The Ahimsa Approach
How to communicate compassionately and lead with care
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
"Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being"
~ From a Jain scripture
Leading with Compassion
Through open and compassionate techniques, Dr. Veena presents Ahimsa as a creative force that has the potential to transform the minds and hearts of people. Inspired by the greatest nonviolent leaders of our times as well as the ancient wisdom traditions, her approach nurtures a culture of understanding and resilience within classrooms and organizations, fostering growth and change.
“There is as much difference between ahimsa and compassion as there is …between a root and the tree which sprouts from it. Where there is no compassion, there is no ahimsa. The concrete form of ahimsa is compassion.”—Mahatma Gandhi (1929)
Communicating with Care
Dr. Veena draws upon her expertise in Dharma religious traditions and Gandhian studies to empower people to navigate conflicts, foster empathy, and forge deeper connections through nonviolent principles of communication. Elevate workplace dynamics, enrich personal relationships, and hone communication skills through Dr. Veena's guidance, fostering lasting, positive change.
Keynote Speaking
Dr. Veena elucidates on the wisdom of Dharma Traditions, including Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist, as well as Gandhi's profound teachings of nonviolence, peace, and Sarvodya (uplift of all). She uniquely connects their relevance for building peaceful relations, compassionate leadership, deep listening, positive social transformation, and personal growth. Drawing on her years of research and public-speaking experience, she creatively highlights how these principles can serve as guiding lights in navigating today's complex challenges. Dr. Veena Howard is a charismatic speaker, approachable, and specializes in direct messaging.
Veena’s Journey
Using the Power of Nonviolence to Change the World
I have been studying and teaching nonviolence for over two decades. As a scholar of Jain and Hindu Dharma Traditions as well as Gandhi’s philosophy, I have realized the deep power embedded in the value, discipline, and practice of ahimsa. Ahimsa and love-force are two
Upcoming Workshops
In Conversation: Talks, Interviews & Reflections
Explore Dr. Veena's conversations on ethics, nonviolence, spiritual leadership, and the relevance of Gandhi’s teachings in today’s world. Whether it’s an academic lecture, an interfaith dialogue, or a podcast interview, each talk offers insight into the heart of spiritual practice and social transformation.
Contact Dr. Veena for a Keynote Speech
Testimonials
I had the privilege of attending Professor Veena Howard’s lectures on Gandhi’s philosophy, delivered at the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement and Avinya Academy in Sri Lanka. Addressing both Sarvodaya employees and students, she brought Gandhi’s principles to life in a way that felt deeply relevant and applicable to our everyday experiences. Her ability to convey perspectives with simplicity truly engaged the students, faculty, and community and made the session both meaningful and memorable.
~ Hasitha Chamara Wathiyage, Research Assistant and Coordinator, Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Sri Lanka
I was happy to see young women engage with the topic from a more personal standpoint which made the session truly relevant for promoting the empowerment of women and breaking the silence around gender and sexual violence against women.
We believe in our work that gender reconciliation is possible in the near future and that there will be an end to gender-based violence or violence of any sort.
Dr Naina Athalye, Coordinator| Research supervisor, Gandhi Fellowship Program, National Naturopathy Institute, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India ‘Bapu Bhawan’, Pune