International Friendship Day 2022, History & Significance

International Friendship Day 2022: Every year July 30 is observed as International Friendship Day all around the world. International Friendship Day or World Friendship Day is celebrated to promote one of the most lovely bonds of life called Friendship. There is a famous quote that completely defines Friendship “A Friend in need is a friend indeed”. Friends are the ones on whom we can rely during difficult times. International Friendship Day spreads a message among people that to live with peace and harmony Friendship must be built between individuals, people, culture, and countries. To know about the History, and Significance of International Friendship Day read the article given below.

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International Friendship Day 2022: History

In 1930 the first Friendship Day was organized by Joyce Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards. Joyce Hall wished people to come together and celebrate Friendship Day on 2nd August. Later celebration of Friendship Day fizzled out even in the United States and people felt that it was just an idea to attract the customers to buy the greeting cards. In the year 1958, World Friendship Crusade, an International Civil Organization suggested to observe the first International Friendship Day on July 30.  In 1998, at the United Nations, Winnie the Pooh (cartoon character) was called as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship by Nane Annan, wife of UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan.

The proposal of International Friendship Day was the initiative of UNESCO which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1997. To build a relation between people of various countries irrespective of their religion, gender, race, color, etc. the United Nations General Assembly manifested to commemorate International Friendship Day in 2011. On 27 April 2011 it was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate International Friendship Day on the 30th of July. Many countries celebrate Friendship Day on different dates, in India it is celebrated on the 1st Sunday of the month of August.

International Friendship Day 2022: Significance

International Friendship Day is celebrated to bridge the gap between the communities. Friends are our second family that we make make through our own choice. During the darkest phase of life the friends that are real will provide a helping hand and will support emotionally. The role of friends is important in all the stages of life. In childhood we play together and learn various habits like sharing and caring. In the adulthood phase we share our feelings and problems with friends which we cannot share with our family members and they become our secret keepers. A true and trustworthy friend always guide us in the right direction. In the lonely times especially during old age friends are the best companions.

Friendship is depicted in the holy books of different religions. In Mahabharata, the famous Hindu epic the importance of friendship is described. In Bible, Friendship is defined as a bond of trust, human faith, and companionship.

On International Friendship Day the United Nations ask governments, community groups, and other organizations to organize activities, events, and campaigns through which friendship gets promoted. People celebrate International Friendship day by exchanging gifts, cards, friendship bands, chocolates, flowers, etc.

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FAQs: International Friendship Day 2022

Q.1 When is International Friendship Day 2022 celebrated?

Ans. International Friendship Day 2022 is celebrated on July 30, 2022.

Q.2 When was it officially declared to observe International Friendship Day?

Ans. On 27 April 2011 it was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly to observe International Friendship Day on the 30th of July.

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