Ahimsa today

Every year on October 2, the world observes the International Day of Non-Violence – a day declared by the United Nations to celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, born exactly 156 years ago in Gujarat, British India, in a unique way.

Gandhi's teachings were deeply rooted in three fundamental principles drawn from Hindu philosophy: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satyagraha (holding the truth) and Swaraj (self-rule). He believed that violence is not a solution to any conflict, as permanent peace could only be achieved through dialogue. Gandhi himself often cited the great sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain as an example of standing for truth and principle without compromising moral ground.

The concept of Ahimsa is not limited to Gandhi alone but is deeply embedded in ancient Indian dharmic religions. Hinduism teaches that a good human being is one who harms none, with epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana also emphasising non-violence, tolerance and mercy. Buddhism places non-violence at the core of its basic principles, forbidding harm to anyone. Similarly, Jainism elevates Ahimsa to its highest virtue, where even the killing of an ant or insect is declared a severe sin.

However, when we think of non-violence today, the image of a frail Mahatma Gandhi naturally comes to mind – a man who breathed new life into the freedom movement against British imperialism without using a single weapon. Few Pakistanis today realise that Gandhi was among Quaid-e-Azam's friends.

Even more surprising for many will be the fact that Gandhi himself became, in a sense, the first Hindu martyr for Pakistan – assassinated by an extremist because he went on a hunger strike to demand Pakistan’s fair share of assets after Partition and to safeguard the rights of Muslim minorities in India. At a time when the Subcontinent was engulfed in flames of communal violence, Gandhi’s stand deserves to be written in golden words.

Even after Gandhi’s assassination, his philosophy of ahimsa inspired leaders worldwide. In the US, Martin Luther King Jr got inspiration from Gandhi during the Civil Rights Movement to wage a peaceful struggle against racial injustice. In South Africa, Nelson Mandela followed Gandhi's philosophy in the peaceful fight against racism. Such great leaders demonstrated that non-violence, far from being a weakness, is a source of immense moral strength capable of transforming societies.

The question, however, remains: Is Gandhi’s message still relevant in the 21st century? Several horrific conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Africa and Asia have destabilised humanity, while the accumulation of destructive weapons and the arms race has only deepened global insecurity. Especially in Gaza, where years of blockade and violence have produced one of the greatest humanitarian tragedies of our time. Most recently, the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western countries is a good development on the diplomatic front, reaffirming that non-violence is not a relic of the past but a living principle capable of guiding humanity through its darkest times.

In my view, the Global Sumud Flotilla was carrying forward Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence in action. Comprising thousands of unarmed peace activists from over 45 countries, the flotilla was carrying food and medicine for Gaza’s people. As head of the Pakistan Hindu Council, I extend my deepest respect from the core of my heart to all the brave men and women aboard this flotilla. In my view, through moral courage and sacrifice, they have been shaking the conscience of the world – just as Gandhi once did through peaceful resistance.

Gandhi spent his entire life preaching peace against violence. The UN’s decision to declare his birthday the International Day of Non-Violence is undeniable proof that Ahimsa is not bound to any single religion, nation or era. It is a universal truth, timeless and borderless. If we are to create a world of justice and peace, we must each play our part in uprooting violence – within our societies, within our ranks and within our own hearts.

The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani