World Smile Day – A Gift By Harvey Ball

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World Smile Day, was created by Harvey Ball. He was the commercial artist who created the smiley ball, the symbol of good will and cheer. It was created in 1963. In the course of time, the smiley ball got a lot of popularity, but he did not like the fact of it being used only for commercial use. Harvey wanted the smiley to be used as a face which knows no politics, no geography and no religion. Thus, he decided to dedicated one day to the expression of smile and thus was created the World Smile Day. The first World Smile Day was celebrated in 1999, in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The message of the 'World Smile Day', is "Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile!". This went on to become one of the most famous saying. The year 1999,was also a year of disaster for India, when Orissa, was the victim of cyclone and lost thousands of life. At that time the World came together at the aid to those victims and this saying marked an appeal to the World to help the distress. This year (2010), will mark the 12th Anniversary of both the days.

In the course of time the World Smile Day, gathered quantum of followers and the smiley symbol gained popularity all cross the world. In the midst of all the success, Harvey Ball passed away and to honour his name and creation, the World Smile Foundation was created. This foundation celebrates, the day by organising various events, marches etc. The slogan of the Smile Foundation is, "Improving this world, one smile at a time". This slogan is a true reflection of Harvey Ball's vision.

The Worchester Historical Museum also introduced the Harvey Ball Smile Award. This award is given to individuals, group or organisation for doing something for the development of the city of Worchester.

So, on the occasion of "World Smile Day", be a reason for someone's smile and spread the message of togetherness and let the World be a global village and not lands scratched with borders.