Centre for Gandhian Studies
About Us

The Centre for Gandhian Studies at Alagappa University is an interdisciplinary centre established in 2008 with the assistance of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Its primary objective is to study and disseminate knowledge on the life, thought, values, and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. The Centre strives to promote awareness of Gandhian philosophy among the university community and the public, fostering the inculcation of Gandhian values among students.

The objectives of the Centre are achieved through seminars, workshops, special lectures, research studies, competitions, publications, exhibitions, awareness programmes, and community outreach activities. These initiatives focus on various aspects of Gandhian philosophy in contemporary contexts.

The Gandhi Forum, a student body under the Centre, spearheads its activities and contributes to the holistic development of its members. The Centre emphasizes:

  1. Character building and education through the mother tongue
  2. The importance of manual work and co-education
  3. Hostel residence and community living
  4. Moral and health education for physical and mental well-being
  5. Education for self-help, self-reliance, and personality development
  6. Elimination of caste and colour discrimination
  7. Promotion of vocational and life skills
Events
  1. Gandhi Jayanti Celebration 2025:

    Report on 156th Gandhi Jayanti Celebration 2025 Organized by Centre for Gandhian Studies Jointly with: Alagappa University College of Education & Department of Education Date & Venue: 06th October 2025, 10.30 a.m., Seminar Hall, AUCE, Alagappa University. The Centre for Gandhian Studies, in collaboration with Alagappa University College of Education and the Department of Education, organized the 156th Gandhi Jayanti Celebration 2025 at Alagappa University.

    The event commenced with a warm Welcome Address by Dr. G. Sivakumar, Director, Centre for Gandhian Studies, who emphasized the enduring relevance of Gandhian values in today’s world. Hony. Col. Prof. G. Ravi, Vice-Chancellor, Alagappa University, delivered the Presidential Address, highlighting Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, non-violence, and self-reliance as guiding principles for national progress. The Inaugural Address was delivered by Prof. A. SenthilRajan, Registrar, Alagappa University, who reflected on the importance of integrating Gandhian thoughts in education.

    Thiru. A. Urumathan, Member, Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Yagna Board, Chennai, addressed the gathering, sharing insights on Gandhiji’s contributions to land reforms and social harmony. Dr. S. Muthulaxmi, Former Honorary Principal, College of Gandhian Thoughts, Madurai, delivered a Special Address emphasizing the need to inculcate Gandhian ideals among the younger generation.Prof. M. Jothi Basu, Controller of Examinations, and Prof. G. Kalaiyarasan, Dean, Faculty of Education, felicitated the event with their inspiring remarks. Dr. J.E. Merlin Sasikala, Principal (i/c), AUCE, offered felicitations to the dignitaries and participants. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Dr. N. Sasikumar, Deputy Director, Centre for Gandhian Studies. The celebration served as a meaningful tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, inspiring all 300 participants to follow his path of peace, simplicity, and service.

  2. Gandhi Jayanti & International Non-Violence Day:

    The Gandhi Jayanti & International Non-Violence Day was celebrated by Centre for Gandhian Studies in collaboration with National Service Scheme on 02.10.2016 in the Convocation Seminar hall, Alagappa University. Prof.S.Subbiah, Vice-Chancellor presided over the function. Prof.V.Balachandran, Registrar(i/c) delivered the inaugural address. Dr.V.Sankaranarayanan, Principal, Kailash women’s College, Salem, delivered the special address. Dr.A.Balu, Principal (i/c) welcomed the gathering and Dr.S.Rajaram, NSS Coordinator proposed a vote of thanks. 250 student teachers participated in the event.

Directors
dean

Dr. G. Sivakumar

Director

Email : cgs@alagappauniversity.ac.in
Mobile No.: +91 98425 61855
dean

Dr. N. Sasikumar

Deputy Director

Email : sasikumarn@alagappauniversity.ac.in
Mobile No.: +91 98657 05482
Photos
Gandhi Jayanti Celebration 2025:
Gandhi Jayanti & International Non-Violence Day - 2016:
Proposed Functions of the Chair

The following courses are proposed to be organized by the Chair:

  1. Academics
    1. Certificate Course in Gandhian Thought (Part-time / Weekend Course) - Duration: Six months
    2. Diploma in Gandhian Studies (Part-time / Weekend Course) - Duration: Six months
    3. Add-on Certificate Course in Religion and Harmony - Duration: Three months
    4. Short-term / Summer Course on Innovative Teaching Methodology for School Teachers based on Gandhian Philosophy - Duration: Two weeks
    5. P.G. Diploma in Peace and Value Education - Duration: One year
  2. Research

    The research will focus on the core concepts of Mahatma Gandhi in the educational system, such as:

    1. The concept of Meta-cognition in Gandhian philosophy
    2. Values and philosophical concepts
    3. Cognitive and sensory experiences
    4. Discursive reasoning and intuitive understanding
    5. Social, economic, and political transformation through non-violence
  3. Seminar / Conference / Workshop

    The Seminar / Conference / Workshop will cover the following themes based on the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi: Public welfare, values, personal development, peace and non-violence, truth, rural development, aesthetic experience, ethical experience, religious experience, creativity and imagination in the teaching–learning process for the betterment of life and self-attainment, and the ideological perception of Gandhiji in the Indian struggle for freedom.

  4. Capacity Building Programmes / Events

    The following programmes and events are planned to be organized for the students of Alagappa University, its affiliated colleges, school students, and the community:

    1. Earning While Learning Programmes
    2. Cultural Exchange Programmes
    3. Art and Science Exhibitions
    4. Educational Awareness Programmes
    5. Value Promotion Activities such as Fine Arts, Theatre, Folklore, Street Plays, and Music based on Gandhian Ideology.