2015-10-02 16:18:00

International Day of Non-violence ‎


The United Nations which is marking its 70th anniversary this year, is urging all to recall the achievements of the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and renew their commitment to non-violence and lives of dignity for all.   “At a time of escalating conflicts, violent extremism, displacement and humanitarian need, the courage and determination of Mahatma Gandhi, whose birthday we celebrate today, is an inspiration for us all,” wrote UN Secretary-General, Ban ki-Moon in a message on the occasion of the UN’s International Day of Non-violence, Oct. 2.   “Gandhi showed the power of peacefully opposing oppression and hatred. He showed how cooperation and tolerance can prevails over injustice,” Ban wrote.  “He demonstrated the great value of the rule of law in breaking vicious cycles of vengeance.”  

Ban said the United Nations stands for the peaceful resolution of disputes and for mutual respect across culture, faith and other lines that might divide.  One such initiative is the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures, first proposed by UNESCO for the period 2013 - 2022, which has generated a wide range of creative projects that demonstrate the power of diversity and dialogue as forces for peace.  Another initiative is the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which can also point the way towards reducing violence, Ban pointed out, adding, “a more sustainable world will be a safer world.” 

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on June 15, 2007, to establish the International Day of Non-violence, Oct. 2, on the birthday of Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement and the apostle of non-violence.  "There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for," Gandhi had written in his book, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth.”  (Source: UN)








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