---
title: "Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Meaning & Gandhian Use"
description: "Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, is crucial in Indian philosophy and Gandhian methods, influencing ethics in UPSC exams and beyond."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/ahimsa"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Ahimsa is the ethical principle of non-injury to all living beings in thought, word, and deed, foundational to Indian philosophy and Gandhian political method.
- How does ahimsa differ from pacifism?
- What is the relationship between ahimsa and satyagraha?
- Why is ahimsa important for UPSC GS Paper IV?
- Did Gandhi consider ahimsa an absolute prohibition on violence?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Ahimsa is the ethical principle of non-injury to all living beings in thought, word, and deed, foundational to Indian philosophy and Gandhian political method.

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In 2007 the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/61/271 declaring 2 October—Mohandas Gandhi's birthday—the International Day of Non-Violence, formally honouring ahimsa as a global ethical principle.

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