2nd October is the International Day of Non-Violence
Our father of the nation has proved the power of non violence around the world. There were many individuals who contributed to India’s freedom struggle. We must respect each and everyone who has contributed but the way Mahatma Gandhi participated remained unique and many countries are talking about the same. Mahatma Gandhi opposed colonialism and its human rights violation through the unique concept of non-violence. This was implemented through Satyagraha –holding on to the truth by non-violent resistance to evil, by refusing to submit to the wrong.
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. There have been many movements around the world including many armed movements but the non violence has remained unique and acceptable as it is not allowing violence at any cost as we have no right to take away lives of others . There are rule of laws everywhere and if rule of laws are not respected then there is punishment according to the law of different lands .
One key tenet of the theory of non-violence is that the power of rulers depends on the consent of the population, and non-violence therefore seeks to undermine such power through withdrawal of the consent and cooperation of the populace. We should know that main categories of non violent action includes protest and persuasion, including marches and vigils; non-cooperation; and non-violent intervention, such as blockades and occupations.
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.
In India, we observe Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October which is a national holiday. The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on the same day which is the birthday of our father of the nation. According to the United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion 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”.
António Guterres, The Secretary General of the UN in his message said that “people are suffering. Poverty and inequality are driving a wedge between the haves and have-nots. And the very foundations of peace and development — the UN Charter, human rights, international law and diplomacy and dialogue — are being ignored and flouted with impunity. In these highly charged times, let’s summon the courage, empathy, dignity and shared humanity that Gandhi exemplified throughout his life.”
Every Indian should be proud that the name of Mahatma Gandhi transcends the bounds of race, religion and nation-states, and has emerged as the prophetic voice of the twenty-first century. The world remembers Gandhi not just for his passionate adherence to the practice of non-violence and supreme humanism, but as the benchmark against which we test men and women in public life, political ideas and government policies, and the hopes and wishes of our shared planet.
We are talking about Viksit Bharat and every Indian must be committed to bring positive changes in our society when we achieve the 100 years of our independence. We must respect the non violence way when we are working on different issues. There are many differences between words and action and we must prove through our actions that we adhere to non violent ways in every situation.
(With direct inputs from the UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)
Ranjan K Baruah
A-10,Behind Namghar, Nayanpur,