The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 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 ».

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, 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.

Quoting the late leader’s own words, he 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 ».

Source: Text & Image: UN

The sculpture « Non-Violence » by the noted Swedish sculptor Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, is a gift of the Government of Luxembourg to the United Nations. It’s a large replica of a .45 calibre revolver with a twisted barrel, to symbolize peace and non-violence. UN Photo/Pernaca Sudhakaran
The sculpture de Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, entitled “Non Violence” dates from 1985 and can be seen at Malmö.