What is International Day of Non-Violence?

International Day of Non-Violence is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on October 2. What Is the International Day of Non-Violence? October 2nd is the International Day of Non-Violence, established by the

When is International Day of Non-Violence?

International Day of Non-Violence is observed every year on October 2.

When was International Day of Non-Violence established?

International Day of Non-Violence was established in 2007.

What other anniversaries fall on October 2?

October 2 is also "Tofu Day (Tōfu no Hi)", "Telescope Day", "Snoopy's Birthday". See the October 2 page for details.

October 2

International Day of Non-Violence

World Observances

What Is the International Day of Non-Violence?

October 2nd is the International Day of Non-Violence, established by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution A/RES/61/271 on June 15, 2007. The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi (born October 2, 1869) — the leader of India's independence movement and the 20th century's most powerful advocate for non-violent resistance.

Who Was Mahatma Gandhi?

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869–1948) — known by the honorary title Mahatma, meaning "Great Soul" — was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who led India's successful independence movement through peaceful means.

Ahimsa (Non-violence): Gandhi's core principle — derived from ancient Indian philosophy — held that one must never harm any living being, physically or mentally
Satyagraha (Truth-Force): His method of non-violent civil disobedience, using moral pressure, peaceful protest, and refusal to cooperate with unjust systems
The Salt March (1930): Gandhi led a 400km march to the sea to make salt in defiance of British salt taxes — one of history's most iconic acts of peaceful resistance
Indian Independence (1947): Gandhi's lifetime of non-violent activism helped India achieve independence on August 15, 1947

Gandhi's Global Legacy

Martin Luther King Jr.: Adopted Gandhi's philosophy in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s–60s
Nelson Mandela: Drew on Gandhian principles in the struggle against South African apartheid
The evidence: Research by Chenoweth and Stephan (2011) found that non-violent campaigns succeed roughly twice as often as violent ones

What Non-Violence Means in Everyday Life

Non-violence is not merely the absence of physical force. It encompasses:

Words: Avoiding verbal aggression, harassment, and language designed to demean others
Online behaviour: Choosing empathy over hostility in digital spaces
Conflict resolution: Seeking dialogue and understanding when facing disagreement
Systemic awareness: Recognising how structural inequalities can harm people without direct physical force

How to Mark This Day

Reflect on Gandhi's famous words: "Be the change you wish to see in the world"
Watch the 1982 film Gandhi (directed by Richard Attenborough, winner of eight Academy Awards)
Notice moments today where choosing kindness over reaction can make a difference
Learn about current non-violent movements working for peaceful change around the world

One Choice Can Change the World

The International Day of Non-Violence celebrates a radical truth: that peaceful means are not the weak option — they are often the strongest. Gandhi proved that a people armed with truth, discipline, and courage could overcome an empire without firing a single shot. On October 2nd, remember that the choices we make in our daily lives — how we speak, how we treat others, how we respond to conflict — are never as small as they seem.