Today we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of a man who brought forward the notion of “non-violence” across the world. In 2007, the United Nations marked October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence to honour Mahatma Gandhi – a pioneer of the non-violence philosophy & strategy and the leader of the Indian independence movement.
His commitment to India’s freedom movement and his methods have been the keystones of human rights and civil initiatives around the world. To put it simply, Gandhi saw violence as completely irrational to achieve peace, but rather, “just a mean leading to just an end.” This is one great lesson we can all take to heart.
Gandhi is remembered today for his contributions towards the freedom of India and for sharing with the world a doctrine for dealing with disharmony and injustice. He taught people the philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) as a tool for the peaceful resolution of differences.
Through Gandhi’s efforts along with sacrifices made by several martyrs, India finally gained its freedom on August 15, 1947. Gandhiji was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
Quoting his words,
“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.“
