International Day of Yoga

 

International Day of Yoga is celebrated around the world on June 21. The day aims to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of yoga, right from physical, mental, and spiritual. The term "Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj," which means "to join," "to yoke," or "to unite." Yoga reflects the union of mind and body, thoughts and actions, restraint and fulfilment, and harmony between humans and nature. 

International Day of Yoga: History 

The United Nations established the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014, in response to a proposal made by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 69th session of the UN General Assembly. 

The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 21, 2015. The date of the day was made to coincide with the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is a symbol of light and health. 

International Day of Yoga: Significance

Over the years, yoga has become widely popular worldwide, with millions embracing it to enhance their overall health and mental well-being. Yoga is not only about physical exercises but includes breathing exercises and mediation. It not only helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression but also improves flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance.

Victoria Terminus (now CSMT) opened in Mumbai in 1887

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (officially Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus since 2017, formerly Victoria Terminus (VT), Bombay station code: CSMT (mainline)/ST (suburban), is a historic railway terminus and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

On 20 June 1887, Victoria Terminus was opened in Bombay (now, Mumbai).

The terminus was designed by a British architectural engineer Frederick William Stevens from an initial design by Axel Haig, in an exuberant Italian Gothic style. Its construction began in 1878, in a location south of the old Bori Bunder railway station, and was completed in 1887, the year marking 50 years of Queen Victoria’s rule.

In March 1996, the station's name was officially changed from Victoria Terminus to "Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus" (with station code CST) after Shivaji, the 17th-century warrior king and the first Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire who founded the state in the western Marathi-speaking regions of the Deccan Plateau.

In 2017, the station was again renamed "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus" (with code CSMT), where the title Maharaj has literal meaning, "Great king; emperor." Both former initials "VT" and the current, "CST", are also commonly used.

The terminus is the headquarters of India's Central Railway. It is one of the busiest railway stations in India, serving as a terminal for both long-distance and suburban trains with a total number of 18 platforms.

Salim Ali's Death Anniversary

Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali, who passed away on 20 June 1987, aged 90, was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist. Sometimes referred to as the "Birdman of India", Salim Ali was the first Indian to conduct systematic bird surveys across India and wrote several bird books that popularized ornithology in India. He became a key figure behind the Bombay National History Society after 1947 and used his personal influence to garner government support for the organisation, create the Bharatpur bird sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) and prevent the destruction of what is now the Silent Valley National Park.

Along with Sidney Dillon Ripley he wrote the landmark ten volume Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan, a second edition of which was completed after his death. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1958 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1976, India's third and second highest civilian honours respectively. Several species of birds, Salim Ali’s fruit bat, Salim Ali’s dwarf gecko, a couple of bird sanctuaries and institutions have been named after him.

World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is celebrated on 20 June. The day is dedicated to raise awareness about the plight of refugees worldwide and to promote their inclusion and acceptance in host communities. World Refugee Day is commemorated with the hope of finding a lasting solution to the global refugee crisis and providing a safe place for all displaced people. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing this issue.

Refugees are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or other forms of human rights violations. They often arrive in host countries with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They face enormous challenges, including social exclusion, discrimination, and exploitation. World Refugee Day highlights the strength and courage of refugees, as well as their resilience in rebuilding their lives. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of refugee displacement and finding a sustainable solution that allows for their safe return home.

History of World Refugee Day

The first ever World Refugee Day was celebrated on 20 June 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The day was earlier recognized as Africa Refugee Day and later in December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared it as an International Day for Refugees. World Refugee Day is an important day to reflect on the plight of refugees worldwide and to renew the commitment to finding lasting solutions to this pressing issue.

Significance of World Refugee Day

According to un.org, "Refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol help protect them. They are the only global legal instruments explicitly covering the most important aspects of a refugee’s life. According to their provisions, refugees deserve, as a minimum, the same standards of treatment enjoyed by other foreign nationals in a given country and, in many cases, the same treatment as nationals."

The significance of World Refugee Day is to highlight the hardships and challenges faced by Refugees all across the globe, and suggest measures to solve them. The day is observed to appreciate the resilience, courage and strength of refugees to build a bright future.

World Sickle Cell Day

 

World Sickle Cell Day is an annual observance held on June 19 to raise awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD).

Sickle cell disease (SCD) continues to be a significant yet often overlooked global health crisis, affecting millions worldwide. Annually, countries around the world observe World Sickle Cell Day to raise awareness about this condition. This international awareness day aims to enhance public knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease, as well as the challenges faced by patients, their families, and caregivers. On this day, various global and local organisations unite to promote awareness campaigns and activities that emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive measures to manage the disease.

History of World Sickle Cell Day

Recognised by the United Nations (UN), World Sickle Cell Day aims to raise global awareness of sickle cell disease. A resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2008, recognised sickle cell disease as a public health problem and "one of the world's most important genetic diseases". The resolution urges Member States to promote sickle cell disease awareness nationally and internationally on June 19 each year.

World Sickle Cell Day Significance

World Sickle Cell Day is a significant occasion as it raises awareness by educating the public about sickle cell disease (SCD), its symptoms and the challenges faced by patients, as the disease can be relatively unknown outside affected communities. It also provides a platform for advocacy, enabling SCD organisations and patient advocates to lobby for increased research funding, improved access to healthcare and better treatment options. In addition, it promotes community building by bringing together patients, families, healthcare professionals and researchers to share experiences, support each other and celebrate advances in research and treatment.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder caused by a mutation in the haemoglobin gene, leading to the production of abnormal haemoglobin S. This results in rigid, crescent-shaped red blood cells that can obstruct blood flow. Symptoms include severe pain episodes (sickle cell crises), anaemia, fatigue, swelling in hands and feet, frequent infections, and delayed growth in children. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, including pain relief medications, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea to reduce crises. In severe cases, a bone marrow transplant may offer a cure.

World Ethnic Day

 

The World Ethnic Day is celebrated on June 19 every year. The day aims at celebrating different cultures and ethnic groups. The day helps reconnect people with traditional and cultural roots and promote the true essence of age-old customs and traditions that have helped forged the different civilisations around the world.

This day was started to bring together and celebrate different cultures by craftsvilla.com, India’s biggest online marketplace for ethnic goods. The vision of this day is to bring together as many as possible cultures together and celebrate them in unison. Celebrating heritage, civilization, anthropology, art and culture, the day brings forth a vibrant and flamboyant display of wears of Indian culture every year, which displays India’s unity in diversity.

International Picnic Day

Life may not be a picnic every day, but on June 18 celebrated as International Picnic Day, it can be. Picnics are a great way to unwind from a busy schedule and take off with our loved ones. Picnics refer to the practice of packing food, visiting the outdoors during pleasant weather, and having food with family and friends. When we think of our childhood, the best memories are from the days when we took off to the nearest park with our picnic baskets, games, and our parents. Picnics are a great way to connect with our loved ones and catch up with old friends. Every year, International Picnic Day is observed with the intention of urging people to reconnect with nature, themselves, and their near and dear ones. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few things that we should keep in mind. 

International Picnic Day: History

After the French Revolution in the mid-1800s, people visited parks and open areas with their loved ones to have a meal in the outdoors. The practice became specifically common since during the French Revolution, people were not allowed to visit the outdoors for family activities. The word picnic is believed to have originated from the French word - pique-nique. Soon, picnics became a popular activity throughout the world. In the year 2009, the largest picnic was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. The picnic took place in Lisbon, Portugal with more than 20,000 people.

International Picnic Day: Significance

A picnic with our loved ones can help us unwind and alleviate stress and anxiety. It also helps us to feel rejuvenated. The best way to celebrate International Picnic Day is by planning an impromptu picnic and surprising our family and friends.