On kindness

The history of World Kindness Day dates back to 1998, when several philanthropist organisations from Japan, Canada, Australia, the UAE, the US, the UK and other countries united under the World Kindness Movement. Their shared goal was to bring the people of the world closer together by embracing a universal bond of kindness. During the meeting, it was agreed that November 13 would be observed every year to promote kindness, compassion and humanity across borders.

Today, this day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in dozens of countries. On this occasion, schools, universities and social organisations encourage acts of kindness through welfare activities – ranging from free food drives and blood donations to special programmes for the elderly and the differently abled.

Undoubtedly, kindness is the most valuable virtue that encourages individuals to rise above boundaries, race and religion, as well as the universal language capable of uniting the world beyond all divisions. However, it is also an undeniable fact that despite the modern comforts, conveniences and technological advancements of our age, genuine kindness and empathy seem to be fading from human hearts. Every day brings distressing news of cruelty, indifference, and violence that shakes every compassionate soul. The paradox of our time is that, while human beings are advancing materially, humanity is declining morally.

Having studied various world religions, I am convinced that kindness is the common foundation of all faiths. In every religion, divine pleasure is hidden in Seva – selfless service. When we are kind to others, we draw closer to the infinite mercy of God Almighty. Kindness is not just a moral virtue; it is in fact a spiritual duty that leads a person toward purity, peace and ultimate salvation.

In my view, kindness must flow naturally from every aspect of our personality. Helping an elderly senior citizen cross the road, remaining silent in the face of provocation, choosing soft words in conversation, avoiding abusive language and offering praise to encourage others – all these are manifestations of kindness.

Sadly, there is a growing deficit of kindness in our Pakistani society. I realised this deeply last year when, after a serious traffic accident, I noticed that people were taking photos instead of helping. We have become so absorbed in our routines that we often fail to offer even a few compassionate words to the victims. The same absence of kindness is evident in our politics. I have withdrawn from TV talk shows because political leaders seem addicted to blame, ridicule and hostility instead of showing kindness and respect.

This is the painful void in Pakistani society that needs to be filled. And for that purpose, I have devoted my life to establishing Prem Nagar in the backward region of Tharparkar. The welfare mega-project of the Vankwani family, spanning 110 acres, is envisioned as a living model of compassion, kindness and humanity in Pakistan. It will provide dignified shelter for orphans, the elderly, widows, the disabled and the marginalised regardless of any kind of discrimination. Through initiatives in education, healthcare, and vocational training, we aim to produce citizens inspired by the spirit of service and kindness.

Under the auspices of the Pakistan Hindu Council, I have also launched a weekly awareness campaign, ‘Seva Saturday’, to give back to society every weekend through small acts of kindness and to promote the values of compassion, empathy and goodness across communities.

Let us pledge on this World Kindness Day that we will make life easier for others, console sorrowful hearts, and serve humanity with sincerity. This day reminds us that the true progress of the world lies not in technology or wealth, but in compassion.

If kindness becomes part of our daily lives, I am quite confident that the world can become a better, happier and more peaceful place. Let’s always be kind to people.

The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the

Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani