International Day of Non-Violence

International Day of Non-Violence

  • Context: 

  • The International Day of Non-Violence is a global observance that commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. 

  • The day is significant because it serves to disseminate the message of non-violence and reaffirm the "universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" in securing a global culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.  

  • Details about the International Day of Non-Violence 

  • The day is observed annually on October 2nd, marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. 

  • The observance was established by a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution adopted on June 15, 2007. 

  • Principle of Non-Violence:  

  • The principle rejects the use of physical violence to achieve social or political change.  

  • It has been a core strategy in many mass movements for civil rights and social justice throughout history.  

  • Gandhi's View:  

  • Mahatma Gandhi described non-violence as "the greatest force at the disposal of mankind," adding that it is "mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".