The International Day of Nonviolence is observed on October 2nd, Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. Gandhi was the leader of the Indian independence movement and the founder of the philosophy and strategy of nonviolence.
The nonviolence principle, also known as nonviolent resistance, opposes the use of physical violence to effect social or political change. This form of social struggle, often referred to as “ordinary people’s politics,” has been adopted by mass populations all over the world in campaigns for social justice.
History
On 15 June 2007 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish 2nd October as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Significance
The International Day is an opportunity to “disseminate the message of nonviolence, including through education and public awareness,” according to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration.
The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the nonviolent principle” and the desire to “secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding, and nonviolence.”
Theme
There is no special theme for this day. The event of the International Day of Non-Violence is “disseminate the message of non-violence through education and public awareness and reaffirm the desire for a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.
