Sikkim Foundation Day

 

Sikkim Foundation Day is observed in India annually to commemorate the day when the Himalayan Kingdom became part of the Indian Union. Nestled within the Himalayas, Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest of all the states in India. The peak of India's largest mountain and the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, lies within Sikkim.

History Of Sikkim State Day

On May 16, 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of the country, abolishing the long rule of monarchy. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval played a significant role in Sikkim's merger with India. The Kingdom of Sikkim dates back to the 17th century when the Namgyal dynasty founded it. It was ruled by a monarchy of Buddhist priest-kings known as Chogyal.

However, by 1890, it became a principality within British India. The state came under the jurisdiction of Britishers, who used it as a buffer state between China and British India.

After the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947, as Sikkim became a part of India (unofficially), its security, foreign policy and communication came under the realm of India while maintaining its independence at the same time.

How Did Monarchy End In Sikkim?

The last monarch of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal's American wife Hope Cook, took over the governance of the state after their marriage. She was accused of being a CIA agent.

The people of Sikkim waged a rebellion against the monarch, following which it merged with India. Ajit Doval participated in the uprising and handled the entire operation from Mizoram to Sikkim. Sikkim's first Chief Minister, Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, supported India throughout the strife. India prepared a constitution for Sikkim approved by its national assembly in 1974. In a special referendum held in 1975, more than 97 per cent of the electorate voted for the merger of Sikkim with India. Sikkim became a part of India under the 35th Constitutional Amendment Act. However, China did not like this union up till very late. In 2003, during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership, China accepted Sikkim as a part of India.

National Dengue Day - India

 

Every year, National Dengue Day in India is observed on May 16 to spread awareness about dengue, which is a viral disease caused by mosquitoes. It is a global epidemic, prevalent in over 100 countries, with close to half of the world's population at the risk of contracting it. 

Dengue is not a serious deadly disease any more, thanks to advancements in medicine and the development of antiviral drugs. Medicines have now made the treatment possible and dengue cure is much more effective. Despite not being a deadly disease anymore, it is still endemic to many countries with much of the global population still vulnerable to it.

International Day of Light

The International Day of Light is an annual celebration on May 16 established by UNESCO to recognize the significance of light and light-based technologies in revolutionizing our society.  

History:

In the year 1960, Physicist and Engineer Theodore Maiman conducted the first successful operation of the laser. To commemorate the special day, International Day of Light came to be observed every year on May 16. In 2015, the United Nations observed International Day of Light to raise awareness about light science and light-based technologies and applications. Following this, in 2016, UNESCO adopted the resolution to celebrate International Day of Light every year. The first International Day of Light was observed in 2018.

Significance:

The day is observed to raise awareness about the significance of light and how we can explore ways to encourage scientific collaboration and possibilities of light-based technologies for innovation, creativity and sustainable societies. The day urges people to come together from all sectors, such as science, technology, art and culture to implement the application of light and light-based technology for innovation and fulfilment of the goals of UNESCO. "This day is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development," wrote UNESCO on their official website.