World Kindness Day: Meaning, History and celebration

Photo: World Kindness Day

What is the meaning and purpose of World Kindness Day?

World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998.

World Kindness Day is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. This day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, has the purpose is to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap between nations. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender and zip codes.

In the UK, Kindness Day UK is organised by Kindness UK, a not for profit organisation. Kindness Day UK was launched on 13th November 2010, and the event has continued to grow in popularity every year with increasing numbers of individuals, schools, charities, institutions and businesses taking part.

History of world kindness day

World Kindness Day was first introduced as a day of observation by the World Kindness Movement. In 2019, the organization was registered as an official NGO under Swiss law, but the history of the group stretches back to a Tokyo-based convention in 1997.

An array of institutions and associations based in countries including Australia, Thailand, the United States, and the United Kingdom had been assembled at this conference because of their dedication to championing kindness in society. The initial configuration of the World Kindness Movement would form as a result of this event, with the written declaration of their inception stating their “pledge to join together to build a kinder and more compassionate world.” In 1998, in pursuit of this aim, they would facilitate the launch of the inaugural World Kindness Day.

The purpose of World Kindness Day as outlined by the World Kindness Movement is “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” Since its creation more than two decades ago, the day has achieved truly global notice; events associated with the day have attracted participants from every inhabited continent. These have included activities such as concerts, dance mobs, and the distribution of “kindness cards.”

While, at present, the day is one of unofficial observance, it remains the hope of the World Kindness Movement to attain official recognition status by the United Nations. Should the group be successful in their efforts, World Kindness Day would join the ranks of recognized days of observance such as International Day of Peace, Human Rights Day, and World Health Day.

The beginning of the World kindness movement takes back to the 1990s era. Small Kindness Movement held a conference in the mid-1990s to invite participants from all over the world to come and share their stories related to the kindness movements that they have started in their own countries.

In 1997, at the Tokyo conference, Japan brought kindness organisations of various nations together and emphasised the necessity of a global kindness movement. In 2000 November, The World Kindness Movement was also launched in Singapore, according to National Today.

How do we celebrate World Kindness Day?

Photo: Awareness Day

The main aim behind the World Kindness Day is to highlight and encourage people to use kindness over hatred. It doesn't take a lot to be kind and you can celebrate the World Kindness day with just little acts of kindness.

You can help your mother at home with her daily chores. You can help your younger siblings with their school and college projects. You can be kind towards the environment by planting trees and take a pledge to stop smoking. You can surprise your loved ones with a small token of gifts and appreciation, cites India Today. These are some ideas for you to show your kindness to others.

1. Compliment the first three people you talk to.
2. Write a hand-written note to a teacher.
3. Say good morning to the person next to you on the elevator.
4. Pick up litter. Spend 10 minutes cleaning a park or your neighborhood.
5. Place uplifting notes in library books, on restroom mirrors, on someone's locker, or on their computer screen.
6. Dedicate 24 hours to spreading positivity on social media.
7. Hold up inspiring signs during rush hour.
8. Leave a generous tip.
9. Send flowers to a friend.
10. Set an alarm to go off three times on World Kindness Day. When the alarm sounds, stop what you're doing a call/text/email someone simply to tell them how awesome they are.

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