“Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict -- alternatives to passive or aggressive responses, alternatives to violence.”
― Dorothy Thompson Conflict is essential to one's existence. And how we as an individual as well as a society resolve conflict reflects our maturity. A lot of conflicts or no conflict at all in a society an imbalance; a disorder.
India as a society has been budding tree of thought masters like Kabir, Buddha,Ambedkar and Gandhi. Even then, we haven't really progressed beyond the 'win/lose' logic when it comes to dealing with conflicts.
"Gujarat has witnessed various instances of conflicts and differences. Worth noting is the fact that Gujarat originated because of linguistic difference on 1st of July which we celebrate as 'Maha Guajrat Day'. It has been long we have been struggling to curb inequality and have failed. But we think it is all about celebrating differences and plurality.", explains Avni Sethi who is one of the brainchild behind the concept. When asked 'Why' this theme? Avni says, "It is high time we move beyond the satisfaction and otherwise we get by winning or losing. Most of the time, we ignore the importance of apology from 'victor' team to that who has lost families"
Okay, hold on. If you live in Ahmedabad, you aren't reading ahead. You simply got to be there. If you are a non-Amdavadi, go ahead!
Theatre of Conscience This is a restoration of conscience from where it is, to where it must be; if at all we believe truth must win. A short animated story a father tells his son.
Empathy Alley
There are these people, who talk to you. They tell us, if they could why can't we? Exemplary personalities like Chacha, Gandhi, Ambedkar etc. have so far carved our destiny and continue to do so even with their shadows. Here, shadows talk.
Memory Lab From "I have shifted with my new roommate to new flat today and our first outing is at Conflictorium, irony" to "I lost my family in 2002 riots and we aren't still able to put back the pieces of our lives together. I really request people to not give in to politics ever again" various visitors who have visited the place put down their memories when they have felt conflicted and are now resolved.
"No two people see the same thing as we all stand in different positions. Which is why conflict happens and can be solved if we start looking from other person's point of view", says Avni.
"Ahmedabad is divided in two by Sabarmati. One side has a different taste and the other is completely different. But both are rich in their own-selves", Avni says as she explains the concept behind this cafe. "Cafe is somewhere we get food while we hang out with friends. But what then after? What when you can't eat more but still want to hang -out more? Youngsters today need to have a different space."
A Gallery of Disputes puts us in front of unpleasant conflicts that have been. Definitely, we cannot solve any issue until and unless we accept and acknowledge it.
This is followed by a 'Sorry Tree' where we apologize for our ignorance as one leaves notes of sorry on tree branches. Something that sets us free - Apology.
The last but our favorite spot is Conversation Quadrangle commonly known as Chowk where people sit down and pour their heart out, once they are done exploring their conflicts, through conversations and interactions.
Already conflicted whether to go or not? I'll resolve, GO.
Where?
Gool Lodge, Opp. R.C Technical High School, Mirzapur, Ahmedabad. When? 11:00 AM onwards. Contact: 079- 25620747