United Nations: 2 October, Gandhi’s birthday, International Day of Non-Violence

It is funny I kept feeling Gandhi today, I looked at the date and remembered it is his birthday. I was pleased to find out that today is the International Day of Nonviolence. I have removed the hyphen (non-violence) out of the title as Gandhi actually was into principled nonviolence, not just the cessation of violence but higher virtues where in thought, word and deed we stop the violence. Violence can be through negative thinking about ourselves, others or dwelling on ways to make others pay for something. It can be through the way we speak, perhaps putting someone down, ignoring them (stonewalling), negative jokes, or ways to make others feel smaller. Of course the last part is physical violence where we stop projecting our pain onto others making them suffer because we are suffering, or perhaps some enjoy seeing another suffer and feel somehow stronger or more powerful. At the end of the day violence is a call for help. As we learn to own our feelings, we learn to communicate how we feel and the problems we perceive then we can open to problem solving and developing authentic respectful relationships. In the world today so much is left unsaid, so many do not deal with problems but prefer to suppress them or blame another. The real work of peace is inner work, that is, to look at yourself and own your thoughts, words and actions. This is the true meaning of responsibility. As Gandhi has been quoted infinitem ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’. When you make that decision violence will disappear from the earth. Do you believe it can? Your answer decides that fate. For me I am certain.

Happy birthday Gandhi. You never failed.

Here is a quick youtube video.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=22926&Cr=non&Cr1=violence#.UGrRGaAxPmk

UN declares 2 October, Gandhi’s birthday, as International Day of Non-Violence

15 June 2007 – The United Nations General Assembly today decided to observe the International Day of Non-Violence each year on 2 October – the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Introducing the resolution adopted by the 192-member body, Anand Sharma, India’s Minister of State for External Relations, said the idea originated at an international conference on “Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment – Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century” convened in New Delhi in January this year.

The late leader’s “novel mode of mass mobilization and non-violent action” brought down colonialism, strengthened the roots of popular sovereignty, of civil, political and economic rights, and greatly influenced many a freedom struggle and inspired leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr., Mr. Sharma stated.

The Assembly, “desiring to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence,” invited States, UN bodies, regional and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals to commemorate the Day, including through education and public awareness.

In a further effort to promote a culture of peace and cultural diversity, the Assembly also decided to recognize the year from 12 September 2007 to 11 September 2008 as “the year commemorating the Ethiopian Millennium.”

Highlighting the significance of the event, Ethiopian Ambassador Negash Kebret Botora, said it is “not only for celebrating the unique and distinct nature of our system of calendar” but also “helps promote and further strengthen cultural understanding among the people of the world.”

The Assembly began its work today by extending its condolences to the family of former UN Secretary-General and Austrian President Kurt Waldheim, who died yesterday, as well as to the Government and people of Austria.

Leading the Assembly’s remembrance of Mr. Waldheim, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to him and all his predecessors, who have served in what has been called “the most impossible job on earth.”