The International Day of non-violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
According to the General Assembly resolution of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness"
The day reflects universal respect for Mahatma Gandhiji. It is to be noted that the birthday of Lal Bahadur Shastri is also on October .