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Even in the 21st century, to my perplexity, the world can still be divided into two broad categories: the discriminator and the discriminee. Human history is replete with acts of discrimination like racial segregation in the US, anti-semitism in Germany etc. which have existed for ages and the modern world is no bereft of it. Discrimination in terms of gender, age, sexuality, ethnicity and nationality are commonly observed and seem to have been normalised by society. To address this stark marginalisation, it was only in December 2013 when the UNAIDS Director Michel Sidiblé took cognisance of this issue and launched Zero Discrimination Day on World Aids Day. Further, the United Nations, observed the first Zero Discrimination Day on 1st  March, 2014 with an aim to create global solidarity towards ending all forms of discrimination and is noted by organisations like UNAIDS in particular to combat discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. The theme for Zero Discrimination Day this year is “End Inequalities”, primarily keeping in mind the unprecedented inequalities that have emanated after the COVID-19 outbreak and work towards ensuring good health, equal pay for equal work, shattering age-based discrimination, promoting health rights and equality amongst all.

The symbol for Zero Discrimination Day is a butterfly; an emblem of resurrection, change, renewal, hope, endurance, and courage to embrace the transformation to make life better. Chuang Tzu, a Taoist philosopher once said, “Just when the caterpillar thought that the world was over, it became a butterfly” which reflects how when things seem spiralling out of your control, everything around seems grim still there’s hope; hope for better times, hope for a new beginning, hope for change, as the world around us is an embodiment of change as,
'The bright, colourful rainbow follows the rainstorm,
soon after night comes the day,
darkness is followed by the bright light
and a seedling becomes a tree in a while.'
We’re all unique, different and special in our own spheres. On this day, let us celebrate everyone’s right of being themselves and rise above the narrow-minded pettiness. Let us raise our voices for the right to live life with dignity, despite one’s choices, beliefs, disability and even illness.
As Nelson Mandela said, “No one is born hating another person because of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
So, on this Zero Discrimination Day, let's teach them to love!