Mahatma Gandhi, revered as the Father of the Nation and Bapu, was a prominent political ethicist, nationalist, and lawyer deeply committed to India’s struggle for independence. Celebrated worldwide, Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2 is marked with great fervor and also commemorated as the International Day of Non-Violence. This event, known as Gandhi Jayanti, honors the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. Interestingly, this date is shared with another notable Indian statesman, Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Gandhi’s transformative journey began in South Africa, ultimately propelling him to the forefront of India’s movement for independence from British colonial rule. He championed non-violent approaches such as Satyagraha and Ahimsa, pivotal in the struggle for India’s freedom. Gandhi’s steadfast commitment to truth, peace, and non-violence profoundly influenced the Indian civil rights movement. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948.
Recognizing the global impact of Gandhi’s principles, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007. This day serves as an avenue to advocate for non-violence through education and public awareness. It emphasizes the universal importance of non-violence and the collective endeavor to nurture a world culture steeped in peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence.