A Brief Historical Background
All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation proudly inherits the legacy of anti-colonial freedom struggle of our country, which taught us that the struggle for independence cannot be waged in isolation. Expressing solidarity with other people fighting for their independence and freedom is an integral part of our own struggle for freedom and independence. These ideals define the programme of the AIPSO, which was formed in 1951 in the immediate aftermath of the formation of the Indian Republic. AIPSO took its birth in a period which witnessed growing upsurge of national liberation struggles against colonial occupation. The defeat of fascism in the Second World War, the heroic role played by the Soviet Union, the rise of a socialist camp and the growing movement against nuclear weapons, whose single use devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki, led to the rise of peace movement throughout the world. The resource diverting arms race due to the Cold War and the threat of imperialist aggressions and nuclear conflicts further underlined the need for an active peace and solidarity movement.
Understanding the gravity of the situation and realizing the need for an organisation which can rouse Indian people in defence of world peace and strengthen solidarity activities in support of national liberation movements, eminent personalities from all walks of life like Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew, D Malaviya, Rameshwari Nehru, Aruna Asaf Ali, Pandit Sundarlal, Dr M M Atal, Ajoy Ghosh, A K Gopalan, Prof. D D Kosambi, Prithviraj Kapoor, Balraj Sahni, noted writers and scholars like Krishan Chander, Rajendra Singh Bedi, Vallathol, S Gurbaksh Singh, V K Krishna Menon, K Mulk Raj Anand, came together and contributed towards the formation of All India Peace Council in 1951 which subsequently evolved into the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation in 1972.
In the last seventy years, AIPSO has relentlessly and positively engaged on an entire range of issues and events concerning peace, democracy, social justice, human dignity, equality, sustainable environment and development policies throughout the world. AIPSO stood in the forefront, championing the cause of Vietnamese liberation struggle and of other countries from the colonial yoke. It organised active solidarity with the struggle for the liberation of Bangladesh, against US aggression on Cuba; for the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa, for the liberation of Saharawi Republic and for the Palestinian homeland. AIPSO continues with its solidarity activities for the people of Palestine and for their inalienable right to an independent State. It is striving for the promotion of friendship among people of all countries, particularly with our neighbours.