Gandhi's Message Holds Answers In Troubled Times: UNSG

By A Draft Correspondent

On the occasion of International Day of Non-Violence, observed every year on 2 October on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi - leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres evoked Gandhi's legacy and called out to the nations saying solidarity is the key to address the problems the world faces today. 

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

In his message he said, "It is no coincidence that we mark the International Day of Non‑Violence on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. For Gandhi, non‑violence, peaceful protest, dignity and equality were more than words. They represented a guiding light for humanity, a map to a better future. They also provide a template to address today’s troubled times. Conflicts and climate change. Poverty and inequalities. Mistrust and divisions. All under the shadow of the COVID‑19 pandemic, which continues to devastate people and economies alike."

The idea of an International Day of Non-Violence was first proposed in 2004 by Iranian Noble Laureate Shirin Ebadi that was followed by several Congress leaders calling upon the United Nations to adopt it. In 2007, India's then Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma introduced the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors and said that 'the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy.' He further quoted Gandhi and said, "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."

UNSG Guterres further stated, "The solution to these challenges is in our hands: solidarity. We need to recognise, as Gandhi did, that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. That peace provides the only pathway to a better future for all. Addressing the challenges of our world means coming together as one human family and embracing peace like never before.

We call on combatants around the world to lay down their arms and focus on defeating humanity’s common enemy - COVID-19 - not one another. We urgently need to deliver life‑saving vaccines and treatment, and support countries in the long road to recovery ahead. We need to intensify our work to reduce inequalities and end poverty. We need a bold global plan of action to heal our planet. Most of all, we need to renew trust in one another. Hatred, division, conflict and mistrust have had their day. It is time to usher in a new era of peace, trust and tolerance."

"On this International Day of Non-Violence, let us heed Gandhi’s message of peace, and get down to the business of building a better and more peaceful future for all."

The International Day of Non-Violence was first observed in 2007 through the UNGA resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration. The day is an occasion to 'disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.' The resolution reaffirms 'the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence' and the desire 'to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.'