World Kindness Day was first launched in 1998 by, ‘The World Kindness Movement’, formed at a 1997 Tokyo conference of like-minded kindness organisations from the world, who signed a “pledge to join together to build a kinder and more compassionate world.” The organization was registered as an NGO, under Swiss Law in 2019.  

Celebrated on November 13 every year, The Kindness Day, is a gentle reminder to take the time and have the sensitivity to be kind, in our helter-skelter materialistic, modern life-styles, regulated by virtual reality but forgetful of one’s real life soul-mate, parents, children and the people we interact with daily – whether at the work place or socially; neighbours or complete strangers.

Every religion urges us to be kind and compassionate. The Hindu poet, Tulsidas, is on record saying, “Compassion is the essence of Religion”. The Dalai Lama says: “In Buddhism, karuna - compassion or loving kindness  - is an aspiration, a state of mind, wanting others to be free from suffering. … an empathetic altruism that actively strives to free others from suffering.” Islam counsels: “Always show kindness, even when you don’t have to, even when they don’t deserve it. Your reward lies with Allah. Do it purely for His sake.” Declares Jesus Christ, “If you did it to the least of your brothers, you did it to me!” Gandhi avers, “The essence of nonviolence is compassion.” In Auld Lang Syne, Robert Burns urges us, “To take a cup of kindness ….”

Today, the COVID 19 pandemic has given a renewed meaning to practicing   kindness to all those who are dependent on us. In similar vein, #ChooseNonviolentDefence is a petition requesting one and all to come together as one humanity and abjure war.

So, Dear Signatories, on this special day, we request you to help us obtain the signature of an Ambassador for Peace, promoting our Call for Action No.5 #AmbassadorForPeace. As an act of loving kindness, do not forget to take a chocolate or a flower for your chosen ambassador.

Let’s be mindful of Mahatma Gandhi’s axiom: “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer”.