UNITED NATIONS: As the world grapples with “increased sectarian violence” and conflict, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the international community to follow Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, saying the Indian leader proved that peaceful protests accomplished much more than military aggression.
“At this time of increased sectarian violence and the wanton destruction of cultural sites and heritage, it is timely to recall Gandhi’s call for peace and reconciliation, and his warning that, “An eye for an eye ends up making the whole world blind”,” Ban said in his message on the International Day of Non-violence, which is marked annually on Gandhi’s birthday on October 2.
The UN chief said the Day commemorates the philosophy of the Mahatma, who through his example proved that “peaceful protests could accomplish much more than military aggression”.
He added that the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, the year of Gandhi’s death, owe much to his beliefs.
“We have to foster a culture of peace, built on dialogue and understanding, for living together in harmony while respecting and celebrating humanity’s rich diversity,” Ban said calling on the people to counter the forces of intolerance, advance global citizenship and forge human solidarity based on Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence.
Stressing that there is no greater tool than education to enhance human dignity, promote a culture of non-violence, and build lasting peace, Ban said, “Through education, we can craft new ways of living with each other and the planet.
Education can also lay the foundation for developing new forms of global citizenship and solidarity that are so essential in today’s world.”
Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson urged the international community to reaffirm the power and potential of bringing about change through peaceful means, following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.
“The response to violence is all too often more violence when, in fact, reconciliation and dialogue is needed,” Eliasson said in a special event for the occasion organized by the Indian mission to the UN here yesterday.
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj presided over the commemorative event.
He called for embracing the fundamental values embodied by Gandhi: passion, compassion, and belief in the dignity and equal worth of all human beings.
The International Day, marked annually on Gandhi’s birthday, celebrates his non-violent philosophy and tactics have been adopted by leaders around the world.
It was established by the General Assembly as an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness,” and has been observed annually since 2007.
Gandhi’s historic “Salt March” against unfair colonial taxation, and his other non-violent resistance inspired change in countries from the Georgia to South Africa, Northern Ireland and the United States, Eliasson said.
This year’s event is particularly relevant given the resurgence of exceptionalism and sectarianism in parts of the world, the senior UN official said.
He added that many minorities find themselves under attack, and civilizations are being displaced as conflicts force them to flee.
“We must reject violence as the futile and default means to bring about change,” Eliasson said.
“We must embrace the path to non-violence and peaceful settlements as the road to sustainable and equitable transformations of societies.” -PTI
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
