International Day of Non-Violence History, Theme, and Its Purpose:

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed every year on October 2nd to promote the message of non-violence and peace. This day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s independence movement and a pioneer of the philosophy of non-violence.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2007 to observe this day as the International Day of Non-Violence, recognizing the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence and the desire for a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding. The resolution reaffirmed “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence.”

The theme of International Day of Non-Violence:

The theme for the year 2022 is “End racism. Build Peace.”

“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”.

 – Mahatma Gandhi

List of Important Non-violence Movements in India by Gandhiji:

The non-violence movement in India, also known as the Satyagraha movement, was a key part of the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Here are some important points of the non-violence movement in India:

• Satyagraha: Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha, which means “truth-force” or “soul-force”, was the foundation of the non-violence movement. It involved non-violent resistance to unjust laws and the use of non-cooperation and civil disobedience to bring about social and political change.
• Salt Satyagraha: The Salt Satyagraha, also known as the Dandi March, was one of the most significant campaigns of the non-violence movement. In 1930, Gandhi and a group of followers marched to the Arabian Sea to make their own salt in defiance of the British salt tax, which was seen as a symbol of British colonial oppression.
• Non-Cooperation Movement: In 1920, Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement, which called for Indians to boycott British institutions and products, including schools, courts, and British-made cloth. The movement was aimed at weakening the British economy and undermining British authority in India.
• Quit India Movement: The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement, was launched in 1942 as a call for immediate British withdrawal from India. The movement was marked by mass protests, strikes, and civil disobedience, and led to the imprisonment of many Indian leaders, including Gandhi himself.
• Role of Women: Women played a significant role in the non-violence movement in India, both as activists and as supporters. Many women participated in protests and satyagrahas, and Gandhi himself encouraged women to take an active role in the movement.
• Influence on the world: The non-violence movement in India had a profound impact on the world, inspiring similar movements for social and political change in other countries, including the civil rights movement in the United States led by Martin Luther King Jr. and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa led by Nelson Mandela.

The observance of the International Day of Non-Violence aims to promote education and public awareness of non-violence, encourage the dissemination of the message of non-violence through education and public awareness, and commemorate the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy of non-violence. The day provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, and governments to reflect on their commitment to non-violence and to take action to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding in their own lives and in the world.

World No Alcohol Day is observed on October 2nd same day, click the link to see its theme and purpose – World No Alcohol Day