The 10th anniversary celebration of the International Day of Art of Giving (AOG) was observed worldwide on Wednesday through various events. The innovative AOG concept had been launched on May 17, 2013 by eminent philanthropist and educationist Dr Achyuta Samanta to spread the message of cooperation, happiness, peace and harmony. The theme for this year was ‘Helping the Help’. 

The followers, well-wishers and fans of AOG celebrated the day across 350 locations in 20 countries and 3,500 locations in 29 States, four UTs and 200 cities and towns in India. 

In Odisha, the day was celebrated at 10,000 locations in 30 districts, 10 major cities and towns and more than 5,000 gram panchayats. 

A special event was organised here and service providers from various fields, who have made a mark in society through their generous acts, were felicitated with the ‘AoG Hero Award’. They were Dr Shankar Ramchandani of Sambalpur district who charges only Rs 1 as a visiting fee; Abharani Choudhury, secretary Odisha Patita Udhhar Samiti; Ranjita Rath, Multipurpose Health Supervisor of Jajpur district; Silabati Pradhan, Asha Worker of Kandhamal district; Amarnath Mahanta, ambulance driver of Keonjhar district and Feroze Mohammed, traffic police of the Police Commissionerate. 

Speaking at the event, R Balakrishnan, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of Odisha, described Art of Giving as the “heart of giving”.

Higher Education Secretary Bishnupada Sethi said AOG has become a solid movement. President of Sriram Temple, Unit-2, Bhubaneswar, Swami Ram Narayan Das said Dr Samanta has awakened amongst people the happiness that can be gained through AOG.

Dr Samanta said people of Odisha should be proud of the fact that this thought process originated from this State.