October 2: International Day of Non-Violence

October 1, 2020

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2 commemorating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. The day is marked to spread the message of non-violence through public awareness and education.

Highlights

The day reflects universal respect for Mahatma Gandhiji. It is to be noted that birthday of Lal Bahadur Shastri is also on October 2^nd. This year the day is being celebrated under the following theme

Theme: Shaping Peace Together

Non-Violence

It is also known as non-violent conflict. It disallows the use of physical violence to achieve political transform. The term non-violence is currently used as synonym for pacifism. Since twentieth century, non-violence has been promoted for social changes. The three main groupings of non-violence are

Disapproval through marches, protests
Non-Cooperation
Non-Violent Intrusion. This is done through barricades

India recently celebrated 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji in 2019. India also achieved its objectives of cleaning the country under the Swachh Bharat Mission that was launched on October 2, 2014.

Mahatma Gandhiji

Gandhiji is famous all over the world for his inputs towards freedom of India. He preached and followed Ahimsa. Gandhiji was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
Gandhi led the remarkable Salt March in 1930. The 24-day march was against British Salt monopoly. The march spanned over 384 km from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi
He launched the Non-cooperation Movement in 1920 with the aim of obtaining self governance. Rowlatt Act of 1919 and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre were the two major reasons for the legend to launch the movement
The Quit-India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhiji at the Bombay Session of All-India Congress Committee.