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.