International Day of Non-Violence calls for actions to reflect commitment to Gandhian principles

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United Nations –  “What makes Mahatma Gandhi mahatma is not what he said, but what he did according to what he thought, that is the consistency of his life,” Vatican Observer Gabriele Caccia said at the United Nations (UN).

Caccia was speaking at a special event organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence at the UN Headquarters in New York on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday on October 2, 2024.

Pointing out that the principles of the United Nations Charter reflecting Gandhi’s principles were only beautiful words, Caccia stressed the importance of consistency and the willingness to face contradictions and criticism which Gandhi had.

Caccia said the International Day of non violence is an appeal to each individual in any part of the world, to have a strong personal engagement, to live according to the values we really believe in. He concluded by calling for a genuine commitment to Gandhian values of goodness, truth, understanding, repentance, and forgiveness, urging everyone to apply these principles in their daily lives.

Speakers at the celebration also included Permanent Representative (PR) P. Harish of India, Brian Christopher Manley Wallace of Jamaica, Mohan Pieris of Sri Lanka, and Hoang Giang Dang of Vietnam. Messages from the UNGA Secretary General Antonio Guterres and GA President Philémon Yang were read aloud.

That Gandhi was an international figure and that his philosophy of social justice, sustainable development, self governance and force of truth were so ahead of his time that the UN, when formed, mirrored those in its Charter in various forms, was reiterated by all speakers.

Speakers also stressed that Gandhi did not just preach these principles but that he lived them. They emphasized that these ideas have become more relevant today and are as applicable as they were when Gandhi was alive.

Speaking at the event, Harish said it was impossible to discuss peace and growth without referring to the ideals, thoughts and actions of Gandhi.

Stating that Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence, dialogue and tolerance guide in ensuring peace and stability around the world, Harish quoted the wordmark on Gandhi’s half statue at the UN: ‘There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.’

In his message, UNGA Secretary-General Guterres, pointed out the relevance of values of equality, respect, peace and justice, to which Gandhi dedicated his life.

“In a world bristling with violence and hate, a renewed multilateralism equipped to support peace in a changing world, is of utmost importance,” Guterres said.

He said Gandhi believed non-violence was the greatest force available to humanity – more powerful than any weapon. “Together, let’s build institutions to support that noble vision,” Guterres said.

President Philémon Yang of GA, noted in his message that  Gandhi’s life was a testament to the effectiveness of peaceful protests, inspiring people across the world, and mentioned Nelson Mandela in South Africa and Martin Luther King Jr. in the US who were deeply influenced by Gandhi’s concept of Satyagrah or truth force.

Yang urged commitment and resolve to end conflict, to protect human rights and strive for a more just an equitable world.

“By doing so, we carry forward the legacy of Gandhi and the founders of the United Nations, shaping the future where it is and justice prevail,” he said.

Wallace from Jamaica discussed the enduring relevance of Gandhi’s teachings in the context of global peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development at the UN. Reiterating Gandhi’s belief in peace as not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, Wallace called for a renewed commitment to Gandhi’s values to build a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

Pieris from Sri Lanka pointed out Mahatma Gandhi’s international impact and quoted poet Romain Rolland who called Gandhi an apostle of non-violence, with ‘pure and refreshing optimism, untainted by the slightest hint of showmanship’.

Pierris said Gandhi’s values continue to shape modern discussions on human rights and global justice.

Dang from Vietnam drew special attention to Gandhi’s influence on the anti-colonial movement, including Vietnam’s struggle for independence led by President Ho Chi Minh, who admired Gandhi.

Dang quoted Minh during visit to India in 1958: “I and others may be revolutionaries, but we are all followers of Mahatma Gandhi, whether directly or indirectly, nothing more, nothing less.”

Gandhi’s message of peace and freedom resonates with the world, especially with diplomats everyday, Dang said, acknowledging Gandhi’s enduring philosophy and his unwavering commitment to non-violence, truth, and tolerance.

The UN describes on its website Gandhi as the benchmark against which to test men and women in public life, political ideas and government policies, and the hopes and wishes of our shared planet.

Established by the UNGA through a resolution on June 15, 2007, the International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2 on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

Co-sponsored by 140 nations, the resolution reflects universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi, and his philosophy which is relevant even today. It reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.