The Hague, 1 October 2010 – The world’s largest democracy – India – will soon celebrate the birth of one of the country’s greatest leaders, Mahatma Gandhi.  Celebrations will remember the legacy of a man that led a people from colonization ultimately to independence but Gandhi’s values and principles remain as applicable today as they did decades ago.

Under the Segregationist southern states of America, Apartheid South Africa, and  the Communism of the Soviet Union and it satellites, leaders such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Ibrahim Rugova were all inspired by Gandhi’s teachings and example. 

Today his legacy continues in its most recognizable and effective form in the figurehead of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - while leaders such as Mustafa Jemilev of the Crimean Tatars, Rebiya Kadeer of the Uyghurs, and Aung San Suu Kyi  of Burma also draw strength from Gandhi, contributing new footnotes to his teachings, and imbuing a younger generation with respect for human rights, tolerance, democracy and above all, nonviolence. 

Mahatma Gandhi’s thinking and teachings developed over the decades and on 2 October 2010 we must do the same.  The world is changing but all over the globe people remain marginalized, oppressed, and susceptible to those that believe conflict can be resolved and lasting peace achieved through violence.  Those who believe so are wrong and must be proved to be wrong

The responsibility now lies with states and institutions to recognize and support nonviolent activists in their struggle, to be receptive to their appeals, and to show that nonviolence can bring peaceful change.  Let us use the coming year to encourage this change – for this will be the most fitting tribute we could make to Mahatma Gandhi.