World Kindness Day 2019: Public figures, organisations tweet to pledge support

World Kindness Day is celebrated on November 13, in an effort to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness. It was first introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations' kindness NGOs.

Not officially recognised by the UN

Currently, there are over 28 nations involved in the World Kindness Movement, however, it is not affiliated with any religion or political movement. Efforts are being made to convince the United Nations to officially recognise World Kindness Day and to unanimously sign a Declaration of Support for World Kindness.

Read: World Kindness Day: Netizens Share Pearls Of Wisdom To Help Those In Need

'Kindness is a gift'

Various organisations and public figures took to Twitter to pledge support for World Kindness Day. Actor-turned-entrepreneur Preity Zinta said kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.

UN agencies tweet in support

The United Nations Children's Fund, a UN agency, shared survey findings saying 69 per cent of young people responded in affirmative when they were asked if they ever felt afraid of violence in or around their school.

UN Women, an entity for gender equality and women’s empowerment, quoted Botswana's 1st woman High Court judge and asked to treat everyone with the kindness and respect they deserve.

Read: World Kindness Day: Five Inspirational Quotes On Kindness

Sensitivity towards mental health

Mental Health Foundation of the United Kingdom said helping others is beneficial for our own mental health and wellbeing. “It can help reduce stress, improve your emotional wellbeing and even benefit your physical health,” it said.

Kind to environment

Australian television personality and conservationist Bindi Irwin posted a photograph hugging a tree on World Kindness Day.

Read: World Kindness Day: All You Need To Know About The WKM Organisation

Read: World Kindness Day: Books About Kindness You Must Read