Lessons on Non Violence

The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally employed only by small children and large nations.

                                                                  - David Friedman

Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.

                                                                - Bob Talbert


The two schools in India, teach non violence and have a zero tolerance regarding physical violence of any kind.

Any incident that does occur is used for teaching.

The other day two of our "little" girls (about 10 years old) were lectured.

Kajol became annoyed - we do not know why - and hit Payal.  Payal hit Kajol back.  Since Payal is stronger than Kajol, Kajol was the one who was crying.

Payal is the type of child who faces life head on.  Down she came to the office to see Tania Didi. She proceeded to explain that Kajol had hit her, and ............. "What am I supposed to do Didi?"

The perfect opportunity for a lesson.

Of course, Kajol also came down to the office - along with all of her siblings for support - to tell her story. 

Another opportunity for a lesson.

It certainly was Payal's day for altercations.  In the afternoon, the girls were outside playing skipping rope.  Radha got a little too close while Payal was skipping, and was hit by the rope.  Even before Radha had a chance to complain, Payal was in the office.

"This is sthe way it is Didi.  When I'm skipping, people should stand back.  They shouldn't come too close and get hit.  It's not my fault Didi if they do."

One must admit - there certainly is some logic there.