“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 International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2nd October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who gave the world the philosophy of non-violence. This day is referred to as Gandhi Jayanti in India. It is considered as a day to spread the message of non-violence across the world. On this day, several public awareness programs, such as street awareness campaigns, seminars and discussions are organised by the government to promote non-violence.
Nonviolence is both a principle and a practice. The principle of non-violence lays down that pronounces that all conflicts and problems can be resolved without the use of physical aggression. It promotes the idea of working in peaceful ways to ensure a peaceful environment. It is based on the assumption that justice will eventually prevail.
More than half a century ago, Gandhi strived to break the cycles of violence. What differentiates us from brute beasts, he said, is our continuous endeavours for moral self-improvement. Humanity is at crossroads and we must choose either violence (the law of the jungle) or nonviolence (the law of humanity). Nonviolence is the highest form of diffidence; it is supreme courage. The essence of Gandhi’s teachings was fearlessness. He taught that “the strong are never vindictive” and that dialogue can only be engaged in by the brave.
Since this day honours the inspiration that Mahatma Gandhi continues to be, here are some of the best sayings by the great leader:
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“Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong.”
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“Anger is the enemy of non-violence and pride is a monster that swallows it up.”
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“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.”
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“Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.”
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“Non-violence and truth are inseparable and presuppose one another.”
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“Nonviolence is the first article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed.”
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“Non-violence, which is the quality of the heart, cannot come by an appeal to the brain.”
- “Non-violence is the article of faith.”
