GENEVA, Oct 5 – Amidst the ongoing Human Rights Council session at the iconic UN headquarters, Palais des Nations in Geneva, the timeless principles of Mahatma Gandhi took center stage to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence.
During a side event within the ongoing HRC session, diplomatic missions and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) came together on the occasion of Gandhi’s birth anniversary, which falls on October 2, to observe the “International Day of Non-Violence: Preventing Human Rights Violations by Drawing Inspiration from the Principles of Non-Violence.”
Speakers at the event emphasized the trailblazing role played by Mahatma Gandhi, expressing gratitude to India and its ethos for gifting the world this visionary leader. His contributions extended not only to India’s independence struggle but also to the liberation of several other nations.
The event underscored the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy in the present day, calling upon nations in conflict to embrace peace and nonviolence, as per an official statement.
The statement recalled the General Assembly’s resolution A/RES/61/271, adopted on June 15, 2007, which established the celebration of the International Day as a means to promote the message of non-violence, with a particular focus on education and public awareness. This resolution reaffirms the universal significance of non-violence principles and the aspiration to foster a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence.
“Mahatma Gandhi, renowned as the father of Indian independence and a pioneering advocate of the philosophy of non-violence, holds remarkable relevance, especially in the context of commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” noted an official press release.
Gandhi’s vision and foresight were firmly rooted in the belief that people, as the apex of divine creation, can coexist harmoniously in peace while upholding the principles of truth, justice, love, and non-violence.
