Friendship Day 2021: Celebrating the meaning of friendship in the pandemic

The word 'friendship' is evocative of a million emotions. But in the pandemic, its very essence has changed. People have had to stay away from friends, showing their support, love and affections through virtual mediums only. Indian Express' Varnika Srivastava spoke with millennials and Gen-Zs on how they plan to celebrate the day this year, and here are their thoughts. (Designed by Abhishek Mitra)

Shreya Yadav, a Delhi University bachelors student believes friends are an integral part of our lives. "I would define friendship as a source of constant happiness, support, and everlasting memories," she told indianexpress.com. Given the situation, her plans of celebrating the day constitutes of a "virtual date". 

Aditi Sharma, a Delhi-based student journalist, says Friendship Day for her is about her best friends. She intends to meet up with them virtually. "Pandemic This Friendship day I will have a virtual date with my squad," she told indianexpress.com.

Delhi-based PR manager Barsa Dash believes Friendship Day gives a reason to be more grateful. "Friendship Day for me is about appreciating people in life and thanking them for staying with me. Pandemic hasn't left us with many options, but a Netflix date with my squad is definitely fixed; and also calls."

"It will not be justified to rejoice one day," Shubham Mittal, a Merchant Navy navigational officer said, referring to Friendship Day.

Devansh Srivastava, a software engineer, believes "friendship is one of the most important and valuable things in life. "It is the most beautiful gift we can present to anyone," he said. His plans this year comprises arranging calls with friends and reliving past memories.

Aditya Srivastava, a Merchant Navy navigational officer stated friends are for life. "The pandemic has taken a toll, but I will surely look through old photos and arrange for a video call with my friends."

"A toast for my people who have been with me through thick and thin. It's essential to take out time and appreciate all our relationships; Friendship Day stands for them," Somya Anand, a law student said. "Friendship is sharing mutual understanding, to have someone you can open up to," she added. "On this day, my friends and I have planned a Zoom date to watch a movie and have lunch together."

Anindita Padhy, a Mumbai-based PR trainee, believes every day could be Friendship Day. "There can be reasons to celebrate friendships every day, but I go an extra mile to make my friends feel valued on this day. If everything goes well, I would love to be in the same city as my college friends to celebrate Friendship Day for once. It's been long since everyone was under the same roof," she said.