While just 2 weeks ago we celebrated International Day of Peace, today the UN formally celebrates International Day of Non-Violence which purposely falls on October 2nd, the 153rd anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.
Gandhi helped lead India to independence from the British and was a pioneer of the philosophy of non-violent movements for civil rights and social change. He was also an inspiration and influence on world leaders across generations like Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama.
In January 2004, Iranian Noble Laureate Shirin Ebadi (the first Muslim woman to win the award for her human rights advocacy … and also another way to spell my name for those wondering) proposed the idea for the special day with many Indian National Congress leaders later calling upon the United Nations to adopt the plan. So, on June 15th, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to designate October 2nd as International Day of Non-Violence to fall on the birthday of the man synonymous with non-violence, mutual respect, and dignity for all.
A message by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today said, “Gandhi’s life and example reveal a timeless pathway to a more peaceful and tolerant world,” as the UN chief called on the international community to walk this path together, in solidarity, as one human family.
For more information on this day and Mahatma Gandhi, please visit the below sites.
International Day of Non-Violence | United Nations
Mahatma Gandhi | Biography, Education, Religion, Accomplishments, Death, & Facts | Britannica
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