Celebrating the International Day of Families 2025: Reaffirming the Family as the Foundation of a Sustainable Future

Shaivya Pathak 

The GPF India (Global Peace Foundation India) marked the International Day of Families 2025 with an inspiring gathering at its office in New Delhi, focusing on the theme “Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development.” The event brought together scholars, community leaders, peacebuilders, and senior citizens to reaffirm the family’s critical role in building peaceful and resilient societies. Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of GPF India, opened the program by emphasizing the family as the “school of love and virtue,” where essential values like respect, empathy, and responsibility are first nurtured. Drawing from his own experience growing up in a large joint family, he illustrated how shared responsibility and mutual respect within families serve as a foundation for social cohesion. He also highlighted the global principle of “we are one tribe,” echoing ideas like Ubuntu, Hongik Ingan, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which promote the vision of the world as one family. 

Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi, Founder Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment and Founder Chancellor of IGTAMSU and Global University Nagaland & President, Confederation of Indian Universities, captivated the audience by unveiling a creative poster filled with inspirational quotes celebrating family life. The poster visually and intellectually reinforced the enduring values of togetherness, mutual care, and ethical upbringing rooted in the family structure. 

The round table discussion that followed featured distinguished speakers such as Dr. Surendra Pathak from L. J. University, who stressed the importance of a family-based education system where core values are taught at home and individuals learn to identify themselves as members of the larger human family. Dr. Rekha Udit, President of the Women International Network, highlighted the vital role of women in sustaining families and called for policies that empower women within family units. Dr. Vipin Kumar, General Secretary of Vishwa Hindi Parishad, spoke about reviving Indian spiritual and cultural values in family life, such as selfless service and faith. The event was further enriched by active participation from members of the Senior Citizen Society, whose heartfelt contributions added wisdom and emotional depth. One senior member notably recited two Hindi poems he wrote on spot that poignantly expressed the importance and evolution of the family system. 

A symbolic tree plantation ceremony underscored the family’s role as the root of sustainability, symbolising growth, nourishment, and environmental responsibility. Reflections and group sharing allowed participants to connect their personal experiences with the broader goal of embedding family values into development strategies. The program concluded with reaffirmed commitments to placing families at the center of social development, especially in times when family structures face growing challenges. 

The event resulted in increased awareness among participants about the essential role of families in sustainable development and social harmony. It inspired a renewed dedication to strengthening family bonds and fostering values-based living. Attendees gained a deeper appreciation of how strong family systems contribute to emotional well-being, social responsibility, and intercultural unity. The rich dialogue and creative expressions also contributed to the formation of preliminary policy recommendations for the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar on November 4-6, 2025. By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, the program upheld the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and reinforced GPF’s mission to build lasting peace through strong families and shared human values.