International Friendship Day: Here's why world needs to cherish this day

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature,” uses Jane Austen in Northanger Abbey to epitomise friendship in the best possible way. Half-hearted efforts and controlled overtures are not something a friend does to another. To cherish friendship, as Jane Austen says, one has to breach limits and transcend himself to a world where ‘offering’ happens to be the order of the day.

World has been observing International Friendship day since 1958. On this day, which roughly falls on the first August Sunday, one commemorates years-long friendship or secluded souls do initiate a ‘new one’ with a resolution to go together till eternity.

Moreover, in the year 2011, UN proclaimed International Day of Friendship with the idea that friendship, which transpires, between peoples, countries, and cultures can bring peace in the society.

It bolsters one’s respect for diversity and engrosses in youngsters the idea to be compatible and sensitive. Imagine, what would happen to migrant crisis if the idea of friendship takes over xenophobia? What made Russia counter US’ Seventh fleet for India? What compels Turkey to stand behind Pakistan? It has always been ‘friendship’.  

If not planned yet, you still have time to figure out something that will make your friend feel special and make your day a memorable one. Your go-to shopping can range between greeting card shop to gadgets’ park.