Gandhigiri is set to go global, with the world community deciding to observe October 2 as International Non-Violence Day. Reacting to it, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s support for the Indian resolution declaring October 2, Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, as International Non Violence Day. "It is a a great tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and a proud moment for India," the Prime Minister said.
The Indian resolution was backed by leaders of approximately 90 countries who had attended the January 29-30, 2007 International Conference on Peace, Nonviolence and Empowerment: Gandhian philosophy in the 21 st century to mark 100 years of satyagraha.
Delegates from 90 countries and 122 organisations, including heads of states and governments and Nobel Laureates and experts, had attended the conference that concluded with the adoption of the satyagraha centenary declaration.
The declaration—which pledged to appeal to the UN to earmark Gandhi’s birth day as International Non Violence Day—was the outcome of the global unanimity on the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals in tackling contemporary issues like terrorism, violence, poverty, hunger and disease and to pave the way for peace and harmony.
In her speech at the conclave, Sonia had proposed an institutional mechanism of global civil society to go into such issues and suggest solutions. She highlighted the need for a coalition of conscience and a global compact to address these concerns. The declaration also underlined the need to work for reforming various organs of the UN.
{{/usCountry}}In her speech at the conclave, Sonia had proposed an institutional mechanism of global civil society to go into such issues and suggest solutions. She highlighted the need for a coalition of conscience and a global compact to address these concerns. The declaration also underlined the need to work for reforming various organs of the UN.
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