Basic Information
International Day of Non-Violence is an annual event observed on October 2 to spread the message of non-violence through education and public awareness.
Observed on: October 2
Organized by: UN
Introduced in: 2007 (UN Resolution)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Day of Non-Violence
On 15 June 2007, UN General Assembly by the resolution A/RES/61/271 decided to observe every year 2nd October as the International Day of Non-Violence. The date is important as the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi is also known as India’s “Father of Nation”. The day is celebrated in India as “Gandhi Jayanti” with different events.
The day is observed to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.
Non-violence is to be adapted by all the segments of the society for peaceful life. It is both principle and practice. It is a proven powerful strategy for success. Non-violence is a way of keeping peaceful behaviour in the midst of conflict.
Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Activities and Programs on International Day of Non-Violence
Different governmental and non-governmental organizations, schools, offices, companies, and other charitable organizations conducts many events and programmes on this day to mark this day a special occasion.
Various events and activities are conducting worldwide on this day. The events and activities includes public lectures, seminars, discussions, conferences, meetings, awareness campaigns, cleaning the area, news and articles in newspaper, TV, and social medias etc.