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UN Observes International Day of Non-Violence on Gandhi's Birthday
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News18•02-10-2026, 08:23
UN Observes International Day of Non-Violence on Gandhi's Birthday
- •October 2 is globally observed as the International Day of Non-Violence, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary.
- •The United Nations established this day in 2007 to promote peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence through education and public awareness.
- •Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, championed non-violent resistance (Ahimsa) and truth-force (Satyagraha) during India's freedom movement.
- •Gandhi's philosophy has inspired civil rights and social change movements worldwide, with the UN recognizing him as a pioneer of non-violence.
- •The day emphasizes peaceful conflict resolution, linking non-violence with democracy, human rights, mutual understanding, and respect for diversity.
Key Questions Answered
October 2 was chosen because it marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on October 2, 1869. The date honors his philosophy of non-violence and peaceful resistance that inspired global civil rights movements.
The United Nations General Assembly established the observance through Resolution 61/271, which was adopted on June 15, 2007. The first official International Day of Non-Violence was subsequently observed on October 2, 2007.
Ahimsa means non-violence or avoiding harm, coupled with truth, self-discipline, and tolerance. Satyagraha represents his method of confronting injustice through truth, non-cooperation, and peaceful civil resistance instead of physical violence.
