The United Nations General Assembly has decided to declare October 2 - the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi—as ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ in recognition of his role in promoting the message of peace around the world.
The move to get the international community to pay tribute to Gandhi’s ideology was a follow-up to the Satyagraha conference organised by the Congress early this year and a subsequent campaign launched by the government. Speaking at the conference, titled ‘Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment — Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century’, Congress president Sonia Gandhi had called for steps to get the Mahatma’s birthday marked as the International Day of Non-Violence.
The resolution to respect the apostle of humanity and peace was moved in the UN General Assembly by India and co-sponsored by 120 of total 191 members. The resolution reaffirms the universal relevance of non-violence, the gospel taught by Gandhi through out his life and followed by many leaders world over to win the heart of the enemy. Almost all major players of the world like the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and countries from subcontinent like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bhutan are among those co-sponsoring it.
The resolution stresses the need for non-violence, tolerance, full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, democracy, development, mutual understanding and respect for diversity as reinforcements for peace and growth of mankind.
Great leaders such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela achieved immortal success following the Gandhian method of truth and non-violence where everything was perceived impossible by many. If you are interested in more what and who Gandhi was, here is a nice document presented by UNESCO - Commemorating 125th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (PDF)
Be still and know one truth, that the Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Love. That in the Kingdom of Love we commune with and release love, unto every person on earth. In this love is founded the brotherhood of man, and the eternal purpose of God.
Brother Mandus
9th January 1907 – 8th March 1988