Pranab Mukherjee's Death Anniversary

 

Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away on 31 August 2020, in Delhi, aged 84, was an Indian politician and government official who served as president of India (2012–17). He succeeded Pratibha Patil (served 2007–12), India’s first woman president.

Mukherjee’s father, Kamada Kinkar Mukherjee, was deeply involved in India’s struggle for independence from Great Britain in the first half of the 20th century. A longtime member of the Indian National Congress (Congress Party), the elder Mukherjee spent several years in prison as a result of his activities opposing British rule and, after Indian independence, held a seat in the state legislature of West Bengal (1952–64). Pranab was educated at the Suri Vidyasagar College (then affiliated with the University of Calcutta), and he later earned an advanced degree in history and political science as well as a law degree from the university. In 1963 he accepted a teaching position at a small college near Calcutta (now Kolkata) that was associated with the university. He also became editor of a Bengali-language monthly periodical and, later, worked for a weekly publication.

Mukherjee first ran for public office in 1969, when he won a seat in the Rajya Sabha (upper house) of the Indian parliament as a member of the Bangla Congress, which soon merged with the Congress Party. He served an additional four terms, although he left that chamber in 2004 and contested and won a seat in the Lok Sabha (lower house). He served there until mid-2012, when he ran for president of India.

Early on in his career in the legislature, Mukherjee became a protégé of Indira Gandhi, prime minister of India in 1966–77 and 1980–84. Under her tutelage, he began in 1973 to fill administrative positions of increasing responsibility in the cabinet, and in 1982 he was named to the important post of minister of finance. Following the assassination of Gandhi in 1984, however, Mukherjee had a falling out with Rajiv Gandhi, her son and successor (1984-89) as prime minister, and was relegated to the political backwater. He subsequently left the Congress Party in 1986 and by early 1987 had formed his own small political party. By 1989, however, the two men had been reconciled, and Mukherjee had merged his group back into Congress.

Mukherjee’s fortunes improved in 1991 when, after Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, P.V. Narasimha Rao took leadership of Congress and, after the party’s success in parliamentary elections, was named prime minister. Under Rao (who served until 1996) and the party’s Manmohan Singh (who became prime minister in 2004), Mukherjee held most of the major ministerial portfolios in the cabinet: commerce (1993–95), external affairs (1995–96 and 2006–09), defense (2004–06), and finally back to finance (2009–12). He also occupied several important legislative posts, including leader of the Rajya Sabha (1980–84), Congress Party whip in the upper house (1996–2004), and leader of the Lok Sabha (2004–12). In addition to his government activities in India, Mukherjee was involved with a number of prominent international organizations, most notably occupying seats on the boards of governors of the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank during his two stints as finance minister.

In June 2012 the Congress Party chose Mukherjee as its candidate for the Indian presidency. Because the office is nonpartisan, he resigned from the Lok Sabha (also relinquishing the Finance Ministry) and the party. He easily won the July 19 election and was sworn into office six days later. The presidency is viewed as a largely ceremonial post. However, observers noted that Mukherjee, with his decades of experience in government and politics, was more engaged in governance than most of his predecessors. In 2017 Mukherjee’s term as president ended, and he was succeeded by Ram Nath Kovind. He died in August 2020 after brain surgery left him in a coma and after suffering from septic shock due to a lung infection.

Mukherjee was the author of several books, including Beyond Survival: Emerging Dimensions of Indian Economy (1984) and Challenges Before the Nation (1993). In 2019 he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.

 

 

National Small Industry Day (India)

 

India commemorates National Small Industry Day on August 30 as a tribute to the invaluable role played by small-scale industries in the country’s progress. The day serves as a platform to encourage and bolster growth in enterprises within the MSME sector, foster the establishment of new businesses and create job opportunities.  

Notably, on August 30, 2000, the government had reportedly unveiled an extensive policy package aimed at bolstering the small-scale industry, a pivotal moment that led to the annual observance of National Small Industry Day. The terms Small Scale Industry (SSI) registration and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) registration are used interchangeably, with the MSME Development Act of 2006 designed to facilitate the advancement, expansion, and competitive edge of MSMEs or SSIs.

On May 9, 2007, the former Ministry of Small-Scale Industries and the Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries were amalgamated to establish the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

On the other hand, the United Nations General Assembly has officially designated June 27 as MSME Day with the aim of amplifying public recognition of the significant role that MSMEs play in advancing sustainable development and the overall global economy.

The day has been observed since 2017 subsequent to the passage of a resolution within the Assembly during the year.

 

National Sports Day (India)

 

Every year on 29th August, India comes together to celebrate National Sports Day. This event commemorates the birth anniversary of one of the iconic hockey players, Major Dhyan Chand. National Sports Day not only celebrates his birth anniversary but also emphasises the importance of sports and physical activities in our daily lives.  National Sports Day is an opportune moment to reflect on the significance of sports in fostering national unity, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and inspiring the younger generation to engage in physical activities.

History

This day marks the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, who was born in 1905, in a Rajput family in Allahabad. Dhyan Chand had followed the footsteps of his father and joined the Army. It was in the Army where Dhyan Chand took up hockey. The hockey wizard brought various laurels to the nation and was part of the Indian hockey team which struck gold in the Olympics of 1928, 1932, and 1936. He scored more than 400 goals in his career which spanned over 22 years.

Dhyan Chand led the team with three goals in the 1936 Berlin Olympic final, which they won 8-1 against Germany. The game represented the height of India's hockey achievements under Dhyan Chand's leadership.

Even after retiring, he continued to make contributions to the game. He taught at several coaching camps in Rajasthan in addition to serving as head coach at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.

Significance

On National Sports Day every year, the president of India gives out all the sports-related awards like the Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to honour sportspersons and coaches who have made the nation proud in their respective sport.

The Khelo India movement, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated in 2018, is one of the sporting initiatives that the government has launched on this day over the years.

 

Ustad Vilayat Khan's Birth Anniversary

 

Ustad Vilayat Khan, born on 28 August 1928, was an Indian classical sitar player, considered by many to be the greatest sitarist of his age. Along with Imdad Khan, Enayat Khan, and Imrat Khan, he is credited with the creation and development of gayaki ang (a technique that emulates the vocal melisma of Hindustani classical music) on the sitar.

He recorded his first 78-RPM disc at the age of and gave his last concert in 2004 at the age of 75. He has composed the music for several films, including Jalsaghar (1958), The Guru (1969), and Kadambari (1976). He had given a chance to newcomer Kavita Krishnamurthy in Kadambari which was the first song in her career.

International Lottery Day

International Lottery Day, celebrated every year on August 27, honours the rich and storied history of lotteries across the globe. For centuries, lotteries have captivated people's imaginations, offering them a chance to dream of a brighter future.

Today, lotteries are legally embraced in most countries worldwide, serving as both a popular form of entertainment and a way for individuals to imagine winning life-changing wealth.

International Lottery Day is a celebration of the hope and aspirations that lotteries inspire. It’s a day to dream big, believe in possibilities, and envision a future filled with endless potential.

International Dog Day

 

World seems like a wonderful place when there is love, happiness and a loyal presence who adores you and craves for your company. There is nothing quite like a dog who never leaves you alone, especially in your darkest hours, and wins your heart every day with their adorable ways. While it is believed that pet parents take care of their furry companions, it's the other way round too. In their company, life seems much easier than it is and all the fears and anxieties melt away. For dog lovers, every day is dedicated to their animal companions, but there is a special day to celebrate these precious buddies.

When is International Dog Day

International Dog Day founded by Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert Collen Paige is observed every year on August 26. It was first celebrated in the year 2004 when Collen was 10 and his family adopted a dog for the first time.

History of International Dog Day

Colleen Paige was wise even at the age of 10. Long before he became a dog trainer, author, and animal rescue advocate the bright child thought of dedicating a day to dogs for bringing awareness how important animals are to motivate people for adopting pets. He chose August 26 for celebrating International Dog Day for honouring all kinds of dogs irrespective of their breeds, as this was the day when he and his family brought home Sheltie their first dog from an animal shelter.

Significance of International Dog Day

Dogs dedicate their lives for humans and their presence has a soothing effect. Some dogs can be trained to support disabled people while others can help in search and rescue operations with their incredible sense of smell. Above all, their capacity for love and undying loyalty makes them a precious addition to our lives.

Celebration of International Dog Day

You don't have to be necessarily a pet parent to celebrate this day, you can do your bit for the street animals who often have to struggle for basic amenities like food and shelter. From providing them food and water to helping with their vaccination, there's a lot you can do for them. Spending time with them and taking them to vet check-ups is also something anyone can do.

 

 

Durga Malla's Death Anniversary

Durga Malla, passed away on 25 August 1944, in Delhi, British India, aged 31. During his student days, he was actively involved in anti-British activities in the locality.  His family was frequently subjected to severe interrogation by the British. In 1942 Netaji entrusted the responsibility to Durga Malla to mobilize volunteers for INA from different Gorkha battalions. He was promoted to the rank of Major by Netaji because of his commitment and passion.

After the formation of the Provisional Azad Hind Government under the supreme command of Netaji, war was declared against the Allied Forces on 25 October 1943. Durga Malla was posted in the Intelligence Branch.  He along with fellow soldiers entered the hilly area of greater Assam across the Burma border.

On 27 March 1944 when Durga Malla was on a mission in Manipur, he was captured by the British at Ukhrul in Manipur. On 15 August 1944, he was taken to Delhi Central Jail from the Red Fort. After 10 days, on 25 August 1944, he was sent to the gallows.

On 25 August 2017, the Uttarakhand government announced that the Doiwala- Khata road would be named after martyr Major Durga Malla. Also, the martyr’s statue adorns the Parliament which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2004.

Pluto Demoted Day

 

In Prague on August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) voted to demote Pluto from the ninth planet from the Sun to one of dozens of known dwarf planets.

The vote followed a week of debate by the IAU, who voted on multiple proposals including one that kept not just Pluto as a planet but added two new planets—the asteroid Ceres and Pluto’s moon Charon. The ultimate proposal defined the word “planets” (which comes from the Greek word planets, or “wanderers”) supposedly once and for all: planets are celestial objects large enough to be made rounded by their gravitational orbit around the Sun and to have pushed away nearby planetary objects and debris. Two years later, the IAU decided on a name for dwarf planets similar to Pluto— “plutoid” - —grouping Pluto with Eris.

Some influential astronomers were caught off guard by the procedure, questioning the final proposal’s logic and pointing to the low turnout of voters (424 astronomers out of about 10,000 professional astronomers worldwide) at the IAU conference. One astronomer pointed to the contradiction that Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Neptune all have nearby asteroids. “I’m embarrassed for astronomy,” he said. “Less than 5 percent of the world’s astronomers voted.”

This scientific reclassification has had a worldwide cultural impact, as suggested by the American Dialect Society’s choice of “plutoed” as 2006’s Word of the Year—meaning “to demote or devalue someone or something. “Our members believe the great emotional reaction of the public to the demotion of Pluto shows the importance of Pluto as a name,” the society’s president said. Some state legislatures have even named March 13 Pluto Day, in stubborn dismissal of Pluto’s demotion.

National Space Day (India)

 

India is celebrating its maiden National Space Day today on August 23, 2024, on the one-year anniversary of the successful moon landing of ISRO's Vikram Lander from Chandrayaan-3 on August 23, 2023. India made history on August 23, 2023, by becoming the fourth nation to successfully land on the Moon and the first to reach its southern polar region. To commemorate this monumental achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared August 23 as "National Space Day."

National Space Day: Theme and significance

The theme of this year's National Space Day (is "Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga." This theme reflects India's extraordinary journey in space exploration and its impact on society. The celebrations will feature a series of events showcasing India's significant milestones in space, the societal benefits of its space program, and the countless opportunities available for people to engage with and contribute to the nation's space endeavours.

National Space Day 2024 is a time to celebrate the wonders of the universe, the incredible achievements of astronauts and space scientists, and the unyielding human spirit that pushes the boundaries of exploration. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on our progress in space exploration and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Space exploration has been one of humanity's greatest achievements, marking our journey from curious observers of the night sky to active explorers of the cosmos. The bravery and dedication of astronauts and space scientists have made this possible. On National Space Day, we honour these pioneers who dared to venture into the unknown, expanding our knowledge and understanding of the universe.

Vikram Sarabhai, a renowned Indian scientist, is often referred to as the "father of the Indian space program. One of his famous quotes: "There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society."

World Folklore Day

World Folklore Day, celebrated annually on August 22, has an intriguing history behind its date. It was on this day in 1946 that the term "folklore" was coined by the English writer William John Thoms. World Folklore Day aims to preserve the rich collection of traditions that comprise global folklore and encourage ongoing studies in this field.

Vinoo Mankad's Death Anniversary

 

Mulvantrai Himmatlal Mankad or Vinoo Mankad, who passed away on 21 August 1978, in Mumbai, aged 61, was one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of Indian cricket. Mankad, who represented India in 44 Tests, averaged 31.47 with the bat. He also scored 5 centuries and 6 fifties during the course of his Test career. Being a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Mankad twice took 8-wickets in an innings. He ended his Test career with 162 wickets, striking at a rate of 90.6 balls per wicket.

His top performance as an all-rounder came against England at Lord's in 1952. He was the top scorer for India in both the innings, scoring 72 and 184 in first and second innings respectively. He also picked 5/196 during England's first innings, making his way to both the batting and bowling honours boards. Even though India ended the Test match and the series on the losing side, Mankad's performance was lauded all over.

During New Zealand's tour of India in 1955/56, Vinoo Mankad scored 231 at Chennai, the highest score in Tests by an Indian at that time. This record was only broken in 1983, after Sunil Gavaskar made 236 against the West Indies.

In the same innings against New Zealand, Mankad and his opening partner Pankaj Roy recorded the highest opening partnership of 413 runs, a record that stood for 52 years. This record was only broken by Neil McKenzie and Graeme Smith, who put on 415 runs for the first wicket against Bangladesh in 2008.

Vinoo Mankad will be remembered the most for what transpired during India's tour of Australia in 1947/48. In the second Test, he ran out Bill Brown, who was backing up too far at the non-striker's end. Mankad, who was the bowler, broke the wickets down after seeing Brown out of the crease in his bowling delivery. After this, a new term called 'Mankading' (because Vinoo Mankad used it for the first time) was coined to describe running someone out this way.

The BCCI commemorated Vinoo Mankad's contribution to Indian cricket, naming the domestic Under-19 One day tournament as the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.

 

World Mosquito Day

World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20 to raise awareness about the persistent threat posed by mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading some of the deadliest diseases known to humanity. This day emphasises the critical importance of safeguarding ourselves and our communities from the life-threatening illnesses that mosquitoes transmit, including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. These diseases continue to affect and claim the lives of millions across the globe each year, making it vital to remain vigilant in our fight against these tiny yet deadly creatures.

World Mosquito Day History

On August 20, 1897, Sir Ronald Ross made a groundbreaking discovery when he found the malaria parasite in the stomach of a female Anopheles mosquito. This discovery revolutionised medical science by providing the first evidence that mosquitoes transmit malaria to humans. In honour of this milestone, World Mosquito Day was established on August 20. Each year, it serves as a reminder to raise awareness about the dangers of mosquito-borne diseases and the ongoing efforts to combat these deadly pests.

World Mosquito Day Significance

World Mosquito Day aims to raise awareness about the various diseases mosquitoes can transmit, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya. It also honours the tireless efforts of social service providers, medical professionals, and other individuals dedicated to combating these mosquito-borne diseases.

The primary objective is to unite in the fight to control the mosquito population and reduce the threat of these diseases. Many organisations also use this day to raise funds and promote preventive measures, including vaccination and the use of insect repellents.

 

World Photography Day

World Photography Day observed on August 19 commemorates the invention of the Daguerreotype, one of the earliest photographic processes, which was announced as a gift to the world by the French government on August 19, 1839. The Daguerreotype, developed by Louis Daguerre and Joseph Niépce, marked a significant milestone in the history of photography, revolutionizing how images were captured and preserved.

World Photography Day honours this invention and celebrates photography as a medium that has evolved over centuries, influencing art, science, journalism, and personal expression. It serves as a global platform for photographers and enthusiasts to come together, share their passion, showcase their work, and promote the appreciation of photography worldwide.

World Breast Cancer Research Day

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer overall. And every year, August 18 is observed as World Breast Cancer Research Day globally to emphasise the urgent need of finding a cure for the deadly disease. Also, the day aims to raise awareness to show support to the people suffering from the deadly disease.

The day founded by Dr Susan Love Foundation was first annually celebrated in 2021.

According to World Cancer Research Day Organisation, “Breast cancer advocacy and research is highlighted significantly in October, but our fight against the disease needs to continue throughout the rest of the year. Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, the top-ranked breast cancer research organization in the U.S., recognized the need to highlight breast cancer specifically the research that is being done to combat the disease ­outside the month of October. Dr Susan Love Foundation is hopeful that World Breast Cancer Research Day will be a pivotal day in history that will allow us to achieve a breast cancer-free world.”

Indonesia independence Day

The Independence Day of Indonesia (in Indonesian formally known as Hari Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia shortened "HUT RI", or simply Hari Kemerdekaan, and colloquially referred by the people as Tujuhbelasan, meaning "the Seventeenth") is a national holiday in Indonesia commemorating the anniversary of Indonesia’s proclamation of independence on 17 August 1945. It was made a national holiday by government decree in 1946.

Ceremonies and festivities are held throughout the country to celebrate this national day, including the flag hoisting ceremony conducted nation-wide and at Indonesian diplomatic installations abroad, local community competitions, with patriotic and cultural parades.  Discounts are offered by participating shopping centres or businesses. On 16 August or the last Friday prior to 17 August, the president of Indonesia addresses the nation at the People’s Consultative Assembly. The celebration of the proclamation is often confused with the Dutch recognition of Indonesia’s independence on 27 December 1949.

On 17 August at 10:00 Western Indonesian Time all Indonesian national television networks traditionally broadcast the National Independence Day Ceremony live from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Earlier that day, cities and regencies throughout Indonesia conduct the flag hoisting ceremony at their respective city halls. Streets, public places and public transportation are filled with nationalistic and patriotic decorations and art dominating with the red and white colour symbolizing the national flag of Indonesia throughout the month of August.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Death Anniversary

 

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away on 16 August 2018, aged 93, was an Indian politician and poet who served three terms as the Prime Minister of India, first for a term of 13 days in 1996, then for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999, followed by a full term from 1999 to 2004. He was the first non-Congress prime minister to serve a full term in the office. Vajpayee was one of the co-founders and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was a member of the RSS, a Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation. He was also a Hindi Poet and a writer.

He was a member of the Indian Parliament for over five decades, having been elected ten times to the Lok Sabha, the lower house, and twice to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house. He served as the Member of Parliament from the Lucknow constituency, retiring from active politics in 2009 due to health concerns. He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, of which he was president from 1968 to 1972. The BJS merged with several other parties to form the Janata Party, which won the 1977 general election. In 1977, Vajpayee became the Minister of External Affairs in the cabinet of Prime Minister, Moraji Desai. He resigned in 1979, and the Janata alliance collapsed soon after. Former members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh formed the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980, with Vajpayee its first president.

During his tenure as prime minister, India carried out the Pokharan-II nuclear tests in 1998. Vajpayee sought to improve diplomatic relations with Pakistan, travelling to Lahore by bus to meet with Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. After the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan, he sought to restore relations through engagement with President Pervez Musharraf, inviting him to India for a summit at Agra. Vajpayee's government introduced many domestic economic and infrastructural reforms, including encouraging the private sector and foreign investments, reducing governmental waste, encouraging research and development and privatisation of some government owned corporations. During his tenure, India's security was threatened by a number of violent incidents including 2001 Indian Parliament attack and Gujarat riots which ultimately caused his defeat in 2004 general election.

The administration of Narendra Modi declared in 2014 that Vajpayee's birthday, 25 December, would be marked as Good Governance Day. In 2015, he was conferred India's highest civilian honour — Bharat Ratna, by the then-President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. He died in 2018 of age-related illness.

Indian Independence Day

Indian Independence Day is celebrated annually on 15 August as a public holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947, the day when the provisions of the Indian Independence Act, which transferred legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly, came into effect. India attained independence following the independence movement noted for noted for largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience led by Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.  

Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which British India was divided into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties. On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the flag and gives an address to the nation. The entire event is broadcast by Doordarshan, India's national broadcaster, and usually begins with the shehnai music of Ustad Bismillah Khan. Independence Day is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. It is a national holiday.

Pakistan Independence Day

 

Pakistan Independence Day, observed annually on 14 August, is a national holiday in Pakistan. It commemorates the day when Pakistan achieved independence from the United Kingdom and was declared a sovereign state following the termination of the British Raj between the 14th and 15th August 1947. By the time of independence, Pakistan retained King George VI and after 1952, Queen Elizabeth II as head of state until its transition into a republic in 1956. The nation came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement, which aimed for the creation of an independent Muslim state in the north-western regions of British India via partition.  The movement was led by the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event was brought forth by the Indian Independence Act 1947 under which the British Raj gave independence to the Dominion of Pakistan which comprised West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). That year the day of independence coincided with 27 Ramadan of the Islamic calendar, the eve of which, one of the five nights on which Laylat al-Qadr may occur, is regarded as sacred by Muslims.

The main Independence Day ceremony takes place in Islamabad, where the national flag is hoisted at the Presidential and Parliament buildings. It is followed by the national anthem and live televised speeches by leaders. Usual celebratory events and festivities for the day include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and the playing of patriotic songs. A number of award ceremonies are often held on this day, and Pakistanis hoist the national flag atop their homes or display it prominently on their vehicles and attire.

World Organ Donation Day

World Organ Donation Day observed on 13 August is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for organ donors and promote donor registration.

Organ Donation Day: History and significance

The history of organ transplantation dates back to the early 20th century, with significant milestones marking its evolution. The first successful kidney transplant occurred in 1954, when Ronald Lee Herrick donated a kidney to his identical twin brother, a groundbreaking procedure performed by Dr. Joseph Murray.

This landmark event paved the way for advancements in organ transplantation, leading to the successful transplantation of hearts, livers, lungs, and other organs.

In India, a significant milestone in organ donation history occurred on August 3, 1994, when the country witnessed its first successful deceased donor heart transplant, which marked a pivotal moment in India’s organ transplantation journey and laid the groundwork for future advancements in the field.

Initially, India celebrated National Organ Donation Day on November 27, starting in 2010 under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).

However, in 2023, the observance was shifted to August 3 to commemorate the anniversary of India’s first successful deceased donor heart transplant. In essence, World Organ Donation Day addresses these misconceptions, providing accurate information, and encouraging informed decisions.

 

World Elephant Day

Every Year, World Elephant Day is observed on August 12 to raise awareness about the challenges in elephant conservation and their protection worldwide. Elephants are considered one of the friendliest animals on the Earth and play an important role in balancing the ecosystem.

Elephant Day emphasises addressing the challenges in their survival and habitat loss. It is an opportunity to make people aware of the importance of these wild animals and to take action to protect them. 

World Elephant Day: History

Patricia Sims of Canada and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand – a project of HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand – joined forces to establish World Elephant Day on August 12, 2012. Since then, Patricia has been in charge of World Elephant Day.

This action was taken to make people aware as the project has partnered with over 100 organisations dedicated to conserving elephants and reaching countless people worldwide. By commemorating World Elephant Day, millions of people worldwide demonstrated their concern for the conditions of elephants and their willingness to provide a hand in any way they can.

World Elephant Day: Significance

Elephants consume huge amounts of grass daily dispersing seeds wherever they go as they are significant grazers and browsers. 

The elephants play a vital role in forming the Asian landscape's frequently dense vegetation. For example, elephants cut trees and leave openings in them so that sunlight may reach newly planted seedlings. It promotes the growth and the natural regeneration of forests.

World Elephant Day provides a platform for groups and people to get together to raise awareness of the problems facing elephants. From citizens to lawmakers and governments, all are making efforts to unite forces across the world to frame conservation strategies ensuring elephants and their habitat remain safe for future generations to enjoy.

Different Types of Elephants

Elephants are mainly classified into two main species; Asian and African elephants.

Due to growing population and industrialisation, habitat encroachment is now considerably worse for Asian and African elephants increasing the likelihood of human-elephant conflict. 

World Elephant Day has been successful in raising awareness for the protection of elephants and the need for global movement. 

Interesting Facts about Elephant

·        The African Savanna (Bush) is the world's largest land animal and weighs around 6,000 kg on average. 

·        The elephant baby weighs around 120 kg at the time of birth which is around 19 stone. 

·        Three species of elephants are the African Savanna (Bush), African Forest and Asian. 

·        Elephants have around 1,50,000 muscle units in their trunks which are the most sensitive organ of the mammal. 

·        Elephant trunks can save up to 6 litres of water and they use their trunks as a snorkel while swimming. 

·        Elephants communicate through a variety of ways such as trumpet calls, body language, touch and scent.

Enid Blyton's Birth Anniversary

 

Enid Blyton, born on 11 August 1897, in East Dulwich, London, England was a prolific and highly popular British author of stories, poems, plays, and educational books for children.

Blyton, the daughter of a businessman, abandoned her early studies in music to train as a schoolteacher at the Ipswich High School (1916–18). Her first publication was a poem that appeared in a children’s magazine when she was only 14, and in 1917 another of her poems was published in Nash’s Magazine. Blyton worked briefly as a teacher and governess, but by 1921 her stories and poems were appearing steadily in various magazines, and her first book of poems, Child Whispers, was published in 1922. Blyton devoted herself full-time to writing from about 1924. From then until about 1965, she wrote more than 600 children’s books and wrote innumerable articles for magazines. Some of her stories first appeared in Enid Blyton’s Sunny Stories (1937–52) and other magazines she founded and edited over the years.

Most of Blyton’s fiction consists of mystery or adventure stories, though schools and circuses form the settings of others. Her Famous Five, Secret Seven, and Mystery series of books were widely read, and in the 1950s her Little Noddy series, featuring the adventures of Little Noddy, Mr. Plod the policeman, Big Ears, and other characters of Toyland Village, enjoyed enormous popularity and made her a household name. Blyton’s books feature clearly delineated good and bad characters and have exciting plots that illustrate traditional moral lessons. Her vocabulary and prose style are simple and highly accessible to beginning readers. Blyton came under some criticism for her stereotyped characters and simplistic viewpoint, but her remarkable popularity with young readers has remained undiminished, and new editions of her books continue to appear. By the early 21st century her books had sold some 400 million copies and been translated into at least 90 languages. In 2009, in honour of the 60th birthday of Blyton’s Noddy character in Noddy Goes to Toyland, Blyton’s granddaughter Sophie Smallwood published a new Noddy book, Noddy and the Farmyard Muddle, with illustrations by Blyton’s own illustrator, Robert Tyndall.

 

 

World Lion Day

World Lion Day is a global event celebrated on August 10 is dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of lions, often referred to as the "King of the Jungle." This day aims to highlight the importance of lions in the ecosystem and the urgent need to protect them from various threats.

World Lion Day serves as a reminder of the vital role lions play in maintaining ecological balance and promoting conservation initiatives.

World Lion Day History

World Lion Day was first established in 2013 by Big Cat Rescue, the world’s largest accredited sanctuary dedicated to lions, and was co-founded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert. The Jouberts, a husband-and-wife team, recognised the need to draw attention to the declining lion populations and the threats they were facing in the wild. In 2009, they approached “National Geographic” and formed a partnership to create the Big Cat Initiative (B.C.I.).

Later in 2013, they began an initiative to unite National Geographic and the Big Cat Initiative under a single banner to protect the remaining big cats living in the wild. Since then, World Lion Day has been observed annually on August 10 to raise awareness about the conservation issues faced by lions and to celebrate the beauty and significance of these iconic big cats.

World Lion Day Significance

World Lion Day plays a vital role in rallying support and action to ensure a future for these remarkable animals in the wild by highlighting the conservation needs of lions. The day aims to educate people about the importance of lions in ecosystems and their cultural significance, emphasising the urgent need for their conservation.

Celebration

On World Lion Day, the unique qualities of lions are celebrated through various forms of art, photography, and cultural events. Numerous organisations, wildlife conservation groups, and individuals participate in activities and campaigns or use this day to raise funds for lion conservation projects, anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and research initiatives. Workshops, seminars, webinars, and public talks are frequently organised to provide information about lions, their behaviour, the threats they face, and conservation strategies.

By raising awareness and educating the public, World Lion Day aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of lions, contributing to their preservation and the overall health of ecosystems where they play a crucial role.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

 

Every year on August 9, the world comes together to recognise and celebrate the diverse cultures, contributions, and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is a platform to amplify their voices, promote self-determination, and advocate for their rights. This article delves into the significance of this day, the history behind it, and the pressing issues Indigenous communities continue to grapple with. 

Indigenous Peoples are the original inhabitants of their lands, carrying with them invaluable knowledge and traditions that have shaped our planet for millennia. Their deep connection to the environment and their sustainable practices offers crucial insights into addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

What is the History of International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples?

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed August 9th as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in 1994. This date commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, held in Geneva in 1982. This decision marked a crucial step in acknowledging the unique circumstances and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

The UNESCO website mentions: “In order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This date, adopted in December 1994 by UN General Assembly resolution 49/214, marks the date of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights held in Geneva in 1982.”

What is the Significance of International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples?

The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, observed annually on August 9th, is a crucial platform to:

·        Raise awareness: It highlights the plight of indigenous populations worldwide, often marginalised and facing threats to their cultures, lands, and livelihoods.   

·        Protect rights: The day emphasises the importance of upholding the rights of indigenous peoples, including their right to self-determination, cultural preservation, and access to resources.   

·        Recognise contributions: It acknowledges the significant contributions of indigenous peoples to biodiversity conservation, traditional knowledge, and sustainable development.   

·        Promote diversity: The day celebrates the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, languages, and worldviews, contributing to global cultural diversity.   

·        Foster collaboration: It encourages collaboration between indigenous communities, governments, and international organisations to address their challenges and build a more inclusive future.

International Cat Day

 

International Cat Day which is also known as World Cat Day is observed every year on August 8. International Cat Day not only celebrates the bond and friendship that human share with cats but also care for them and provide safety. Cat Day was established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2002 to appreciate and honour cats. International Cat Day celebrates one of humanity's oldest and cutest friends-cats who make us laugh with their funny and adorable actions. For an appreciation of the furry little friends, International Cat Day y is celebrated with great enthusiasm everywhere.

History

For several years, scientists are trying to solve the mystery of where cats evolved. According to some sources, a wildcat was buried near the corpse of a person who lived approximately 9,500 years ago. From this, it came to be known that humans may have had a relationship with these four-legged animal cats. According to some scientists, cat ownership can be traced way back to central China about 5,500 years ago.

Some scientists say that farming or agriculture was being practised since ancient times. So, with agriculture that is surplus of grain rodents came and to combat with the rodent infestations, farmers began to domesticate wildcats. And over the years these wild cats evolved.

According to another source, ancient Egyptians were the first civilisation to domesticate cats that lived around 4,000 years ago. Cats were reared, they help in keeping away from pests, and rodents and help people to survive properly.

Originally, the International Cat Day was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animals Welfare to advocate the day for cats.

Why International Cat Day is celebrated?

International Cat Day is observed annually to promote the adoption of cats, honour, and applaud their companionship and create a friendly environment for them. Also, the day advocates for responsible pet ownership and encourage spaying and neutering to control the stray population. 

How International Cat Day is celebrated?

People post several videos with cats and click cute photos of cats that went viral via the internet. Cat lovers also share videos of their cats to attract other cat lovers. Cats are the most common pet that seeks almost the attention of pet lovers on the internet. Cute pictures of cats are available in most shops and Internet. People visit a cat cafe, donate to a cat charity, provide shelter to the local animal cat etc. Various varieties of cats are Tonkinese, Turkish Van, Himalayan, American Shorthair, Burmilla, Russian Blue, Nebelung, Turkish Angora, Scottish Fold, Siberian, Bengal, Maine Coon etc.