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Gandhi believed non-violence was the greatest force available to humanity – more powerful than any weapon. Together, let’s build institutions to support that noble vision.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Background
The International Day of Non-Violence, observed annually on October 2nd, marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a leader who championed non-violent resistance to fight oppression and colonial rule in India. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of peaceful resistance in advancing social justice and human rights. It calls on individuals, communities, and nations to promote non-violence in all forms, from the personal to the global level.
The Philosophy of Non-Violence
Non-violence is not merely the absence of violence; it is a proactive philosophy advocating for the resolution of conflicts through dialogue, understanding, and peaceful action. Rooted in compassion, empathy, and justice, this approach seeks to address the root causes of violence, including inequality, discrimination, and marginalization. In today’s polarized world, non-violence offers an ethical path forward, encouraging the use of peaceful means to achieve political and social change.
The principles of non-violence have deep cultural and historical roots. They can be traced back to religious teachings, including Buddhism’s emphasis on “ahimsa” (non-harming), and were later articulated by figures like Leo Tolstoy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela. However, Gandhi’s application of non-violence through the practice of “Satyagraha” (truth and firmness) during India’s struggle for independence brought this approach to global recognition.
Non-Violence in Action
Throughout history, non-violent movements have had remarkable success in achieving societal change. Gandhi’s campaigns for civil rights in India are perhaps the most famous, but other notable movements include the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. These efforts demonstrated that peaceful protests and civil disobedience could dismantle systems of oppression without resorting to violence.
In recent years, non-violent protests have continued to shape global events. For instance, the 2019-2020 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests in Iran show that people worldwide are still mobilizing around the principles of non-violence to demand justice, equality, and the protection of human rights.
The Role of International Day of Non-Violence
The International Day of Non-Violence is an opportunity for people to reflect on the importance of peaceful conflict resolution in our increasingly interconnected and often contentious world. On this day, governments, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to engage in activities that promote non-violence through education and public awareness. These activities often include workshops, community outreach programs, and peaceful demonstrations aimed at fostering a culture of peace and tolerance.
Education is a key component of non-violence. By teaching young people about peaceful conflict resolution and social justice, we can empower future generations to choose dialogue over violence. Schools and communities worldwide use this day to focus on cultivating these values, emphasizing the role of each individual in building a more peaceful society.
The Continuing Relevance of Non-Violence
In today’s world, the International Day of Non-Violence is more relevant than ever. With conflicts, wars, and violence persisting in many regions, it serves as a reminder that violence is not inevitable. Instead, it calls for the global community to invest in peaceful solutions and diplomacy to resolve differences. From grassroots movements to international diplomacy, non-violence offers a sustainable approach to creating more just, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
As Gandhi said, “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.” On this International Day of Non-Violence, let us recommit to the path of peace, harnessing the power of non-violence to overcome the challenges we face and to build a better future for all.
By: Touska Gholami Khaljiri