Bhubaneswar: The 11th edition International ‘Art of Giving’ Day was celebrated in Odisha on Monday in 35 cities, including headquarters of all 30 districts as well as in every block and 6,500 panchayats.
Worldwide, the day was celebrated in 25,000 locations across 200 countries.
This year’s theme for the Art of Giving was ‘Let’s AOG.’
KIIT and KISS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta had initiated this worldwide movement on May 17, 2013 to promote peace, friendship and happiness, extending a helping hand whenever and wherever needed, establishing friendships with everyone, and respecting all.
Since then, May 17 was being celebrated as International Art of Giving Day every year at various locations worldwide. This year, it was moved to June 17 because the Lok Sabha elections which took place in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.
The Art of Giving currently has over 20 million followers and 10 million members globally. It has coordinators in 200 countries, with coordinators present in every state of India and every block and panchayat in Odisha.
“It is an altruistic practice filled with selflessness, gratitude, appreciation, kindness, compassion, and humility. A person gains the greatest joy in life through sharing with others. It is based on the philosophy of giving to others in various ways without expecting anything in return,” said Dr Samanta.
“I realised that everything I practised and achieved in my life revolved around the Art of Giving. My life can be summarised in three words: Art of Giving,” he added.
Dr Samanta, who lost his father at the age of five and grew up in poverty, has been getting help and giving love and affection since childhood. From a young age, he assisted other poor and helpless villagers with the small amounts of money he earned from minor jobs. This spirit of giving eventually gave birth to the Art of Giving.
Inspired y this thought, millions of people from different sections of society have joined the Art of Giving campaign.
