United Nations: On October 2, 2024, in honor of the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, United Nations Member States gathered to observe the International Day of Non-Violence. The event was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations.
In his opening remarks, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, P Harish, reflected on one of the Mahatma’s famous quotes: “Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves,” highlighting that India’s journey reflects embodies Gandhi’s belief that true strength arises from righteousness, power from truth, and victory from moral courage.
Ambassador Harish further emphasized that it was fitting for the United Nations to declare October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence, recognizing Gandhi’s enduring contribution to a peaceful and just world.
He listed these principles, “Ahimsa or non-violence, Satyagraha, the truth force that guides non- violent resistance, Sarvodaya, or welfare of all, Swaraj or self-rule, and Trusteeship or custodianship of the earth and sustainable use of natural resources,” stressing these principles are enshrined in the UN Charter in one form or the other.
“Today, when the world grapples with violence, armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies, the ideals of non-violence, dialog, and tolerance, promulgated by Gandhiji, continues to guide our actions in ensuring peace and stability around the world,” he added.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres echoed similar concerns in his statement, which was read on the occasion. He remarked, “Our world today is bristling with violence across the globe,” citing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East.
Guterres further emphasized, “War is creating a hellscape of destruction, destitution, and fear.” However, the Secretary-General expressed hope, noting that the recently concluded Summit of the Future laid the foundation for a revitalized multilateralism, better equipped to promote peace in an increasingly complex world.
He underscored that “Gandhi believed nonviolence was the greatest force available to humanity more powerful than any weapon,” adding “Together, let’s build institutions to support that noble vision.”
Chef de Cabinet to the President of the UN General Assembly, Ivor Fung, highlighted that this occasion not only marked the birth of Mahatma Gandhi but also provided an opportunity to reflect on the values of truth, non-violence, equality, and justice that Gandhi championed. He noted those values are deeply rooted in the United Nations Charter.
Fung emphasized that influential leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. were profoundly inspired by Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha, which teaches that “truth and justice are not achieved through violence, but through moral courage and peaceful dialogue.”
“The world endures a turbulent period with conflicts raging in Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine and elsewhere,” he said hoping that the Mahatma’s message of peace is more relevant and necessary than ever.
Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, Mohan Pieris, while highlighting the ideals of the Mahatma, noted “As UN continues its efforts towards global peace, the principles of non-violence, truth, equality, as espoused by Gandhi, remains crucial in shaping a more just and sustainable future.”
Permanent representative of Jamaica, Brian Wallace, and Permanent representative of Vietnam, Dang Hoang Giang, also participated and delivered their remarks.
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative Yojna Patel noted “One of the challenges that the world faces today is transforming the pervasiveness of violence in all its forms, into that of a culture of peace, a peace that goes beyond mere absence of war to include living with justice and compassion, human rights and the celebration of diversity.”
Ambassador Patel extended her gratitude to the Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, and UN Member States for their remarks. She also thanked Sanjukta Sen from the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan for her “soulful rendition of Mahatma Gandhi’s famous prayers that seek the well-being of all humanity.”
