Let us celebrate Non Violence Day
Ranjan K Baruah *
Not only India but the entire world is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of one of the greatest soul on 2nd October. It has been seventy years since Mahatma Gandhi departed from our midst. But his life and soul continue to animate humanity transcending
national and international boundaries.
Gandhi Jayanti is observed in all parts of India on 2nd October.
It is a matter of pride for all Indians that the same day is also observed as Non Violence Day. The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2nd October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the
philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International 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”.
There is no shadow of doubt that 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”. The principle of non-violence — also known as non-violent resistance —
rejects the use of physical violence in order to achieve social or political change.
Often described as “the politics of ordinary people”, this form of social struggle has been adopted by mass populations all over the world in campaigns for social justice. Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence, has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world.
Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is a story of heroic effort to establish the values of Truth
and Non-violence in human life. The theory behind his actions, which included encouraging massive civil disobedience to British law as with the historic Salt March of 1930, was that “just means lead to just ends”; that is, it is irrational to try to use violence to
achieve a peaceful society.
He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism. Government of India has decided to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, at national and international level
to propagate his message. A National Committee (NC) headed by Hon’ble President of India has been constituted for this purpose.
This Committee includes Hon’ble Vice-President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of all states of the country, representatives from across the political spectrum, Gandhians, thinkers, and eminent persons from all walks of life. One of the
focus actions is about cleanliness in our society and country. The day provides us an opportunity to take action and make our society and nation clean and green one.
All of us can contribute in the celebration on 2nd October according to our capacity. As we observe the day inside the country let us also promote the day of non violence amongst all which shall help in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
There are different activities planned in the region. All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) has been observing Gandhi Jayanati and International Non Violence Day to make people aware on non violence as the region has witnessed violence in last few decades.
(With inputs from different sources )
* Ranjan K Baruah wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer can be contacted at bkranjan(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on Ocotber 02, 2019 .
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