World Kindness Day, observed annually on November 13, promotes acts of kindness to foster compassion, empathy, and goodwill worldwide. This day encourages people and societies across the world to engage in acts of big or small kindness to make a more compassionate and peaceful world. It is a chance to take stock of the positive effects that kindness has on people and society as a whole.

ALSO READ: The search for meaning in the era of social madness

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle," Plato, ancient Greek philosopher.

World Kindness Day History

World Kindness Day is a relatively recent observance, believed to have originated in 1998 with the establishment of the World Kindness Movement (WKM). The WKM, a coalition of nations and organisations advocating for goodwill and kindness globally, initiated the celebration. The primary goal is to inspire people to incorporate good deeds into their daily lives.

Check out the CNBC-TV18's special series Mind Matters, which includes stories of real life struggles from those who came over them.

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see,” Mark Twain (author).

The movement traces its roots to a Tokyo conference in 1997, where delegates from various countries deliberated on the role of compassion and kindness in society. The first World Kindness Day was observed on November 13, 1998, in Japan and Singapore. It has since been celebrated by numerous countries as an annual event.

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see,” Dalai Lama XIV.

World Kindness Day 2023: Theme

Although the subject for World Kindness Day 2023 is yet to be disclosed, the theme from the previous year was “Be Kind, Wherever Possible.” This theme served as a reminder to infuse kindness into every facet of life. The 2023 theme is expected to continue advocating for a universal commitment to fostering understanding, empathy, and positive interactions.

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution,” Kahlil Gibran (Lebanese-American writer and philosopher).

World Kindness Day: Significance

There is no reason why the world should not observe a dedicated day towards promoting global kindness. It underscores the essence of compassion, asking people and communities to show empathy, and promoting our unity in a single global community. The day is marked mainly for enlightenment on how small acts of kindness can change the lives of people and the whole community. It sets off a ripple effect of widespread goodwill from helping their neighbours to just volunteering.

World Kindness Day is not just about personal benefits, but it sees kindness as central to de-stressing, fostering happiness and creating strong relationships within families, friendships and workplaces. It also supports anti-bullying campaigns that fight for mutual respect and tolerance. The day serves as an avenue for promoting social and environmental causes where organisations and individuals can extend kindness to all.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)