Mission and History
MCD works to build peaceable and sustainable communities by changing how people address conflict.
MCD is committed to changing the way people typically react to conflict. We aim to enable disputing individuals and polarized groups to overcome their usual reactions of anger, distrust and withdrawal so as to improve communication and re-establish relationships. We make it possible for people to talk honestly about their real differences, explore common interests and brainstorm solutions in ways that promote learning, improve decision-making and strengthen communities.
To accomplish our mission, we use a multi-tiered approach which includes Intervention, Education and Outreach .
Our intervention strategies and education programs are based on proven principles and methodologies in the field of Conflict Resolution . While many of these principles and methodologies come out of leading research and best practices at institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University in the United States, MCD has adapted them to be effective in the Indian context.
Based in Bangalore, MCD was created in May 2005, as a response to the increasing number of conflicts arising out of rapid economic, social and cultural changes in India. It was founded by Ashok Panikkar , a Conflict Resolution professional who returned to India after ten years in the United States working as a trainer, consultant, mediator and dialogue facilitator. MCD staff are trained professionals in the field of Conflict Resolution and provide training, mediation, facilitation and consulting services to individuals, organizations, communities and special interest groups.
MCD is an established non-profit trust registered in August 2006 under section 80G of the 1961 Income Tax Act.
