The Art of Giving: A Global Movement for Peace and Happiness

The Art of Giving (AOG) is a transformative life philosophy that has inspired millions across the globe to engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and community activism. Spearheaded by Prof. Achyuta Samanta, a dedicated educator and social reformer, this initiative has blossomed into a powerful civic movement aimed at fostering peace and happiness through the noble act of selfless giving.

At its core, AOG is founded on a simple yet profound truth: Human beings are inherently wired to give. Despite a tendency to prioritize material pursuits, genuine happiness and peace often lie buried under the weight of such ambitions. AOG seeks to remind individuals of their natural inclination to share, help, and love without anticipation of reward.

The seeds of AOG were planted long before the movement was officially named. Prof. Samanta, who grew up in extreme poverty, began exercising the principles of giving at the tender age of five, demonstrating that generosity can flourish even in the face of dire circumstances. His lifelong commitment culminated in the official launch of AOG as a global movement on May 17, 2013. Since then, this day has been commemorated annually as the International Day of the Art of Giving, highlighting a unique theme each year.

Themes selected for AOG have aligned with current societal needs and resonated emotionally with participants. The inaugural theme in 2014 focused on society, spirituality, and humanity. In 2015, the theme was "Compassion - The Clothing Drive," which encouraged donations of used clothing for those in need. Amid the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, the theme turned to "AOG Fights Corona," centering on support for essential workers and impacted families. The following year, "My Mother, My Hero" elicited heartfelt responses as participants penned letters of gratitude to their mothers. For 2024, the initiative expanded its focus to include broader community involvement under the theme "Let's AOG".

As we reach the 12th year of AOG in 2025, this year's theme is "Good Neighbors - Bringing Goodness to Our Neighborhoods". This initiative emphasizes the importance of extending kindness to our local communities. From May 2 to 16, participants worldwide engaged in the