Triangle Woman Honors Late Brother with Nationwide 'Day of Good'

The annual event on April 15 encourages acts of kindness in memory of Raj Mehta.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a coffee cup repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform an everyday object into modern pop art.The annual Raj Mehta Day of Good encourages people across the country to pause, connect with their communities, and make a positive impact through simple acts of kindness.Today in Raleigh

Pooja Mehta organizes the Raj Mehta Day of Good each year on April 15 to honor her brother, a Triangle native and Duke engineering student who died by suicide in 2020. What started as a personal tribute has grown into a national movement, with thousands of people participating in volunteer activities, community events, and acts of kindness across the U.S. and in over a dozen countries.

Why it matters

The Raj Mehta Day of Good aims to celebrate Raj's life and legacy by encouraging people to slow down, connect with their communities, and make a positive impact through simple acts of kindness. The event has resonated with many, reflecting a broader desire to find meaning and build stronger communities, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

The details

This year's Day of Good will have the theme "Pause for Community," with partner organizations hosting various events like an after-hours pet adoption drive and students writing cards of gratitude. Participants are free to get involved however they can, whether that's volunteering, reaching out to a neighbor, or simply taking time to connect with others.

  • The Raj Mehta Day of Good is held annually on April 15, Raj's birthday.
  • The first Raj Mehta Day of Good was organized in the weeks after Raj's death in March 2020.

The players

Pooja Mehta

Raj Mehta's sister, who organizes the annual Day of Good in his memory.

Raj Mehta

A Triangle native and Duke engineering student who died by suicide in March 2020, inspiring the creation of the Day of Good.

Safe Haven for Cats

A partner organization hosting an after-hours pet adoption event for the Day of Good.

Key Club of Raleigh Charter High

Raj Mehta's alma mater, whose students are writing cards of gratitude for the Day of Good.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The whole purpose of this day is really encouraging people to think about how can you engage with each other and how can you make it a little bit better.”

— Pooja Mehta, Raj Mehta's sister

What’s next

Organizers are projecting around 2,500 people to participate in the Raj Mehta Day of Good this year across all 50 states and at least 14 countries.

The takeaway

The Raj Mehta Day of Good has grown from a personal tribute into a national movement, reflecting a broader desire to find meaning, build community, and make a positive impact through simple acts of kindness, especially in the wake of the pandemic.