Pranab Mukherjee's Death Anniversary

 

Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away on 31 August 2020, in Delhi, aged 84, was an Indian politician and government official who served as president of India (2012–17). He succeeded Pratibha Patil (served 2007–12), India’s first woman president.

Mukherjee’s father, Kamada Kinkar Mukherjee, was deeply involved in India’s struggle for independence from Great Britain in the first half of the 20th century. A longtime member of the Indian National Congress (Congress Party), the elder Mukherjee spent several years in prison as a result of his activities opposing British rule and, after Indian independence, held a seat in the state legislature of West Bengal (1952–64). Pranab was educated at the Suri Vidyasagar College (then affiliated with the University of Calcutta), and he later earned an advanced degree in history and political science as well as a law degree from the university. In 1963 he accepted a teaching position at a small college near Calcutta (now Kolkata) that was associated with the university. He also became editor of a Bengali-language monthly periodical and, later, worked for a weekly publication.

Mukherjee first ran for public office in 1969, when he won a seat in the Rajya Sabha (upper house) of the Indian parliament as a member of the Bangla Congress, which soon merged with the Congress Party. He served an additional four terms, although he left that chamber in 2004 and contested and won a seat in the Lok Sabha (lower house). He served there until mid-2012, when he ran for president of India.

Early on in his career in the legislature, Mukherjee became a protégé of Indira Gandhi, prime minister of India in 1966–77 and 1980–84. Under her tutelage, he began in 1973 to fill administrative positions of increasing responsibility in the cabinet, and in 1982 he was named to the important post of minister of finance. Following the assassination of Gandhi in 1984, however, Mukherjee had a falling out with Rajiv Gandhi, her son and successor (1984-89) as prime minister, and was relegated to the political backwater. He subsequently left the Congress Party in 1986 and by early 1987 had formed his own small political party. By 1989, however, the two men had been reconciled, and Mukherjee had merged his group back into Congress.

Mukherjee’s fortunes improved in 1991 when, after Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, P.V. Narasimha Rao took leadership of Congress and, after the party’s success in parliamentary elections, was named prime minister. Under Rao (who served until 1996) and the party’s Manmohan Singh (who became prime minister in 2004), Mukherjee held most of the major ministerial portfolios in the cabinet: commerce (1993–95), external affairs (1995–96 and 2006–09), defense (2004–06), and finally back to finance (2009–12). He also occupied several important legislative posts, including leader of the Rajya Sabha (1980–84), Congress Party whip in the upper house (1996–2004), and leader of the Lok Sabha (2004–12). In addition to his government activities in India, Mukherjee was involved with a number of prominent international organizations, most notably occupying seats on the boards of governors of the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank during his two stints as finance minister.

In June 2012 the Congress Party chose Mukherjee as its candidate for the Indian presidency. Because the office is nonpartisan, he resigned from the Lok Sabha (also relinquishing the Finance Ministry) and the party. He easily won the July 19 election and was sworn into office six days later. The presidency is viewed as a largely ceremonial post. However, observers noted that Mukherjee, with his decades of experience in government and politics, was more engaged in governance than most of his predecessors. In 2017 Mukherjee’s term as president ended, and he was succeeded by Ram Nath Kovind. He died in August 2020 after brain surgery left him in a coma and after suffering from septic shock due to a lung infection.

Mukherjee was the author of several books, including Beyond Survival: Emerging Dimensions of Indian Economy (1984) and Challenges Before the Nation (1993). In 2019 he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.

 

 

National Small Industry Day (India)

 

India commemorates National Small Industry Day on August 30 as a tribute to the invaluable role played by small-scale industries in the country’s progress. The day serves as a platform to encourage and bolster growth in enterprises within the MSME sector, foster the establishment of new businesses and create job opportunities.  

Notably, on August 30, 2000, the government had reportedly unveiled an extensive policy package aimed at bolstering the small-scale industry, a pivotal moment that led to the annual observance of National Small Industry Day. The terms Small Scale Industry (SSI) registration and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) registration are used interchangeably, with the MSME Development Act of 2006 designed to facilitate the advancement, expansion, and competitive edge of MSMEs or SSIs.

On May 9, 2007, the former Ministry of Small-Scale Industries and the Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries were amalgamated to establish the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

On the other hand, the United Nations General Assembly has officially designated June 27 as MSME Day with the aim of amplifying public recognition of the significant role that MSMEs play in advancing sustainable development and the overall global economy.

The day has been observed since 2017 subsequent to the passage of a resolution within the Assembly during the year.

 

National Sports Day (India)

 

Every year on 29th August, India comes together to celebrate National Sports Day. This event commemorates the birth anniversary of one of the iconic hockey players, Major Dhyan Chand. National Sports Day not only celebrates his birth anniversary but also emphasises the importance of sports and physical activities in our daily lives.  National Sports Day is an opportune moment to reflect on the significance of sports in fostering national unity, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and inspiring the younger generation to engage in physical activities.

History

This day marks the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, who was born in 1905, in a Rajput family in Allahabad. Dhyan Chand had followed the footsteps of his father and joined the Army. It was in the Army where Dhyan Chand took up hockey. The hockey wizard brought various laurels to the nation and was part of the Indian hockey team which struck gold in the Olympics of 1928, 1932, and 1936. He scored more than 400 goals in his career which spanned over 22 years.

Dhyan Chand led the team with three goals in the 1936 Berlin Olympic final, which they won 8-1 against Germany. The game represented the height of India's hockey achievements under Dhyan Chand's leadership.

Even after retiring, he continued to make contributions to the game. He taught at several coaching camps in Rajasthan in addition to serving as head coach at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.

Significance

On National Sports Day every year, the president of India gives out all the sports-related awards like the Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to honour sportspersons and coaches who have made the nation proud in their respective sport.

The Khelo India movement, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated in 2018, is one of the sporting initiatives that the government has launched on this day over the years.

 

Ustad Vilayat Khan's Birth Anniversary

 

Ustad Vilayat Khan, born on 28 August 1928, was an Indian classical sitar player, considered by many to be the greatest sitarist of his age. Along with Imdad Khan, Enayat Khan, and Imrat Khan, he is credited with the creation and development of gayaki ang (a technique that emulates the vocal melisma of Hindustani classical music) on the sitar.

He recorded his first 78-RPM disc at the age of and gave his last concert in 2004 at the age of 75. He has composed the music for several films, including Jalsaghar (1958), The Guru (1969), and Kadambari (1976). He had given a chance to newcomer Kavita Krishnamurthy in Kadambari which was the first song in her career.

International Lottery Day

International Lottery Day, celebrated every year on August 27, honours the rich and storied history of lotteries across the globe. For centuries, lotteries have captivated people's imaginations, offering them a chance to dream of a brighter future.

Today, lotteries are legally embraced in most countries worldwide, serving as both a popular form of entertainment and a way for individuals to imagine winning life-changing wealth.

International Lottery Day is a celebration of the hope and aspirations that lotteries inspire. It’s a day to dream big, believe in possibilities, and envision a future filled with endless potential.

International Dog Day

 

World seems like a wonderful place when there is love, happiness and a loyal presence who adores you and craves for your company. There is nothing quite like a dog who never leaves you alone, especially in your darkest hours, and wins your heart every day with their adorable ways. While it is believed that pet parents take care of their furry companions, it's the other way round too. In their company, life seems much easier than it is and all the fears and anxieties melt away. For dog lovers, every day is dedicated to their animal companions, but there is a special day to celebrate these precious buddies.

When is International Dog Day

International Dog Day founded by Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert Collen Paige is observed every year on August 26. It was first celebrated in the year 2004 when Collen was 10 and his family adopted a dog for the first time.

History of International Dog Day

Colleen Paige was wise even at the age of 10. Long before he became a dog trainer, author, and animal rescue advocate the bright child thought of dedicating a day to dogs for bringing awareness how important animals are to motivate people for adopting pets. He chose August 26 for celebrating International Dog Day for honouring all kinds of dogs irrespective of their breeds, as this was the day when he and his family brought home Sheltie their first dog from an animal shelter.

Significance of International Dog Day

Dogs dedicate their lives for humans and their presence has a soothing effect. Some dogs can be trained to support disabled people while others can help in search and rescue operations with their incredible sense of smell. Above all, their capacity for love and undying loyalty makes them a precious addition to our lives.

Celebration of International Dog Day

You don't have to be necessarily a pet parent to celebrate this day, you can do your bit for the street animals who often have to struggle for basic amenities like food and shelter. From providing them food and water to helping with their vaccination, there's a lot you can do for them. Spending time with them and taking them to vet check-ups is also something anyone can do.

 

 

Durga Malla's Death Anniversary

Durga Malla, passed away on 25 August 1944, in Delhi, British India, aged 31. During his student days, he was actively involved in anti-British activities in the locality.  His family was frequently subjected to severe interrogation by the British. In 1942 Netaji entrusted the responsibility to Durga Malla to mobilize volunteers for INA from different Gorkha battalions. He was promoted to the rank of Major by Netaji because of his commitment and passion.

After the formation of the Provisional Azad Hind Government under the supreme command of Netaji, war was declared against the Allied Forces on 25 October 1943. Durga Malla was posted in the Intelligence Branch.  He along with fellow soldiers entered the hilly area of greater Assam across the Burma border.

On 27 March 1944 when Durga Malla was on a mission in Manipur, he was captured by the British at Ukhrul in Manipur. On 15 August 1944, he was taken to Delhi Central Jail from the Red Fort. After 10 days, on 25 August 1944, he was sent to the gallows.

On 25 August 2017, the Uttarakhand government announced that the Doiwala- Khata road would be named after martyr Major Durga Malla. Also, the martyr’s statue adorns the Parliament which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2004.