Kausani Declaration: Youth Commit to Nation-Building at Gandhian Ideological Reflection Camp

ЁЯУЕ 10 June 2025
ЁЯУН Anasakti Ashram, Kausani, Uttarakhand

Kausani Declaration Gandhian Youth Camp 2025

A New Beginning Rooted in Gandhian Ideals

Under the banner of Youth for Truth, the serene and historic Anasakti Ashram in Kausani became a hub of deep ideological reflection and collective resolve as youth leaders, Gandhian thinkers, academicians, and social activists gathered from across India. The occasion was a three-day Gandhian Ideological Reflection Camp, held from 7th to 9th June 2025, that culminated in the adoption of the тАШKausani DeclarationтАЩтАФa roadmap for constructive social transformation.

Dialogue Across Generations

The camp focused on three crucial areas of dialogue:

  1. The contemporary challenges faced by the youth
  2. Expectations from senior Gandhians and Gandhian institutions
  3. Critical responses to common criticisms and misconceptions about Mahatma Gandhi

In spirited group discussions, the youth candidly raised concerns over issues like unemployment, education crises, communal tensions, media distortion, erosion of political values, and democratic vulnerabilities. Senior Gandhians provided rich insights and reflective guidance drawn from their years of activism and engagement with Gandhian philosophy.

The тАШKausani DeclarationтАЩ: A Collective Resolve

On the final day, participants unanimously adopted the тАШKausani DeclarationтАЩ, which lays out a comprehensive strategy to carry forward Gandhian values in present times. Key resolutions include:

  • Spreading Gandhian Thought: Regular organization of storytelling sessions, workshops, seminars, and training camps.
  • Raising Awareness: Using media to sensitize the public about emerging threats to societal and cultural values.
  • Factual Counter-Narratives: Promoting truth-based information to address misinformation and attacks on Gandhian ideology.
  • Non-Violent Resistance: Organizing peaceful satyagraha against hate, communalism, and caste-based discrimination.
  • Constructive Programmes: Encouraging initiatives such as interfaith prayer meetings, khadi promotion, and the swadeshi movement to build ethical and self-reliant communities.

A Symbolic Conclusion, A Real Beginning

While the declaration marked the official conclusion of the camp, it also signaled a new beginning. Youth participants pledged to take the spirit of the declaration back to their respective villages, towns, institutions, and organizations, committing to bring about change through non-violence, truth, compassion, and service.

Lakshmi AshramтАЩs Impactful Participation

A highlight of the camp was the active involvement of Lakshmi Ashram, an institution with deep roots in Gandhian education.

  • Padma Shri Radha Bhatt delivered an inspiring keynote during the inaugural session.
  • Ms. Kanti Ben Neema Vaishnav and her students participated in all sessions with unmatched zeal.
  • Their leadership in organizing a peaceful demonstration demanding the closure of a liquor shop in Kausani was widely appreciated and set an example of local activism aligned with Gandhian ethics.

Conclusion

The Gandhian Ideological Reflection Camp in Kausani was more than just a conferenceтАФit was a renewal of faith in the principles that once shaped IndiaтАЩs freedom movement. In a time of growing polarization and unrest, the тАШKausani DeclarationтАЩ is a timely reminder that change begins with self-awareness, collective unity, and constructive action.

As one participant aptly said:
“IndiaтАЩs soul can be awakened only through the path of truth, non-violence, and service.”

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