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October 2nd • Peace & Resolution

Day of Non-Violence

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. Today, we debate the power of non-violent resistance, the challenges of conflict resolution in the modern world, and whether true peace is a realistic goal for humanity. Can one person truly change the world through peace alone?

A white dove flying against a clear blue sky

Speaking Discussion

  • What does non-violence mean to you in your daily life? Is it just about physical actions, or does it also apply to our words and thoughts?
  • In your opinion, what is the most effective way to resolve a conflict between two people or groups who have very different views?
  • How much of a role should the legacy of historical figures like Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. play in modern social movements?
  • Do you think that non-violent resistance is still a powerful tool in the age of digital information and instant communication?
  • What is the biggest obstacle to global peace in the 21st century? How can we begin to overcome it?
  • If you had to lead a peaceful movement for change in your community, what issue would you focus on first? Why?

Activity 1: The peace proposal Drafting

The Task: You are a Diplomat. You need to draft a simple, 3-point peace proposal to resolve a hypothetical conflict between two neighborhoods.

What are your three points, and how will you convince both sides to agree?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The most important part of non-violence is..."
  • "I think true peace is..."
  • "In my opinion, conflict resolution should be..."