THE PHILOSOPHY AND STRATEGY OF NON-VIOLENCE

By Chinedu Felix Opara THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE “There are many causes that I am prepared to die for, but no causes that I am prepared to kill for” /Mahatma Gandhi/ Often described as “the politics of ordinary people”, the principle of non-violence rejects the use of physical violence in order to achieve social or political change. The current situation only perpetuates and points to the relevance and importance of striving for the widespread recognition of this principle. Across the globe hundreds of thousands of lives are being lost more frequently, as people resort to violence and armed conflict as the ultimate means of putting their views across. The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2nd October in tandem with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and renowned pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. This day is recognized and commemorated by the United Nations as a means of reaffirming the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding. I strongly stands by the principle of non-violence, and will continue to thrive for its recognition and implementation across societies in my own little way just as I want you to be doing too. I am urging the youths to utilize their minds as their best weapon against all the injustices they are faced with, and promote non-violence within their communities and to their governments especially our country Nigeria in time like this. The repercussions of violent conduct are extensive and only breed more violence and destruction, once again quoting from Mahatma Gandhi “an eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind”. Let us join hands in celebrating the lifelong work of this great visionary and ensure that his words echo through time and history, in favor of worldwide peace and harmony. Hope you celebrated by preaching peace? I preach peace. Happy International Day of Non-Violence! Yours, Chinedu Felix Opara Heartland Blaze.