International Day of Non-Violence

The International Day of Non-Violence is a global observance dedicated to promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding through non-violent means. Celebrated on October 2, it honors the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a pioneer of non-violent resistance and a global symbol of peace.

Quick Facts

When is it? October 2
Tagged as: Global Peace, Non-Violence, Gandhi Jayanti
What’s the hashtag? #InternationalDayOfNonViolence
When was it founded? June 15, 2007
Who founded it? United Nations General Assembly

History

The idea for the International Day of Non-Violence originated in 2004 and gained momentum through advocacy by leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. On June 15, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly officially established October 2 as the day to honor Gandhi’s legacy and promote non-violence globally.

Timeline

2004: Proposal for the day presented at the World Social Forum.
2007: UN General Assembly adopts the resolution to observe October 2 as International Day of Non-Violence.
2007: First official celebration of the day worldwide.

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	October 2	Thursday
2026	October 2	Friday
2027	October 2	Saturday
2028	October 2	Monday
2029	October 2	Tuesday
2030	October 2	Wednesday

Observed

The day is observed globally through educational events, public awareness campaigns, peace marches, and discussions on non-violence principles. Many schools and organizations host activities to inspire peaceful conflict resolution.

Fun Facts About

Mahatma Gandhi is often called the “Father of the Nation” in India.
The day coincides with India’s national holiday, Gandhi Jayanti.
Gandhi’s philosophy inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Quiz

When is the International Day of Non-Violence observed?
(Answer: October 2)
Who is primarily honored on this day?
(Answer: Mahatma Gandhi)
Which organization established this observance?
(Answer: United Nations)

FAQs

Q: Why was October 2 chosen for this observance?
A: It marks Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, symbolizing his contributions to non-violent resistance.

Q: Is it a public holiday worldwide?
A: No, but it is widely observed through events and campaigns globally.

Q: What is the main goal of this observance?
A: To promote peace and educate people about non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.

Importance of International Day of Non-Violence

This day serves as a reminder that peace can be achieved through dialogue and understanding rather than violence. It emphasizes the relevance of Gandhi’s teachings in today’s world, where conflicts often escalate into violence. The observance inspires individuals to adopt non-violent methods in their personal lives and communities.