International Day of Non Violence
The very mention of non-violence reminds us of Mahatma Gandhi and his ‘weapon’ of non-violence. He showed us the way to independence through non-violence. His idea or principle of non-violence is relevant even today and we are proud that it has caught the attention of many people all over the world.
We celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday on October 211d every year as ‘Gandhi Jayanthi’. On 15th June 2007, the United Nations General assembly voted to establish October 2m as international day of non-violence. The United Nations asks all its members to “disseminate the message of non-violence through education and public awareness”. This development to us is a fitting tribute to Gandhi. It only reaffirms or reassures the ‘importance and relevance of non-violence to secure peace through tolerance’. The day is recognized world over and thus underlines the enduring relevance of this great man’s philosophy.
Though many people feel the idea is not so practical these times, they have been proved wrong.
Because, wherever has been violence to achieve something, be it peace, be it freedom or be it rights of section of people, it has failed. The ongoing long struggle which has killed so many innocent people in Sri Lanka has proved this. Also, in many parts of the world violence has made the situation worst.
Gandhi said “non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It’s mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”. This must be a way of living and taught to children at a very young age and help them realize its importance. Opting violence or choosing that path is easier than maintaining calm through talks or non-violent methods which is difficult but pays. International day of non-violence was first observed under the United Nations in Bangkok. In India the day was earlier observed to remember Mahatma Gandhi and his contribution through non-violence as such but with the international acceptance the importance of the day is greater. Talks and plays showing the importance and effectiveness of non-violence can help in educating people. Public awareness and acceptance of this concept to put it to practice is important.
It will take some time for the people supporting violence or weapons to realize this but lets us hope they are not too late. Every society and community must realize this and spread non-violence to make the world a better place to live in. Youth can play an important role in this regard and work to achieve this in reality.
