International Day of Non-Violence
In January 2004, Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi carried a proposal for an International Day of Non-Violence from Paris to Mumbai. She brought the idea from a Hindi teacher who taught international students in France to the World Social Forum held in India. The concept slowly gained traction among leaders within India's Congress Party. A Satyagraha Conference resolution in New Delhi during January 2007 formalized the push. Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Archbishop Desmond Tutu initiated this call upon the United Nations.
The United Nations General Assembly voted on the 15th of June 2007 to establish the 2nd of October as the official date. This decision came through resolution A/RES/61/271 passed by the assembly members. The text asks all UN system members to commemorate the day in appropriate ways. It directs them to disseminate messages about non-violence through education and public awareness campaigns. The vote transformed a grassroots idea into a global observance mechanism.
October 2 marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi according to historical records. This same date serves as the national public holiday known as Gandhi Jayanti in India. The alignment between the two events ensures their purposes correspond directly with one another. Observers worldwide use the occasion to draw attention to global issues while honoring the leader. The connection allows nations to participate without creating new calendar dates for existing holidays.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and UNSG António Guterres unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at New York headquarters. They placed the sculpture within the North Lawn Gardens of the United Nations building. This piece represents a gift from India to the organization. It stands as the first Gandhi sculpture installed at the headquarters location. The unveiling ceremony highlighted the physical presence of the message on international soil.
Nations and organizations commemorate the day through various methods around the world. Education programs and public awareness campaigns form the core of these activities. The resolution asks members to disseminate messages about non-violence in appropriate manners. These efforts aim to reaffirm desires for peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence globally. The observance functions not as a public holiday but as a platform for discussion.
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Common questions
When was the International Day of Non-Violence officially established by the United Nations?
The United Nations General Assembly voted on the 15th of June 2007 to establish the day. This decision came through resolution A/RES/61/271 passed by the assembly members.
Why is October 2 chosen as the date for the International Day of Non-Violence?
October 2 marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi according to historical records. This same date serves as the national public holiday known as Gandhi Jayanti in India.
Who initiated the proposal that led to the creation of the International Day of Non-Violence?
Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Archbishop Desmond Tutu initiated this call upon the United Nations. The idea originated from a Hindi teacher who taught international students in France before Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi carried it to Mumbai.
What did External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and UNSG António Guterres unveil at New York headquarters?
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and UNSG António Guterres unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at New York headquarters. They placed the sculpture within the North Lawn Gardens of the United Nations building as a gift from India.
How do nations and organizations commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence around the world?
Nations and organizations commemorate the day through education programs and public awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to reaffirm desires for peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence globally.