International Day of Non-Violence and Gandhi Jayanti on Oct. 2

It is now October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's independence movement whose approach to change was built on non-violent resistance. Two observances share the date.

In India, today is Gandhi Jayanti, one of the country's national holidays. Public buildings, banks and post offices close. People gather for prayer services and tributes at Raj Ghat, Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi, and statues of Gandhi are decorated with flowers and garlands. Schools, colleges and local governments hold commemorative events, and many include his favorite devotional song.

Around the world, the United Nations marks October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence. The UN General Assembly created it on June 15, 2007, with resolution A/RES/61/271, after a proposal that grew out of a conference in New Delhi earlier that year. The idea is credited in part to Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The resolution asks member states to spread the message of non-violence through education and public awareness and to support a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding.

If you have a quiet minute before sleep, you might look up one of Gandhi's short speeches or letters. They are widely available online and take only a few minutes to read.