Peace in Action: Gandhi, MLK and the Power of Nonviolence

In October, The India Center at UCF and the Lou Frey Institute co-hosted a timely panel discussion, “Peace in Action: Gandhi, MLK, and the Power of Nonviolence,” in UCF’s Live Oak Ballroom. Held on the eve of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, the event brought together scholars, legal experts, and civic leaders to reflect on how the philosophies of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continue to guide movements for justice today.

Together, the panelists explored the spiritual, ethical, legal, and historical dimensions of nonviolence and examined how Gandhi’s and King’s teachings remain relevant in modern civic life.

Dixon highlighted how Dr. King adapted Gandhian principles to the American civil rights movement. Though King initially struggled to fully embody nonviolence, his study of Gandhi and the guidance of trusted advisors helped him move from theory to consistent practice. Dixon underscored that both Gandhi and King viewed moral character and human dignity as essential to any struggle for justice.

Masyada addressed one of the evening’s central questions: Can nonviolence succeed in today’s digital, polarized world? He noted the challenges posed by modern political discourse but pointed to youth-led movements — such as student organizing after the Parkland shooting — as examples of how nonviolent action can still catalyze change.

Hirani added a legal perspective, emphasizing that moral movements must ultimately translate into laws that protect rights and dignity. She noted that landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act grew from sustained nonviolent activism, while also warning that such gains remain fragile without continued civic engagement. She stressed the importance of cultivating a moral compass in a digital landscape where information is easily distorted.

The panel also addressed whether moral persuasion is still effective today. Dixon noted that while historical movements often relied on moral suasion, modern nonviolence may require stronger economic strategies — such as boycotts and coordinated pressure on institutions — to confront systemic injustice. The speakers agreed that unity, coordinated action, and a clear ethical foundation remain essential.

Despite the challenges raised throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that the principles articulated by Gandhi and King remain deeply relevant. Mahapatra noted that both leaders demonstrated how ethical conviction and disciplined nonviolence can serve as powerful tools for social change, even in moments of widespread division. Their legacies, he said, continue to inform contemporary struggles for justice across cultural and political contexts.

“This collaboration created an opportunity to connect historical movements with contemporary civic engagement. It’s especially meaningful to see students exploring how these ideas translate into action today.”
— Leila Chacko, Assistant Director, The India Center

“Bringing together scholars, practitioners, and community voices allows us to explore these ideas in ways that are both academically rigorous and immediately relevant.”
— Leila Chacko, Assistant Director, The India Center

The program underscored the importance of sustained civic engagement, critical dialogue, and education in cultivating a more just and peaceful society. Through events such as this panel, The India Center at UCF and the Lou Frey Institute continue to create spaces for interdisciplinary scholarship and public conversation that examine global challenges through historical and ethical perspectives.