Non-Violence - A Step Towards Respect & Equality

Non-Violence – A Step Towards Respect & Equality

Mahatma Gandhi who was called the father of the Nation once 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.”

Today’s blog is on the occasion of the International day of non- violence which is celebrated globally. The topic is so vast that covering it in one article is difficult. Yet, let’s get some brief ideas about non- violence.

The International Day of Non- Violence is celebrated on 2nd October, on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. According to the Wikipedia page- An Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi took the proposal for an International Day of Non- Violence in the year January 2004, from a Hindi teacher in Paris. The idea attracted the interest of the Indian Congress party’s leaders. Later it was called upon to the United Nations to adopt it. In the year June 2007 the United Nations General Assembly commemorated 2nd October as The Day of Non- Violence.

How Did It Start?

Staying in an Independent country, we can say that Mahatma Gandhi was one of the roots to get freedom. Gandhi’s outrival bound towards Freedom, Civic rights, race, religion has emerged as the prophetic voice for ending the British rule in India. He was a strong believer in Ahimsa and stood by it throughout his life. His voice for the agenda for freedom was so clear that it inspire many other leaders which resulted in many inspiring movements around the world.

Gandhi’s vision was ‘clear as crystal’ which made people believe that one person can change the world ‘without holding a gun in his hand.’ He showed the entire world that the power of peaceful opposition can defeat injustice, hatred, racism, labor culture, violence and etc.

Many such history makers such as Martin King Luther junior, James Bevel, and Nelson Mandela were hugely inspire by Gandhi.

What Is Today’s Scenario?

On, an average of 150 million women which include babies, teenagers, adults, and older women are victimize. Women are victims of acid attacks, rapes, sexual trafficking, violence and abuses, dowry, and many more things. The suffering and trauma which they under-go cannot be erased from their mental and physical self. No one can bear the pain and understand their situation except the victim itself.

‘War is the new enemy of Ours’. The world has turned itself towards destruction. Targeting and terrorizing people is against humanity. Instead of creating friendships with other countries, we are targeting their people. Offensive words are being use against one another in social media which is creating disputes. Every country has gained power but has lost love for one another.

Non- Violence does not only apply to humans. But, it also includes animals, birds, nature, and the entire ecosystem. We are hunting animals for leather, poaching them for their tooth and horns. Cutting down trees for materialistic things and turning the forests into barren lands that are unfit for animals. Many animals and birds have become extinct. In order to survive, humans have destructed the whole ecosystem.

What Should We Do Against Violence?

If we look around the world one can say that our patience is been tested. But violence, disrespecting, abusing, threatening one another, and destruction of nature and ecosystem is not the answer to the problems. In a time of global turmoil, it is the best thing to take inspiration to reflect the thinking of Gandhi’s message.
We should all stand together and raise our voices against brutality and injustice. Courage is not just an adjective of the word. Real courage is like an armor that is use to protect oneself as well as protecting others. To speak up for wrong and ill behavior is real courage.

Each and every one of us should send this message loud out clear that we will reject intolerance, we will respect, believe in one another, and treat everyone equally. We will not cause any violence toward women or any human or any animal. We will make this earth a war-free zone to live peacefully.