Rotary Club, Imphal candidate completes Rotary Peace Fellowship in Conflict Resolution
PR from Rotary Peace Fellowships

Imphal 21st November, 2009:

Col VS Malik, who commanded 22 Assam Rifles in Maram from 2005 to 2008 recently completed the prestigious Rotary International Peace Fellowship at Thailand's top educational institution, the Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. It was a three months "Professional Development Course in Peace & Conflict Resolution".

Col Malik was one of the 17 candidates selected from around the world for this highly acclaimed Peace program annually sponsored by Rotary International. Col Malik was selected last year for his contribution to peace and Human Rights in his area of responsibility in Senapati Dist. His commitment to Human Security and Peacebuilding endeared him to the local communities. He and his men upheld human dignity and human worth at all cost.

For the locals his camp at Maram became like a 'mission hospital' with free unrestricted access to every one for any assistance. He was a social activist first, a military man later. He believed that the people are never a problem, their socio-economic injustices are. He actively contributed to varied social causes from women's rights to children's education, from people's empowerment to awareness of legal rights. He never betrayed people's trust in him. Naga tribes in his area affectionately gave him pet names in their local dialects.

For Marams he is 'Karaiba', for Maos he is 'Kholi' and for Poumais he is 'Khuveio'! Recognising his contribution to Peace, Rotary Club, Imphal sponsored him for the Rotary Fellowship selection. He stood first from among two-dozen odd applicants in the pre-selection interviews at Rotary Dist 3240, Guwahati last April. Based on his performance in this interview, Col Malik successfully made it through the world selection at Rotary Headquarters, Illinois, USA.

It was a rare achievement by a serving military officer. The Fellows are mostly mid career professionals ranging from doctors, lawyers, teachers, religious leaders, NGO activists and police and military officers. The Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies program involves fine mix of theory and practice. Renowned peace and conflict resolution experts from around the world are invited to train the participants. This conceptual learning is complimented by two field study visits of a week's duration each.

First the Peace Fellows visit Thai-Myanmar border to study the situation among Karen refugees staying in Thailand and also study other local socio-economic conflicts. Towards the end of the course, the Fellows are taken to neighbouring country Cambodia, which is infamous for its 'Killing Fields' under Pol Pot regime in the late seventies.

All fellows have to submit their learning and reflections regularly. They also have to write individual conflict analysis papers. At the end of the course, formed groups make presentations on subjects of Peace and Conflict resolution. As his group work, Col Malik along with his group members from Canada, Phillipines and Pakistan launched a new web based peace movement called a Million Acts of Peace. This web site can be accessed at http://www.millionactsofpeace.com/

Rotary World Peace Fellows are leaders promoting national and international cooperation, peace, and the successful resolution of conflict throughout their lives, in their careers, and through service activities. These fellowships are a part of Rotary International's Peace and Security program. Under this, two types of peace fellowships are funded: First is a 1 to 3 years Masters in peace and conflict studies in one of the six universities around the world.

This is mostly applicable to younger people looking to do their first Masters. Second is the three-month Professional Development Course at Bangkok, for professionals who already have acquired Masters degrees. Further information and guidelines for application for these and various other programs can be found at http://www.rotary.org.

Col VS Malik, a Gorkha Rifles officer from Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw's battalion, has taken pre-mature retirement to work full time in areas of Human Rights, Humanitarian Law, Disaster preparedness, Gender issues, Peaceful conflict transformation and Human Security. He has done extensive national and international training in these subjects. Post retirement he has settled in Dehradun.

Further inquiries about the Rotary Peace Fellowships can be made from him at 9219553111, 135-6540756.
Email: [email protected]