UN International Day of Non-Violence

In Dedication to Mahatma Gandhi

This day is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence. Gandhi was committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

He has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world.

According to the UN:

One key tenet of the theory of non-violence is that the power of rulers depends on the consent of the population, and non-violence, therefore, seeks to undermine such power through withdrawal of the consent and cooperation of the populace.

There are three main categories of non-violence action:

• protest and persuasion, including marches and vigils;
• non-cooperation; and
• non-violent intervention, such as blockades and occupations.