October 2 / International Day of Non-Violence

International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2 each year, as this date marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the independence movement in India and a pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of “Non-Violence.”

Gandhi employed civil and peaceful methods to withstand British rule. Despite being imprisoned several times, nothing deterred him from his peaceful approach, which ultimately led to India’s independence. Furthermore, Gandhi encouraged the establishment of healthy relationships among people of different religions and ethnicities, advocating for women’s rights and the reduction of poverty.

The resolution of June 15, 2007, designated this day as an opportunity to reinforce messages against violence, including education and public awareness. This resolution reaffirms “the universal importance of principles against violence and the desire to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence.”

This is also valuable for our opponents and enemies, where the language of reason and finding common points of interest can foster a culture of dialogue and fulfillment of goals.

Physical violence, unfortunately, is still used to achieve many objectives, both on an individual level and in social or political contexts.

On this day, it is promoted that social or political transformation can be achieved without any form of violence. Scholars have termed the theory of “Non-Violence” as “the politics of ordinary people,” who do not have access to instruments of violence, including weapons.

In fact, violence begets violence. This often turns into a vicious cycle that never ends.

Generally, “Non-Violence” has been widely used around the world as a way to achieve major causes or attain social justice; it is synonymous with pacifism, which believes in the sound reasoning of civilized people in conflict resolution and has been broadly applied since the latter half of the 20th century.

Sometimes, hardliners (revolutionaries) perceive Non-Violence as weakness. This is not true. Based on facts, it is quite the opposite. It requires courage and strength, awareness, and active participation.

It is crucial that families and educational institutions (which shape personality) promote a culture of tolerance and Non-Violence, especially for children and adolescents.

The belief that violence should not be tolerated by anyone, regardless of age, background, or issues, must be rooted. This has lasting value, both in times of crisis (war) and peace.

Civil society, as well as the media, can play a beneficial role in this regard.

Tolerance requires motivation and patience, self-control, and aims to promote equal access and opportunities.

The concept of Non-Violence will remain distant as long as we lean toward aggressive individualism (sick ego), where the positive ambition to achieve perfection transforms into a senseless battle, disrupts coexistence within the group, undermines the principles of “take” and “give,” and neglects the social component of compromise and well-being.

Despite our differences, the uniqueness of the beings we represent makes it important to regard society as a large family and to systematically care for one another.

Edited by:

“KORÇA BOOM”