Easter

Easter is the single most important holy day throughout Christianity.

It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ — a central belief for Christians worldwide and the focal point of their faith. Religious scholars believe the event occurred three days after the Romans crucified Jesus in roughly 30 AD. Christians therefore derive hope that they too will experience a resurrection in heaven.

Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after March 21. For 2024, Easter is on March 31.

Easter is celebrated with numerous traditions and customs worldwide comprising of attending church services, taking part in special liturgies, organizing egg hunts for children, and sharing festive meals with friends and family. Families join together to eat together, give gifts, and take part in a variety of customs, such as Easter bonnet decorating and egg hunts.

Queen Elizabeth - Queen Mother's Death Anniversary

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (Full Name: Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon), who passed away on 30 March 2002, aged 101, was the Consort of George VI.

Born into British aristocracy, Elizabeth married Prince George in 1923 after previously refusing him twice. She unexpectedly became Queen after the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936.

Adolf Hitler called her "the most dangerous woman in Europe" for her activities in rallying public spirit during WWII.

Rajasthan Diwas

Rajasthan Diwas, also known as Rajasthan Statehood Day, is celebrated on March 30. This date marks the formation of the state in 1949 when Rajputana was incorporated into the Dominion of India. Since Jaipur was the biggest city, it was designated as the state capital. Rajasthan, the largest state in terms of territory, is referred to as the "Land of Kings" or the "Land of Kingdom." It is a country with a great cultural diversity, situated in the northwest. Rajputana was absorbed into the Dominion of India on March 30, 1949, creating the state. The largest city, Jaipur, was chosen to serve as the state capital.

Vincent van Gogh Birth Anniversary

Vincent van Gogh, born on 30 March 1853, is considered the greatest Dutch painter after Rembrandt.

Van Gogh was a largely self-taught artist who remained poor and unknown throughout his life. Today, his paintings are some of the most expensive in the world. Van Gogh's "Portrait of Dr. Gachet" sold for $82.5 million and "Irises" for $53.9 million.

He is known as much for his unstable psychological health, including famously cutting off his own ear, as he is for his huge body of post-Impressionist paintings (e.g. "Sunflowers" and "The Starry Night"), drawings, and sketches.

World Idli Day

 

World Idli Day which we celebrate on March 30 every year, started 9 years ago. Eniyavan, a passionate idli lover decided to dedicate a day for idlis and soon it became a trend in the food world. The story of this day is as interesting as the origin of idli itself. The delicious South Indian staple that can be served in any meal has actually become staple for the entire country and the reason is its simple recipe and many health benefits

According to media reports, World Idli Day is the brainchild of Eniyavan, a popular idli caterer from Chennai. It has been reported that in 2015, he made 1,328 varieties of idlis to commemorate this day. To celebrate the day, a giant 44-kilogram idli that was cut by a bureaucrat to seal the deal and declare March 30 as World Idli Day.

According to food historians, idli first originated in Indonesia, which is known for its long tradition of fermented food. Later, it came to India in the form of steamed idli during the period of 800-1200 CE. Some theories believe that the word was derived from ‘Iddalige’, and was mentioned in a Kannada work of 920 AD, and it indicates that it was made from an urad dal batter. Also, the Sanskrit Manasollasa of 1130 AD has ‘Iddarika’, that mentioned it a dish made with urad dal. And Tamil people first mentioned it as ‘Itali’ in the 17th century. All these references make it clear that since the very beginning idli had the use of rice grits, urad dal, long fermentation process and the steaming of the batter to tasty fluffiness.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday, also known as Easter Eve, falls between Good Friday and Easter and is a period of silent and reflection as Christians await the resurrection of Christ and joyous celebration of Easter. The day also marks the end of the 40 days of Lent, a period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday. The seventh day of the Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday, Holy Saturday commemorates the day when Jesus Christ's body lay in the tomb after his crucifixion on Good Friday and before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. On this day, devout prepare themselves physically and spiritually before celebration of Christ's resurrection.

Holy Saturday History

Good Friday is observed on the day when Jesus Christ was crucified after his arrest and charge of claiming to be the King of the Jews. According to scripture, after his death, Jesus was buried in a tomb, fulfilling ancient prophecies of his resurrection on the third day. Following the custom of the time, women, including Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary, visited the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with oils and spices. However, they discovered the tomb empty, with only the burial cloths remaining. A week later, Jesus appeared to his disciples, confirming his resurrection.

Holy Saturday Customs and Traditions

Holy Saturday, or Easter Vigil, is marked by diverse customs globally. In Mexico, it is dubbed Judas Day, where effigies of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus, are burned. In Czech tradition, it is known as White Saturday, symbolising purity and anticipation of renewal. Across cultures, the day is observed with a vigil service held an hour after sundown, symbolising the wait before Jesus' resurrection. Lighting fires and candles signify Christ's passage from death to life, while bell tolling marks the end of Lent. On this day, preparations for Easter are also made worldwide, including egg colouring and decorating.

Holy Saturday Significance

Holy Saturday is the time for deep spiritual reflection, anticipation, and preparation for the upcoming celebration of Easter. It is considered a sacred day in the Christian calendar. Holy Saturday is an integral part of the liturgical calendar of the Christian Church and various rituals are practiced to commemorate this solemn day, including the Easter Vigil. In some Christian traditions, Holy Saturday is associated with the belief that Jesus descended into the realm of the dead or 'hell' after his death on the cross. This belief, known as the 'Harrowing of Hell,' holds that Jesus liberated the souls of the righteous who had died before his coming and proclaimed salvation to all.

Jal Manekji Cooper's Birth Anniversary

  

Jal Manekji Cooper, born on 29 March 1905, in Mumbai, was an Indian philatelist, and an expert and authenticator of the postage stamps and postal history of India. Cooper was also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the author of several philatelic handbooks. He was both a stamp dealer and a collector and was associated with philatelists like C.D. Desai, N. D. Cooper, and Robson Lowe.

Cooper is occasionally but erroneously credited with having discovered the Inverted Head 4 Annas.

The 1891 reprints show that this error was already known. E. A. Smythies said the error was first discovered at a meeting of the Philatelic Society of London in 1874.

The Jal Cooper Philatelic Society, in Varanasi, India, is named after him and India Post issued a 10 rupees commemorative stamp in 1997 depicting Cooper and Indian postmarks, on the occasion of INDEPEX 97.

Utpal Dutt's Birth Anniversary

 

Utpal Dutt, born on 29 March 1929, Barisal, Bengal [now in Bangladesh] was an Indian actor, director, and writer who was a radical figure in Bengali theatre and cinema for more than 40 years.

Dutt was educated in Calcutta, where he founded the Calcutta Little Theatre Group in 1947. He twice toured with the Shakespearean International Theatre Company (1947–49; 1953–54) and was acclaimed for his passionate portrayal of Othello. From 1954 he wrote and directed controversial Bengali political plays, notably Angar (1959). He was perhaps best known for such political dramas, which he often produced on open-air stages in rural Bengal, as well as for his commitment to communist ideology. He was arrested in 1965 and detained for several months because the ruling Congress Party feared that his play Kallol was provoking antigovernment protests in West Bengal. During the 1970s three of his plays drew crowds despite being officially banned.

Dutt appeared in some 200 films, beginning with Michael Madhusudan (1950), and had considerable success as a director, particularly for Megh (1961), Jhar (1978), and Mother (1984). An intense, dramatic actor, he did some of his best work with the directors Satyajit Ray (Jana Aranya; Agantuk), Mrinal Sen (Bhuban Som; Chorus), and James Ivory (Shakespeare Wallah; The Guru). He also published books on Shakespeare and the revolutionary theatre.

International Mermaid Day

 

International Mermaid Day is observed on March 29. Tales of mythical sea creatures described as having the head and body of women and fishtails are present all around the globe. In Africa, they are the mythical water spirits, Mami Wata, in Eastern Europe, the Rusalki, which are nymphs of fertility and agriculture. In Ireland, they are called merrows. In Southeast Asia, Suvannamaccha. The symbol of the mermaids is ever-changing! In some cultures, they represent life and fertility, while in others, the destructive nature of water. The day was created in 2018 to mark the premiere of a new series Siren. Still, it can be celebrated as a continuation of humans' fascination for the creatures that lie beneath the water...

Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God, and his death at Cavalry. This year Good Friday is being observed on March 29.

The history of Good Friday dates back to the early days of Christianity, when Jesus was arrested by the Roman authorities and sentenced to death by crucifixion. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, which is why the day is called Good Friday. It is also known as Holy Friday, Black Friday, or Great Friday.

Good Friday is an important day in the Christian calendar, as it marks the beginning of the Easter weekend and the culmination of the Holy Week. It is a day of mourning and reflection for Christians all over the world, as they remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his suffering on the cross.

Good Friday is also a public holiday in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

There are many traditions associated with Good Friday, such as fasting, attending church services, and participating in processions. Some Christians also observe the day by abstaining from meat or other animal products. In some countries, it is customary to eat hot cross buns, which are sweet bread rolls with a cross on the top, to symbolise the crucifixion.

Overall, Good Friday is a solemn and meaningful day for Christians around the world. It is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to reflect on the importance of selflessness and love for others, and to renew one's faith and commitment to Christian principles.

Virginia Woolf commits suicide in 1941

 

Virginia Woolf, who committed suicide on 28 March 1941, aged 59, was an English writer. She was a significant figure in London literary society and a central figure in the influential Bloomsbury Group of intellectuals.

Woolf was one of the foremost modernists of the twentieth century. Her novels, through their nonlinear approaches to narrative, exerted a major influence on the genre.

While she is best known for her novels, especially Mrs. Dalloway (1925) and To the lighthouse (1927), Woolf also wrote pioneering essays on artistic theory, literary history, women’s writing, and the politics of power. A fine stylist, she experimented with several forms of biographical writing, composed painterly short fictions, and sent to her friends and family a lifetime of brilliant letters.

Maxim Gorky's Birth Anniversary

 

Maxim Gorky, born on 28 March 1868, was a Russian writer, nominated five times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. His most famous works are his short stories, written early in his career, including Chelkash (1894) and Twenty-Six Men and a Girl (1899).

Gorky also wrote plays, such as The Lower Depths (1902) and Children of the Sun (1905), and poems, for instance, The Song of the Stormy Petrel (1901).

He was associated with both Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov, two fellow Russian writers, and was an active opponent of the Tsarist regime and proponent of the Bolshevik movement. Gorky was also closely associated with Lenin for a time.

Despite this early agreement between Gorky and the coming Soviet regime, he was exiled from the Soviet Union for a period and only returned in 1932 after being invited back personally by Joseph Stalin.

Maundy Thursday

 

Christians mark Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper, every year on the Thursday before Easter. This year it is on March 28. It's also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, and the Thursday of Mysteries in various traditions.

Maundy refers to the foot-washing Jesus provided the apostles to the Last Supper. Christians around the world, especially Catholics, mark the day with a special mass and prayers.

The word "Maundy" itself comes from an Anglo-French word derived from the Latin "mandatum," which means "commandment."

Yuri Gagarian's Death Anniversary

 

Yuri Gagarin, who passed away on 27 March 1968, aged 34, was a Soviet cosmonaut who in 1961 became the first man to travel into space.

The son of a carpenter on a collective farm, Gagarin graduated as a molder from a trade school near Moscow in 1951. He continued his studies at the industrial college at Saratov and concurrently took a course in flying. On completing this course, he entered the Soviet Air Force cadet school at Orenburg,  from which he graduated in 1957.

Gagarin’s 4 3/4-ton Vostok 1 spacecraft was launched at 9:07 AM Moscow time on April 12, 1961, orbited Earth once in 1 hour 29 minutes at a maximum altitude of 187 miles (301 km), and landed at 10:55 AM in the Soviet Union. His spaceflight brought him immediate worldwide fame. He was awarded the Order of Lenin and given the titles of Hero of the Soviet Union and Pilot Cosmonaut of the Soviet Union. Monuments were raised to him, and streets were renamed in his honour across the Soviet Union.

Gagarin never went into space again but took an active part in training other cosmonauts. He made several tours to other nations following his historic flight, and from 1962 he served as a deputy to the Supreme Soviet. Gagarin was killed with another pilot in the crash of a two-seat jet aircraft while on what was described as a routine training flight. His ashes were placed in a niche in the Kremlin wall. After his death in 1968 the town of Gzhatsk was renamed Gagarin.

Wilhelm Rontgen's Birth Anniversary

 

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, born on 27 March 1845, was a German mechanical engineer and physicist, who, on 8 November 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays, an achievement that earned him the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. In honour of Röntgen's accomplishments, in 2004 the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) named element 111, roentgenium, a radioactive element with multiple unstable isotopes, after him. The unit of measurement roentgen was also named after him.

World Theatre Day

 

World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on 27 March. This day is dedicated to the art form of theatre, and its importance in society. The day is observed to raise awareness about the role of theatre in our lives, and to promote its growth. The history of World Theatre Day dates back to 1962, when the first World Theatre Day was celebrated.

After its conception, the World Theatre Day has gained traction and is now celebrated by governments, politicians, institutions, and theatre professionals all over the world. One of the most important aspects of World Theatre Day is its ability to create awareness about the healthy effect of theatre on individuals and society. Theatre has the power to transform lives and to make a positive impact on society. This is because theatre can help us to process difficult experiences, find common ground, and connect with others.

Epilepsy Awareness Day or Purple Day

 

Epilepsy Awareness Day on 26 March aims to increase the public's knowledge of a neurological condition affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide. Also known as Purple Day, people are encouraged to wear purple in support of epilepsy awareness. 

The neurological condition, epilepsy, impacts the central nervous system causing seizures and other symptoms. The types of seizures vary depending on the cause and type of epilepsy. Some known causes of epilepsy include:

• brain injury
• genetics
• metabolic disorders
• immune disorders
• infection

However, sometimes no known cause can be found for epilepsy in a patient. While epilepsy is not contagious, any age group can develop epilepsy. The good news is that it's highly treatable. Although the condition can be confusing for children. In some parts of the world, treatment can be challenging to find.

Another important goal for the day is removing the stigma associated with epilepsy. Those with epilepsy can lead normal lives, especially when their epilepsy is controlled.

EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY HISTORY

In 2008, Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada launched Purple Day to encourage awareness of epilepsy and to cast away some of the myths that cloud the general public's view of the condition. While other awareness observances existed previously, Purple Day and its founder continue to gain a following and awareness is spreading around the globe.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Death Anniversary

 

German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who passed away on 26 March 1827, aged 56,  is widely regarded as the most important musical figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western music, and as one of the greatest classical composers to ever live.

First taught by his father from the age of 5, who sought to popularise his son as a child prodigy following Mozart’s success, Beethoven did not attract attention until his adolescence.

His hearing began to deteriorate from his late twenties, and he experienced the last decade of his life in almost complete silence. After giving up public conducting and performing in 1811, he nevertheless continued to compose and produced some of the greatest masterpieces in his career.

Robert Frost's Birth Anniversary

 

Robert Frost, born on March 26, 1874, was an American poet, known for his representations of rural life in ways which explored social and political themes with an emphasis on American colloquial speech. He holds a record for receiving four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry within his lifetime.

Frost's grandfather bought a farm for him and his wife, which Frost worked for nine years while writing poetry in the mornings. His farming enterprise proved ultimately unsuccessful, but he wrote many of his most famous poems during this period.

While Frost moved with his family to England in 1912, they would return during World War I. He then went on to work as a teacher at Amherst College in Massachusetts, Middlebury College in Vermont, and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Independence Day of Bangladesh

The Independence Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh (Bengali: স্বাধীনতা দিবস Shadhinôta Dibôs), taking place on 26 March, is a national holiday. It commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Pakistan in the early hours of 26 March 1971 by the leader of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Independence Day is commonly associated with parades, political speeches, fairs, concerts, ceremonies and various other public and private events celebrating the history and traditions of Bangladesh. TV and radio stations broadcast special programs and patriotic songs in honour of the Independence Day.

Generally, a thirty-one gun salute is conducted in the morning. The main streets are decorated with national flags. Different political parties and socioeconomic organizations undertake programs to mark the day in a befitting manner, including paying respects at National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar near Dhaka. 

International Waffle Day

On March 25 all those with a sweet tooth can join the celebration of International Waffle Day.

The event was launched in the Scandinavian countries and quickly became popular around the world.

In ancient Greece, flat loaves were baked by pressing them down with two plates with a beehive pattern. The plates were made of metal and connected by a hinge mechanism. In this way, liquid dough was poured onto one plate, pressed down by the other, and put on an open fire for baking.

In the Middle Ages, waffles became quite popular in Europe, with street vendors selling them in many cities.

There are more than 100 varieties of waffles in the world. In particular, Austrian waffles are soft, fluffy, and thin waffles with a juicy filling. When making English waffles, potato or oatmeal flakes are added to the dough. While still hot, the waffles are rolled into a tube and filled with various vegetable fillings and sauces.

American waffles are fluffy and soft products served with sweet or savory dishes. To make them, baking soda or baking powder is added to the dough.

Belgian waffles are familiar in two interpretations: Liege and Brussels. The former are crispy and hard rounded products baked with caramelized sugar. Brussels waffles, on the other hand, are soft and fluffy because they are made with yeast dough. They are eaten cold or hot, pre-sprinkled with powdered sugar or syrup.

Greek Independence Day

Greek Independence Day, national holiday celebrated annually in Greece on March 25, commemorating the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. It coincides with the Greek Orthodox Church’s celebration of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear the son of God.

Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire since 1453. The Greek revolt was precipitated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. The cry “Freedom or death” became the motto of the revolution. The Greeks experienced early successes on the battlefield, including the capture of Athens in June 1822, but infighting ensued. By 1827 Athens and most of the Greek isles had been recaptured by the Turks.

Just as the revolution appeared to be on the verge of failure, Great Britain, France, and Russia intervened in the conflict. The Greek struggle had elicited strong sympathy in Europe, and many leading intellectuals had promoted the Greek cause, including the English poet Lord Byron. At the naval Battle of Navarino, the combined British, French, and Russian forces destroyed an Ottoman-Egyptian fleet. The revolution ended in 1829 when the Treaty of Edirne established an independent Greek state.

In celebration of Greek Independence Day, towns and villages throughout Greece hold a school flag parade, during which schoolchildren march in traditional Greek costume and carry Greek flags. There is also an armed forces parade in Athens.

Harry Houdini's 150th Birth Anniversary

Harry Houdini, born on 24 March 1874, was a Hungarian-American escape artist, illusionist, and stunt performer known for his sensational escape acts. His 1904 challenge with the Daily Mirror's special handcuffs and several Hollywood films are among his well-known acts.

Born in Budapest, he arrived in the United States with his family in 1878. He took on various jobs as a child, including performing as a trapeze artist. Houdini began his magic career in 1891 without initial success, but his fortunes changed after meeting manager Martin Beck who advised him to focus on escape acts.

Houdini's parents were Rabbi Mayer Sámuel Weisz and Cecília Steiner. After emigrating to the United States, the Weisz family changed their name to the German spelling Weiss. They lived in Appleton, Wisconsin, and then, after financial struggles, moved to New York City. Houdini's public debut was as "Ehrich, the Prince of the Air" at nine years old, and he was a champion cross country runner in his youth.

As a magician, Houdini adopted the stage name "Harry Houdini" after French magician Robert-Houdin and possibly American magician Harry Kellar. His brother Theodore Hardeen also pursued a career in escape acts.

Houdini became famous during European tours, challenging police to contain him and successfully suing those who claimed his acts were fake. He married Wilhelmina Beatrice "Bess" Rahner, who became his stage assistant.

Houdini took on various roles beyond escapology; he acted in movies, briefly ran his own film production company, and wrote books refuting spiritualism and fraudulent mediums. He also served as the president of the Society of American Magicians, devoted to maintaining professional standards and debunking frauds in the magician community.

Houdini's notable escape acts included the Daily Mirror handcuff challenge, the Milk Can Escape, the Chinese water torture cell, and the suspended straitjacket escape. He wrote "The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin" criticizing his former idol and "A Magician Among the Spirits" confronting spiritualist frauds. His voice was recorded on Edison wax cylinders in 1914.

Houdini vehemently defended his methods and sued for slander when challenged. He was a Freemason and bought a townhouse in Harlem. Late in life, he suffered a fatal blow to his abdomen by Jocelyn Gordon Whitehead. Houdini was hospitalized and died of peritonitis in October of 1926.

Afterward, his estate, effects, and memorabilia were inherited by his brother and later obtained by collectors including David Copperfield. Attempts to communicate with Houdini after death through séances, as per a pact between him and his wife, were unsuccessful.

 

World Tuberculosis Day

 

Each year, we commemorate World Tuberculosis Day on 24 March to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.

History

The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease. It was not before the year 1982, on the centenary of Dr. Koch's discovery that the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) proposed observing 24 March as World TB Day to raise awareness about TB and its global impact. The first World TB Day was officially observed in 1983, and since then, it has become an annual event.

Significance

The day is an annual reminder to continue with the research and investment on treatment strategies, prevention methods and awareness around tuberculosis. As per WHO (World Health Organisation), about a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB bacteria. About 5–10% of people infected with TB will eventually get symptoms and develop TB disease. TB disease is usually treated with antibiotics and can be fatal without treatment. It's important to practice good hygiene when coughing, avoiding contact with other people and wearing a mask, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

World Tuberculosis Day aims to unite governments, health organizations, and communities worldwide in their commitment to end the TB epidemic by ensuring access to quality care for all those affected.

World Bear Day

 

World Bear Day is celebrated on 23 March, every year. It is a special day to celebrate the eight species of bears that include the American black bear, the Asiatic black bear, the brown bear, the giant panda, the polar bear, the sloth bear, the spectacled bear, and the sun bear.

This day is dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation for bears all over the world. It was established in 1992, and has grown in popularity and scope over the years.

Bears are solitary mammals found across North and South America, Europe, and Asia. These creatures can live up to 25 years in the wild but six species are threatened or vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Bears face habitat loss because of logging, agriculture, and growing human population, melting sea ice, illegal wildlife trade, often for gall bladder, an ingredient used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Pakistan Day

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Ram Mohan Lohia's Birth Anniversary

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Bhagat Singh Martyred in 1931

Bhagat Singh, revolutionary hero of the Indian independence movement, was martyred on 23 March, 1931 in Lahore.

Bhagat Singh attended Dayanand Anglo Vedic High School, which was operated by Arya Samaj (a reform sect of modern Hinduism), and then National College, both located in Lahore. He began to protest British rule in India while still a youth and soon fought for national independence. He also worked as a writer and editor in Amritsar for Punjabi- and Urdu-language newspapers espousing Marxist theories. He is credited with popularizing the catchphrase “Inquilab zindabad” (“Long live the revolution”).

In 1928 Bhagat Singh plotted with others to kill the police chief responsible for the death of Indian writer and politician Lala Lajpat Rai, one of the founders of National College, during a silent march opposing the Simon Commission.  Instead, in a case of mistaken identity, junior officer J.P. Saunders was killed, and Bhagat Singh had to flee Lahore to escape the death penalty. In 1929 he and an associate lobbed a bomb at the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi to protest the implementation of the Defence of India Act and then surrendered. He was hanged at the age of 23 for the murder of Saunders.

World Meteorological Day

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International Seal Day

 

International Seal Day, was established on 22 March 2015, to raise awareness about the importance of protecting seals and their habitats around the world. Did you know that there are over 30 different species of seals in the world? These playful and intelligent animals are found in oceans all over the globe and play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems.

World Water Day

World Water Day is an annual United Nations (UN) observance day held on 22 March that highlights the importance of fresh water. The day is used to advocate the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The theme each year focuses on topics relevant to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which is in line with the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6. The UN World Water Development Report (WWDR) is released each year around World Water Day.

The first World Water Day, designated by the United Nations, was in 1993.

Namibia Independence Day

 

Namibia located in southern Africa, celebrates its Independence Day on 21 March every year. The country’s name comes from the word “nama,” which means “vast place.”

The name referred to the Namib Desert, which is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. Namibia has a rich history that includes prehistoric African tribes such as Nama, San, and Damara.

In 1485, Portuguese explorer Diogo Cao led the first European expedition to the country.

Namibia became a German colony under Otto Von Bismarck in 1884, known at the time as Deutsch-Südwestafrika, or South-West Africa. During this time, the Germans executed over 10,000 natives of Namibia.

After World War I, South Africa took control of the country. However, after World War II, the United Nations (UN) sanctioned South Africa to relinquish control over Namibia, which it refused to do.

In the 1970s, revolts for independence began, with neighbouring countries such as Angola and Zambia already having gained their independence from South Africa. The People’s Liberation Army of Namibia led the struggle for the country’s independence from South Africa.

In 1988, South Africa agreed to give the country its much-awaited freedom, and on 21 March 1990, the Republic of Namibia was declared, with Sam Nujoma as its first president.