International Day of Non-Violence 2021, Important Date, History, Significance, Facts & Quotes

International Day of Non-Violence 2021: On 2 October 2021, International Day of Non-Violence is observed to spread the message of non-violence, including through public awareness and education. The Day promotes non-Violence through education and public awareness. Get more information about International Day of Non-Violence, History, Facts & Quotes from this article.

Maria Thomas | Updated Oct 02, 2021 04:40 AM

International Day of Non-Violence 2021, Important Date, History, Significance, Facts & Quotes

International Day Of Non-Violence 2021

International Day of Non-Violence is annually observed on 2 October every year. International Day of Non-Violence 2021 is observed on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a great leader of the Indian independence movement. Gandhi was a pioneer of the philosophy and non-violence strategy. The principle of non-violence aims to achieve social or political change and rejects the use of physical violence.

What Is The History Of International Day Of Non-Violence?

On 15 June 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed the resolution A/RES/61/271 and declare the observation of the International Day of Non-Violence on 2nd October every year. The resolution reaffirmed the relevance of the principle of non-violence across the world. The Day was established with a desire to secure tolerance, the culture of peace, understanding, and non-violence. International Day of Non-Violence 2021 is observed on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a great leader of the Indian independence movement.

The observation of the day was announced by the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors. The diverse sponsorship of the resolution reflected the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. The General Assembly also quoted Gandhi's quote that stated

"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."

Mahatma Gandhi's Life and Leadership

Mahatma Gandhi is dearly called as the 'Father of the Nation' by the Indians as he was the driving force behind the Indian independence from British rule and establishment of India as a nation.  He was the inspiration for all the non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. Gandhi, throughout his life, remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and especially in the face of insurmountable challenges. Gandhi believed that Indians should never use hatred or violence in their fight for freedom from colonialism. 
Mahatma Gandhi led major movements in the freedom struggle. Few of them are listed below:

  • Champaran Satyagraha

  • Kheda Satyagraha 

  • Khilafat Movement

  • Non-Cooperation Movement

  • Civil-Disobedience Movement

  • Quit India Movement

Non-Violence

Violence affects individuals, communities, and even nations. Many people are killed due to physical violence on a large scale. As a result of violence, Children are left orphaned, homeless and people are displaced and become jobless and refugees. Hence, Non-violence needs to make the world a better place.

Non-violence, also known as non-violent resistance, rejects the use of physical violence in order to achieve social or political change. It is often described as "the politics of ordinary people". This form of social struggle, Non-violence, has been adopted by mass populations all over the world in campaigns for social justice.

Non-violence can be defined as a technique used by people who reject passivity and submission. People who Non-violence see the struggle as essential and wage their conflict without violence. Non-violence is a response to the problem of how to act effectively in politics, especially how to wield powers effectively.

Non-violence means pacifism. Since the mid of the 21st century, the term non-violence has been adopted by many movements for social change. It did not focus on opposition to the war. The theory of non-violence meant that the power of rulers depends on the consent of the population. Non-violence sought to undermine such power through the withdrawal of the consent and cooperation of the populace.

Three main categories of non-violence action are listed by the UN are:

  • Non-cooperation

  • Persuasion and protest, including marches and vigils;

  • A non-violent intervention like blockades and occupations.

How To Celebrate The International Day of Non-Violence?

On this International Day of Non-Violence, people, governments, and non-government organizations around the world observe the Day through various events and activities. Few are listed below:

  • On this day, news articles and broadcast announcements promote the day.

  • People hold lectures, seminars, discussions, and press conferences about non-violence

  • Many photo exhibitions are showcased. It highlights issues, such as the dangers of the illicit trade of small arms.

  • Activists and organizations conduct Street awareness campaigns.

  • in some areas, light ceremonies are conducted to promote non-violence and peace.

  • Mostly, multi-faith prayer meetings.

  • The day holds strong connections with the works, beliefs, and methods of peace leader Mahatma Gandhi.

Non-Violence Quotes

“There are many causes I would die for. There is not a single cause I would kill for.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals. ― Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Only the brave men and women can bring peace to the world, not by practicing war but by practicing nonviolence.” ― Amit Ray

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. ― Martin Luther King, Jr.

“At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

“They have the guns, we have the poets. Therefore, we will win.” ― Howard Zinn

“Say what you want but you NEVER say it with violence!” ― Gerard Way

“Liberty and democracy become unholy when their hands are dyed red with innocent blood.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Nonviolence is a good policy when the conditions permit. ― Nelson Mandela

“Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong.” ― Mahatma Gandhi, The Words of Gandhi

“I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your heads before anyone even at the cost of your life.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

“Compassion is the signature of Higher Consciousness. Non-violence is the tool to evolve into the Higher Consciousness.” ― Amit Ray, Nonviolence: The Transforming Power

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International Day of Non-Violence - FAQ

1. Name few Major non-violent resistance advocates

Few of the major nonviolent resistance advocates are Mahatma Gandhi, Henry David Thoreau, Te Whiti o Rongomai, Tohu K?kahi, Leo Tolstoy, Alice Paul, Martin Luther King Jr., Daniel Berrigan, Philip Berrigan, James Bevel, Václav Havel, Andrei Sakharov, Lech Wa??sa, Gene Sharp, Nelson Mandela, and many others.

2. When is Gandi Jayanti celebrated?

Gandi Jayanti is celebrated on 2 October in India. The day is to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

3. When was Gandhi born?

Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He studied law in the United Kingdom (UK) and practiced law in South Africa. He was a political & spiritual leader in India. He played a major role in the Indian independence movement. He was a pioneer of non-violence and truth. Mahatma Gandhi started the Satyagraha (non-violence) movement for the Indian freedom struggle. 

4. On which day does the International Day of Non-Violence 2021 fall?

International Day of Non-Violence 2021 falls on 2nd October, Saturday

5. Why is 2 October considered as World Wide International Day of Non-Violence?

2 October is considered as World Wide International Day of Non-Violence to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi who was the pioneer of the strategy of Non Violence

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