International Day of Charity History

International Day of Charity is a global observance that emphasizes the importance of philanthropy, volunteerism, civic engagement, and social responsibility to address various social, economic, and environmental issues. The United Nations-inspired day encourages individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide to collaborate and participate in charitable actions. They goal is to contribute to the alleviation of poverty, the promotion of sustainable development, and the enhancement of overall well-being for people across all strata of society.

The United Nations General Assembly officially declared the International Day of Charity on December 17, 2012, to honour the legacy of Mother Teresa, a globally revered figure who devoted her life to providing aid and spreading compassion among the underprivileged. Mother Teresa's charitable endeavours resonated with millions in India, where she lived and worked for over 45 years until her death in 1997. India continues to be committed to a culture of philanthropy, with various forms of charitable acts rooted in Indian traditions. The International Day of Charity serves as a reminder for the nation to further emphasize and facilitate humanitarian actions in order to tackle the pressing issues affecting the country.

In India, International Day of Charity is observed on September 5, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mother Teresa. Various non-governmental organizations, corporations, and individuals engage in charitable activities to help the needy, create awareness about social causes, and promote solidarity among different communities. Events such as fundraisers, donation drives, and awareness campaigns are organized, urging people to contribute time, expertise, and resources for the betterment of society. The diverse celebrations across India on this day reinforce the importance of collaboration in addressing the nation's many challenges and inspire a spirit of selflessness and social responsibility in all citizens.

Top 2 Facts for 2026 International Day of Charity in India

• India mandates that certain businesses allocate 2% of their average net profits for CSR initiatives under the Companies Act, 2013. This has led to increased corporate investment in charitable projects and collaborations with NGOs.
• India is known for its culture of giving and philanthropy, with charitable institutions like the Tata Trusts, Azim Premji Foundation, and Reliance Foundation playing significant roles in funding social impact projects for education, healthcare, and community development.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day of Charity

Top things to do in India for International Day of Charity

• Spread awareness about the holiday by using the hashtags #InternationalDayofCharity, #Charity and #MamaT.
• Read a book about the impact and importance of charitable work and about the charitable life that Mother Teresa led. Some suggestions are: Abundance, Systems Thinking for Social Change, Start Something that Matters, The Joy in Loving and Mother Teresa: A Simple Path.
• Blood donation camps are organized by hospitals, blood banks, NGOs, and other organizations with the aim of collecting blood to help save lives.
• Tree plantation drives are organized to emphasize environmental conservation. Volunteers plant saplings and encourage communities to care for the environment.