International Day of Charity 2019: Know Date, History and Significance About the Day to Promote Charity-Related Activities

Every year, September 5 is observed as the International Day of Charity. Declared by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012, the prime purpose of this day is to raise awareness for charity-related activities. It is an initiative to eradicate poverty which is the greatest challenge for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development goals. The day was founded by the Hungarian civil society initiative with the support of the Hungarian Government and Parliament in 2011. Mother Teresa: Remembering The Nobel Laureate Known For Humanitarian Work Across The Globe.

September 5 was chosen to celebrate International Day of Charity as it marks the death anniversary of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who had received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace." She was a well-known nun.

In 1928 she visited India, where she devoted her life helping the destitute. In 1948, Theresa became an Indian citizen. She founded the order of Missionaries of Charity in Kolkota (Calcutta) in 1950. For her work towards humanity, she won the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize in 1962 and Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

In recognition of her work in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering within and among nations, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated September 5, the death anniversary of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity (IDC). On IDC, the United Nations encourages donations and awareness-raising activities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2019 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).