Founded by the United Nations in 1994, The International Day of Families is observed on May 15 every year, to celebrate the importance of families, people, societies and cultures around the world and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes and issues affecting families.

However, it is worth noting here, that India has held sacrosanct, the belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam  - Sanskrit for ‘The World is a Family’, expressed in our ancient spiritual texts – the Vedas. This idea continues to be a significant part of our Indian heritage.  In fact, this verse of Maha Upanishad is engraved in the entrance hall of the parliament of India in New Delhi.

Every year, the UN Secretary-General chooses a particular theme for our attention. For 2020 it is: Families in Development.

Dear Signatories, on the occasion of International Day of Families, we request  you to look upon the global village as ONE BIG FAMILY!  This is in line with Gandhi’s concept of ‘Sarvodaya’ – Welfare of All.  And surely war is a destroyer of families – snatching husbands, fathers, sons and brothers – an irreplaceable loss! So, today, please pledge yourselves to  move towards a World beyond War by promoting  the Shanti Sahyog Petition for #ChooseNonviolentDefence and motivate your family and friends to do likewise, to spread the word globally.  Let us preserve our families where the most formative years of our lives are spent and which are our prime source of happiness and security, and work towards their development!