2 October: Gandhi Jayanti & International Day of Non-Violence 2 October is a date of profound significance in India and across the world. It marks the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, universally revered as Mahatma Gandhi or the Father of the Nation in India. Born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, Gandhi’s life and ideals transformed the political and social landscape of the Indian independence movement and inspired countless people globally with his philosophy of truth and non-violence. Because of his lasting influence, 2 October is commemorated both as Gandhi Jayanti in India and as the International Day of Non-Violence worldwide. In India, 2 October is observed as a national holiday. Government offices, schools, and many private establishments remain closed as the nation pays homage to Gandhi. The day usually begins with prayer meetings and floral tributes at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, where Gandhi was cremated. Leaders from all walks of life, including the President and Prime Minister, gather to offer respect. Patriotic songs, recitations from the Bhagavad Gita, and readings from Gandhi’s writings such as Hind Swaraj or his letters emphasize his enduring message of simplicity, moral courage, and communal harmony. Gandhi championed the principles of Satya (Truth) and Ahimsa (Non-violence), believing that lasting change could only be achieved without hatred or bloodshed. During the struggle for Indian independence, he launched movements like Non-Cooperation (1920), Civil Disobedience (1930), and Quit India (1942), all of which relied on peaceful mass participation. His insistence on non-violent resistance became a powerful tool against colonial oppression and inspired civil rights movements elsewhere. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and many others drew directly from Gandhi’s methods to fight injustice in their own societies. Recognizing the global relevance of Gandhi’s ideals, the United Nations in 2007 declared 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence. The UN calls upon all nations to disseminate the message of non-violence through education and public awareness, reinforcing that peace and tolerance are vital for sustainable development. Around the world, seminars, art exhibitions, lectures, and community service events highlight how Gandhi’s teachings remain relevant for resolving conflicts and fostering social justice even in the modern era. Apart from official ceremonies, many schools and social organizations in India hold essay competitions, debates, and cleanliness drives on 2 October. Gandhi strongly advocated for cleanliness and self-reliance, ideas that continue through campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched on this day in 2014. His emphasis on rural development, simple living, and ethical conduct still guides policy and civic initiatives. In essence, 2 October is more than just a commemoration of a historical figure; it is a reminder of humanity’s collective responsibility to choose peace over violence, dialogue over conflict, and integrity over expediency. Observing this day encourages individuals and societies to introspect, embrace tolerance, and work toward a more just and harmonious world.