Salim Ali's Birth Anniversary

Salim Ali, born on 12 November 1896, 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 Natural 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, a couple of bird sanctuaries and institutions have been named after him.

World Pneumonia Day

 

Every year, the world observes World Pneumonia Day which is dedicated to raising awareness about pneumonia. This disease is life-threatening but a preventable and treatable respiratory illness. This day focuses on pneumonia impact, especially among children under five and the elderly who are most vulnerable. This day also highlights prevention methods, advocating better options and reducing the mortality rate which are linked to pneumonia. 

World Pneumonia Day: History

World Pneumonia Day, observed on November 12, was established in 2009 by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia, which included organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and Save the Children. This observance was created to raise awareness of pneumonia, a leading cause of child mortality globally, despite it being preventable and treatable. 

Over the years, World Pneumonia Day has proved critical for advocating improved access to vaccines, healthcare, and awareness in fighting pneumonia and other respiratory infections. The World Pneumonia Day strives to give voice to the silent epidemic and encourage governments and health organisations to make pneumonia prevention a priority on the global health agenda.

World Pneumonia Day: Significance

Pneumonia remains a significant global health issue, especially for children under five in developing countries. World Pneumonia Day is crucial as it emphasizes the urgent need for action against this preventable disease, advocating for vaccination, proper nutrition, and clean air initiatives to reduce its prevalence. It provides a platform to address healthcare inequities and mobilize resources to improve treatment and preventive measures, highlighting the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare services worldwide. 

World Pneumonia Day provides a platform to advocate for affordable treatments and educate the public to recognise early symptoms, which could be lifesaving. This day aims to reduce pneumonia-related mortality and build healthier, resilient communities. 

The Global Burden of Disease says pneumonia claimed the lives of 2.2 million, including 502,000 children, with COVID-19 killing 10 million more, in 2021 alone. This illness is regarded as the “biggest infectious killer of children and adults,” and it is, therefore, critical to address this disease.

Abul Kalam Azad's Birth Anniversary

Abul Kalam Azad, born on 11 November 1888, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, was an Indian scholar, Islamic theologian, independence activist, and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement. Following India's independence, he became the First Minister of Education in the Indian government Minister of Human Resource Development. His contribution to establishing the education foundation in India is recognised by celebrating his birthday as National Education Day across India.

Birth Anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo

Jigme Singye Wangchuck, born 11 November 1955 is a member of the House of Wangchuck who was the king of Bhutan (Druk Gyalpo) from 1972 until his abdication in 2006.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck ascended the throne in 1972 at the age of 17, making him the youngest monarch in the world at the time. He received a modern education in India and the United Kingdom and gained valuable insights into Bhutan's people and landscape through extensive tours with his father.

Achievements And Reforms

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck is best known for introducing the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), focusing on holistic development rather than purely economic growth. He initiated significant socio-economic reforms, including the decentralization of power.

In 1998, he established the role of Prime Minister, marking a shift towards democratic governance. He also played a pivotal role in modernizing Bhutan, promoting international relations, and enhancing the nation's infrastructure.

Under the reign of the 4th king of Bhutan, the country joined various regional cooperative bodies and became more involved in the United Nations, strengthening its sovereign status.

One of his significant achievements was Bhutan's economic progress, particularly in industries such as agriculture and hydropower. He also prioritized education, sending students abroad, and expanding educational facilities within the country.

The establishment of Drukair, Bhutan's national airline, in 1981 and the subsequent opening to foreign tourists in 1974 under the 'High value, low volume' tourism policy were key milestones in his reign.

Additionally, he personally led a successful military operation in 2003 to expel Indian insurgents from Bhutanese forests, demonstrating his dedication to national security. 108 memorial chortens, known as the "Druk Wangyal Chortens," at Dochula Pass were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the eldest Queen Mother of Bhutan, in honour of the Fourth King, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, for his bravery and sacrifices.

Legacy

In a historic move, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicated the throne in 2006 in favour of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. This transition marked the beginning of Bhutan's transition to a constitutional monarchy and democratic governance.

His legacy includes the institutionalization of GNH, advancements in education, and the cautious opening of Bhutan to the world. His far-sighted policies and dedication to the well-being of his people have left a lasting impact on the nation's development and governance.

 

Mikhail Kalashnikov's Birth Anniversary

 

Mikhail Kalashnikov, born on 10 November 1919, was a Soviet and Russian lieutenant general, inventor, military engineer, writer, and small arms designer. He is most famous for developing the AK-47 assault rifle and its improvements, the AKM and AK-74, as well as the PK machine gun and RPK light machine gun.

Surendranath Banerjee's Birth Anniversary

Surendranath Banerjee, born on 10 November 1848, was one of the earliest Indian political leaders during the British Raj. He founded the Indian National Association, through which he led two sessions of the Indian National Conference in 1883 and 1885, along with Anandamohan Bose. Banerjee later became a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. Surendranath welcomed Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms, unlike Congress, and with many liberal leaders he left Congress and founded a new organisation named Indian National Liberation Federation in 1919.

Dattopant Thengadi's Birth Anniversary

Dattopant Bapurao Thengadi, born on 10 November 1920, was an Indian Hindu Ideologue, trade union leader and founder of the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh. He is one of the foremost ideologues of Swadeshi economics.