PM elated over UN declaring Oct 2 as Intl Non-Violence Day

New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he was extremely happy with the UN decision to observe October 2 as International Day of Non-Violence.

''I am extremely happy that the United Nations will henceforth observe Gandhi Jayanti, October 2 as International Day of Non-Violence each year, following a unanimous decision of the General Assembly of United Nations yesterday,'' Dr Singh said in a statement.

This decision originates in a declaration of the International Conference on Peace, Non-violence and Empowerment: Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century, convened in New Delhi in January this year commemorating the centenary of the Satyagraha Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi.

This is a tribute by the world community to the Father of our Nation, the Prime Minister said.

The universal relevance of Gandhiji's message of non-violence is more important today than ever before since nations across the world continue to grapple with the threat of conflict, violence and terrorism.

''This is also an occasion for all of us, the people of India, to re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals and values of Mahatma Gandhi, which shall continue to be our guiding light,'' he said.

UNI