For N Radhakrishnan, peace works as the best defence

Thiruvananthapuram: ‘Defence research’ has invariably meant research for war, but there are some who are convinced that peace is the best defence.  One of them, Gandhi Peace Mission chairman N. Radhakrishnan, has become the first Indian to be chosen for the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Prize of 2018 instituted by in Martin Luther King Institute, Atlanta.  His oil painting will be unveiled at the Martin Luther King Jr Hall of Fame at Morehouse College, Atlanta (where Dr King studied). He quotes from the Preamble to the constitution for UNESCO: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defence of peace must be constructed.” 

He says, “How much of research and money is spent on training people in the art of killing, and conflict? What about peacemaking which requires more composite and dedicated efforts than the process of killing. Unfortunately, we think that everyone can be a peace promoter or conflict manager. Our contention is that peace has to be systematically and scientifically studied and researched.” He compares war and peace studies to fire-fighting and preventive measures before a fire. 

“An outbreak of violence can arise from lack of understanding, hatred or absence of communication. There could be many permutations and combinations. These have to be studied and articulated into tangible propositions,” he says.   While participating in peace interventions across the world including conflict zones like Cypress and Palestine, he has worked closely with King’s key associates and civil rights proponents like Bernard Lafayette, Lawrence Carter and Charles Alphin. He has held dialogues with Japanese philosopher-poet Daisaku.

“All three, Gandhi, King and Ikeda, have had the profound vision that centres of learning should become centres where values of peace will be absorbed,” he says. It is in his 50th year as a peace campaigner that the recognitions have come. “I have received many awards, but these are very special. It helps one rededicate oneself more to the cause to which one is committed,” he said.