Gandhi.

Gandhi presents “How is Anger a Gift?” as part of the “One Person Can Make a Different” lecture series, hosted by SU’s Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, in a virtual format.

He reveals his personal journey of self-discovery and struggles in learning to express his emotions and harness the power of anger to bring about good.

For 16 years, Gandhi has served as a conflict scholar-in-residence and senior practitioner in the Bosserman Center at SU. Over the years, he and Dr. Brian Polkinghorn have led several groups of SU students studying abroad in India on the “Gandhi Legacy Tour.”

During his initial presentation at SU, Gandhi related a story about an early lesson he learned from his famous grandfather about peace building and nonviolence: To help fund his crusades for peace, independence of India and other issues, Mahatma Gandhi would charge 5 rupees per autograph during public appearances. It was 12-year-old Arun’s job to collect the money and autograph books from audience members.

Arun used this task to test his grandfather by slipping in his own autograph book.  Mahatma Gandhi asked whose book it was, and when Arun said it was his, his grandfather said, “Then I’ll need five rupees like anyone else.”

During Mahatma Gandhi’s meetings with high-level officials, Arun often barged in and demanded a free autograph, expecting Mahatma to become mad over the disturbance.  However, rather than angrily sending him out of the room or giving in and signing his grandson’s autograph book, Mahatma would merely place his hand over Arun’s mouth and hold him close, despite objections from many political leaders who encouraged Mahatma to merely sign the book and move on with the meeting.

Arun never got his free autograph, but instead learned that violence is not the only outcome of anger. If channeled properly, it can strengthen bonds and increase the chances for peace.

Gandhi’s SU talk is free and the public is invited. For more information or to register call 410-219-2873 or visit the event page.