International friendship day is celebrated worldwide on July 30, 2021, In India, it is celebrated on 1st sunday of August, this year being today, 1st Aug. This day is not only about individuals’ friendship, but it’s also about international friendship among all the nations. One of the most emerging questions about this day is that why we need to dedicate a special day to friendship when we can make friends and fulfill our duties as true friends on any day and time. The simplest answer to this question is another question: do we really know what true friendship means?
Living in the company of one or more people to satisfy our selfishness is not called friendship. Most people have forgotten the values of this sacred bond of friendship and make friends only to accomplish what they can get from others. Moreover, leaving their friends alone during difficult times has become normal for many too. The selfless love we all should have for humanity is dying with the perishing values of friendship. That’s the reason why we all are reminded of the importance of friendship on “International Friendship Day”.
What is a true friendship and what is its importance?
Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan Says, “The vital pillar of a true friendship stems from selfless trust and understanding between the two”. There’s no special formula or mantra to find out the real meaning of true friendship. A real friend is like a beacon of guidance who shows you the right path. He/she is the one who supports you during difficult times and who tells you your drawbacks without any hesitation. If he/she feels that you are involved in some wrongful actions, he/she will stop you right there. Do not feel bad if your friend tells you your mistakes and criticizes you. Because true friends always want each other to succeed, they do not hide each others’ mistakes. If your friend does not correct you, you may face defamation in society due to bad habits.
On the opposite side, by telling you your mistakes, he/she opens up the way to improvement for you. This way, you will be respected by others, thanks to the qualities achieved by you. This is called true friendship, but today’s friendship has turned into selfishness. People are crossing their limits. Friends are made by many just to seek advantage, which is completely wrong. Those who do this are not true friends. They are opportunistic. Therefore, you should learn to differentiate between your true friend and an opportunistic one.
How to be a true friend?
If one of your friends is successful or he/she is in a higher position in any field, don’t get jealous. Instead, try to become more successful than him/her. In your friendship, you should always tell truth to each other. If you see any drawbacks in your friend, immediately tell him/her to improve instead of hiding. Talking bad about your friend behind his/her back is not good. Don’t do brown-nosing, otherwise, you will become a sycophant in others’ eyes. Help your friend if your friend has any problem, but do not take part in bad works with him/her. You should encourage your friend towards good works because it can bring a positive change in your friend’s life.
Almighty has made us all humans, who are the most supreme kind among other living beings. Instead of doing works like true humans, most people flatter others and do bad works for their own benefit. Those who have this type of personality, everyone recognizes them. Everyone stays away from such persons because everyone wants a friend who is trustworthy and loyal.
Why this world needs true friendship?
The second name of love for humanity is friendship which sees no borders, no boundaries and no religions or castes. What true friends see in each other are only human beings. Even after the rise of social evils, humanitarian works are still done. The reason for this is that there are still those who love peace and humanity. Just imagine, if there was no existence of humanity lovers, would this world exist? No. This world would have ended hundreds of years ago because of wars and massacres. People would kill each other if there were only haters, but no friends. Great men, saints and Incarnations have taught this world the values of togetherness. One of the relations made by them to keep a balance in this world is friendship. First, they became other humans’ true friends by showing them the path of righteousness and then taught others to do so.
If we talk on the world level, the peaceful formation of friendship between all countries has turned the picture too. Instead of doing wars, many countries help each other during natural calamities and other problems. As a result, we live in a peaceful world as compared to those who faced destruction during world wars. This world-level friendship has given us many benefits in return. For example, international trade and tourism have become the main source of economic development for many nations. Technological advancement in the medical field of one developed nation provides cure for dangerous diseases to the developing nations. Furthermore, international education is also possible these days.
Who is the best friend of all?
Those who have no friend, also have a friend. HE is Almighty who is the best friend. HE doesn’t see anyone’s caste, religion or language. Our shadow can leave us alone, but HE never leaves us. What an amazing friend, right? Every one of us has this friend. We just need to give HIM recognition to become worthy of HIS friendship. The best ways to strengthen our bond of friendship with Almighty are meditation and humanitarian works. These are the ways by which we can make HIM happy. Once you accept HIM as your friend, you can share your every sorrow with HIM at any time. HE has a solution to every problem. HE will not ignore you and will show you the way out of your problem. Always remember that Almighty can never be a selfish friend. HE always helps those who do good deeds and chant HIS name.
Conclusion
On this friendship day, do not just give flowers or gifts to your friends. Instead, learn to be true friends forever. If you give them support, they will give you support in return. Small initiatives from every member of society can have a big impact all over.
