Beyond Gandhi and Shastri: Lesser-Known Facts About October 2nd

October 2nd is widely known in India as the birth anniversary of two great leaders—Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. However, this day holds several lesser-known facts and events that make it even more significant. Here are some intriguing aspects of October 2nd that go beyond the usual celebrations:

1. International Day of Non-Violence

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence. This global recognition of Gandhi’s principles reinforces the universal message of peace and non-violence. Countries across the world observe this day to promote tolerance, education, and awareness about non-violent actions.

2. Swachh Bharat Mission Launch

On October 2, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission). This initiative was a national movement aimed at achieving a cleaner and more hygienic India by 2019, coinciding with Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary. The mission focused on promoting cleanliness, building sanitation infrastructure, and eradicating open defecation.

3. Birth of Annie Besant

October 2nd also marks the birth anniversary of Annie Besant, an Irish theosophist and advocate for Indian independence. Besant played a key role in the Indian Home Rule Movement and was the first woman to be elected as the president of the Indian National Congress in 1917.

4. First Meeting of the Indian Parliament (1947)

While most people associate January 26 and August 15 with India’s political history, October 2nd is also significant for being the date of one of the earliest sessions of the Indian Parliament after Independence in 1947. It was on this day that crucial discussions on India’s future governance took place.

5. World Farm Animals Day

October 2nd is also observed globally as World Farm Animals Day, an awareness day dedicated to the plight of farm animals raised for food. The day focuses on promoting humane farming practices and educating people on animal rights and welfare.

6. A Day for Vegetarianism

Owing to Gandhi’s staunch advocacy for vegetarianism, many organizations around the world, especially in India, observe October 2nd as World Vegetarian Day. It encourages people to adopt a plant-based diet for a day, promoting health, compassion for animals, and environmental conservation.

October 2nd may be best known for celebrating the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, but it is also rich with other significant milestones. Whether promoting non-violence, sanitation, animal rights, or parliamentary history, the day offers much more than meets the eye.