Permanent Mission of India
New York
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International Day of Non-Violence

Statement by Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative
2 October, 2025

Excellencies and dear friends,

I am delighted to welcome you all as we commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence. October 2 is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India, the birth anniversary of the Father of our nation, and globally as the International Day of Non-Violence, as declared by the United Nations to honor Mahatma Gandhi's unwavering pursuit of non-violence—a cornerstone of India's freedom movement. This dual observance gives the day a unique significance that is rooted in India’s national memory yet shared as a universal message for humanity. As we reflect on Gandhi's enduring legacy, his principles of non-violence as a powerful force for truth and justice remain profoundly relevant in today's world.

The Indian Mission has therefore, chosen the theme "Relevance of Non-Violence and Gandhian Principles for Building Sustainable Global Peace" for today's event. Over millennia, invocations for peace have been cross-civilisational and universal – whether Indian Shanti Mantras of the Vedas and Upanishads calling for Shanti or Peace within us, the external world and the divine realm; or the Arabic greeting wishing Assalam or Peace upon others; or the Jewish greeting of Shalom or Peace. The strong connection between Gandhian values and sustainable peace creates a compelling case for practicing these principles even amid today's complex global challenges.

Friends

For Mahatma Gandhi, non-violence was far from passive - it was an active tool against injustice and exploitation. His Salt Satyagraha exemplified this philosophy, demonstrating how non-violent action could expose oppression and catalyze transformative change. The historic march from Dandi, Gujarat, protesting the unjust British tax on salt, became a turning point in India's freedom movement.

The Gandhian principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satyagraha (holding firmly to truth), and Sarvodaya (upliftment of all) offer a comprehensive framework for addressing contemporary global challenges and paving the way toward lasting peace.

Non-violent approaches aim for positive, lasting peace through dialogue and mutual understanding. While this process may be slower, it tends to create more durable solutions that are mutually beneficial and accepted by all parties. Modern peace movements have successfully adapted Gandhian methods - the Civil Rights Movement in America and anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa demonstrate how non-violent resistance can achieve political transformation without the devastation of armed conflict. These examples also prove that non-violence requires tremendous courage, discipline, and strategic thinking.

Mahatma Gandhi's pursuit of non-violence was inseparable from his unwavering commitment to truth. He believed that "there should be truth in thought, truth in speech, and truth in action." Truth forms the foundation for developing trust and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Excellencies,

Sustainable peace is only possible when we address the issue of alleviating human suffering, with poverty being one of the greatest global challenges in this regard. Mahatma Gandhi recognized that true peace requires empowering every individual—uplifting them from poverty and enabling them to reach their full potential regardless of their background. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts, India has remained steadfast in its philosophy of inclusive development in our approach to poverty elimination. In the last decade, India has lifted around 250 million people from multi-dimensional poverty. This acceleration puts India firmly on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of halving multidimensional poverty well before the 2030 deadline.

Sustainable peace also calls for Gandhi's vision of an open society - "a house with all its windows and doors open where the cultural breezes of all lands blow through" while refusing to "be blown off my feet by any". This provides guidance for respecting and coexisting in a multicultural and diverse society while preserving one’s own cultural identity. As one of the world's oldest civilizations and largest democracies, India represents a living example of unity in diversity. Here multiple faiths, languages, and cultures have not merely coexisted but have enriched each other for millennia. India's ancient philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the World is One Family' draws inspiration from this civilizational ethos.

In this context, I am delighted to welcome the Permanent Representatives of South Africa, HE Ms. Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative of Germany H.E. Mr. Ricklef Johannes Beutin, Permanent Representative of Nepal H.E. Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa and Permanent Representative of Romania H.E. Mr. Mr. Cornel Feruță to today’s event. I look forward to your thoughts and reflections on the theme.

Excellencies,

In our current era of division and conflict, Mahatma Gandhi's message remains clear: non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind to achieve sustainable global peace. The International Day of Non-Violence thus stands as both a national homage by Indians and a global call to action for all of us here. Mahatma Gandhi’s message is not confined to India, or indeed to the past, but continues to light the way to the future towards a world where peace triumphs over conflict, dialogue over division, and compassion over fear. As we strive toward this goal, let us embrace Mahatma Gandhi's approach to truth, his commitment to Sarvodaya, or uplifting all and leaving no one behind, and his belief that real progress comes through the pursuit of truth and non-violence.

Thank you.