By V. Mohan Rao
The celebration of the 138th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year is poised for a big leap with the Comity of Nations joining the celebrations of the mega event for the first time. October 2nd will be observed as “International Day of Non-Violence” in recognition of his role in promoting the message of peace around the world, thanks to the United Nations General Assembly for its unprecedented and epoch-making decision. The day will be observed for the first time on October 2nd after which it would become an annual event. A resolution reaffirming the universal relevance of non-violence, initiated by India and co-sponsored by majority of the members of the world body, was adopted on 15th of June. The UN resolution stresses that nonviolence, tolerance, full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all; democracy, development, mutual understanding and respect for diversity are interlinked and reinforcing. The resolution says that the Assembly decides, with effect from the 62nd session to observe the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2 each year, with the International day being brought to the attention of all people for its celebration and observance on this date. The Assembly also invited all member states, Non-governmental Organizations and individuals to commemorate the day and to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness. The world body’s move to recognize the life-long struggle by the Father of the Nation in spreading the message of peace, harmony and non-violence, is in the right direction and comes at a time when the comity of nations is riddled with violent conflicts and growing terrorist activities.
Gandhi and Peace
History proved that Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and the word Peace are inseparable. Gandhi first employed his ideas of peaceful civil disobedience in the Indian community’s struggle for civil rights in South Africa. In India, he organized poor farmers and labourers to protest against oppressive taxation and widespread discrimination. Assuming leadership of the Indian National
Congress, Gandhi led a nationwide campaign for the alleviation of poverty, for the liberation of women, for brotherhood amongst differing religions and ethnicities, for the end to untouchability and caste discrimination, and for the economic self-sufficiency of the nation, but above all for
Swaraj, the independence of India from foreign domination. It was during his peaceful agitation for the cause of the farmers in his home state of Gujarat, Gandhi was addressed by the people fondly as Bapu (Father of the Nation) and Mahatma (Great Soul). The word Mahatma, is a Sanskrit term of reverence literally means Great Soul.
Gandhi & Non-Voilence
Non-Violence and Truth were his time-tested weapons throughout his life and he had applied them meticulously even in the extreme situations. He lived on a simple vegetarian diet and kept rigorous fasts for long periods, for both self-purification and protest in support of his justified demands. By means of a hunger strike, Gandhi had helped bringing about India’s Independence from British Rule, inspiring colonial peoples to work for their own independence and ultimately dismantle the British Empire. Gandhi’s principle of Satyagraha (truth force) has inspired generations of democratic and anti-racist activists including Martin Luther King Junior and Nelson Mandela. He had often stated that his values were simple, drawn from traditional belief – Satya (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence). Gandhi’s philosophies and his ideas of truth and non-violence had the influence of the Bhagvad Gita and the writings of Leo Tolstoy. He was also inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s famous essay on Civil Disobedience.
Gandhi & Non-Cooperation
Gandhi used two other powerful tools — Non-cooperation and peaceful resistance — in his fight against injustice. Of late, there has been a noticeable trend among leaders across the globe showing keen interest in the non-violent methods to address problems, following the Mahatma in letter and spirit and this is perhaps the reason that led the United Nations to adopt the resolution to observe Gandhi’s birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Gandhi Jayanti & Celebrations
Enthused by UN’s decision, at home, the Centre has decided to observe Gandhi Jayanti in a big way this year. The day will be observed as the “National Day of Dedication.” It will also be observed as “Cleanliness Day” to give boost to the on-going Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) launched across the country. Gandhian philosophy on various aspects of our life continues to be a pillar of strength and inspiration to provide guidance to generations – present as well as future. As the years pass by, the immortality of Gandhiji’s thought is further reinforced.