Time to rediscover Gandhi's strategy of non-violence

By a happy coincidence, the article by US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which contains a specific reference to Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent teachings, was published in The Nation on October 2, a day commemorated worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence. This day marked the 145th anniversary of the birth of Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence, a visionary man who believed that, without truth and non-violence, there can be nothing but the destruction of humanity.

In accordance with United Nations resolutions, non-violence, tolerance, full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, democracy, development, mutual understanding and respect for diversity are inter-linked and mutually reinforcing.

Mahatma Gandhi’s doctrine is particularly topical now, at a time when extreme violence is dramatically visible in many parts of the world. Thus, re-emphasising the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence, promoting it and making it tangible must be treated as a crucial task on our planet if the community of nations truly believes that global peace is a supreme value of humankind. 

Ioan Voicu