International Literacy Day

 

International Literacy Day, marked annually on September 8, is a UNESCO initiative that emphasises the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a matter of dignity. Since 1967, the day has served as a reminder of the global need to promote literacy and work towards building more literate and sustainable societies. It raises awareness about the essential role of literacy in empowering individuals and fostering societal development.

International Literacy Day: History

Literacy Day originated at the World Conference of Ministers of Education held in Tehran in 1965. However, it was in 1966 that UNESCO officially declared September 8 as International Literacy Day. At the time, the world was grappling with major challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and inadequate healthcare. In 2015, the observance of this day became part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) program, highlighting the vital role of literacy in global development.

International Literacy Day: Significance

As per UNESCO, “literacy is the best cure,” and it is the key to ensuring that every individual has the right to education. Each year, UNESCO highlights different aspects of literacy in a changing world through varied themes. This year, the organization focuses on addressing literacy challenges in multilingual contexts to promote lasting peace.

It also explores solutions for improving policies, lifelong learning systems, governance, and practices. Furthermore, literacy is a key pillar of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in Sustainable Development Goal 4.

World Beard Day - 1st Saturday of September

 

World Beard Day is celebrated annually on an international level with people from every nation and continent gathering together with their beards. It is held on the first Saturday of September and is characterised by the happiness of all people being with their beards and with each other.

On World Beard Day, it is customary for the bearded members of a family to relax and partake in no jobs or chores. The beardless members of the family traditionally show their support by waiting on the bearded hand and foot. World Beard Day is all about promoting and elevating the global status of the beard. Whilst many countries and cities practice World Beard Day customs specific to their own region, shaving on World Beard Day is universally considered to be highly disrespectful.

World Beard Day Facts

– In southern Spain, many townships gather to witness a boxing match between a bearded man and a beardless boy. The bearded man, normally armed with a sharp pike, is typically the victor.

– In the Swedish village of Dönskborg, anyone without a beard is banished from the town and forced to spend twenty-four hours in a nearby forest. Back in the town, the hirsute burn effigies of their clean-chinned loved ones.

– The exact origins of World Beard Day are unknown, but there is some evidence to suggest that Danish Vikings had a special day dedicated to the glorification of beards as far back as 800 AD. The event was not held on a fixed date, and was often celebrated hundreds of times each year. This early incarnation of what would one day become World Beard Day typically involved the ransacking of neighbouring towns, villages and countries by large groups of heavily-armed bearded men.

– Throughout the world, bearded communities are encouraged to acknowledge this sacred day by organising and staging their own public or private World Beard Day celebrations. These can consist of anything from a relaxing family lunch to a lavish, tax payer-funded street parade.

– Shaving on World Beard Day is universally considered to be highly disrespectful.

 

Eswatini Independence Day

 

On September 6, the Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) people come together to celebrate Independence Day, or Somhlolo Day as they call it in honor of the nation's founder King Sobhuza I who ruled between 1805 and 1839 and was nicknamed "Somhlolo," meaning "Wonder" in the Swazi language.

Eswatini Independence Day is a national holiday observed annually to commemorate its independence from the UK in 1968.

The history of the second smallest country in continental Africa at the moment dates back to 1836, when King Somhlolo defeated Zulu tribes and introduced a centralized system of his power, subordinating other chiefs, and effectively created the Swazi state.

The next Swazi king, Mswati I, annexed new lands in the north of the country in the late 1830s and created a state with more than twice the area of the present-day Eswatini.

However, in 1894, the country could not escape the invasive aspirations of the colonizers and fell under the protectorate of the neighbouring Boer Republic of Transvaal.

After the Anglo-Boer War, which took place in 1899-1902, the victorious British Empire declared Swaziland its protectorate, preserving the power of local kings and chiefs.

Under the protectorate, Swaziland approached self-government and independence in an evolutionary way.

In 1921, Swaziland’s first legislature was established. It consisted of elected white representatives whose task was to advise the British Resident Commissioner on non-Swazi matters.

In the same year, King Sobhuza II became head of the Swazi. After World War II, Sobhuza, with the support of traditional Swazi leaders, created the Imbokodwo National Movement, which defended the traditional Swazi way of life.

The drive for independence gathered momentum in 1964 with the adoption of Swaziland's first constitution. This was followed in 1967 by a new constitution providing for self-government after independence.

Finally, on September 6, 1968, Swaziland gained independence from the United Kingdom. 

 

Teachers' Day - India

 

India observes Teachers' Day, each year on September 5 to honour educators and their priceless contributions to society. One of India's most notable statesmen, philosophers, and scholars, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, is essential to the story of this celebration. The history of how September 5th, his birthday, became Teachers' Day is both enlightening and inspirational.

Who Was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a small town in Tamil Nadu, India. He was a brilliant student who later became a renowned scholar, specialising in Indian philosophy and comparative religion. His academic achievements earned him respect both in India and abroad, and he served as a professor of philosophy at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Calcutta and the University of Oxford.

Radhakrishnan was not only a scholar but also a diplomat and a statesman. He served as India’s first Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. Despite his numerous achievements, Radhakrishnan remained deeply committed to education and the role of teachers in shaping the future of the nation. His life and work have left an indelible mark on Indian society and continue to inspire educators and students alike.

The Birth of Teachers' Day in India

The story of how Radhakrishnan's birthday became Teachers' Day is a testament to his humility and respect for the teaching profession. When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President of India in 1962, some of his former students and friends approached him to request permission to celebrate his birthday on September 5th. They wanted to honour their beloved teacher and his contributions to the nation.

In response, Dr. Radhakrishnan humbly suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, it would be more appropriate if September 5th were observed as Teachers' Day across the country. He believed that the day should be dedicated to recognizing the vital role that teachers play in society and the immense responsibility they carry in nurturing the minds of the future.

Dr. Radhakrishnan's reply was a reflection of his deep respect for the teaching profession and his belief in the power of education to transform lives. 

He saw teachers as the true architects of society, and his suggestion was embraced with enthusiasm by the nation. Since then, September 5th has been celebrated as Teachers' Day in India, a day to honour and appreciate the dedication and hard work of teachers.

Significance of Teachers' Day in India

Teachers' Day holds a special place in the hearts of students and educators across India. It is a day when students express their gratitude to their teachers through various gestures, including giving cards, flowers, and gifts, and organising special programs in schools and colleges. Many schools hold cultural performances and activities where students take on the roles of their teachers, further strengthening the bond between them.

In conclusion, Teachers' Day is not just a day of celebration but also a day of reflection. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the challenges that teachers face and the significant impact they have on shaping the future of the nation. Teachers play a crucial role in moulding young minds, instilling values, and fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Dadabhai Naoroji's Birth Anniversary

Dadabhai Naoroji, born on 4 September 1825, in Bombay [now Mumbai], India, was an Indian nationalist and critic of British economic policy in India.

Educated at Elphinstone College, Bombay (now Mumbai), he was professor of mathematics and natural philosophy there before turning to politics and a career in commerce that took him to England, where he spent much of his life.

He stood unsuccessfully for election to Parliament in 1886. In 1892, however, he was elected Liberal member of Parliament for Central Finsbury, London. He became widely known for his unfavourable opinion of the economic consequences of British rule in India and was appointed a member of the royal commission on Indian expenditure in 1895. In 1886, 1893, and 1906 he also presided over the annual sessions of the Indian National Congress, which led the nationalist movement in India. In the session of 1906, his conciliatory tactics helped to postpone the impending split between moderates and extremists in the Congress Party. In his many writings and speeches and especially in Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (1901), Naoroji argued that India was too highly taxed and that its wealth was being drained away to England.

 

World Skyscraper Day

 

World Skyscraper Day, celebrated every year on September 3, is a tribute to the breathtaking structures that have transformed the cities. These structures are testaments to human creativity, engineering prowess and an unwavering drive to reach for the skies. Let’s take a look at its history, significance and some interesting facts.

The World Skyscraper Day has its roots in the history of modern skyscrapers. The date was decided to commemorate the birthday of Louis H. Sullivan, an American architect also known as the Father of Skyscrapers. His work includes stunning designs and layouts. He designed some of America’s most iconic structures, including the Wainwright Building, Union Trust Building and Prudential Building.

Significance

Today, structures at least 150 meters or 465 feet tall are referred to as skyscrapers, symbolizing wealth and stature. The day holds an important significance, especially in the US, as it commemorates the engineering marvels that the world witnesses today. Earlier, the United States enjoyed the world’s monopoly on skyscrapers, accounting for nearly all of the tallest structures.

World Coconut Day

 

Coconut, often hailed as nature’s most versatile fruit, offers numerous benefits, from nutrition to skincare. Celebrated annually on September 2, World Coconut Day highlights the significance of coconut in our lives and promotes sustainable farming practices. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the diverse uses of coconuts and encouraging their consumption worldwide.

World Coconut Day: History and Significance

World Coconut Day, first celebrated in 2009, was established by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), an intergovernmental organisation under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

The APCC, representing 19 coconut-producing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, chose September 2 for this annual observance to commemorate the organisation’s founding in 1969. Each year, the International Coconut Community sets a theme for the day which aims at highlighting the importance and health benefits related to coconuts.

This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the many health benefits of coconut. Not just nutritional importance, this fruit also has an economic impact, especially in tropical regions.

Uses of Coconut

Coconut Water: The clear liquid inside young coconuts is a refreshing drink rich in electrolytes, making it a popular natural beverage for hydration.

Coconut Milk: Extracted from grated coconut meat, coconut milk is widely used in cooking, especially in curries, soups, and desserts, adding a rich, creamy texture.

Coconut Oil: Used for cooking, skincare, and hair care, coconut oil is prized for its moisturizing properties and is a common ingredient in beauty products.

Coconut Meat: The white flesh of the coconut can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in various culinary dishes, including sweets, snacks, and baked goods.

Coconut Flour: Made from dried, ground coconut meat, coconut flour is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour used in baking.

Coconut Sugar: Derived from the sap of the coconut palm, coconut sugar is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar.

Coir: The fibrous husk of the coconut is used to make coir, which is utilized in producing ropes, mats, brushes, and even eco-friendly potting soil.

Activated Charcoal: Coconut shells are often used to produce activated charcoal, which is used in air and water purification, as well as in health products.

Coconut Shell Crafts: The hard shell of the coconut is used to create decorative items, utensils, and handicrafts, showcasing its versatility.

Coconut Leaves: The leaves of the coconut palm are used for weaving baskets, mats, and thatching roofs, especially in traditional cultures.

Coconut Vinegar: Made from fermented coconut sap, coconut vinegar is used as a tangy condiment in cooking and as a health tonic.

Coconut Butter: A spread made from pureed coconut meat, coconut butter is used in cooking, baking, or as a topping for toast and desserts.

Activities to Celebrate World Coconut Day

Coconut-Themed Cooking: Host a cooking class or potluck featuring dishes made with coconut ingredients, such as coconut milk curries, coconut desserts, and refreshing coconut water drinks.

Coconut Craft Workshops: Organize a workshop where participants can create crafts using coconut shells, leaves, and coir, such as jewellery, decorative items, or eco-friendly products.

Coconut Plantation Tours: Arrange a visit to a local coconut farm or plantation to learn about coconut cultivation, harvesting, and the different uses of coconuts.

Coconut Recipe Sharing: Encourage people to share their favourite coconut-based recipes online or within the community, highlighting the versatility of this amazing fruit.

Health and Wellness Events: Conduct a session on the health benefits of coconut products, such as coconut oil, water, and milk, and how they can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.