Global Day of Parent’s – 1st June 2020
When a child enters this world, The child sees the world through the eyes of parents. Everything that the child learns as it grows up is what it picks up from the people it is surrounded by especially the parents and family.
Indian mythology has many such examples to show that a child starts to see the world through the mother right from when it is in the womb. For instance, in Mahabharata, we had known of how Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu learnt how to enter the chakravyuh when he was in his mother’s womb Lord Shri Krishna narrated the entire situation to Subhadra.
Parents are our legal guardians and protectors. They teach us everything and take care of all our needs, selflessly. They sacrifice so much to give their child a quality life, a happy environment to nurture the talent.
To honour such selfless nature of the parents, we celebrate Global Day of Parents on 1st of June every year. This day was proclaimed the United Nations General Assembly as a celebration since the year 2012 with resolution A/RES/66/292. Even thou Global day of Parents is a worldwide celebration, But it is not a declared National holiday.
Global Day of Parents – History
This day recognized the importance of responsible parenting in day to day life and was established in the year 1994. At this time when the world became very self-centred, President Bill Clinton signed an agreement to commemorate Parents day as an effort to promote parental responsibilities and family commitment.
This day is also used as a platform to promote responsible parenting and to educate parents on happy parenting. A lot of educational activities are held all over the world for parents to learn about parenting and from each other’s parenting style.
Parents’ Day was primarily a celebration that started in countries like the United States of America, Philippines and South Korea.
The United States of America celebrated parents day on the fourth Sunday of July every year, and South Korea celebrated parents day on 8th of May every year. United Nations declared Global Day of Parents to be held on 1st of June every year in the year 2012.
Significance of Parents’ Day 2020
This day is essential as we honour the most important people in our lives. As the saying goes, God could not be there everywhere; hence he gave us parents. They nurture and protect the child all the time.
This day not only reminds us of the selfless sacrifices our parents made for us, but it also reminds us of our responsibilities towards our parents.
It is equally important for children to take care of their parents when they get old. This is also an opportunity for the child to show love, respect and gratitude towards the parents for everything they have done for them.
Global Day of Parents 2020 Celebration
Like any other international day celebrations every year, the United Nations comes up with a theme for the festivities. Since this is also a very personal thing, parents are kids can choose to celebrate as convenient to them.
Dinner date: If you are a busy professional who cannot take out much time, the smallest of the things you can do is take your parents on a dinner date and make them feel special and included.
Plan a Vacation: Once a year around this day, you can plan for a family vacation. This is an excellent way for the parents to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Children get to learn a lot of life lesson while spending time with their grandparents. They will love and cherish this time forever.
Gifts / Presents: If you are someone staying miles away from your parents and are unable to make it see them, you could send them pleasant gifts to show them your love, care and concern.
Quality time at home: Spend some quality time with your parents. Talk to them, listen to their stories, cook up a nice meal for them, help them organize a few things at home, fill up their medicine box for the month etc.
Workshop on Parenting: For new parents, communities and social workers can organize for a seminar on parenting, which will serve as an excellent tool for better parenting.
Community activities: Building associations, Social welfare committees, NGOs and Old age homes can organize for cultural events on this day and create an opportunity for the parents living away from their children to spend some quality time together.
This culture of celebrating Global day for parents started in the United States of America. Hence there are a lot of activities held locally to encourage more people to celebrate this day.
The local civil council honours the parents at the local, state and national levels. Parents are encouraged to take part in fun competitions and awarded ” Best Parents.”
In India, there is no such celebration held on the National level. In Indian culture, children live with their parents. Parents take care of the children when they are young, and children support their parents while they are ageing.
This whole process happens organically, and this thing about respect and love for parents taught to the child since the growing up days. For an Indian child, every day is Parents day as we live with them in their house.
Global Day of Parents 2020 Theme
The Year 2012 – Theme: Partnership for peace – Dignity for all.
The Year 2019 – Theme: Honour your parents
Parenting is an essential aspect of life. When a couple becomes parents, they prepare to bring a new life into this world and do whatever it takes to raise the child well. Parents give up their sleep to make sure the baby has slept well.
They understand your words when you can not speak correctly. They work hard to give you everything that you need in life. Parents do everything possible for them to nurture and protect their child.
At best, we children can do to honour and respect them. Be there for them when they need us. Make them feel wanted and included. To show love and affection to your parents there need not be a specific special day.
Thou, Global day of Parents has used a platform to create awareness and educate people on the importance of parenting and also for children to understand the sacrifices the parents make to make them what they are today.
Love your parents unconditionally and make them feel every day is their day just like the way they made you feel when you were a child.
Leave a Reply