International Day of Non-Violence

The International Day of Non-Violence is an annual observance celebrated on October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a political and spiritual leader who is widely regarded as the father of the Indian independence movement. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, to promote the principles of non-violence, tolerance, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Mahatma Gandhi, through his philosophy of non-violent resistance, or Satyagraha, inspired many movements for civil rights and freedom across the world, including the American civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. Gandhi believed that non-violent resistance was a more effective way to bring about change and justice, than violence and aggression.

On the International Day of Non-Violence, people and organizations around the world engage in various activities and events to promote non-violence, peace, and tolerance. These may include peace marches, conferences, workshops, and cultural events that aim to foster a greater understanding of non-violence and its potential to transform societies.

The day serves as a reminder of the importance of non-violent approaches to conflict resolution and the need to promote respect, understanding, and empathy among all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. It is a call to action for individuals and communities to embrace non-violence in their daily lives, to promote a culture of peace, and to work towards a world free of violence and conflict.