Ahimsa, a principle of not causing harm to anyone, is a Sanskrit word. In a literal sense, it means giving respect and avoiding the act of violence. This concept has its origin in ancient Vedas in Indian philosophy which dates back to 4000 years.
Mahatma Gandhi, lovingly called Gandhiji, was a great follower of ahimsa. He believed in non-injury, non-harm, and nonviolence with the tiniest creatures, be it physical or mental. He always preached compassion for all living beings and believed in abstaining from harming even with the words. He said, “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.
When Gandhiji was thrown out of a train in South Africa, just because of his skin color, even after holding a valid ticket, he was helpless and could not fight back. It was during the colonial rule in India by the British that Gandhiji could either follow the laws of the rulers or could support his followers. And he had to find a way out and arm himself, which he did, in a peaceful way of ahimsa.
Be it the indigo movement at Champaran where the farmers were forced to cultivate indigo and take the crop as rent or the Dandi March which was against the salt tax that was imposed on India by the British, Gandhiji on the path of ahimsa, fought back against the evil rules and won the justice. The Civil disobedience movement became so powerful that he sought freedom of his homeland with nonviolence.
Martin Luther King Jr. followed the steps of Gandhiji of ahimsa and fought for the equality and justice of his fellow African-Americans, describing it as the guiding light.
Years after Gandhi’s era, ahimsa is still preached and recognized globally. UN declared 2nd October which is Mahatma Gandhi’s birth date as ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ to honor the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
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