The International Day Of Non-violence

By Author: Srishti
Total Articles: 52
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On 15 June 2007 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish 2nd October as the International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution A/RES/61/271 by the General Assembly asks all members of the UN system to commemorate 2nd October in “an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.” The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.
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: “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.(UN Website)
“There are many causes that I am prepared to ...
... die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for,” said Mahatma Gandhi. This one sentence is enough to convey his staunch belief in ‘ahimsa’ or non-violence. Despite the very difficult circumstances prevailing in India due to British colonization, Gandhi was completely unshakable in his belief in non cooperation without the use of any kind of violent means. His non cooperation movement of 1920 promoting the use of swadeshi goods and boycott of foreign goods; the historic salt march that he initiated in 1930 against British imperialism exemplified mass mobilization and people power amazingly marked by peaceful protests without any violence. Gandhi did not hesitate to withdraw the movement totally even at its peak of success in case it was marred by any incident of violence and hatred.
Sri Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi referred to as the Father of the Nation by Indians has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. The theory behind his ideals and his actions stemming from them was that “just means lead to just ends” and that it is irrational to try to use violence to achieve a peaceful society.
The principle of non-violence — also known as non-violent resistance — rejects the use of physical violence in order to achieve social or political change. Often described as “the politics of ordinary people”, this form of social struggle has been adopted by mass populations all over the world in campaigns for social justice. One key tenet of the theory of non-violence is that the power of rulers depends on the consent of the population, and non-violence therefore seeks to undermine such power through withdrawal of the consent and cooperation of the populace.There are three main categories of non-violence action:
-protest and persuasion, including marches and vigils;
-non-cooperation; and
-non-violent intervention, such as blockades and occupations. (UN Website)
Various activities and events are organized on this day by various government and non government organizations to make the masses realize the immense power of non- violent resistance anywhere in the world in any kind of struggle. Many articles, advertisements and broadcasts on television as well as radio create awareness about the day. Essay and painting competitions focusing on the issue are held. Street shows, dramas, plays, painting or photo exhibitions highlighting the dangers associated with violence and the significance of trying to build a non- violent society are organized at many places by various organizations. Lectures, talk shows, seminars, discussions, and press conferences about non-violence mark the day. Programmes based on harmony and unity and prayer meetings involving people of diverse faiths are the most beautiful events that characterize the day and its celebrations.
On the occasion of the International Day of Non- violence, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, in his message to the world, said,”At this time of increased sectarian violence and the wanton destruction of cultural sites and heritage, it is timely to recall Gandhi’s call for peace and reconciliation, and his warning that, “An eye for an eye ends up making the whole world blind.”…We have to foster a culture of peace, built on dialogue and understanding, for living together in harmony while respecting and celebrating humanity’s rich diversity….There is no greater tool than education to enhance human dignity, promote a culture of non-violence, and build lasting peace. Through education, we can craft new ways of living with each other and the planet. Education can also lay the foundation for developing new forms of global citizenship and solidarity that are so essential in today’s world….On this Day, I call on all people to counter the forces of intolerance, advance global citizenship and forge human solidarity based on Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non violence.”
Let us vow on this day to understand and imbibe with our heart the Gandhian philosophy of non- violence, apply it in our struggles to win a genuine victory everyday creating lives blooming with true courage and a world nestled peacefully in harmony, honesty and humanism.

Source - janpratinidhi