The Journey to Emotional Freedom and Healing: Celebrating Global Forgiveness Day

Global Forgiveness Day is observed annually on July 7 for letting go of past hurts, releasing resentments, and embracing the healing power of forgiveness to promote emotional well-being and reconciliation to foster inner peace and stronger relationships across the globe.

In Jainism forgiveness is a pathway to let-go and liberation. On the last day of the eight-day festival Paryusana the Jains celebrate  the ‘Forgiveness Day’  In Jainism "Micchami Dukkadam" is the common phrase uttered to ask for forgiveness and it means that all the ‘bad-doings be fruitless’ through forgiveness. The Jain festival to forgive and be forgiven  also called Kshamavani Diwas.

In the Bhagavad Gita, forgiveness (kshama) is a prominant divine virtue (Daivi Sampat). Listed in Chapter 16, Verse 3, of the scripture, it represents the inner strength to pardon others even when capable of retaliation. Far from a sign of weakness, true forgiveness reflects a spiritually mature, tranquil mind that is firmly rooted in understanding and inner resilience.

The blogger has authored a book on value education, highlighting forgiveness as a vital value to be embraced by school students. This act of forgiveness is presented as a voluntary choice or an unconditional gesture to release feelings of resentment and anger, while also eliminating any desire for revenge against those who have caused harm. By doing so, it transforms negative emotions into compassion and empathy, enabling students to cultivate healthier, more resilient relationships and emotional growth.

Many social psychologists consider forgiveness to be a crucial element of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), which aids students in resolving conflicts such as bullying and ragging without resorting to retaliation or ongoing social isolation. Additionally, the act of forgiving others can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and the burden of unresolved emotional issues. As a value that can be developed, forgiveness fosters essential virtues like respect, kindness, and an appreciation for the intrinsic worth of every individual.

Here are a few 'Forgiveness Haiku' for you to think over. 

Just be forgiving,
To remain loving and loved.
No one is perfect.

Never nurse your hurts -
That's a mistake, forgive yourself.
Forgive one and all.

Forgive self and all
To have peace within-n-without 
Forgive to stay free.

Let go of hurt's chain,
Peace flows in your open heart,
Future brightly gleams.

Old angers fade out,
Strength blooms where you choose to heal,
Lightness fills your soul.

Mistakes now confessed,
Learn, ask, then start anew,
Wisdom lights your way.

In Summary (for citation)

Kishore (2026) frames forgiveness as a deliberate, active choice to release toxic emotions and past grievances. He emphasizes that this process involves a dual approach of seeking self-forgiveness and extending grace to others, ultimately fostering improved mental and physical health while promoting global peace. He considers forgiveness as a gradual, conscious process for releasing emotional pain, bitterness, and self-imposed constraints, rather than a sudden event. The text emphasizes that forgiving is essential for self-care and mental health, involving the release of past bitterness while focusing on inner peace, self-forgiveness, and personal growth.

Reference

Kishore, L. (2026, July 7). The Journey to Emotional Freedom and Healing: Celebrating Global Forgiveness Day, Lalti Kishore Writes,  https://lalitkishorewrites.blogspot.com/2026/07/the-journey-to-emotional-freedom-and.html