About International Day of Non-Violence
Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, October 2nd, is not only commemorated in India as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, but is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Nonviolence.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a pioneer leader in the Indian Independence movement and an inspiration for the nonviolent civil rights and social change movements around the world. Throughout his life, Mahatma Gandhi was committed to nonviolence, and he led a successful nonviolent campaign for India's independence from British rule, garnering widespread public support.
"Gandhi constantly highlighted the gap between what we do, and what we are capable of doing. On this International Day, I urge each and every one of us to do everything in our power to bridge this divide as we strive to build a better future for all."
The ultimate goal of commemorating the International Day of Non-violence is to disseminate the message of nonviolence, including through education and public awareness throughout the world.
According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "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".
The International Day of Nonviolence should not be confused with the International Day of Peace, which is observed annually on September 21st.
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