You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you, says John Bunyan English writer, preacher and author of the famous book “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. John Wesley, the English cleric, theologian and evangelist, and founder of the revival movement now known as Methodist Church, has said we should do all the good we can, by all the means we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as ever we can. The famous author Charles Dickens says in this world no one is useless if he or she lightens the burden of anyone else. Giving more glitter to the virtue of charity is one of the world’s greatest statespersons Mahatma Gandhi who says the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.   

These and similar reflections need to be contemplated as we mark the United Nations International Day of Charity on September 5. In a statement, the world body has highlighted the need for global solidarity to eradicate poverty. The UN says charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.  

In the 2030 agenda on sustainable development adopted in September 2015, the UN recognises that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. The agenda also calls for a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. It also acknowledges the role of the diverse private sector, ranging from micro-enterprises to cooperatives to multinationals, and that of civil society organizations and philanthropic organizations in the implementation of the new agenda. The 17 sustainable development goals set forth in the Agenda can be grouped into five critical areas: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. They have the potential to transform our lives and our planet by providing the framework needed for philanthropic institutions to enable all people to contribute to the betterment of our world.  

The International Day of Charity was established with the objective of sensitizing and mobilizing people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities. September 5 was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Kolkata. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.”  

Mother Teresa, the renowned nun and missionary, was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910. In 1928, she went to India, where she devoted herself to helping the destitute. In 1948 she became an Indian citizen and founded the order of Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata (Calcutta) in 1950. This movement became noted for its work among the poor and the dying in that city. For more than 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s expansion, first in India and then in other countries, including hospices and homes for the poorest and homeless. Mother Teresa’s work has been recognized and acclaimed throughout the world. Mother Teresa died on September 5 1997, at the age of 87.  

In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering within and among nations, as well as of the efforts of charitable organizations and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa, the General Assembly of the UN in a resolution designated September 5, the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity. 

 
The UN recognises that civic engagement plays an important role in terms of development in creating the desired global change. Here are a few ways it can do so: raise awareness about how difficult challenges are, and push for collective action in global issues; enhance trust among diverse groups and build social capital; eliminate societal & cultural barriers and create cohesion, and build resilience through community action, and enhance the sense of responsibility for one’s community.