Stop the Hate Week activities

“Stop the Hate Week, Stop the Violence - Building a Culture of Peace” will observed Oct. 2-10 at California State University, Fresno with a film, candlelight vigil, music and a tribute to Mohandas Gandhi.

The first event is at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 in the Peace Garden (just north of the Henry Madden Library). The film “Mahatma” will be shown.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, a cultural and musical tribute will begin at 10 a.m. in the Peace Garden, along with the traditional garlanding of the Gandhi statue. Attendees are asked to bring flowers.

The day also will serve to honor Fresno State President John D. Welty for his commitment to peace studies and the Indian community.

“The Indian community is very grateful to Dr. Welty for his responsiveness and accessibility in regards to the Peace Garden,” said professor emeritus Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor.

The celebration will continue the following week with a poetry jam on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Bucket. The jam will offer an open microphone to those interested in reading poetry centered on peace.

Thursday, Oct. 8, a prejudice reduction workshop will be offered for Fresno State staff and faculty from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop will be repeated again, Saturday, Oct. 10 from 8:30 a.m. tp 4:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Registration is $75. To register for the workshop call the Center for Women and Culture at 559.278.6946.

In 2007, the 61st United Nations General Assembly declared October 2 as the “International Day of Nonviolence” to honor Gandhi for his enduring legacy to promote peace and nonviolence.

For more information contact Kapoor at 559.435.2212 or the Center for Women and Culture at 559.278.6946.

(Copy by University Communications news intern Amanda Fine.)