Content:
- International Day of Non-Violence
International Day of Non-Violence
Context
- Date & Dual Significance: October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti (India) + International Day of Non-Violence (UN, since 2007).
- UN Resolution (2007): Adopted by UNGA with support of 140+ countries, establishing non-violence as a universal principle.
- Symbolism: Tribute to Gandhi’s philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truth).
Relevance :
- GS I (History & Culture): Gandhi’s philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha; global influence on MLK, Mandela; legacy in India’s freedom struggle.
- GS II (Polity & Governance): UN resolution (2007) → international recognition; relevance of non-violence in diplomacy, conflict resolution, multilateralism; Gandhian principles in governance schemes (Swachh Bharat, SHGs, MGNREGA).
Historical Roots
- Gandhi’s South Africa Experience (1893): Discrimination at Pietermaritzburg station → birth of Satyagraha (truth + insistence).
- First Satyagraha (1906): Against Asiatic Registration Act in South Africa.
- India Movements:
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22).
- Civil Disobedience / Dandi March (1930).
- Quit India Movement (1942).
- Global Influence: Inspired Martin Luther King Jr. (US civil rights), Nelson Mandela (anti-apartheid), Václav Havel (Czech democratic transition).
UN & International Observance
- UN Headquarters: Secretary-General messages highlight relevance amid wars & conflicts.
- Ahimsa Lectures (since 2015): UNESCO & MGIEP initiative.
- 5th Lecture (2022): “Education for Human Flourishing”, used hologram of Gandhi.
- Global Celebrations: Belgium, Spain, US, Serbia, Switzerland, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Netherlands etc.
- G20 Tribute (2023): World leaders at Rajghat, New Delhi → symbolic endorsement of Gandhi’s ideals in diplomacy.
Campaigns Inspired by Gandhi:
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Cleanliness).
- Khadi revival (self-reliance).
- SHG empowerment (grassroots economics).
- Mahatma Gandhi NREGA (dignified rural work).
- PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (tribal advancement).
Data & Achievements (Gandhian Philosophy in Action)
- Swachh Bharat Mission: 12 crore toilets, 5.6 lakh ODF+ villages, 3 lakh child deaths averted.
- SHGs (NRLM): ₹11 lakh crore loans disbursed, 10 crore women mobilised.
- SVAMITVA Scheme: 65 lakh property cards, 3.2 lakh villages surveyed.
- Khadi & Village Industries: FY 2025 – ₹1.7 lakh crore sales, employment for 1.94 crore people.
- MGNREGA: 106.77 crore person-days generated (FY 2025-26, till July).
- PM JUGA (2024): ₹79,156 crore outlay, benefits 5 crore tribal citizens.
Global Relevance of Gandhi Today
- Conflict Resolution: Alternative to violent conflict/terrorism.
- UN SDGs Alignment: Gandhi’s work prefigured SDGs – sanitation, gender equality, hunger reduction, education.
- Soft Power Tool: Gandhi as a global icon strengthens India’s moral leadership.
- Climate Change: Simplicity, self-reliance, sustainability resonate with environmental justice.
Implications
- National + Global Fusion: Gandhi Jayanti internalises Indian memory, UN recognition globalises it.
- Relevance in Diplomacy: Used as symbolic backdrop in multilateral forums (e.g., G20).
- Non-Violence as Strategy: Seen as moral force > military power.
- Challenges: World faces wars, terrorism, sectarianism – Gandhi’s vision often invoked, but unevenly practiced.
- India’s Narrative: By linking modern flagship schemes with Gandhian ideals, India projects continuity between legacy and present governance.
Conclusion
- The International Day of Non-Violence is not just commemoration but a living framework.
- Gandhi’s principles continue to shape policy, diplomacy, and people’s movements worldwide.
- The day serves as a national homage and global call to action: for peace, justice, compassion, and sustainable development.
