Tuesday 1 March 2022

International Day of Non-Violence: Say no to violence, reason why UN marks Gandhi Jayanti

 Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2, every year on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi led the Dandi Salt March in 1930. In 1942, he launched the Quit India Movement. He was also instrumental in abolishing the age-old practice of untouchability.

In his honour, the United Nations General Assembly on June 15, 2007, announced October 2 as International Day of Non-Violence. The day is celebrated to “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence”.

Why the UN marks Gandhi Jayanti:

According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness".

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said:

About Mahatma Gandhi:

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar. He is one of the few leaders whose legacy left a lasting impression on the country’s citizens. His contribution to the Indian freedom struggle gave him the status of Father of the Nation.

The ideals of Mahatma Gandhi were non-violence and truth. Mahatma Gandhi played a key role in India's freedom struggle. He introduced India to Salt March, Swaraj, the non-cooperation movement, and many more non-violent forms to fight against British rule in India. He also promoted the idea of the concept of 'Swadeshi' to achieve economic independence.

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