Topping the list is the plan to develop Gujarat Vidyapeeth as a full-fledged experiment model based on ‘Hind Swaraj.’

Following the debates on the areas of agreement and issues that do not find sufficient resonance among the masses, critical studies of experiments in non-violence, based on the philosophy as espoused in ‘Hind Swaraj’, were discussed.

The idea was to chart out action plans based on the ‘Hind Swaraj’ philosophy to address present day problems, for which Vidyapeeth offered to become a perfect example.

“Extension of the experimental energy conservation park, presently outside the library, to the hostels and others parts of the campus to make the campus self-sufficient, is one of the ways we plan to resonate the theory of self-sufficiency. The park will have cycles attached to dynameters. Whenever a student cycles, it will generate energy to serve the purpose of lighting, running coolers as well as fans,” said Pushpa Motiyani, head of the Peace Research Centre and Department of Gandhian Studies.

The plan also includes upgrading the vice-chancellor’s room with an energy run Charkha (spindle). The university has also made stay in the hostels compulsory for the students in a bid to introduce the ‘Hind Swaraj’ philosophy to them as a way of life rather than just a college affair.

The 15 foreign delegates among the total 70 peace activists, who attended the meet, were particularly impressed by the Vidyapeeth’s experiments and plan, and pledged to replicate the philosophy and experiments in their fields.

Rajendra Khemani, the registrar said: “We have set up models of Energy Park apart from lighting up 50 per cent of the streetlights by solar energy. But for Vidyapeeth to become a full fledged model, we have planned to initiate a drive for 100 per cent solar streetlamps, and upgrade the farming at nine rural centres affiliated to the university.”