Focusing on non-violent behaviour, a day-long workshop and seminar titled ‘Sahinshata Niroson: Jog Dorshan O Samosthik Uposhom’ was held at Dhaka University’s Natmondal auditorium on Saturday.
The event was organised by the department of Theatre and Performance Studies of Dhaka University, in association with the Hu Foundation and Mission Non-Violence, to mark International Yoga Day.
According to workshop conductors, violence in personal and public spaces—including families, streets, educational institutions, and workplaces—is disproportionately inflicted on ordinary individuals rather than the powerful and this dynamic makes society increasingly vulnerable for common citizens.
They also stated that cyberbullying, ragging, and other forms of verbal and non-verbal violence create a social imbalance that must be reduced through social movements. The workshop promoted mental health care and the practice of non-violent self-approaches to prevent suicide.
During the four-session event, DU assistant professor Roufun Naher demonstrated non-violent communication, while Hu Foundation Yogacharya Muhammad Kamran moderated a common yoga protocol session and gave a presentation on ‘Yoga as a Solution to Violence.’
Additionally, associate professor Shahman Moishan spoke on the therapeutic role of theatre for a non-violent society.
Roufun Naher stressed that non-violent communication is a vital tool for peaceful relationships, emphasising that it must be practiced by both powerful and ordinary citizens.
In his address, Shahman Moishan argued that binarism hinders social coexistence, whereas theatre fosters an empathetic connection between actors and audiences.
Concurrently, Muhammad Kamran’s session highlighted the theme of ‘Unity in Diversity’ and yoga as a spiritual medium for self-discovery.
The event was inaugurated by Dhaka University pro-vice-chancellor professor Dr Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane, while associate professor of the department, Ashiqur Rahman Leon, delivered the welcome speech.
The Chair of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, Kazi Tamanna Haque Sigma, offered a vote of thanks at the closing of the event.
