Every year on 2 October, the world observes the International Day of Non-Violence, a date chosen to coincide with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948), one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. The day was formally established on 15 June 2007, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution encouraging education and public awareness about non-violence.
Gandhi: life and legacy
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, later known as Mahatma (“Great Soul”), was born in Porbandar, India, in 1869. Trained as a lawyer in London, he went on to work in South Africa, where he first developed the methods of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience that would later define his struggle against British colonial rule in India.
Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi became the leader of the independence movement, inspiring millions to resist oppression without resorting to violence. His campaigns included:
- The Salt March (1930), a symbolic act of defiance against British salt taxes.
- His advocacy for civil rights and religious tolerance.
- His insistence on simplicity and self-sufficiency, embodied in the spinning wheel as a symbol of resistance.
Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth-force) not only shaped India’s independence, achieved in 1947, but also inspired global leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama.
Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, but his legacy endures as a guiding light for peaceful resistance against injustice.
The International Day of Non-Violence
The United Nations established the day in 2007 to reinforce the universal relevance of Gandhi’s message. It calls on governments, organisations, and individuals to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding. The day serves as a reminder that non-violence is not passive, but a powerful, active force for change.
Events around the world include educational initiatives, peace marches, dialogues, and community activities, all aimed at spreading Gandhi’s belief that enduring justice can only be achieved without hatred or violence.
Why it matters today
In an era marked by conflict, inequality, and division, the International Day of Non-Violence remains deeply significant. It highlights the potential of peaceful action to confront oppression and injustice, and challenges societies everywhere to find solutions rooted in dignity, compassion, and dialogue.
As Gandhi himself said: “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.”
Also read: ON THIS DAY: First verdicts at Nuremberg (1946)
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Featured photo source: Britannica
