The Hands That Hold Us Together
I often watch the hands of our artisans in Bagru. I see the strength in them as they lift heavy wooden blocks, the precision as they place them on fabric, and the care as they fold a finished piece. These hands are not just creating clothing; they are weaving the fabric of their families, their community, and a cultural legacy. They remind me that at its core, humanity is built on the strength and resilience of local communities.
Today, on World Humanitarian Day, August 19th, my thoughts are with another set of hands—the brave and selfless hands of aid workers around the globe. This is a day for solemn remembrance, a day we honour those who have lost their lives in the service of others, commemorating the tragic 2003 Baghdad bombing that marked a turning point in our awareness. But in 2025, this day must also be an urgent, global call to action.
A World in Unprecedented Crisis
The truth of our world today is a difficult one to hold. As I read the latest reports, the numbers are staggering and almost incomprehensible. 305 million people are in urgent need of assistance. In Sudan, we are witnessing the largest humanitarian crisis ever recorded. In Gaza, famine is a reality, and in Ukraine, civilian casualties continue to climb.
But the most heartbreaking statistic is the one that speaks of the helpers. In 2024, a record 383 humanitarian workers were killed. These are not just numbers. They are individuals—doctors, drivers, logisticians, community leaders. An unbelievable 92% of them are local staff, people from the very communities they serve. They are underfunded, overstretched, and now, they are under attack.
A Ray of Hope: “Empowering Local Communities”
This year’s theme for World Humanitarian Day is “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.” This idea, this philosophy, is the very soul of SA Fab. Our entire world is built on the principle that the most profound and sustainable change comes from within a community itself. Our artisans in Bagru are not passive recipients of work; they are our partners, the masters of their craft, the leaders of their own futures.
The theme for 2025 asks the world to see all communities through this same lens. The people on the ground in a crisis are not merely victims; they are the first responders. They possess the local knowledge, the trust, and the resilience to create the most effective solutions. To empower them—with direct funding, with respect, and with protection—is not just an option; it is the only truly effective path forward.
Our Role: Weaving a Fabric of Compassion from Where We Are
It is easy to feel helpless in the face of such overwhelming global challenges. But our individual threads of action, when woven together, create a safety net of compassion and solidarity. Here is what we, as a community, can do:
- Bear Witness and Stay Informed: The first act of solidarity is to not look away. Read the stories beyond the headlines. Understand the human reality in places like Sudan, Gaza, and the many other crises that don’t make the news.
- Amplify the Right Voices: Share information from trusted humanitarian organizations. Use your social platforms to raise awareness about the need to protect aid workers and respect international humanitarian law.
- Support with Intention: This is a principle we can apply to our entire lives. When you choose to support a local artisan here in Rajasthan, you are participating in a global movement towards empowering communities. This same spirit can guide our charitable giving—seek out organizations that prioritize and provide direct funding to local partners on the ground. Every conscious choice we make helps build a more equitable world.
A Pledge on This Day of Remembrance
On this World Humanitarian Day, we honour the memory of every aid worker who has made the ultimate sacrifice. We stand in solidarity with those who continue to serve on the front lines of crisis. And we recommit ourselves to the belief that the strongest fabric of humanity is the one we weave together, thread by thread, neighbour by neighbour, community by community.
Let us work towards a world where every pair of hands has the safety, the support, and the dignity they deserve.