By : Neha Dhyani
Updated : Mar 1, 2023, 12:17
International Non-Violence Day is observed on the 2nd day of October, which coincides with the birthday of Mahatama Gandhi, the pioneering leader of the national movement for independence in India against British rule.
Mahatma Gandhi firmly advocated the philosophy and ideas of non-violence, and the celebration of International Non-Violence Day is an occasion to disseminate the idea of non-violence through education and public awareness programs. In India, World Non-Violence Day also happens to be Gandhi Jayanti.
The United Nations General Assembly passed a vote to establish 2nd October as World Non-Violence Day on the 15th of June 2007. In 2020, the day marked the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi, who was born in Porbandar, Gujarat. He has been an inspiration for non-violent movements against the British for securing civil rights and social change for people in India.
Mahatma Gandhi faced several oppressive conditions but remained firm on his belief in non-violence even in the most challenging situations. He led several movements in India, which stemmed from his belief in non-violence for freedom from the colonial rule of the Britishers. He followed a stern theory based on the belief that just means shall lead to just ends. Thus, he propagated the idea that it was irrational to use violence to try and achieve peace in society.
The theme of International Non-Violence Day is based on recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world. As per the UN General Assembly, the day has been declared a day devoted to strengthening peace and the ideals of non-violence.
The objective of World Non-Violence Day is to spread awareness about the ideals of non-violence through education.
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In January 2004, the idea of International Non-Violence Day was put forward by Iranian Origin Noble Laureate Shirin Ebadi. The Minister of External Affairs, Anand Sharma, then introduced the resolution in the general assembly on behalf of 140 other co-sponsors.
The UN instated World Non-Violence Day on Gandhiji's birthday for a good reason. His commitment to independence and his non-violent methods have remained a cornerstone for the complete freedom of India.
There are three main subcategories of non-violence action, including protest and persuasion, non-cooperation, and non-violent intervention. These are the categories of non-violent action as per International Non-Violence Day.
Mahatama Gandhi followed the idea of non-violence, which is symbolic of his beliefs and ideology. He was committed to these ideas even while leading mass civil disobedience movements against the British rule in India through the historic salt march of 1930. These are some examples of Gandhiji's actions that promote the idea of International Non-Violence Day.
Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869. His complete name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and he was the most prominent leader of the national movement for independence in India. He led several freedom movements against British rule in India and fought extensively for the expansion of women's rights. This was in brief about Mahatama Gandhi, the inspiration behind International Non-Violence Day.
The resolution for establishing International Non-Violence Day emerges from the intention to bring a culture of peace, understanding, and tolerance via the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, who popularised the Sanskrit adage Ahimsa Paramo Dharma,' which translates to non-violence as the highest moral value.
No, International Non-Violence Day is not a public holiday, but it is observed in several ways all around the world.
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