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Remember the timeless quote by Mark Twain: "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can see?" This powerful statement highlights the universal reach of kindness.
As human beings, we are all interconnected through this divine act of kindness. Kindness is a fundamental value that shapes our relationships with each other and the world around us.
Today is World Kindness Day (WKD), celebrated on November 13th each year. Established in 1998 after the first World Kindness Movement (WKM) conference in Tokyo, Japan, this day is a global reminder of the power of kindness.
Japan, known for its values of harmony and respect, became the birthplace of this initiative. WKD aims to inspire compassion and empathy worldwide, transcending national, political, and religious boundaries.
It encourages small acts of kindness that create a more connected and peaceful world, reminding us that kindness can unite people and promote understanding.
In class 6, I watched the movie The Help, based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett. In the film, Aibileen, a Black maid, often tells Mae Mobley, 'You' is kind, 'You' is smart, 'You' is important.
Aibileen's words reminded Mae of her worth, especially in a home where she wasn't valued. Despite the harshness and racism around them, Aibileen's kindness gave Mae the confidence to rise above.
This message resonated with me deeply—it taught me that kindness is not just a gesture but a reminder of our inherent worth, no matter the circumstances. Just like Aibileen, we all have the power to uplift others through kindness and love.
Shanjida Akter Sima shared her experience, which left a deep impression. Sima, a village girl in Dinajpur, attended Meti Handmade School. Linked with an NGO, it arranged a pen-pal program, allowing Shanjida to connect with Sebastian, a German student who also received support.
Through their letters, Sebastian expressed heartfelt gratitude for his teacher's kindness, inspiring Shanjida to realize she was surrounded by caring people who lifted her through education.
This friendship opened her eyes to a world full of kindness, filling her with hope and a dream to one day spread the same compassion to others.
Kindness is woven into every step of our journey. From our families, we learn compassion and empathy. We are taught to share, help, and show gratitude in school.
Teachers guide us in academics and character, emphasizing respect and kindness. Kindness shapes our relationships and success through college, work, and family. Without it, we wouldn't have the support needed to thrive. It's a value that transcends every part of life, reminding us that how we treat others defines who we are.
Everywhere we go, we are reminded of the power of kindness. Nature teaches us about kindness in how it nurtures life, how the trees provide oxygen, how the rain nourishes the earth, and how the sun gives warmth without asking for anything in return.
A solid reflection is the song "In and Generous" by Natalie Merchant. The lyrics celebrate the beauty of generosity, thanking those who spread kindness, big or small, and reminding us how kindness uplifts us all.
Progress, meaningful development, or lasting achievements cannot be achieved without kindness. Kindness is the force that fuels our growth, nurtures our connections, and paves the way for a brighter future. On this World Kindness Day, let us remember that it is through kindness that we build a world worth living in.
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