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Sharing the Human Spirit through Friendship

In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the  dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.                   (Gibran K., 1923)

There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you.                                                                                                                                                     (Yogananda P., n.d.)

Every aspect of the life of young people in possibly every setting is enriched by bonds of friendship. The development of youth through their critical formative years in school and at university is greatly influenced by such constructive peer connections. The dynamics created by such intimate and enduring relationships enable individuals in realizing their true potential, and to grow as complete human beings. The dominant spirit of camaraderie fosters an empowering environment where individuals draw on each other_s strengths, learn together and learn from each other, learn to share and support in navigating through the challenges and hardships of life. The solidarity generated by this ennobling spirit transcends barriers of every kind – racial, national, cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and more -    creating ever widening circles of friends who advance together as individuals and as essential component of the transformative forces that shape society.

Fostering Friendships that Endure a Lifetime

One must see in every human being only that which is worthy of praise. When this is done, one can be a friend to the whole human race. If, however, we look at people from the standpoint of their faults, then being a friend to them is a formidable task....Thus is it incumbent upon us, when we direct our gaze toward other people, to see where they excel, not where they fail.                                                                             (AbdulBaha, 1982, p.169)

The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them.                                                                                             (Abdul Baha, 1972, p.53)

Years at university are undoubtedly dedicated to academic progress and in the acquisition of intellectual and moral capabilities so very essential in meeting the diverse needs of life. Yet, it is here that most young people experience the joyful transition from a more socially homogenous environment of the school to that of a multi-cultural setting at the university. Every interaction here provides precious opportunity to discover commonalities - of cultural linkages and historical connections, of common heritage and traditions, of shared aspirations and aims. A new spirit ignites, a new dynamism surges as one embraces this diversity cementing hearts in bonds of friendship; many that endure a life time. Such friendships find expression in meaningful and purposeful conversations, in the warmth of togetherness and recreation, in collaborative efforts and collective exertions that often extend beyond the life and boundaries of the campus, stimulating individuals and groups to attain higher and higher levels of personal and collective excellence. 

Investing in Healthy Friendships for Individual and Social Well-being

Friendships are essential to individual and social well-being, and conducive to societal progress. The advancement and fruition of every sphere of human life is the result of harmonious relationships, cooperation and reciprocity.  It then becomes imperative to invest in forging and nurturing friendships that would continue to grow and flourish.  The development of this essential life-skill would naturally be seen as an integral element of formal and informal education from the earliest stages of life. It is a process that continually enhances human capacity, infuses the heart and mind with human values that recognizes the nobility in every fellow being. It is all about learning to trust, to express love; to share and to celebrate, and to find joy in working and serving together inspired by an ennobling purpose that accords priority to the needs and welfare of fellow beings.

Embracing the World - One Heart at a Time

Our world faces many challenges, crises and forces of division — such as poverty, violence, and human rights abuses — among many others — that undermine peace, security, development and social harmony among the world_s peoples. To confront those crises and challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is friendship. Through friendship — by accumulating bonds of camaraderie and developing strong ties of trust — we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability, weave a safety net that will protect us all, and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good.                                                                                                                                                        (United Nations, n.d.)

A great deal of the misery and pain that humanity experiences today emerges from a serious deficit of trust and empathy, and the outcome of shallow differences and superficial obstacles that impede the free flow of the human spirit that inherently yearns for affection, compassion and fellowship – all shared and expressed through enduring and eternal bonds of friendship that bind together individuals, families, communities and nations. The existential crises that humanity has had to face in recent months compels every conscientious individual to set free this human spirit in embracing the world -one heart at a time, in building bridges and in fostering friendships, in lending a healing touch to a badly battered humanity. The nature of this ongoing global health crisis, for example, then necessitates the promotion of international understanding on a scale far greater than ever imagined. Such understanding and friendships among nations and their peoples would undoubtedly need to be rooted in the recognition of the principle of the oneness of humanity and its interdependence. Thus, enabling individuals and communities to reimagine relationships, obliterate ‘otherness’, and heighten collaborative efforts in addressing the immensity and magnitude of the challenges that only seem to grow larger and larger in the absence of such an empathetic world perspective.  Innumerous stories and accounts of the unprecedented humanitarian work in recent months clearly reaffirm the gratifying impact of this spirit of amity transcending borders and boundaries.  

References:

Abdul Baha. (1972). Paris Talks. UK.UK Bahai Publishing Trust

Abdul Baha. (1982).Selections from the Writings of Abdul Baha (lightweight edition). Haifa. Bahai World Centre

Gibran, Kahlil. (1923). The Prophet. Alfred A. Knopf. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prophet_(book)

Paramahansa Yogananda. (n.d.). AZQuotes.com. Retrieved from https://www.azquotes.com/author/16067-Paramahansa_Yogananda 

United Nations. (n.d.). United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/observances/friendship-day

Reports of Activities Post- Observance of the International Day of Friendship by Global Unity Campaigners and

Pan India Mentors Network; 30 July 2021

1)      Name : Neha Mohanlal Sahu

College/Institution Name:  Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule College of Education

University Name: Mumbai University

Class: B.Ed. 1st year

Title of the activity: International Friendship Day

Objectives of the activity: Create awareness about friendship day

Details: Teachers, students, professor were the participants, we discussed about nurturing friendships. We realized that togetherness is good thing; we also shared thoughts on importance of Friendship in our life. It was a very good experience for me.

2)      Name : Khandekar Vidya Anil

College/Institution Name:  Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati

University Name: Savitribai Phule Pune University

Class: S.Y.B.Sc. 2020/21

Title of the activity: Tree Plantation

Objectives of the activity: To plant trees and cleaning of residential colony

Details: In this activity I was with Chaitrali Sawant and Amruta Koli.  We planted some saplings; we realized how trees are useful for a  better and healthy society. It was an excellent experience for us to think about the wellbeing of our society. 

3)      Name : Veer Sangram Kiran

College/Institution Name:  Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati

University Name: Savitribai Phule Pune University

Class: S.Y.Bsc. 2nd year

Title of the activity: Conversations about Covid-19 Awareness

Objectives of the activity: To create awareness and stop the spread of Covid-19

Who were the participants? : Group of my online friends

Describe what you did: I was happy to talk to my friends on this subject and made use of an educative poster. I was happy with my effort and thank my friends for supporting me.

What was the outcome? : Better understanding of Covid-19 and prevention

What were your experiences? : It was an educative and informative

What was your learning?:  We can all support and help in creating awareness 

4)      Name : Sonali Shivaji Gophane

College/Institution Name: TC

University Name: SPPU

Class: M.Lib.Sc. (2020-2021)

Title of the activity: Make sure that all words are spelled correctly to improve the quality of communication

Objectives of the activity: To assist friends especially young people to gain confidence to communicate well in English language, to spell and pronounce correctly.

Who were the participants? College friends and other students

Describe what you did: Discussed with a few friends about this service activity, we made and implemented a simple plan. We used a video for better understanding.

What was the outcome?: Participation was very good, sincere efforts to improve spelling and pronunciation.

What were your experiences?: My experience was very good.

What was your learning?: We have to pronounce by understanding the correct spelling.

5)      Name : Soma Dhar

College/Institution Name: Pillai College of Education and Research, New Panvel

University Name: Mumbai University

Class: First Year B. Ed. 2020-2022

Title of the activity: You, My Friend, are Part of All My Best Memories!

Objectives of the activity: To reduce the stress of monotonous daily life during this pandemic situation

Details : I have conducted this activity with my friends Shubhankar, his wife Rapti, their children Sreeja and Tatin and Myself Soma, my husband Santanu, and our daughter Samridhi. We celebrated the friendship day by calling conference call over WhatsApp. Only one family friend was available as it was a working day. We dressed up nicely with a cup of tea along with some favorite snacks. Our family members also joined and participated in fun activities like dumb charades, puzzles solving, Antaksari etc. We are from different places-ourselves from Mumbai and our friends from Kolkata. Other thing I did, I wrote a write up about Friendship day. With this virtual party with our family friends, we made amazing memories. We also brooded over our past fun moments and became emotional. It was very awesome feelings. I learnt that, Friends can help us to celebrate good times and provide support during bad times.

 6)     Name : Wani Sawan Anilchandra

College/Institution Name:  Padmabhooshan Vasantraodada Patil Institute of Technology, Budhgaon

University Name: Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University

Class: NA

Title of the activity: Help after Flood

Objectives of the activity: To help the people in cleaning after flood damage

Details: It was a great opportunity for my Friends and me to help some families in cleaning their homes, shops which were damaged due to floods. People appreciated the help in order to re-start their routine work. It was such a great experience for us to serve the society and help people in their bad times.

7)      Name : Waghmare Sonali Shankar

College/Institution Name:  Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati

University Name: Savitribai Phule Pune University

Class: M. Lib. I. Sc.

Title of the activity: Friendship day

Objectives of the activity: Enjoy

Details: My friends Ashwini, Sonali and me came together after so many days during this lockdown period. We had good conversation. We were so happy to meet each other. We did lots of fun, really it was an amazing experience for us.

8)      Name : Bankar Shubhangi Sanjay

College/Institution Name:  Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati

University Name: Savitribai Phule Pune University

Class: Sybsc (2020-21)

Title of the activity: Changing Life style – Good or Bad!

Objectives of the activity:  To discuss with friends on the purpose of our life  and explore who we are .

Details: I have conducted this activity with Shubhangi Sanjay Bankar and Anjali Sanjay Nale. We discussed what is the purpose of our life and can the changing life style help us to realize why are we existing? It was a good experience and we understood the two sides of these subject.

What were your experiences?  We understood different perspective and the influence of a changing life style on our individual life and on our community.

9)      Name : Pankaj Shankar Kore

College/Institution Name: Rajarambapu College Of Pharmacy, Kasegaon

University Name: Shivaji University, Kolhapur

Class: D,B and M.Pharm

Title of the activity: Online Essay and Elocution Competition

Objectives of the activity: To encourage students to show their hidden skills

Details: On the occasion of friendship day, my students have participated in this activity. We organized  an Online Essay and Elocution Competition.  Students have shared  their thoughts on various subjects such as Flood disaster management, awareness on Corona Virus. Students have taken part in this competition with lots of enthusiasm and hard work. 

10)  Name : Pooja Talreja

College/Institution Name: MES Pillai College Of Education And Research

University Name: Mumbai University

Class: M. Ed.

Title of the activity: Write-up

Objectives of the activity: To express my gratitude for my friends

Details: I wrote an article on the topic Sharing the Human Spirit through Friendship and expressed heartfelt gratitude to my friends. We rarely express gratitude for what we have. It was wonderful to do it on a special day. I learnt that we should be always thankful on for the friends we have in our life.

11)  Name : Shiba Khatoon

College/Institution Name: NA

University Name: Central University of Kerala

Class: Ph.D. (2nd Year)

Title of the activity: We All Belong and are One

Objectives of the activity: To acknowledge, appreciate and honor the service rendered by our Security Guards on this Friendship Day 2021.

Details: I have completed this activity with one of the Security Guard_s Representative.

I have prepared a hand-made card expressing my greetings on Friendship Day and Gratitude for the kind service rendered by the Security Guards of our Housing Complex (Kolkata, West Bengal). I saw the happiness, smiling faces and feelings of belongingness.

I felt motivated, creative, satisfied, calm and happy. I have also learnt that our simple, kind attempts make a huge difference in and around us. 

12)  Name : Khan Saira bano Mohd ILyas

College/Institution Name: Aishabai College of Education Mumbai

University Name: SNDT University

Class: B.Ed .(2019-2021)

Title of the activity: Lets be friends

Objectives of the activity: To befriend with the kids and foster a sense of confidence and happiness within them.

Details: I selected the kids for friendship as I perceived and scrutinized that they were too much shy and uncomfortable at my home. The maid was fastidious and grumpy most of the time so the kids were always sitting quietly at one place for long hours till the maid finishes her time. I was disposed to the idea that the kids need attention and love, so I decided to befriend with them and impart cohesive environment in my house.

Initially I started calling them not by names but used beta so they feel good and relaxed. I offered them some chocolates and interacted with them. I got to know that their schools were virtual and they were not able to study properly, also online education deteriorated their academic. So I thought to share with them some comic books. I did not hand over smart phones to them as I was aware the books are the best option.

Initially when I gave them some plastic cups to play. Then later I sat with books, but by looking at the books they used to pretence and run away, so in order to grasp attention I started telling them stories, comics that actually garnered their attention. Later I showed them some comic books, asked them to read out and comprehend by at least looking at the picture. The kids happily looked into the comic books and sat next to me to try to read out and understand the stories and laugh. It was an emotional and lovable experience to make the kids my friends and educate them slowly and steadily through the means of Friendship.

13)  Name : Dr. Bhavna Dave

College/Institution Name: MES Pillai College of Education & Research, New Panvel (W)

University Name: University of Mumbai

Class: NA

Title of the activity: Literary Expressions

Objectives of the activity: To enable the students to share the Human Spirit of Friendship by providing them a platform to share their feelings and emotions.; To bring out the creative abilities of the students ;To  enhance the writing skills of the students 

Details : Students of the M.Ed. & B.Ed. programme have participated in this activity.

The Global Citizenship Club of the college provided a space for the students to express their feelings and emotions for their friends and dedicate to them in the form of short write-ups or poems. Students participated whole-heartedly. Those who did not have the creative abilities to write their original poems, did take the trouble of searching on the net but yet selected those poems which matched their feelings and emotions.

It was an act of affirmation by the students, and each one took an extra effort to make their friends feel special, and express their gratitude. This happiness was doubled when they realized that they also receive when they take a step forward to give. That was the best part. As a teacher-educator, I have learnt that more opportunities should be given to students to imbibe these Universal Human Values.