International Day of Non-violence or Gandhi Jayanti as it is known nationally in India, is a festival celebrated in India to mark the occasion of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi in order to honor his role in the Indian Independence. It is one of the three national holidays of the country.
Mahatma Gandhi has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The theory behind his actions, was that “just means lead to just ends”; that is, it is irrational to try to use violence to achieve a peaceful society. He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism.
Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer services and tributes all over the Gandhi’s memorial in New Delhi where he was cremated. Popular activities include prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. Painting and essay competitions are conducted and best awards are granted for projects in schools and the community on themes of glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi’s effort in Indian Freedom Struggle.
United Nations General Assembly on June 15, 2007, adopted a resolution which declared that 2 October will be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution by the General Assembly asks all members of the UN system to commemorate this day in “an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.
The principle of non-violence — also known as non-violent resistance — rejects the use of physical violence in order to achieve social or political change. Often described as “the politics of ordinary people”, this form of social struggle has been adopted by mass populations all over the world in campaigns for social justice.