The power of charity

Tomorrow, September 5, we will be celebrating the International Day of Charity to acknowledge and honour the power of kindness that has on our society.

Charity is a word that we hear every day, and we know it’s a humane gesture to people who are in need. We also know it is an act that is done without expecting anything in return.

Historically, charity has long been part of our culture. It has been a virtue recognised and fostered by religion throughout human history. All religions ask their members to help those in need.

According to the UN, "Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises and supplement public services in health care, education, housing, and child protection. It help in the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage."

While charity helps promote the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged it also spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations as well, it says.

Though charity has been apparent across millennia, the word comes from the old French word charité with its origin from the Latin word caritas. Dictionary defines it as almsgiving -- a private or public relief of unfortunate or needy people.

However, by looking at charities past, we find that our previous generations responded to the challenges they faced whether in famines, epidemics, wars or movements like civil rights and anti-apartheid, environment protection, and more.

This is why charity matters as it reflects our selves at our best. In other words charity is an instinct to give what we can and to do to improve and enrich the lives of others.

Charity fosters a sense of community and solidarity reminding us that we are all connected in our shared humanity.

While the International Day of Charity was established with the objective of mobilising people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer activities, September 5 was chosen in order to commemorate the death anniversary of Mother Teresa of Kolkata, India.

The renowned Albanian-born missionary, at a very young age, travelled 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.

Mother Teresa, through her selfless dedication to helping others, 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.

She inspired people from all walks of life to get involved in charitable endeavours themselves. Her message was clear: “We can all make a difference by extending a helping hand towards those less fortunate than us.”

I was fortunate enough to have met Mother Teresa at a monastery in a South Indian city of Kerala where she had come for a discourse. Though I was not grown enough that time to fully understand what she spoke, I still remember her words on the extent of suffering in the world and of the great hardship that the poor have to endure.

Today, as our civil society continues to evolve, we still need the same selfless generosity, warmth of spirit, and absolute determination to make a difference.

As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of this day with us throughout the year. Let us continue to seek out opportunities to give, to support, and to uplift others. Together, we can make a change.

Let us also recognise the incredible work of charitable organisations and the dedicated individuals who drive these efforts forward. Their commitment and passion are the backbone of many positive changes we witness in our communities and beyond.