Dr. Shall Sinha, a passionate proponent of satyagraha, Gandhi's 'weapon' of non-violent non-cooperation, came to 'Iolani on Sept. 25 to visit with the eighth grade World Religion classes.
Dr. Sinha, a leading expert on the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi, and the author of four books on Gandhi's philosophy and methods, presented himself in costume and in character, 'becoming' Gandhi as he interacted with the students. 
His uncanny resemblance to the historical Gandhi lent a sense of reality to the experience, which immediately focused the students attention. He challenged the audience during the sessions to engage by encouraging them to ask questions about his philosophy and techniques, which may have relevance to peace in our own time. The conversations ranged from the merely factual to the deeply profound aspects of Gandhi's life and methods.
Dr. Sinha was accompanied by his wife, Pramila Sinha, who is an ardent advocate for non-violence herself, and a practioner of satyagraha through her organizational entity known as the Non-Violence Peace Force. Dr. Sinha was sponsored by Mr. Joshua Cooper on behalf of the U.N. Human Rights Council in conjunction with the 'Iolani Peace Institute.
