International Day of Non-Violence

Gandhi Jayanti 2025 marks the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, whose principles of non-violence, truth, and civil disobedience continue to inspire generations. Across India, celebrations include prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies, and educational programs highlighting Gandhi’s philosophy and contributions to India’s independence.  Thursday's International Day of Non-Violence highlights the remarkable power of peaceful protest. The day marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi , a leader who remained committed to the principle of non-violence, even in the most difficult circumstances. “ Gandhi understood that non-violence is not a weapon of the weak — it is the strength of the courageous, " said United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres . " In these dangerous and divided times, let us find the strength to follow his lead, end the suffering, advance diplomacy, heal divisions, and create a just, sustainable and peaceful w...

2 October was marked as the International Day of Non-Violence by General Assembly Resolution ARES/61/271 of 15 June 2007. Cosponsored by 140 countries the resolution established the commemoration of the International Day as an occasion to "disseminate the message of non- violence, including through education and public awareness". Watch the commemoration of International Day of Non-Violence! High-level Events

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. Professor Gene Sharp, a leading scholar on non-violent resistance, uses the following definition in his publication, The Politics of Nonviolent Action: " Nonviolent action is a technique by which people who reject passivity and submission, and who see struggle as essential, can wage their conflict without violence. Nonviolent action is not an attempt to avoid or ignore conflict. It is one response to the problem of how to act effectively in politics, especially how to wield powers effectively. " While non-violence is frequently used as a synonym for pacifism, since the mid-twentieth century the term non-violence has been adopted by many moveme...

"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, said:

The  Resolution A/RES/61/271  of the  United Nations General Assembly  of 15 June 2007, established the commemoration of the International Day of Non-Violence 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".  Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy.