Building Bridges:
Celebrating Diversity, Solidarity, and a Culture of Peace.
In India, Friendship Day is observed on the first Sunday of August. The word friend has its origin in “freond”, meaning “one attached to another by feelings of personal regard.” Interestingly, a word very close to it, “fiend”, means an enemy. Ancient Indian scriptures and epics offer profound insights into the nature of friendship. The stories of the friendships between Lord Krishna and Sudama, Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, are often shared. Each of us may have our personal stories, if not for sharing, then definitely for recalling and cherishing them. When it comes to the way friendship is perceived, there are cultural differences between Western and Eastern cultures. There is also a difference based on gender, with women tending to form more emotionally intimate friendships. In the digital era with highly penetrating social media, being a friend has taken on a different connotation. People are realising that real connections are more valuable than ever, which is reflected in many childhood friends getting reconnected and meeting in person. What can we do on this Friendship Day? Call one of your childhood friends, or even better, start a new friendship.
Celebrating Friendship Day:
The Power of True Connection.
Friendship Day observation is traced back to a gathering hosted by Dr. Ramón Artemio Bracho in Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay. It led to the birth of “World Friendship Crusade”, a foundation aimed at promoting friendship and peace. In 2011, the UN recognised July 30 as the International Day of Friendship, encouraging nations to celebrate friendship through education and public awareness activities. In India, it is observed on the first Sunday of August. Different countries celebrate “Friendship Day” on various dates. Mexico and Ecuador on February 14, South Africa on April 16, and Ukraine on June 9. The reason for the diversity is not known. The observation has a commercial connotation, too. In the 1930s, Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, proposed a day to celebrate friendships, mainly to promote greeting cards.
The word “friend” reflects its deep emotional and social significance. The word friend has its origin in “freond”, meaning “one attached to another by feelings of personal regard.” It was used to describe someone with whom one shared affection and loyalty. Interestingly, a word very close to it, “fiend” (enemy).
Ancient Indian scriptures and epics offer profound insights into the nature of friendship. They celebrate the values and virtues of friendship through stories, teachings, and relationships that have become timeless examples.
Sangachchhadhvam samvadadhvam sam vo manamsi janatam
(Let us move together, let us speak together, let our minds be united.)
– Rigveda
There are many stories depicting the strength of friendship. In India, the story of the friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama is often shared. There is another story of friendship between Helen Keller (visually challenged and hard of hearing) and Anne Sullivan, which led to her learning to communicate. Each of us may have our personal stories, if not for sharing, then definitely for recalling and cherishing them.
Friends Are the Family We Choose for Ourselves.
Edna Buchana
When it comes to the way friendship is perceived, there are cultural differences. In Western cultures, friendship often revolves around shared interests, and in Eastern cultures, it is more about emotional connection. There is also a difference based on gender, with women tending to form more emotionally intimate friendships, and men tend to have larger social circles but with fewer emotional connections. Such biases are becoming less apparent among younger generations. Research also showed that sharing with friends and spending time with them has a positive impact on mental health and well-being. As someone said, “Good friends are like stars. You do not always see them, but you know they are always there”.
Good Friends Are Like Stars.
You Do Not Always See Them,
But You Know They Are Always There.
In the digital era with highly penetrating social media, being a friend has taken on a different connotation. Almost everyone will be part of WhatsApp groups, such as your school, college friends, and friends from your colony. Each group flooded with messages, not many even read them. In the digital era, friendships transcend borders. People are realising that real connections are more valuable than ever, which is reflected in many childhood friends getting reconnected and meeting in person.
Celebrating Friendship Day:
The Bond That Makes Life Beautiful.
What can we do on this Friendship Day? Call one of your childhood friends, or even better, start a new friendship. With the younger generation migrating to distant places in search of better opportunities, many elderly individuals are left to live alone. Even though technology allows them to stay in touch with near and dear ones, many crave to meet people in person. Friendship Day can be an opportunity to start a new friendship with such people. Let it blossom over time and bring cheer to all.
Friendship Day Is Not Just About Celebration
– It Is Also a Chance to Reflect.
Toons: Advika
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
