Gandhi Jayanti 2025: 156th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Observed as International Day of Non-Violence
October 2, 2025 was celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti (156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi) and International Day of Non-Violence globally. India's UN Mission held commemorative events in New York. The UN designated this day in 2007 to affirm non-violence as a universal principle.
Key Points for RAS
- Gandhi Jayanti 2025 marked the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2.
- The United Nations observes this date as the International Day of Non-Violence since 2007.
- India's UN Mission held commemorative events in New York honouring Gandhian principles.
- The day promotes non-violence as a universal principle for conflict resolution globally.
- Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha inspired global civil rights movements.
- October 2 is a national holiday in India observed across all government institutions.
October 2, 2025 marked the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti across India and as the International Day of Non-Violence globally. India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations organised a special commemorative event in New York on October 2, 2025, honouring Gandhi's legacy of truth, non-violence (ahimsa), and civil disobedience. The United Nations General Assembly had designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in June 2007, affirming non-violence as a universal principle for promoting a culture of peace and tolerance. Across India, the day was observed as a national holiday with tributes at Raj Ghat, New Delhi, prayer services, and cleanliness drives in the spirit of Gandhi's philosophy of Swachhata. The day also marks the beginning of national programmes on environmental conservation and social harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 In which year did the United Nations designate October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence?
The United Nations designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007, aligning the date with Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary to affirm non-violence as a universal principle.
2 Which birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated on October 2, 2025?
October 2, 2025 marked the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, observed as Gandhi Jayanti in India and as the International Day of Non-Violence globally.
3 What is Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha, and why is it globally significant?
Ahimsa means non-violence and Satyagraha means truth-force or non-violent resistance. Gandhi's philosophy inspired global civil rights movements, including those led by Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States and Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
4 How did India's UN Mission observe Gandhi Jayanti 2025?
India's UN Mission held commemorative events in New York to honour Gandhian principles of non-violence, promoting them as a universal framework for conflict resolution globally.
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