GandhiMohandas K. Gandhi (known as Mahatma -- "the great-souled one") used nonviolent noncooperation as the basis for his triumphant struggle to lead the Indian people to freedom from British colonialism in 1948.
Dalai
Lama As a self-described "simple Buddhist monk," His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet earned himself the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his nonviolent approach to bringing about peace in Tibet.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspired by the success and integrity of Gandhi's nonviolent efforts, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. used nonviolent civil disobedience during the American civil rights movement of the 50's-60's.
Cesar Chavez Cesar Chavez, who founded the United Farm Workers labor organization, had the foresight to train his union workers and then to send many of them into the cities where they were to use the boycott and picket as their weapon. Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used.