The International Day on Non-violence is celebrated worldwide coinciding with Ghandi’s birthday. But even though many events are organized of this date, we tend to lose sight of the objective throughout the year and violence goes on unabated.Douglas Roche struck the nail on the head when he noted that “the world is experiencing a fundamental crisis... We are at the point where we are capable of destroying life on earth, while the culture of peace offers the vision of global ethics toward life in full vibrancy”.
Gandhi is admired worldwide for his principles of nonviolent protest to achieve political and social progress, but admiration is not the solution – the application of his ideals is. This work cannot be left to governments or international organizations alone. Peace may be achieved around the negotiating table, but it is sustained around community tables. Peace starts with people – it flows from the hearts of committed women and men. Communities, families, and individuals all have a critical role to play in defeating violence and creating a culture of peace.
Unless every individual takes the message of peace to heart and applies it to himself in his daily activities, violence will continue to destroy our people, and our planet will be in danger. Let us work together to use the great force of non-violence to build peaceful and just societies for ourselves and for our children.
Sources:
http://www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/sgmessages.shtml
http://www.mauritiustoday.com/news/articles/16046/1/The-International-Day-of-Non-violence/Page1.html
http://www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/sgmessages.shtml
http://www.mauritiustoday.com/news/articles/16046/1/The-International-Day-of-Non-violence/Page1.html
