International Day of Non-violence in honour of Gandhi

02,Oct: 2013: The United Nations’ chief has held up the figure of the Father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, as a model of non-violence, urging the world’s citizens to turn their back to division and hatred and stand up for what is right and just, to create a world of lasting justice, peace and prosperity for all. In a message for the UN’s International Day of Non-violence, Oct. 2, in memory of Gandhi’s birthday.
UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon issued a message saying the Indian leader’s power of peacefully opposing oppression, injustice and hatred has inspired history’s greats, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Ban said, “Their message to each of us is to champion human dignity, reject intolerance and work for a world where people of all cultures and beliefs live together on the basis of respect and equality.” Saying that non-violence was neither inert nor passive, he said it takes courage to stand up to those who use violence to enforce their will or beliefs. “It requires resolve to stand against injustice, discrimination and brutality and to demand respect for diversity and fundamental human rights. It also requires courage to move from conflict and embrace peaceful negotiation. Non-violence needs leaders – across nations and in communities and homes – backed by an army of brave people prepared to demand peace, freedom and fairness,” Ban said. Particularly decrying violence against women and girls, the UN chief noted that such violence can start with each of us, in homes, schools and workplaces. Just as violence can be contagious, so too can peaceful dialogue. Saying that poverty is a fertile ground for violence and crime, Ban urged for keeping the promise of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, and setting a new development agenda with poverty at its core and sustainable development as its guide.
Source: UN