The International Day of Non-Violence was commemorated by the Embassy of India, Bangkok, in association with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) on 4 October 2021 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC), Bangkok, in a hybrid mode.
In 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution declaring 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, and the apostle of peace as the International Day of Non-Violence. The event began with paying floral tributes to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the UNCC, Bangkok. Ms. Suchitra Durai, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand delivered the opening remarks and addressed the event. The message of the UN Secretary-General was read out by the Executive Secretary of UN ESCAP, Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, along with her own remarks. Mr. Itthiphol Kunplome, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered an address. A pre-recorded video message from Dr. Rajiv Vora, Chairman of Swaraj Peeth Trust, was screened during the event. This was followed by the streaming of a recorded cultural programme curated by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India.
The event was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, International Organizations, Indian diaspora, and other invitees on the online platform, apart from dignitaries and officials of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand participating in person at the UNCC. The event was also live-streamed on the YouTube channel of UN ESCAP.