Emphasizing the critical role of parents in the rearing of children, the Global Day of Parents recognises that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children. For the full and harmonious development of their personality, children should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. Sri Sathya Sai Baba says that parents are “pay-rents” and that we should pay the rent of respect to our parents.
Background
During the 1980’s, the United Nations began focusing attention on the issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development in its resolution on the Role of the family in the development process requested the Secretary-General to enhance awareness among decision makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family, as well as of effective ways of meeting those needs.
On 9 December 1989, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1994 as the International Year of the Family; and the General Assembly decided that 15 May of every year to be observed as the International Day of Families.
In 2012, the General Assembly proclaimed 1 June as the Global Day of Parents, to be observed annually in honour of parents throughout the world.
Greater support needed for working parents as COVID-19 takes hold
Families bear the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the anchors of the family and the foundation of our communities and societies, parents have the responsibility of sheltering their families from harm, caring for out-of-school children and, at the same time, continuing their work responsibilities. Without support from parents, children’s health, education and emotional well-being is at risk. By introducing family-friendly workplace policies and practices, companies and organisations will be in a better position to promote children’s safety and wellbeing and provide systematic support to employees.
Sacred Role of Parents
The parents gave you this body and fostered the intelligence and love that are embedded in it; so gratitude is their due. It you do not honour the parents who are the Creators in human form how can you learn to honour the Creator in Divine Form? Moreover the parents reveal to you the glory of God and the means of worshipping Him; they are the first representatives of authority which you meet with authority modified by love and care. Learn to bend before that authority and you will learn how to submit to the Lord. As the twig is bent so the tree is inclined. (18-4-66, Anantapur)
Offerings to the Manes, the Ancestors and Parents
You post a letter in the box, and it goes straight to the addressee, wherever he is, however far. Does it mean that the postmaster is your friend, or that he is so sympathetic to your anxiety to correspond with the addressee? If the address is written correct and clear and if the necessary postage is paid in stamps that are valid at the time, the letter is carried by men, by car and bus, train and plane and steamer, right up to the doorstep of the person whose name is on it. The ritual fire is the authorised post box; the Fire is the Postal authority, the Mantras are the stamps. There is a science of the spirit, as there is a science of matter; it has its own categories; its own modus operandi, its own experts and authoritative theses. Rama Navami, 19-4-65
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