The institute of Gandhian Thought & Peace Studies (Gandhi Bhavan) is a premier institution established in the year 1961 under the aegis of the University of Allahabad with an objective to promote and undertake research on Gandhi, his teachings and philosophy. It is the first of its kind research institute focused on creating awareness around Gandhian philosophy and its applicability in present-day contemporary societies.
The institute functions as a tool of social transformation by organising seminars, symposiums and other academic activities which are instrumental in initiating dialogues on modern discourses.
At Gandhi Bhavan, we believe that Gandhian philosophy is quintessential in present times to understand the intricacies of global issues such as climate change and sustainable development among others. Gandhian principles are more relevant than ever. The institute empowers academicians and students to evaluate, analyse and provide holistic solutions to modern problems of modern India. India’s demographic dividend is its strength and in order to harness this potential, the institute’s work with the youth aims to empower the youth in social and emotional learning based on the latest research. The goal is to enable young people to transform non-formal, informal and formal spaces through inter-generational dialogues and holistic problem-solving approaches.
The institute was inaugurated on 2nd October 1976 by Bharat Ratna Mother Teressa. The institute has a conference hall, classrooms and an enriched library with a diverse collection of books, newspapers, articles, memoirs etc. on Mahatma Gandhi and other philosophers. The institute reflects and represents the vision of Gandhi. Gandhi believed that a green and clean planet is an indicator of value-based and equitable development of a society and the campus infrastructure echoes the same.
The first Director of the institute was renowned Gandhian and thinker Prof. J.S. Mathur who set the foundations of the institute. Gandhian thinkers such as J.K. Kuruppa, Suresh Bhai, Rajgopal, and M.N. Subbarao have visited the institute and shared their perspectives.
At present, the institute is led by Professor and Gandhian thinker Prof. Santosh Kumar Bhadauria whose leadership nurtures and materialises the institute’s vision.
The institute under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sangita Srivastava is in the process of materialising the following initiatives and collaborations, among others: