LOS ANGELES,CA- The Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck on April 13 honored Mandar Apte, an Indian American peace activist, with a Chief ‘s award certificate to recognize the work that he is doing to promote peace and nonviolence in Los Angeles. Mandar is using his film, “From India With Love” to promote his non-violence initiative across the U.S. To advance India’s ancient message of nonviolence as a solution to the growing...
problem of violence in America, Mandar produced the documentary, “From India With Love,” which showcases the transformational experience of six Americans, all from diverse backgrounds, but all of whom share one common experience: they are all victims of violence. Mandar invited these six individuals to take a 10-day journey to India, and their search for new tools of inspiration, wisdom and nonviolence was captured in the film. The 10-Day journey was inspired by a similar journey to India taken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1959, when he visited India to study the teachings of nonviolence of Mahatma Gandhi. In a speech given during that memorable journey,
Dr. King said, “Since being in India, I am more convinced than ever before that the method of nonviolent resistance is the most potent weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for justice and human dignity.” The comments of Dr. King are reflected in the testimonies of the six individuals who followed Mandar to India. On April 4, LAPD Community Relationship Division hosted a community screening of the documentary at Paramount Studios. The event was attended by over 300 including youth, educators, former gang members, victims of violence, police officers and cadets.Following the screening, Mandar led an interactive discussion on nonviolence, which was followed by the audience participating in Mandar’s demonstration of some techniques to engage in mindfulness practices. Deputy Chief Kato, Commanding Officer, LAPD West Bureau, who attended the screening said, “I truly believe that your documentary is a powerful tool that can help bring about change in our communities.”
The screening at Paramount Studios inspired Captain Peter Whittingham, South Bureau
Homicide Division, to partner with Skipp Townsend community activist and former gang member, to organize a screening of the film in South Los Angeles, an area of the City that has a history of gang violence. Following the screening, Mandar conducted anonviolence workshop, which included profound meditation techniques. It was perhaps the first time in the history of Cease Fire Committee meetings that the community members and police officers sat in absolute silence and prayed together for peace.
Dr. King said, “Since being in India, I am more convinced than ever before that the method of nonviolent resistance is the most potent weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for justice and human dignity.” The comments of Dr. King are reflected in the testimonies of the six individuals who followed Mandar to India. On April 4, LAPD Community Relationship Division hosted a community screening of the documentary at Paramount Studios. The event was attended by over 300 including youth, educators, former gang members, victims of violence, police officers and cadets.Following the screening, Mandar led an interactive discussion on nonviolence, which was followed by the audience participating in Mandar’s demonstration of some techniques to engage in mindfulness practices. Deputy Chief Kato, Commanding Officer, LAPD West Bureau, who attended the screening said, “I truly believe that your documentary is a powerful tool that can help bring about change in our communities.”
The screening at Paramount Studios inspired Captain Peter Whittingham, South Bureau
Homicide Division, to partner with Skipp Townsend community activist and former gang member, to organize a screening of the film in South Los Angeles, an area of the City that has a history of gang violence. Following the screening, Mandar conducted anonviolence workshop, which included profound meditation techniques. It was perhaps the first time in the history of Cease Fire Committee meetings that the community members and police officers sat in absolute silence and prayed together for peace.
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