<p>Arun Gandhi, grandson of peace fighter and spiritual leader Mohandas K. “Mahatma” Gandhi, spoke on several aspects of his grandfather’s philosophy, including nonviolence in nature and humanity, as well as within relationships and individuals.</p>
<p>“If we can achieve 50 percent of what (grandfather) was able to do, we will be able to reduce the level of violence very substantially in our lives,” Gandhi told the crowd of about 600 people at the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom.</p>
<p>He also spoke about enlightenment, compassion and several components of achieving a peaceful existence.</p>
<p>Gandhi expressed his concerns, too, that universities encompass a very divided experience for students.</p>
<p>The object of going to a university should be to build the entire human character, to enlighten oneself and to broaden perspectives, he said.</p>
<p>“If all of us have that determination to become better human beings, then we can transform this world.”</p>
<p>There was a reception at 9 p.m. following a question-and-answer session, in which people asked about such diverse topics as Gandhi’s experiences with his grandfather, inner peace, his research on prejudice and actions taken by the U.S. government.</p>
<p>The speech, called “Lessons Learned From Grandfather,” was the first event of Kaleidoscope Month, a monthlong series of events celebrating Asian-American culture, which runs through Nov. 15.</p>
<p>This year’s theme is “Shedding New Light,” which intends to teach others about the past and future of Asian-American culture, while promoting the education of other cultures as well, said Michael-Vu Do, event director for Kaleidoscope Month.</p>
<p>Accent, UF’s student-run speakers bureau, co-sponsored the event, which cost about $15,000, said Magel Alcantan, the executive director of Kaleidoscope Month.</p>
<p>“It’s a large portion of our budget,” said Enrique Chan, the internal programming chairman for the event, “but we really wanted a new face and a new image to give a big opening ceremony this year.”</p>
<p>Some in attendance said they got a lot out of Gandhi’s speech.</p>
<p>“I paid a lot of attention to when (Gandhi) was talking about anger management, because I have problems with frustration sometimes,” said Leah Chapman, a UF freshman.</p>
<p>“I think now that I know better ways to calm down.”</p>
<p>Chapman’s friend Brittany Fox, also a freshman, said, “I think I will take into account the effect of labeling, and try to be more open-minded.”</p>
<p>Freshman Andy Hutchins said he attended the event because he is taking a class that involves major principals of nonviolence.</p>
<p>“To hear someone speak about the power of nonviolence and the passion behind it is awesome, in the most literal sense,” Hutchins said.</p>
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