By Anna Kwan
Non-Violence or The Knotted Gun, Carl Fredrik Reutersward (1980) | Courtesy Non-Violence Project
Today, October 2nd, is the UN International Day of Non-Violence. Celebrated on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, the day is meant to “disseminate the message of non-violence..through education and public awareness...reaffirm the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence...[and] secure a culture of peace, tolerance, [and] understanding.”
Background
Introduced to the General Assembly by India’s Minister of State, Mr. Anand Sharma, the resolution was unanimously adopted by all members of the UN. Mr. Sharma remarked that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the enduring respect for Gandhi and his philosophies. Accordingly, Gandhi is hailed as the greatest figure of the Indian independence movement and the greatest figure of modern India. A 2000 BBC poll voted him the “greatest man of the millennium”.
Perhaps more than accolades, however, is his enduring legacy in political movements and the enduring legacy of his nonviolent tactics. Notably, US civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., James Lawson, and James Bevel drew inspiration from Gandhi in their own nonviolent protests. Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist, cited his beliefs in Gandhi’s nonviolent strategy early in his career. Gandhi has further influenced both former US vice president Al Gore and former US president Barack Obama.
Albert Einstein said of Gandhi’s nonviolent views: “Gandhi's life achievement stands unique. He has invented a completely new and humane means for the liberation war of an oppressed country.” Indeed, Gandhi’s nonviolent practices is not merely the absence of violence, but rather an active philosophy where ordinary people are encouraged to resolve conflicts through dialogue, understanding, and peaceful action. In other words, nonviolence is, as Professor Gene Sharp defines, “a technique by which people who reject passivity and submission, and who see struggle as essential, can wage their conflict without violence. Nonviolent action is not an attempt to avoid or ignore conflict. It is one response to the problem of how to act effectively in politics, especially how to wield powers effectively."
The Role of International Day of Non-Violence
In celebrating the International Day of Non-Violence, the international community aims to encourage a culture of peace, active non-violence, and is often used to draw attention to global issues. Individuals, organisations, and governments are encouraged to promote non-violence and raise public awareness through activities such as community outreach or workshops.UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked on the continuing relevance of the International Day for Non-Violence, saying:
“Our world today is bristling with violence. Across the globe, conflicts are raging. From Ukraine, to Sudan, the Middle East and far beyond, war is creating a hellscape of destruction, destitution and fear. Inequality and climate chaos are undermining the foundations of peace. And hate whipped up online is spilling over onto the streets.Last month’s Summit of the Future offered hope. Countries came together to lay the groundwork for a renewed multilateralism, equipped to support peace in a changing world. That includes a renewed focus on the underlying causes of conflict — from inequality to poverty and division. Now we need countries to transform those commitments into reality.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.”If you would like to commit to creating a better and safer future for all, we invite you to subscribe to the UNHS newsletter and get involved in local organisations.
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