The International Day of Non-Violence, observed on October 2, commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's principles of peace and advocates for global harmony via non-violent means. It reflects upon his philosophy and commitment to non-violence as a means of social and political change.
October 2nd — the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India. On June 15, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly honored Mahatma Gandhi and recognized his philosophy and services by declaring his birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence. Here are a few stamps issued to mark the day and honor Mahatma Gandhi's principles...
Non-violence is the personal practice of being harmless to self and others under every condition. It comes from the belief that hurting people, animals or the environment is unnecessary to achieve an outcome and refers to a general philosophy of abstention from violence based on moral, religious or spiritual principles.
Ahimsa Parmo Dharma — non-violence is the supreme religion — stamp issued by the India Post. (Photo courtesy: Pradip Jain)
Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence, has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Knotted Gun stamp issued by the United Nations on October 2, 2018, on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. (Photo courtesy: Pradip Jain)
Non-violence, also known as the Knotted Gun, is a bronze sculpture by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd of an oversized Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver with its muzzle tied in a knot. The sculpture is at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
The theory behind Gandhi's actions, which included encouraging massive civil disobedience to British law as with the historic Salt March of 1930, was that “just means lead to just ends”; that is, it is irrational to try to use violence to achieve a peaceful society. He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism.
United Nations Postal Administration special cachet to commemorate International Day of Non-Violence on October 2, 2007. (Photo courtesy: Pradip Jain)
Mahatma Gandhi was deeply influenced by the five basic doctrines of Jainism and practised them throughout his life. 'Live and let live', 'truth is god', and 'non-violence is the supreme religion', were an inseparable part of his life.
The cover depicts Jainism founder Vardhman Mahaveer in a meditative posture, an illustration from the cover page (part IV) of the Calligraphic edition of the Constitution of India. (Photo courtesy: Pradip Jain)
Lord Mahaveera, the 24th Tirthankara (an enlightened teacher or saint who has broken free of the cycle of death and rebirth), was the torch-bearer of Ahimsa Parmo Dharma and introduced the words to the world. Mahatma Gandhi adopted Mahaveera's infallible weapon of non-violence and freed India from the slavery of the British Empire.
United Nations stamp First Day Cover and Card issued to mark the International Day of Non-Violence, featuring a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. (Photo courtesy: Pradip Jain)
With Mahatma Gandhi, the notion of non-violence attained a special status. He not only theorized about it, he adopted non-violence as a philosophy and an ideal way of life. He made us understand that the philosophy of nonviolence is not a weapon of the weak; it is a weapon, which can be tried by all.
Special postmark cover featuring G20 leaders' visit to Mahatma Gandhi memorial ‘Rajghat’ at New Delhi to pay homage. (Photo courtesy: Pradip Jain)
Non-violence was not Gandhi's invention. He is, however, called the father of non-violence because according to Mark Shepard, "He raised nonviolent action to a level never before achieved". Gandhi was the first in human history to extend the principle of non-violence from the individual to the social and political plane.
