As you know the International Day of Non-Violence observed annually on October 2nd, which marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a key figure who championed the philosophy of non-violence.
This day was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly on June 15, 2007. The resolution calls for the global observance of non-violence through education, cultural exchanges, and public awareness campaigns to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
As you know Gandhi has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. .
In marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, this International Day of non-violence highlights the remarkable power of non-violence for a peaceful co-existence. It is also a timely reminder for all of us to strive and uphold values that Gandhi lived by:- the promotion of peace, human dignity, equality, mutual respect, and communities living together in harmony..
On this special day of non-violence I want to call for all of us to join and actively promote the global campaign of URI to End Violence
In a world with rising geopolitical tensions and protracted conflicts, there has never been a better time like now to lay out the values needed for non-violence and the voice of peace.
It is also a day to reflect on: respect for all life, human dignity, compassion, fostering constructive dialogue and cooperation; commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts; and adherence to human rights, social justice, democracy, pluralism, understanding and unity in diversity.
On this special day, I want to highlight very strongly that the culture of non-violence and peace need to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities through formal and informal education. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies.
Therefore I strongly recommend member states of the UN to consider introducing peace and value based education in the school curriculum starting from the KG.
For a culture of peace, non-violence, inter-religious & inter-cultural harmony, respect among nations, human dignity and social justice to prevail on Earth, it is also high time to promote the teaching of Ubuntu – “ I am because we are” and the Golden Rule, which says “Treat others the way you want to be treated,” throughout the world as our well being increasingly depends on how well we interact and live together in harmony with others based on mutual respect. .
The Golden Rule is the roadmap to end violence, build peaceful co-existence, social cohesion, harmony, human dignity and secure a better future for this generation and generation yet to come.
Each of us needs to commit ourselves as best as we can to make personal pledges to peace, non-violence and live according to the teachings of the Golden Rule and the spirit of Ubuntu.
Let us be instruments of peace and non-violence.
Let us walk the talk by taking practical action.
Let us be the positive change we want to see in the world as highlighted by Mahatma Gandhi..
May Peace Prevail in our mind
May Peace Prevail in our Heart
May Peace Prevail in our family
May Peace Prevail in our community
May Peace Prevail in our respective countries
May Peace Prevail throughout the world
May Peace Prevail on Earth
In peace and gratitude
