• The thousands of bereaved and single-parent families
• The growing number of refugees and orphans who face an uncertain future
• The erosion of state institutions that are meant to resolve conflict
• The growth of sectarian and intolerant attitudes
• The spread of prejudice among children and young adults
• The increasing acceptance of violence, the normalisation of brutality
• The neglect of marginalised peoples and voices
• The daily struggle faced by women, men and children living with traumatic memories

AMAN considers it imperative to prevent such disasters or reduce their impact. We take a pro-active approach to conflict. Our projects focus on the social and psychological rehabilitation of people made invisible by conflict, especially orphans, refugees and widows. AMAN networking, sensitisation and legal-aid programmes strengthen democratic institutions and develop society’s resources for non-violent conflict resolution.

• Sensitisation and awareness on conflict-related issues for developing civic restraint. This will include the dissemination of cultural resources for conflict prevention.
• Partnerships with voluntary groups and organisations that have a potential for autonomous activity in Aman’s areas of concern.
• Service provision to persons in need of rehabilitation, including displaced persons and those affected by the psycho-social consequences of conflict.

AMAN’s programmes are designed for long-term social effects, even as they address immediate problems. In a broad sense they are pedagogical in nature, for they are meant to enhance society’s intellectual and professional resources for democratic institution-building and the reduction of practices that lead to social tension and violence. Its programmes will require regular interaction with persons of diverse backgrounds – young citizens and students, NGO workers, women’s and workers’ organisations, officials and media-persons. The Trustees are persons with many years of experience in research and advocacy on conflict-related issues. Their decision to establish a Trust devoted to the reduction of social tensions is based on the conviction that civil society can play a crucial role towards this end. We intend for Aman’s projects to contribute to this social responsibility.

AMAN’s library, archives and the web-site are important pedagogical resources for work on peace-building. The portfolios are:

• Gender Mental Health and Conflict: This portfolio works on the impact of conflict on women, children, the marginalised and old people. Particular attention is given to the ailments, psychological distress and trauma generated by conflict. We also address loss of employment, the breakup of the family, domestic violence, the increase in the number of orphans and single women and their suspended status. Women’s groups are strengethened to address issues of justice in their communities, the lack of which is a major causal factor of conflict.  Interviews, discussions, training of counsellors, mental health awareness workshops and training camps with doctors are used to address these issues.
• Campaign for Non-violent Conflict Resolution: Rising levels of violence contribute to the degeneration of public institutions, the marginalisation of weaker sections of society, and create an acceptance of brutality in everyday life. This portfolio will use written, theatrical and audio-visual materials to address the phenomenon of violence. Its aim is to disseminate values of nonviolence and civic restraint and to study the processes that create conflict.
• Pedagogy for Social Peace and Civic Restraint: Aman will collaborate with universities and other institutions to design and teach syllabi on peace and conflict issues. It supports civic initiatives that work among children, college students and professionals and is developing educational modules that inculcate a deeper understanding of conflict. Experience and material gained from otherportfolios will be processed and disseminated.
• Human Security, Citizenship and Law: Aman works for institutional reform and service provision on issues regarding citizenship and the rights of people affected by conflict. We aim to evaluate and strengthen existing institutions for conflict resolution and to develop social awareness on citizenship and constitutional liberties. Activities will include an examination of relevant judgements for their impact on citizens’ rights; and advocacy regarding the functioning of the criminal justice system.
• Social Resources and Caste Conflict: Conflicts around caste, social stigma and material resources have generated much violence in India. Aman will address the socioeconomic and cultural predicament of oppressed groups and informal labour. We will examine the nature of caste conflict in order to design programmes for its mitigation, and participate in advocacy for social justice and civic rights.
• Culture, Symbols and Identities: This portfolio will work on traditions of Indian spirituality that exist parallel to the parameters of organized religion. It will examine symbols and identities to understand their functions and to emphasise communal harmony and the social responsibilities of the individual. Activities will include organising public events and disseminating ideas and research findings in order to raise public awareness.