Donald Duck Day (United States)

 

Every year on 9 June, fans across the globe celebrate Donald Duck Day — a tribute to one of Disney’s most iconic and endearing characters. Donald made his first appearance in The Wise Little Hen, released on 9 June 1934, and quickly waddled his way into hearts with his sailor suit, trademark hat, and unforgettable voice.

Unlike the ever-smiling Mickey Mouse, Donald is known for his short temper, hilarious tantrums, and determined spirit. These quirks made him relatable and loveable, especially when he stubbornly refused to give up, even in the most absurd situations. Over the decades, Donald has starred in more than 150 theatrical films, making him one of the most prolific Disney characters ever. He even won an Academy Award in 1943 for the wartime short Der Fuehrer’s Face.

 

Donald’s popularity goes beyond animation — he has inspired comics, merchandise, theme park attractions, and generations of fans who see a bit of themselves in the flustered but well-meaning duck.

 

Birsa Munda's Martyrdom Day

 

Birsa Munda, who passed away on 9 June 1900, aged 24, in Ranchi, Bengal Residency (now in Jharkhand), was an Indian tribal independence activist, and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe. He spearheaded a tribal religious millenarian movement that arose in the Bengal Residency (now Jharkhand) in the late 19th century, during the British Raj, thereby making him an important figure in the history of the Indian independence movement. The revolt mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada and Bandgaon.

Birsa received his education in Salga under the guidance of his teacher Jaipal Nag. Later, Birsa converted to Christianity to join the German Mission School. After dropping out of school, Birsa Munda created a faith called Birsait. Members of the Munda community soon started joining the faith which in turn became a challenge for the British activities. The Birsaits openly declared that the real enemies were the British and not Christian Mundas. The cause of the Munda revolt was the 'unfair land grabbing practices by colonial and local authorities that demolished the tribal conventional land system'. Birsa Munda is known for challenging the British Christian missionaries and revolting against the conversion activities along with the Munda and Oraon communities. His portrait hangs in the Indian Parliament Museum.