International day of Non-Violence day observed on?

The correct answer is 2nd October.

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed annually on October 2nd. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, this day serves as an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness." The date was specifically chosen to coincide with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement and a global pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

The UN Resolution

On June 15, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish the observance. The resolution was introduced by India and co-sponsored by 140 nations. The goal was to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding by honoring the man who proved that powerful empires could be challenged through peaceful resistance rather than armed conflict. 

The Philosophy of Satyagraha

The foundation of this day is the principle of Satyagraha (insistence on truth), a term coined by Mahatma Gandhi. Unlike "passive resistance," which might imply weakness, Satyagraha is considered a weapon of the strong. It involves:

• Ahimsa: The practice of non-injury to all living beings.


• Civil Disobedience: The active, professed refusal of a citizen to obey certain laws, demands, orders, or commands of a government.


• Moral Persuasion: Winning over the opponent through patience and sympathy rather than coercion.

Global Impact of the Movement

The significance of October 2nd extends far beyond India's borders. Gandhi’s methods of non-violent protest influenced numerous civil rights leaders and freedom fighters throughout the 20th century. Key figures inspired by his philosophy include:

• Martin Luther King Jr.: Who applied non-violent tactics during the American Civil Rights Movement.


• Nelson Mandela: Who, despite the complexities of the struggle in South Africa, frequently cited Gandhi as a major influence on the transition away from Apartheid.


• Cesar Chavez: Who used non-violent strikes and fasts to secure rights for farmworkers in the United States. 

How the Day is Observed

Every year on October 2nd, the UN and various non-governmental organizations host seminars, lectures, and photo exhibitions to promote the "power of peace." The focus is often on addressing modern challenges—such as climate change, systemic inequality, and regional conflicts—using non-violent dialogue.

In India, the day is also celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday. Many people visit the Raj Ghat (Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi) to pay their respects through prayer and traditional spinning of cotton, which was a symbol of self-reliance for Gandhi. 

The "Knotted Gun" Symbol

A powerful visual representation often associated with the message of this day is the Non-Violence Sculpture (also known as "The Knotted Gun") located outside the United Nations headquarters in New York. Created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, the sculpture of a 45-caliber revolver with its barrel tied in a knot serves as a permanent reminder that peace is a choice and a commitment.