International Day of Conscience

Leave No One Behind

International Day of Conscience is observed on 5 April yearly. It inspires ethical reflection and compassionate action. Encourages societies to promote dialogue and empathy that support sustainable development and peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures. The UN recognised that fostering individual conscience can be a powerful force for good. The absence of violence and conflicts alone is not peace. It is ensuring the principles of justice, development, and good governance. Indigenous perspectives often view consciousness as deeply interconnected with the environment, community, and spiritual beliefs. Ancient Indian scriptures (Vedas, Upanishads) offer profound insights into the nature of consciousness. Education is crucial in nurturing conscience from a young age, instilling values such as empathy and critical thinking. It also fosters respect for diversity and empowers one to make informed and ethical decisions.  

There is a higher court than courts of justice, and that is the court of conscience.
It supersedes all other courts.
Mahatma Gandhi

Established by the United Nations in 2019, the International Day of Conscience is observed on 5 April yearly. It inspires ethical reflection and compassionate action and encourages societies to promote dialogue, empathy, and conscientious behaviour. Leading to supporting sustainable development and peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures. It is an initiative of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and it aims to promote a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience. This vision is not limited to policies or official declarations – it is about changing our culture. The UN recognised that fostering individual conscience can be a powerful force for good.

The absence of violence and conflicts alone is not peace. It is ensuring the principles of justice, development, and good governance. Being conscious can help to bond with people and a sense of righteousness and help create better connections between nations.

Conscience is a Person’s Subjective Moral Sense
that Helps him Decide Right and Wrong.  

Indigenous perspectives often view consciousness as deeply interconnected with the environment, community, and spiritual beliefs. Ancient Indian scriptures offer profound insights into the nature of consciousness. The Vedas, among the oldest sacred texts, emphasise that consciousness is the fundamental principle underlying the universe. The Upanishads (commentaries on the Vedas, delve deeper into the nature of consciousness. Yoga helps purify the mind and body, allowing individuals to experience their true nature as pure consciousness. In Western philosophy and science, consciousness is often studied through a more analytical and reductionist lens. Many African cultures have a communal and spiritual understanding of consciousness. Islamic scholars have also contributed to understanding consciousness, often integrating spiritual and philosophical insights.        

Conscience Fuels Empathy,
and Empathy Fuels Equity.

Ethical behaviour in governance fosters trust and legitimacy. Education encourages young people to become responsible global citizens. Education is crucial in nurturing conscience from a young age, instilling values such as empathy and critical thinking. It also fosters respect for diversity and empowers one to make informed and ethical decisions.  

Conscience, in simple terms, is the knowledge about us. As said by the Dalai Lama, Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. Beyond individual actions, International Day of Conscience also calls for collective efforts to address global challenges that threaten peace and well-being. Conscience promotes ethical behaviour, social responsibility, and global harmony.

Never do anything against conscience, even if the state demands it.
Albert Einstein

Toon: Shreya
Log: M Sai Baba
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