YE DOSTI HUM NAHI CHORENGE- HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY CELEBRATION

Laughter echoed through cafés, colorful friendship bands adorned countless wrists and social media was flooded with nostalgic photographs and heartfelt messages as Friendship Day was celebrated across the country on the first Sunday of August. The occasion served as a reminder that while careers, cities and circumstances may change, true friendships continue to remain life's most treasured relationships. Friendship Day, observed in India on the first Sunday of August, celebrates the spirit of companionship, trust and unconditional support. It is a day dedicated to appreciating those who stand beside us through life's triumphs and trials, proving that some of the strongest relationships are not bound by blood but by choice.

The concept of dedicating a day to friendship dates back to 1930, when Joyce Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards, proposed celebrating friendship in the United States through the exchange of greeting cards. Although the idea did not gain widespread acceptance at the time, it laid the foundation for a global celebration. The movement gathered momentum in 1958, when Paraguayan physician Dr. Ramón Artemio Bracho proposed the idea of a World Friendship Day during a dinner with friends. His initiative led to the formation of the World Friendship Crusade, which advocated for an international observance celebrating friendship as a force for peace and understanding. Recognising its significance, the United Nations proclaimed 30th July as the International Day of Friendship in 2011. India, however, follows a different tradition. Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August, a custom that gained immense popularity during the 1990s, fueled by Bollywood, greeting-card culture, schools, colleges and youth-centric campaigns. Over the years, the celebration has evolved beyond the exchange of friendship bands. Today, it is marked by reunions, brunches, road trips, surprise gifts, handwritten notes, video calls and heartfelt social media tributes. While youngsters celebrate with enthusiasm, many adults use the occasion to reconnect with childhood companions, former classmates and long-lost friends, proving that genuine friendships only grow stronger with time.

More than a celebration, Friendship Day serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, loyalty and emotional support in an increasingly fast-paced and digitally connected world. It encourages people to pause, reconnect and express gratitude to those who have stood by them through every season of life.

As Friendship Day was celebrated with warmth and nostalgia this year, Dwarka City spoke to a few residents whose enduring friendships have not only enriched their personal lives but have also inspired successful professional partnerships.

Here are inspiring pairs of friends, who share what makes their friendship truly special. These friends share what they value most about their cherished bond and the journey they have shared together.-

Shalini & Shree: Friendship with a Purpose

For Shalini, Founder of Get Well Soon NGO and Shree, friendship has grown far beyond a professional association into a bond built on trust, compassion and a shared commitment to serving society. Over the past seven years, while working together at the NGO, they have supported one another through challenges, celebrated milestones and created countless cherished memories. Shalini believes that friendship is one of life's greatest blessings. She describes Shree as more than a colleague - a member of her extended family. Their shared mission of helping people through Get Well Soon NGO has strengthened their relationship, inspiring them to continue working with kindness, dedication and mutual respect. She feels fortunate to have friends who motivate her every day and hopes their bond continues to grow while making a positive difference in society. For Shree, the journey has been equally meaningful. What began as a professional relationship gradually transformed into a deep friendship filled with laughter, encouragement and unwavering support. She credits Shalini for always standing beside her during both joyful and difficult times, giving her strength, confidence and a true sense of belonging. Grateful for the friendship they share, Shree hopes their relationship remains as strong in the years ahead. Together, their story proves that when friendship is guided by compassion and a common purpose, it becomes a powerful force for both personal growth and community service.

Mahinder & Ajay: A Professional Journey Rooted in Friendship

Mahinder, President of MS Real Estate & CSC Market Association, Dwarka, and Ajay, Founder of Dwarka Roots, have shared a friendship that has grown into a successful professional partnership over nearly two decades. They first met at a common acquaintance's office before either of them got married, and their relationship quickly developed through mutual trust, honesty and respect. Mahinder has been associated with the real estate industry since 1999, while Ajay has been helping property buyers and sellers since 2007. Together, they recognised the potential of digital marketing after the pandemic and became among the early real estate professionals in Dwarka to promote properties through YouTube, Instagram and Google, making property buying and selling more transparent and accessible. Their friendship extends far beyond business. Before marriage, they travelled together and even shared accommodation. Today, despite family responsibilities, they continue to meet every morning, inspect properties, create real estate content, have lunch together and discuss business strategies. Mahinder values Ajay's calm nature, which helps balance his short temper during negotiations, while Ajay regards Mahinder as the elder brother he never had, appreciating his guidance and experience. Their journey reflects how trust, understanding and mutual support can create not only a lasting friendship but also a thriving business partnership that continues to inspire others.

Jay Vikram  & Sumiran Kumar: A Friendship That Has Stood the Test of Time

The friendship between Jay Vikram and Sumiran has flourished for more than two decades, beginning during their school years. Although they studied in different sections and were both popular among their classmates, it was in Class 10 that they became close friends. Since then, their bond has remained strong, built on trust, mutual respect and unwavering support. According to Jai Vikram, their friendship has comfortably withstood the demands of work and family life. Even when they could not meet or speak for long periods, the warmth of their relationship never faded. One of his favourite memories is accompanying Sumiran during the early days of his business. What initially felt like fun road trips later turned out to be visits to  patients, where they navigated unfamiliar routes together, shared laughter and created memories they still cherish. For Simran admires Jai's honesty, selflessness and willingness to accept his mistakes. While he jokingly describes Jai as mentally sharp but physically lazy, he deeply values his sincerity and dependable nature. Sumiran believes that true friendship is not measured by the frequency of conversations but by the confidence of knowing that someone will always stand beside you, no matter the distance or time. Their enduring friendship is a example of loyalty, understanding and lifelong companionship.

Abha Gurain recalls friends like Amita Pandey and  Poonam Gaurav 

Friendship is one of life's most precious gifts, and childhood friendships are truly timeless. Abha Gurain fondly recalls how friends like Amita Pandey and  Poonam Gaurav instantly transport her back to their school days in uniforms, filled with laughter, dreams, endless conversations, and unforgettable memories. Every reunion feels as though time has stood still, allowing them to forget their professional lives and responsibilities and become carefree teenagers once again. Every trip together adds another beautiful chapter to their lifelong bond. For Poonam Gaurav, the strongest memories of childhood are rooted in the simple, genuine moments shared with her closest friends. Along with Abha Gurain and Amita Pandey, she cherishes a friendship built not on status or expectations, but on trust, understanding, shared laughter and unwavering support. Their joyful recollections of walking to school together, spending countless hours together and celebrating life's little moments continue to strengthen their bond. Together, they believe that childhood friends are living treasures who carry pieces of our hearts and memories forever.

Bhavna Pandey & Deepali: United by Purpose, Bound by Friendship

For Bhavna Pandey, Founder of English Bytes and Deepali, friendship is not measured by grand gestures but by trust, understanding and the comfort of being completely yourself. Their bond reflects the belief that genuine friendships are built on acceptance, mutual respect and unwavering support through every stage of life. Bhavna believes that a true friend is someone with whom you never have to pretend. Life brings many challenges and while a friend may not always have the answers, their presence, encouragement and faith provide the strength to face every situation with confidence. For her, friendship is love in its simplest, purest and most authentic form. Deepali believes that the strongest friendships are nurtured through life's everyday moments - a shared laugh, a cup of coffee or a simple message asking, "How was your day?" She feels that these small gestures create lifelong bonds. A real friend accepts imperfections, celebrates achievements and stands beside you through every success and setback without judgment. Together, their friendship is a reminder that meaningful relationships are built not on constant communication but on genuine care, trust and understanding. No matter where life leads or how busy schedules become, they believe true friendship is the quiet assurance that someone will always be there to listen, encourage and stand by your side with an open heart.