The International Day of Charity 2026 will be observed on September 5, drawing attention to philanthropy, volunteering and efforts to support people facing poverty, humanitarian crises and social disadvantage.

The United Nations observes the day globally to encourage charitable and philanthropic activities and to raise awareness about the role of individuals, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in addressing humanitarian and social challenges. September 5 is also observed as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls. 

International Day of Charity on September 5

The United Nations General Assembly designated September 5 as the International Day of Charity through Resolution A/RES/67/105. The date was selected to coincide with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, who died on September 5, 1997. 

The observance seeks to encourage people and organisations to contribute to charitable activities and promote greater awareness of humanitarian needs around the world.

Focus on Philanthropy and Volunteerism

Charity can take different forms, ranging from financial donations and volunteering to community-based initiatives and humanitarian assistance.

The UN says charitable efforts can help address urgent needs while also supporting areas such as healthcare, education, housing, child protection and assistance for vulnerable communities. 

The day therefore goes beyond monetary donations, highlighting collective action and community participation as ways of supporting people in need.

Link With Mother Teresa

The choice of September 5 has a particular significance because it marks the death anniversary of Mother Teresa, the Indian citizen and founder of the Missionaries of Charity.

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work among people affected by poverty and distress. She died in Kolkata on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87. 

Her humanitarian work became internationally associated with caring for people who were poor, sick, orphaned and dying.

Charity and Humanitarian Action

The United Nations also links charitable activity with humanitarian response. During crises and disasters, charitable organisations and volunteers can complement public efforts by providing assistance to communities facing urgent needs.

The UN notes that humanitarian relief is often required when disasters or other emergencies exceed the capacity of national authorities to respond alone. 

This makes the International Day of Charity an occasion not only for individual giving but also for considering how communities and organisations can respond to wider humanitarian challenges.

Charity and Sustainable Development

Charitable and philanthropic activities are also connected with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The UN highlights civic engagement, collective action and community participation as important elements in addressing poverty and other development challenges. 

Efforts in areas such as education, healthcare, food security and support for vulnerable groups can contribute to broader development objectives when they are sustained and responsibly implemented.

International Day of Charity 2026: Key Details

• Date: September 5, 2026

• Observance: International Day of Charity

• Established by: United Nations General Assembly

• Resolution: A/RES/67/105

• Purpose: Promote charity, philanthropy and volunteerism

• Date significance: Death anniversary of Mother Teresa

• Mother Teresa: Nobel Peace Prize laureate, 1979

• Related UN observance on September 5: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women and Girls

Known for his people-centric approach and unwavering commitment to public service, Dr. Monga has earned widespread respect for his efforts in addressing community concerns and promoting inclusive development. His ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life has enabled him to build strong networks dedicated to collective progress and social betterment.

Driven by a vision of unity and empowerment, Dr. Monga established Ekta Mission in 2000, a social organization committed to advancing education, healthcare, environmental awareness, humanitarian aid, and community welfare. Under his leadership, the organization has successfully conducted health camps, educational support programs, blood donation drives, relief initiatives, and various outreach activities benefiting thousands of individuals and families.

One of the most significant demonstrations of his leadership emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when communities faced immense uncertainty and hardship, Dr. Monga actively mobilized resources and coordinated relief efforts, ensuring access to medical assistance, oxygen support, food supplies, and emergency aid for those in need. His hands-on involvement during the crisis reflected his deep sense of responsibility toward society and his commitment to standing beside people during their most challenging moments.

Beyond social initiatives, Dr. Monga has played an active role in community development, public engagement, and organizational leadership. His continued efforts to bridge public needs with practical solutions have strengthened his reputation as a trusted leader focused on creating sustainable and meaningful impact.

A strong advocate of social harmony, youth empowerment, healthcare accessibility, and educational advancement, Dr. Monga believes that nation-building begins with strengthening communities. His work continues to inspire individuals to participate in collective action and contribute toward a more inclusive and progressive society.

As he continues his mission of service, Dr. Pawan Monga remains committed to empowering citizens, fostering unity, and driving initiatives that enhance the quality of life for communities across India. His journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of leadership rooted in compassion, purpose, and public service.

Vision

Empowering Lives • Inspiring Unity • Transforming Communities

In a heart-wrenching incident, a 75-year-old woman collapsed and died moments after seeing the body of her 55-year-old son in their Indore apartment on Sunday. The double tragedy has left the Sharma family devastated, even as their decision to donate the eyes of both brought light to four others.

Rajul Sharma, a computer designer, passed away on Sunday at his residence in Shrinath Vihar Apartment on Bhandari Mill Marg. His mother, Kiran Sharma, who was staying at her daughter’s house on Airport Road to avoid any stress, was brought home gently by family members. However, the sight of her son’s body proved too much to bear.

Sudden Collapse in Grief

As Kiran Sharma stepped out of the lift and entered the flat, she broke down inconsolably. According to relatives, she touched her son’s forehead and immediately lost consciousness. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. The entire sequence unfolded within minutes, leaving family members in shock.

Rajesh Sharma, Rajul’s uncle, described the family’s pain. “Both mother and son had undergone bypass surgery earlier. Most members of the family have a history of heart issues. What has happened is unbearable,” he said, struggling to hold back tears.

Family’s Quiet Efforts to Shield Mother

The family had initially kept the news from Kiran Sharma. Preparations for Rajul’s last rites were already underway for 5 pm when she arrived. Relatives said they tried their best to prepare her gradually, but the emotional impact was instant and overwhelming.

Neighbours and relatives gathered at the apartment as word spread. Many were seen consoling the grieving family members, with several breaking down themselves during the joint funeral procession the next day.

Eye Donation Brings Hope Amid Sorrow

In the midst of profound grief, the family chose to honour the deceased by donating their eyes. With assistance from the Muskan Group, the eye donation procedure was completed smoothly. The corneas are expected to restore sight to four people, offering a ray of humanity in an otherwise tragic event.

Family members said the decision reflected the values both Rajul and Kiran lived by. Their act has been widely appreciated by locals and social workers.

History of Heart Ailments in Family

The Sharmas have faced cardiac challenges before. Multiple family members, including the daughter-in-law, have undergone bypass procedures. Doctors often point to stress and underlying conditions as triggers in such sudden cases, though no official post-mortem details were immediately available.

The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of elderly family members to emotional trauma, especially in close-knit households where the loss of a child can prove fatal for aging parents.

Community Remembers the Deceased

Rajul Sharma was known among acquaintances as a quiet, hardworking professional. His mother, Kiran, was remembered as a loving grandmother who stayed active despite her age and health issues. Their joint last journey on Monday saw hundreds of eyes well up as the pyres were prepared together.

Similar Acts of Kindness in City

The Sharmas are not alone in their gesture. In recent days, families of Dhanvanti Devi Lalwani, Sardarni Narender Kaur, and Nandlal Puranani also donated eyes after their loved ones’ passing, setting inspiring examples in Indore.

Local authorities and voluntary organisations continue to promote eye donation, urging citizens to consider this noble act that can transform lives even after death.

The Sharma family is now trying to come to terms with the twin loss. As one relative put it, the pain is fresh and the void immense, yet the light their loved ones will bring to others offers some solace in these difficult hours.

The Akhila Sevak Samaj Council (ASSC), a newly established national-level social service organisation, has formally announced its launch with a focus on advancing social justice, community empowerment, and inclusive development through the principle of Nishkam Seva—selfless service.

Rooted in the philosophy “Seva Parmo Dharmah” (Service to Humanity is Service to God), the Council seeks to build a structured platform that connects grassroots communities with institutional support systems, including government welfare programmes and civil society initiatives. As an organisation in its formative stage, ASSC is laying the foundation for long-term, scalable interventions across both rural and urban India.

Vision and Approach

Guided by the civilisational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), ASSC positions itself as a facilitative bridge—enabling access, awareness, and implementation of welfare-driven initiatives at the grassroots level. Its work is anchored around five core areas: social justice, community empowerment, skills development, health and wellness, and cultural preservation aligned with Indian values.

The organisation aims to adopt a collaborative model that integrates community participation, institutional partnerships, and policy alignment to ensure meaningful and sustainable impact.

Speaking on the vision behind the organisation, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Chairman , ASSC, said, "The vision of the Akhila Sevak Samaj Council is rooted in the idea that service must move beyond intent and translate into structured, measurable impact. Through Nishkam Seva, we aim to build a platform where communities are empowered, and governance reaches the last mile in a meaningful way."

He further said that, "Our focus is on building efficient systems that ensure programmes are implemented with accountability and consistency. At this stage, we are strengthening coordination mechanisms so that our efforts remain aligned with community needs as well as institutional frameworks."

Emphasising sustainability and partnerships, Dr. Mallappa, said, "Sustainable development at the grassroots requires both financial discipline and local collaboration. We are working towards creating transparent processes and partnerships that can support long-term social impact across sectors like health, education, and rural development."

ASSC has initiated groundwork in key areas such as community outreach, awareness drives, skill-building initiatives, and support for public welfare schemes. The organisation is currently focused on building partnerships, strengthening on-ground networks, and developing scalable programme models that can be expanded in the coming years.

Madhya Pradesh Pride: 4 Padma Shri Awardees 2026 Honored for Literature, Social Service, Sports & Archaeology

In a moment of immense pride for the state, four distinguished personalities from Madhya Pradesh have been named among the Padma Shri awardees for 2026. The Union Home Ministry’s announcement of the prestigious civilian awards spotlights the diverse talent rooted in India’s heartland, honoring contributions spanning literature, social service, sports, and archaeology.

The Padma Awards 2026 list features 131 individuals across three categories. The four from MP are recognized in the Padma Shri category, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian honour. Their selection underscores how grassroots dedication and mastery in specialized fields resonate on a national platform, offering inspiration far beyond state boundaries.

The Quartet of Excellence

The four Padma Shri awardees from Madhya Pradesh represent a cross-section of societal contribution:

Kailash Chandra Pant (Bhopal) – Literature & Education: A senior litterateur, journalist, and cultural thinker, Pant’s journey is remarkable. Born in Mhow in 1936, his values were shaped early by Arya Samaj and RSS participation. Notably, at just 13, he was arrested during a satyagraha in 1949—a testament to a lifelong spirit of action he credits for his formative years.

Mohan Nagar – Social Service: Recognized for impactful social work, Nagar’s award highlights the silent, persistent efforts to uplift communities, a cornerstone of societal progress often away from the limelight.

Bhagwandas Raikwar (Sagar) – Sports (Martial Arts): Hailing from Sagar, Raikwar brings glory to the state in the sports arena, specifically martial arts. His award celebrates discipline, athletic excellence, and the promotion of traditional sports forms.

Narayan Vyas – Archaeology: This award acknowledges vital work in unearthing and preserving history, ensuring the rich tapestry of India’s past remains accessible for future generations.

Why This Recognition Matters Now

In an era where national discourse often focuses on metropolitan hubs, the Padma Awards 2026 list serves as a powerful reminder of India’s distributed brilliance. Honoring individuals from states like Madhya Pradesh reinforces the idea that profound impact originates in towns and cities across the country. For the culture and lifestyle of the region, such recognition boosts local morale, inspires the youth to pursue non-mainstream passions, and puts regional art, scholarship, and service on the national map.

A Legacy Beyond the Medal

As witnessed at Kailash Chandra Pant’s residence in Bhopal, where family celebrated by feeding sweets, the award is a deeply personal milestone that amplifies a lifetime of work. Experts in cultural studies note that such recognition validates fields like archaeology and traditional sports, ensuring they receive due public attention and encouraging renewed investment in these sectors.

The story of these four Padma Shri awardees from Madhya Pradesh is more than an awards list. It’s a narrative of diverse India—where a literary figure shaped by satyagraha, a dedicated social worker, a martial arts exponent, and an archaeology protector stand equally celebrated. Their achievements illuminate the countless unsung stories of dedication across India, reminding us that the foundation of national honour is often laid in the steadfast commitment of its people in their own communities.