UW Social Justice Research Center presents free public lecture on nonviolence by Gandhi's grandson

From a University of Wyoming press release:

The grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Arun Gandhi, peace activist and proponent of nonviolence, will speak at the University of Wyoming Tuesday, Nov. 16, as part of the UW Social Justice Research Center's semester speaker series.

His free public lecture, "Lessons Learned from My Grandfather: Non-violence in a Violent World," -- offering firsthand insights into one of history's most influential leaders -- is from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts main stage.
"We are excited to have Mr. Gandhi here at the University of Wyoming. At a time of such contentious societal dialogue around the war in Afghanistan, immigration reform and restrictions, and even the meaning of social justice, a voice of peace and civility is much needed," says Francisco Rios, UW Social Justice Research Center director and head of the Department of Educational Studies.

Few names in world history evoke such powerful images of integrity, courage, social harmony and -- perhaps most of all -- hope, than Gandhi. Arun Gandhi carries within himself the same guiding principles as his grandfather, the legendary peace-maker and spiritual leader.

Growing up in apartheid South Africa as a person of Indian heritage meant racial confrontations with both blacks and whites. Filled with rage and plotting to avenge his beatings, Arun Gandhi subscribed to Charles Atlas' bodybuilding magazines so he would have the strength to fight back. When his parents discovered the reason for their 12-year-old son's sudden fascination with exercise, they decided that a visit to his grandfather in India was in order.

What followed was an 18-month stay with one of the world's great leaders that would give him the keys to the powerful philosophy of nonviolence and help shape the foundation for his life's work.

After leading successful projects for economic and social reform in India, Arun Gandhi came to the United States in 1987 to complete research for a comparative study on racism in America. In 1991, Gandhi and his late wife, Sunanda, founded the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, now headquartered at the University of Rochester, N.Y. The institute promotes nonviolence through workshops, lectures and community outreach programs.

UW's Social Justice Research Center, Indian Student Association and the Department of Theatre and Dance sponsor the talk. For more information, call the UW Social Justice Research Center at (307) 766-3422.

Photo: Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, will discuss "Lessons Learned from My Grandfather: Non-violence in a Violent World," from 4-5:30 p.m. Nov. 16, in the Fine Arts main stage.

At Teton County Library Oct. 1: "How (Not) to Understand India through Bollywood"

"How (Not) to Understand India through Bollywood: Dreams and Desires in the New World Order," is a pr4esentation by Mir Ali Husain, Bollywood songwriter and New York Institute of Technology Management Studies Professor.

The event will be held on Friday, Oct. 1, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Teton County Public Library in jackson.

The presenter asks: "What defines a Bollywood movie? What can the world's largest film industry tell us about India? About the U.S.?" Presentation includes film clips and Q&A. Indian tea and cookies served!

Sponsored by Wyoming Council for the Humanities, University of Wyoming's Gender & Women's Studies, International Programs, History & International Studies Departments. Location: Ordway Auditorium. Free. Adult Humanities Coordinator, Oona Doherty, 733-2164 ext. 135 or odoherty@tclib.org.

Work by Wilson glass artist Laurie Thal given as White House gift

Wilson glassblower/glass artist and two-time Wyoming Arts Council visual arts fellowship winner Laurie Thal has a friend at the White House. Laurie was exhibiting her work last November at the Washington, D.C., craft show when the State Department's Tracy Bernstein stopped to admire the work. She asked if Laurie had something with a peacock on it and Laurie pulled from a box the piece shown above. The peacock was designed by Laurie's partner, Lia Kass. The State Department's Senior Gift Officer Liza Ballantine saw the bowl and bought it. President and Mrs. Obama gave the bowl as a gift to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife during their Nov. 24 White House visit. In 1997, Laurie also made a glass ornament for the White House Christmas Tree for Bill and Hillary Clinton. Several of her pieces are on display at the Wyoming Governor's Residence in Cheyenne. FMI: http://www.thalglass.com/

Listen to oral history podcasts featuring Thyra Thomson

From a SPCR preess release:

A series of oral history podcasts of former Wyoming Secretary of State Thyra Thomson are now available on the Wyoming State Archives, wyoarchives.org.

Originally interviewed by historian and author Mark Junge in 1993 for his book, “The Wind is My Witness,” Thomson speaks about her strong advocacy for women’s rights and her life in public office.

“I quickly saw around me in State Government how it was a man’s world, women’s place,” Thomson said. “There were so many things going on in which there was not a justice, and it was natural for me to pursue it not only in Wyoming, but nationwide because Wyoming was the Equality State.”

She first ran for office after the untimely death of her husband, Republican congressman and senator-elect Keith Thomson.

To listen to the podcasts of Thomson or to read the transcript, log onto www.wyoarchives.org and click on “oral histories,” then click on “Wyoming stories” for a complete list of oral histories.

Nina McConigley to celebrate new story in American Short Fiction with Texas reading

Wyoming fiction writer Nina McConigley (upper right) is one of the writers featured in the new issue of American Short Fiction.

Casper's Nina Swamidoss McConigley (now teaching at UW in Laramie) has a new story out this fall in American Short Fiction magazine. The story is "Curating Your Life." A reading featuring contributors to this issue of ASF will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Austin, Texas, home of Kelty Christman. This is free and open to the public.

The event features readings by writers Nina McConigley and Josh Weil. Actor Gabriel Luna, fresh from his title role in Cambiare Productions’ Orestes, will also read. Buzz Moran and LB Deyo of Dionysium will emcee. Music from the fall issue's diskette will also be played.

FMI: http://www.americanshortfiction.org/blog/?p=1236