( a mini proposal suggested by Ms.Delia Maria  Ph.D. peace scholar and social work volunteer, as an on-going, around-the-year project)

 Objectives:

·To spread the ideas of peace and reverence for all life to the citizens of Pune ; with special emphasis on Gandhian ideas of non-vionlence and social action;

·To collect peace and reverence literature from all spiritual missions, academic institutions and welfare organisations under one roof;

·To bring peace seekers together to share their visions for the betterment of society through individual reflection, study, group discussion and spontaneous welfare activities.

 Specific Objective:

To create an open space and an alternative library and free reading room dealing with all dimensions of inner and outer peace

 Facilities Required:

 1.A reading room in a public and pedestrian area which will be easily accessible to any peace seeker.

2.The reading room could be donated by any sponsor for use to the project for a period of one year at a time.

3.Volunteers can raise a small fund for maintenance of the room and one  staff who will keep records and supervise the library.

4. All literature will be collected from religious missions and social groups from time to time, Delia’s personal library and donations from any individual members or institutions.

5. There will be a special section of all Gandhian literature.

6. In the reading room, there will be a large desk with chairs for visitors to sit comfortably and read.  Some racks for the literature need to be bought with donations.

7. If any spiritual mission has literature for free distribution or for sale, one side of the reading room will exhibit the same.

8. A notice board giving information on programmes and events on peace will  be exhibited on one wall

9.Hand-outs giving a list of peace literature, peace programmes in the city, names and addresses of peaceworkers, NGOs and their services, will be available for visitors.

10. All national and international peace days will be celebrated.

 Other Services:

 Karuna Club, Senior Citizens clubs , neighbourhood committees, youth women and religious groups will be invited to hold their weekly or monthly meetings in the reading room

 The reading room could host small events like a book reading, speeches by visiting academicians/religious/recognised people, meditation/study workshops, prayer meeting, celebration of international peace days, spiritual music and audio-visual programmes, etc.

 Some of the friends/organisations who will give voluntary assistance to  the library are:

 ·Friends of the Gandhi Museum, Pune

· Gandhi National Memorial, Aga Khan Palace

· National Women’s Organisation, Pune

· World Foundation on Reverence for All Life

· Other peacelovers and peace activist friends

 Yours ideas and suggestions are graciously welcomed!