The UN General Assembly adopted  the “Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace,” 25 years ago; it is a poignant reminder of the importance of nonviolence and justice

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 79th UN General Assembly Session on September 23, 2024, reiterated the idea of adopting human-centric development for enhancing sustainability. Addressing the members at the “Summit of the Future”, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for global reforms to foster peace, development, and collective progress. He underscored that humanity’s success lies not in conflict but in harnessing collective strength. The meeting of the 79th UN General Assembly – immediately after the commencement of the International Day of Peace – which the world observed on September 21, is again a reminder of the power – and necessity – of nonviolence, dialogue, and reconciliation. In a world grappling with various forms of violence, the call for peace demands a concerted effort.

The very recent chilling incident of an annihilation attempt in Lebanon has thrust a long-forgotten technology back into the spotlight: the pager. On September 17, 2024, a coordinated attack sent shockwaves through the region when hundreds of pagers, used by Hezbollah members and medics, exploded simultaneously. The devastating blasts claimed the lives of at least nine people and left nearly 3,000 badly injured. While the political ramifications are immense, the sheer audacity and sophistication of this attack are terrifying.

The hijacking of a seemingly obsolete technology for such lethal precision raises haunting questions about modern warfare and it's evolving, invisible threats vis-à-vis the effort of reconciliation amidst unending turmoil such as these.In this direction, Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of peace stands as a beacon of hope. He believed that true peace is not merely the absence of war, but a dynamic force rooted in justice, truth, and nonviolence.

To Gandhi, peace was a way of life, achieved through self-discipline, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of all.Gandhi’s thought process emphasised that lasting peace could only be built on the foundations of truth and ahimsa (nonviolence), where individual and collective actions are guided by compassion, respect, and cooperation. His concept of Sarvodaya– the upliftment of all – called for each person to contribute to the common good, recognising that peace could not thrive in isolation but required the well-being of every individual. Inspired by Gandhi’s legacy, we are reminded that the path to sustaining this delicate, yet priceless state, lies in our hands.

As the political scientist “Johan Galtung”, known as the founder of peace and conflict studies puts it, “Peace is not the absence of conflict but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” Galtung went ahead to underscore the importance of dialogue, empathy, and the peaceful settlement of disputes – (vital principles) – in a world grappling with rising geopolitical tensions, internal conflicts, and growing polarization.In his seminal work, “Terror in the Mind of God,” historian and American Sociologist, “Mark Juergensmeyer” argues that acts of terror are often rooted in a perceived cosmic war between good and evil.

He emphasises that “The ultimate goal of peace cannot be achieved by military means alone but through addressing the underlying causes of violence, such as political exclusion, economic disparities, and social injustice.” This reflects the need for a broader strategy incorporating dialogue, economic cooperation, and cultural understanding.Gandhi’s Satyagraha – The Ingredient for PeaceLong before September 11 became a symbol of destruction, it marked the birth of a powerful, but peaceful revolutionary force.

On September 11, 1906, in Johannesburg, Mahatma Gandhi launched his first “Satyagraha’ campaign, rooted in truth (Satya), nonviolence (Ahimsa), and moral courage.

As Nelson Mandela once said, Gandhi's philosophy “contributed in no small measure” to transforming not just South Africa but the entire world. Judith Brown, in his book “Gandhi: Prisoner of Hope”, calls Satyagraha a “moral experiment,” where conflict was resolved ethically, not violently.

This approach shaped India’s independence.Peace as the Only PanaceaIn a divided world where conflicts grow more complex and risk escalation, it is crucial to return to the principles of peace and nonviolence. Political Scientist Michael Howard reminds us that “Peace cannot be imposed from above; it must be constructed from below,” through trust, education, and dialogue – values central to the UN’s Declaration on a 'Culture of Peace.' As we also approach the International Day of Nonviolence on October 2, (Gandhi's birth anniversary), we must heed the lessons of war.

At this crossroads, we must choose: to continue on the path of division or embrace the dialogue, compassion, and justice championed by Gandhi, Mandela, Bhave, King, and many other silent crusaders of peace. The benefits of a peaceful world are profound, fostering stability, prosperity, and the overall well-being of humankind. Peacemakers, per se, remind us that peace is more than the mere absence of war; it requires the continuous pursuit of justice, collaboration, and respect. British historian A.J.P. Taylor had succinctly put it, “War is a failure of diplomacy and peace”. It is time for collective – and renewed effort.

(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; views are personal)