DENVER – The world has been watching Egyptians try to force change in their government. That includes the family of Mahatma Gandhi. He led a peaceful independence movement in India in the 1930s and 40s. Thursday night, his grandson arrived in Colorado. “Violence is not a civilized way,” Arun Gandhi said.

It’s been more than 60 years since his grandfather died, but Arun Gandhi says he has followed in his footsteps.  “I was very fortunate, living with my grandfather at the age of 12, he taught me valuable lessons that have made a difference in my life,” he said.  Arun Gandhi speaks around the world advocating for nonviolence and peace. 

During the unrest in Cairo, at least 800 people have been injured and 10 killed.  “It pains me when I see the riots, the killing and all that. It’s very painful, but I suppose it’s something that every nation has to go through in seeking independence and change,” Arun Gandhi said.  He says his grandfather would not be happy with the violence in Egypt.

“He would certainly say we are not behaving in a civilized manner,” Arun Gandhi said. “I hope that the president will submit his resignation and leave, hand over power to whoever is qualified to take over, transition very smooth and positive.”  “The more we try to exploit, the more there is a possibility of violence breaking out. We should try to create a reality based off respect, acceptance of each other, whether it’s interpersonal or international,” he said.

Arun Gandhi is speaking on Friday at Aurora Central High School from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)