Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd October every year to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi the Father of Nation. His non-violence movement has been an inspiration for all of us across the world. The United Nations also celebrates this day as the International Day of Non-Violence to reinforce the relevance of the principle of non-violence “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”. The day assumes greater significance in the COVID times which has indeed been a life changing wake up call for the entire world. Indeed, the virus has once again highlighted exploitation, inequalities that are perpetuated in the combats that are waged every day and threaten the “real battle” that engulfs us against an invisible but virulent and lethal enemy that has devastated and ravaged our entire world.
On this day, the UN has called for a global cease fire to fight our common enemy: COVID-19. What does this imply?
When we rise above the clarion call for hegemony that fractures our communities, countries, and the world to foster and nurture an environment of solidarity and trust that unites us.
When we signal silence to the battle cry and the war guns that fuel and perpetuate conflict, hatred, violence, destruction, and atrocities to fight together the gravest challenge of our time.
When we give up our race for power and dominance to change ourselves, forgive each other and work for survival of all mankind.
When we win over the many battles of tyranny, sufferings and struggles we face with our love and friendship for our fellow beings for a safer and better tomorrow.
When we break away from the darkest storms and shackles of exploitation, corruption to embark upon a journey of courage, perseverance, and hope for restoring the dignity and respect of mankind.
When we give up the mighty weapons of destruction created by the evil ingenuity of man to demonstrate compassion, kindness, and tolerance to conquer and win over our opponents and adversaries.
When we halt our quest to rule and vanquish our beautiful planet for our avarice and greed to nurture and protect it for the abundant benevolence it provides all of mankind.
When we alleviate hardships and miseries of all humanity with our commitment to serve and succour the wellbeing all living beings on this beautiful planet we live and breathe in.
When we tread our way from darkness to light and embrace each other, to respect, protect and safeguard each other and ourselves against all adversities.
When we commit and pledge to build together a fair and equitable society to unleash new hopes, new energies, and vistas for growth and prosperity for our future generations.
When we celebrate the gift of life and collectively pool in our resources and wisdom for the common cause of humanity.
When we have faith and belief that even while we come from different walks of life, we sail in the same boat, belong to each other, to live in harmony with each other with a shared common destiny.
When we awaken every morning with peace, happiness and tranquillity that encompasses us, unfettered from the tentacles of fear and uncertainties of a fragmented and embittered world that we live in.
When we stand collectively to face the challenges of this the raging pandemic and create a new world devoid of inequalities, brutality, and conflicts that overwhelm us.
“The day the power of love overrules the love of power the world will know peace” Mahatma Gandhi