Brazil Independence Day

Brazil Independence Day, or Sete de Setembro (7th of September), is celebrated annually on September 7 to commemorate the nation's declaration of independence from the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves in 1822.

History

·  The path to independence began after French forces invaded Portugal in 1807 during the Napoleonic Wars. This prompted the Portuguese royal family to flee to their colony in Brazil.

·   While in Brazil, the Portuguese Prince Regent, Dom João VI, elevated Brazil's status from a colony to an equal kingdom within the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.

·  After the French were defeated, the royal family returned to Lisbon. However, Prince Dom Pedro was left as regent of Brazil. When the Portuguese parliament later demanded that Brazil revert to its former colonial status, Dom Pedro refused. On January 9, 1822, he declared his intention to stay in the country.

·    On September 7, 1822, Princess Maria Leopoldina sent a letter advising Dom Pedro to declare independence. Dom Pedro then famously proclaimed "Independência ou Morte!" ("Independence or Death!") near the Ipiranga River in São Paulo.

·   He was crowned Emperor Dom Pedro I of Brazil, and Portugal officially recognized Brazil's independence in 1825. 

Celebrations

·   Military parades: Grand civil-military parades led by the president are held in Brasília, the capital. They feature military vehicles, armed forces, and public security forces. Similar parades occur in state capitals and other cities.

·  Cultural events: Throughout the country, celebrations feature music, folk performances, and cultural activities. These vary by region, with some cities, like Salvador, incorporating Afro-Brazilian traditions into their festivals.

·    Patriotic displays: Brazilians show their national pride by flying the national flag from buildings and vehicles, and wearing clothing in the national colours of green, yellow, and blue.

·    Festivals and fireworks: Major cities often host public concerts and end the day with spectacular fireworks displays. Informal street parties, or blocos, are also common.

·    Traditional food: Families and friends gather for barbecues (churrasco) and other meals. They enjoy traditional Brazilian foods like feijoada and pão de queijo. 

World Shorebirds Day

World Shorebirds Day is celebrated annually on September 6 to raise awareness about shorebirds, their incredible migration, and the threats they face. The main event associated with the day is the Global Shorebird Count (GSC), a week-long monitoring program from September 1-7 where people count shorebirds and submit their data to help with conservation. 

Key aspects of World Shorebirds Day:

·   Purpose: To draw attention to shorebird species, often overlooked, and advocate for their conservation. 

·    Date: September 6th of each year. 

·   Global Shorebird Count (GSC): The signature event of World Shorebirds Day, which takes place from September 1-7. 

·    How to Participate: Birdwatchers can record shorebird sightings during the count week using platforms like eBird and submit their data to a shared account to contribute to the effort. 

·    Origin: The day was established in 2014. 

·    Goal: To provide crucial data on shorebird populations and help in their long-term monitoring and protection efforts. 

 

 

University of Madras established in 1857

The University of Madras was incorporated on September 5, 1857, by an Act of the Legislative Council of India. It was established under the British government and modelled after the University of London. 

Timeline of the university's founding

• November 1839: Mr. George Norton, the Advocate-General of Madras, submitted a public petition calling for an English-language college in Madras.
• January 1840: A University Board was formed with Mr. Norton as its president.
• 1854: The Government of India finalized a new educational policy, which led to the establishment of the university system.
• September 5, 1857: The University of Madras was established, along with the Universities of Calcutta and Bombay, marking the start of the modern university system in India

 

International Taekwondo Day

 

International Taekwondo Day is celebrated annually on September 4th to commemorate the historic 1994 decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include Taekwondo as an Olympic sport. The day serves to promote the spirit of Taekwondo, foster discipline, and celebrate the values of respect and perseverance within the global Taekwondo community.

Why September 4th? 

IOC Decision:

On this day in 1994, the IOC officially decided to add Taekwondo to the Olympic program, marking a pivotal moment for the martial art.

Olympic Inclusion:

This milestone led to Taekwondo's feature in every subsequent Olympic Games, solidifying its status as a major international sport.

What Happens on Taekwondo Day?

Global Celebration:

The day is celebrated by Taekwondo practitioners, clubs, and associations worldwide through various events and activities. 

Focus on Values:

It's a time to highlight the deeper philosophy of Taekwondo, which emphasizes the development of character, self-control, and the harmonious development of body, mind, and spirit. 

Community and Digital Promotion:

World Taekwondo and its members encourage the Taekwondo community to share the joy of the sport and its values across social media platforms. 

 

Uttam Kumar's Birth Anniversary

 

Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay, known professionally as Uttam Kumar, born on 3 September 1926, in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (now Kolkata, West Bengal, India), was an Indian actor, director, producer, screenwriter, composer and playback singer who predominantly worked in Bengali Cinema.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most successful actors in the history of Indian cinema, Kumar dominated Bengali cinema from the 1950s throughout the 1970s, being referred to as "Mahanayak" (Bengali for "The Great Hero"). His accolades include five National Awards and four Filmfare Awards.

 

Vietnam Independence Day

 

Vietnam's Independence Day, also known as National Day, is celebrated on September 2. It commemorates the day in 1945 when revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. 

For locals, September 2 his is more than a public holiday; it’s a day to reflect on their nation’s resilience and honour their shared history.

International Primate Day

International Primate Day is observed annually on September 1st to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection and conservation of the world's primate species. The event, which began in 2005, highlights the threats faced by these animals, including habitat loss and their use in research. It serves as a global call to protect primates, which encompass species like monkeys, apes, and lemurs, and recognize their vital role in ecosystems and our connection to them as closest relatives.
 

Key aspects of International Primate Day:

Purpose:

To educate the public about primate species, their importance, and the urgent need for their conservation. 

Origin:

It was established in 2005 by the British-based organization Animal Defenders International (ADI) and is now supported by many international advocacy groups. 

Scope:

The day brings attention to all primates, including lemurs, lorises, monkeys, and apes, and the over 300 species that exist. 

Focus:

It draws attention to issues such as habitat destruction due to deforestation, the pet trade, and the use of primates in scientific research. 

Call to Action:

The observance encourages individuals to support conservation efforts and make lifestyle changes, like checking for sustainable palm oil in products, to help protect these endangered animals.