On the occasion of the International Day of Non-Violence, celebrated each year on October 2 on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, underlined the need “ to usher in a new era of peace and tolerance ”and urged countries to heed the peace activist’s message of non-violence.

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“Hatred, division and conflict have had their day. It is time to usher in a new era of peace, truth and tolerance. On this International Day of Non-Violence – Gandhi’s birthday – let us listen to his message of peace and commit to building a better future for all, ”Guterres tweeted on Saturday.

The year 2021 marks the 152nd anniversary of the birth of Gandhi, born October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. The resolution to observe his birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on June 15, 2007. The resolution was adopted with the aim of ensuring a culture of peace, tolerance. and understanding with the help of the teachings of Gandhi, called the “Father of the Nation” in India.

Read also | Gandhi Jayanti 2021: Remembering the Mahatma

The country celebrates its birthday as Gandhi Jayanti, which is one of three national holidays with Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15) being the other two.