Oct 2nd

[Deepak Kiran]

Gandhi Jayanti is an event celebrated in India to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. It is celebrated annually on 2 October, and it is one of the three national holidays of India. The UN General Assembly announced on 15 June 2007 that it adopted a resolution which declared that 2 October will be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. He is also known as the"Father of The Nation"and this title was given to him by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose for his relentless struggles for our independenceGandhi Jayanti is celebrated yearly on 2 October. It is a national holiday, observed in all of its states and territories.

Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer services and tributes all over India, including at Gandhi's memorial, Raj Ghat, in New Delhi where he was cremated. Popular activities include prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions.

Gandhi's favourite Bhajan (Hindu devotional song), Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, is usually sung in his memory.Statues of Mahatma Gandhi throughout the country are decorated with flowers and garlands, and some people avoid drinking alcohol or eating meat on the day.[Public buildings, banks and post offices are closed

 

[Deepak Kiran]

On Saturday, October 2, 2021, the nation will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on what will be the 152nd birth anniversary of the “Father of the Nation.” Gandhi Jayanti, as the occasion is known, coincides this year with the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which was inaugurated on March 12 by prime minister Narendra Modi, on the 91st anniversary of a significant event in Gandhi's life, the Dandi March.

The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav will be celebrated till August 15, 2023, the 77th Independence Day.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who shares his birthday with another legendary personality, former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri (born 1904), was born on October 2, 1869, in Porabandar, in present-day Gujarat. A lawyer whose life changed through his experiences in South Africa, Gandhi played the most significant role in India's independence movement, holding demonstrations through non-violent means.

Though it is commonly believed that the title “Mahatma” was bestowed upon Gandhi by India's first Nobel laureate, “Gurudev” Rabindranath Tagore, the Gujarat government has disputed this, claiming instead that this title was given by a local journalist from Saurashtra. However, the leader is also commonly referred to as “Bapu” (father).

Gandhi is the most frequently invoked Indian personality by world leaders, most of whom, during a visit to India, visit his resting place in Delhi. US president Joe Biden quoted the freedom fighter during his meeting with PM Modi at the White House last week.

Internationally, October 2 is observed as the Day of Nonviolence in remembrance of the “Mahatma.” In India, it is a full holiday, and one of three national festivals, along with Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15).

 

[Deepak Kiran]

Say No to Violence​

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".

 

[Deepak Kiran]

Gandhi and the struggle for non-violence​

The name of Mahatma Gandhi transcends the bounds of race, religion and nation-states, and has emerged as the prophetic voice of the twenty-first century. The world remembers Gandhi not just for his passionate adherence to the practice of non-violence and supreme humanism, but as the benchmark against which we test men and women in public life, political ideas and government policies, and the hopes and wishes of our shared planet

 

[Deepak Kiran]

Every year, on October 2, which is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations (UN). Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as the tallest leader of India's independence movement and was a pioneer of the philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence). The famous Sanskrit phrase 'Ahimsa Paramo Dharma' was also popularised by Gandhi, which loosely translates to 'non-violence is the highest moral virtue'.

The International Day of Non-Violence aims to spread awareness about the philosophy and strategy of non-violence through education and public awareness. Mahatma Gandhi led the Dandi Salt March and the Quit India Movement in 1930 and 1942, respectively and was also vocal about eliminating the age-old practice of untouchability, caste discrimination and women oppression. He left behind a plethora of teachings and philosophy that still inspires people from all age groups.

International Day of Non-Violence: History​

International Day of Non-Violence was first observed in 2007 when the UN General Assembly passed a resolution and stated that this day is an occasion to 'disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness. The resolution was passed with a goal to secure a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding with the help of the teachings of India's global icon who inspired millions to adopt the path of non-violence.

It was in January 2004 when the Iranian Noble Laureate Shirin Ebadi had proposed the idea of the International Day of Non-Violence. The idea attracted the attention of many Congress leaders and they called upon the UN in 2007 to adopt it.

The then India's Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma introduced the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors. Sharma said that wide and diversified sponsorship of the resolution was an acknowledgement of the universal respect for the Mahatma and his philosophy.

International Day of Non-Violence: Significance​

International Day of Non-Violence is observed across the world to give the message of non-violence. Be it civil rights or social reforms, Gandhi has been an inspiration for non-violent movements across the world. He remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under the worst circumstances and insurmountable challenges and led India to freedom.

 

[Deepak Kiran]

International Day of Non-Violence 2021: Time to usher in new era of peace, trust & tolerance, says UN chief​

The International Day of Non-Violence is commemorated every year on October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a tall leader of the Indian freedom movement and pioneer of the philosophy of non-violence. He has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change worldwide.

"It is no coincidence that we mark the International Day of Non-Violence on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. For Gandhi, non-violence, peaceful protest, dignity and equality were more than words. They represented a guiding light for humanity, a map to a better future," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

"They also provide a template to address today’s troubled times. Conflicts and climate change. Poverty and inequalities. Mistrust and divisions. All under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to devastate people and economies alike. The solution to these challenges is in our hands: solidarity. We need to recognize, as Gandhi did, that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. That peace provides the only pathway to a better future for all," added Guterres.

"Addressing the challenges of our world means coming together as one human family, and embracing peace like never before. We call on combatants around the world to lay down their arms and focus on defeating humanity’s common enemy -- COVID-19 -- not one another. We urgently need to deliver lifesaving vaccines and treatment, and support countries in the long road to recovery ahead" he said.

 

[URum]

Happy Gandhi jayanti