As the United Nation marks ‘Gandhi Jayanti 2020' as the International Day Of Violence today, it’s ideal to reflect and spread the preaching of the Father of the Nation. The rising geopolitical tension globally and the wrath of pandemic has almost brought several economies to its knee, and this period is going to be counted among the worst in history. Also Read: Gandhi Jayanti 2020: PM Modi And Other Leaders Pay Tribute To Mahatma Gandhi And Lal Bahadur Shastri On Birth Anniversary In such times, the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi becomes all the more relevant along with his thrust on non-violence. With India commemorating 151th birth anniversary of the leader today, who led India’s freedom struggle against the British rule, it’s interesting to understand the reason behind the adoption of International Day Of Violence today on Gandhi Jayanti. Especially, when intolerance and hate speech have become a common feature there is urgent need to remind us of the teachings and follow the path of Mahatma. The non-violence movement primarily focuses on three action:
  • protest and persuasion, including marches and vigils;
  • non-cooperation; and
  • non-violent intervention, such as blockades and occupations
Mostly described as "the politics of ordinary people", this form of social struggle has been observed by masses in various countries to lead campaigns for social justice. Why do UN mark it as the International Day of Non-violence? The UN General Assembly in a resolution on 15 June 2007, marked the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as the International Day of Non-violence. The UN said, the objective of the day is to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness".  In fact, UN Secretary-General António Guterres asked the world to be inspired by the spirit of Gandhi and the enduring principles of the UN Charter. “On this year’s observance, we have a special duty: stop the fighting to focus on our common enemy: COVID-19. There is only one winner of conflict during a pandemic: the virus itself,” the leader said. Check the global message on Twitter here
Here are quotes of Mahatma Gandhi on non-violence: "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". “The first principal of non-violent action is that of non-cooperation with everything humiliating.” Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will “I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and Non-violence are as old as the hills. All I have done is to try experiments in both on as vast a scale as I could.” “Non-violence requires a double faith, faith in God and also faith in man.” “Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.” “Ahimsa is the highest duty. Even if we cannot practice it in full, we must try to understand its spirit and refrain as far as possible from violence” "A weak man is just by accident. A strong, but non-violent man is unjust by accident."