International Day of Non-Violence

In 2007, the United Nations resolved that every October 2nd—the anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi– the “International Day of Non-Violence”, in homage to the leader of the Indian Independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy of non-violence.

The General Assembly declared this date as a day dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace and non-violence among all nations and all peoples.

“There are many causes for which I am willing to die, but none for which I am willing to kill.” Mahatma Gandhi stated in 1927. He, who has become the inspiration for nonviolent movements for civil rights and social change throughout the world, also maintained that “Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of humanity. It is more powerful than the most powerful weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.”

Hunger strikes were one of Gandhi's main weapons of non-violence. “Strength does not come from physical ability but from an indomitable will,” He asserted. But civil disobedience also involved other methods, such as the "Salt March," when between March and April 1930, hundreds of Hindus walked over 300 kilometers to the Indian Ocean demanding their right to produce salt, a vital product in India for food preservation. Until then, any inhabitant could obtain it by collecting seawater and letting it evaporate, but the British seized control of production and imposed a tax on its consumption. Many of those who marched were imprisoned, including Gandhi himself. However, the viceroy eventually relented and recognized everyone's right to produce it.

Sculpture of Non-Violence, by the Swede Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, located at the entrance of the UN headquarters in New York.