1 December-WORLD AIDS DAY
The
United Nations' (UN)
World AIDS Day is observed to honour those who have died of
AIDS,
for those who live
with HIV or AIDS and to increase awareness of these conditions.
It is held on December 1 each year. Health education campaigns
aiming to reduce the transmission of HIV and discrimination of people
living with HIV and AIDS are often launched on or around December 1.
2
December - World Pollution Prevention Day
Pollution
is the introduction of contaminants into an environment that causes
instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e.
physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of
chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat, or light.
According to a study - Water pollution causes approximately 14,000
deaths per day, mostly due to contamination of drinking water by
untreated sewage in developing countries. An estimated 700 million
Indians have no access to a proper toilet, and 1,000 Indian children
die of diarrhoeal sickness every day.
Nearly 500 million Chinese lack access to safe drinking water.
656,000 people die prematurely each year in China because of air
pollution. There is an immediate need for potential pollution
prevention and waste minimization techniques. When Wastes are reduced
or eliminated, substantial economies can be realized by reduced
expenditures for pollution control equipment, and lower treatment and
disposal costs.
To
carry forward the awareness and the message, World Pollution
Prevention Day is observed annually on every December 2.
3 International Disability Day
To initiate an action to enhance
the quality of life, and promote and protect the rights and dignity
of people with disabilities, the year 1981 was proclaimed the
International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP) by the United Nations.
It called for a plan of action with an emphasis on equalization of
opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities. Also,
United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons was held from 1983 to 1992
to enable governments and organizations to implement measures to
improve the life of disabled persons all over the world. On October
14, 1992, as this decade drew to a close, the UN General Assembly
proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons.
This day was first observed on December 3, 1992. Since then UN
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is annually held on
December 3 .
This day aims to increase the understanding of
the issues around disabilities and attention to the dignity, rights
and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also
aims to increase the awareness of the gains for everybody if disabled
persons are integrated into all aspects of political, social,
economic and cultural life and raising money for resources for
persons with disabilities. On December 18, 2007, the
assembly changed the observance's name from the "International
Day of Disabled Persons" to the "International Day of
Persons with Disabilities". The new name was first used in 2008.
4
December-Indian Navy Day
Navy of the India plays a great role in securing the marine borders of the country as well as enhancing the international relations of India through many ways like seaport visits, joint exercises, humanitarian missions, calamity relief and etc. Modern Indian navy has as undergone speedy renovation in order to improve the position of navy to the Indian Ocean region. According to the report, the strength of the Indian Navy includes of 58,350 personnel, an aircraft carrier, a big transport dock, 15 frigates, 8 guided missile destroyers, 24 corvettes, 13 conventional submarines, 1 nuclear attack submarine, 30 patrol vessels, 7 mine countermeasure vessels including variety of auxiliary ships.
Navy Day in India is celebrated to commemorate the courageous attack on the Karachi harbor during the Indo-Pakistan war (at 4th of December in the year 1971) by the Indian Naval Missile boats as well as to reverence all the martyrs of that war. It is celebrated using a particular theme (like “Safe Seas and Secure Coasts for a strong Nation”) of the year for making it more powerful and potent.
6
December- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Mahaparinirvan Din
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar “The Father of the Indian Constitution” died on 6th of December in the 1956. Hence Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Mahaparinirvan Din or death anniversary is celebrated every year all over the India on 6th of December to pay him a lot of tribute and honor.
Dr B R Ambedkar was one of the
architects of the Indian Constitution. He was a well-known politician
and an eminent jurist. Ambedkar's efforts to eradicate the social
evils like untouchablity and caste restrictions were remarkable. The
leader, throughout his life, fought for the rights of the dalits and
other socially backward classes. Ambedkar was appointed as the
nation's first Law Minister in the Cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru. He
was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian
honor in 1990.
Bhimrao Ambedkar was born to Bhimabai Sakpal and Ramji on 14 April 1891 in Madhya Pradesh. In 1908, Ambedkar got the opportunity to study at the Elphinstone College. Besides clearing all the exams successfully Ambedkar also obtained a scholarship of twenty five rupees a month from the Gayakwad ruler of Baroda, Sahyaji Rao III. Political Science and Economics were the subjects in which he graduated from the Bombay University in 1912. Ambedkar decided to use the money for higher studies in the USA. Ambedkar obtained the job as a professor of political economy at the Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Bombay. In order to continue his further studies.
Bhimrao Ambedkar was born to Bhimabai Sakpal and Ramji on 14 April 1891 in Madhya Pradesh. In 1908, Ambedkar got the opportunity to study at the Elphinstone College. Besides clearing all the exams successfully Ambedkar also obtained a scholarship of twenty five rupees a month from the Gayakwad ruler of Baroda, Sahyaji Rao III. Political Science and Economics were the subjects in which he graduated from the Bombay University in 1912. Ambedkar decided to use the money for higher studies in the USA. Ambedkar obtained the job as a professor of political economy at the Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Bombay. In order to continue his further studies.
He
was awarded honor of D.Sc by the London University and in 1927
Doctorate by the University of Columbia.
After returning to India, Bhimrao
Ambedkar decided to fight against the caste discrimination that
almost fragmented the nation. Ambedkar opined that there should be
separate electoral system for the Untouchables and lower caste
people. He also favored the concept of providing reservations for
Dalits and other religious communities. He launched a newspaper
called "Mooknayaka" (leader of the silent).
In 1936, Ambedkar founded the
Independent Labour Party. In the 1937 elections to the Central
Legislative Assembly his party won 15 seats. Ambedkar oversaw the
transformation of his political party into the All India Scheduled
Castes Federation, although it performed poorly in the elections held
in 1946 for the Constituent Assembly of India.
Ambedkar objected to the decision of Congress and Mahatma Gandhi to call the untouchable community as Harijans. He would say that even the members of untouchable community are same as the other members of the society. Ambedkar was appointed on the Defence Advisory Committee and the Viceroy's Executive Council as Minister for Labor. His reputation as a scholar led to his appointment as free India's first, Law Minister and chairman of the committee responsible to draft a constitution.
In 1950, Ambedkar traveled to Sri Lanka to attend a convention of Buddhist scholars and monks. After his return he decided to write a book on Buddhism and soon, converted himself to Buddhism. In his speeches, Ambedkar lambasted the Hindu rituals and caste division. Ambedkar founded the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha In 1955.Since 1954-55 Ambedkar was suffering from serious health problems including diabetes and weak eyesight. On 6 December, 1956 he died at his home in Delhi. Since, Ambedkar adopted the Buddhism as his religion, a Buddhist-style cremation was organized for him. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of thousands of supporters, activists and admirers.
Ambedkar objected to the decision of Congress and Mahatma Gandhi to call the untouchable community as Harijans. He would say that even the members of untouchable community are same as the other members of the society. Ambedkar was appointed on the Defence Advisory Committee and the Viceroy's Executive Council as Minister for Labor. His reputation as a scholar led to his appointment as free India's first, Law Minister and chairman of the committee responsible to draft a constitution.
In 1950, Ambedkar traveled to Sri Lanka to attend a convention of Buddhist scholars and monks. After his return he decided to write a book on Buddhism and soon, converted himself to Buddhism. In his speeches, Ambedkar lambasted the Hindu rituals and caste division. Ambedkar founded the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha In 1955.Since 1954-55 Ambedkar was suffering from serious health problems including diabetes and weak eyesight. On 6 December, 1956 he died at his home in Delhi. Since, Ambedkar adopted the Buddhism as his religion, a Buddhist-style cremation was organized for him. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of thousands of supporters, activists and admirers.
His book "The Buddha and His
Dhamma" was published posthumously.
On Mahaparinirvan Din or death anniversary day( 6th of December) the people in India pay him tribute by
offering flowers, garlands, ceremonial lamps, candles and literature
at his elegantly decorated statue. At this day a large crowd of
people visit the Parliament House complex in the morning in order to
pay honor and respect by chanting a most famous slogan “Baba Sahib
Amar Rahe”. Some people including Bodh Bhikshus sing several sacred
songs at this occasion.
7
December- Armed Forces Flag Day
The Armed Forces
Flag Day is celebrated all over India every year on 7th of December
in order to collect the funds from people all around the country for
the wellbeing of the staff of the Indian Armed Forces. It was first
celebrated in India on 7th of December in the year 1949. Since 1949,
it has become a ritual in order to memorialize this day in the great
honour of the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the India. It is
enthusiastically celebrated throughout the country intending to
tribute the courageous and martyred soldiers, to salute the expert
soldiers as well as to refurbish the harmony of citizens.
Now it has become a prestigious annual celebration in India for
the well-being of the National life, providing rehabilitation to the
battle victims, well-being of helping personnel of Armed Forces and
their families as well as the resettlement and welfare of the
ex-servicemen personnel and their families.The personnel serving in the Navy, Army and Air Force of India never think about their lives while protecting the country. Many lives of the Indian army personnel had lost all through the Chinese violence of the year 1962, Indo-Pak Conflict of the year 1965 and 1971, Kargil War of the year 1998 and many more. Many homes of the India had left broken during these wars, number of serving personnel became disabled, handicapped. So, this Flag Day celebration in India bring a lot of hope in the lives of those victims who had sacrificed their precious lives for the better tomorrow of the country.
The Armed Forces Flag Day celebration strengthens the cultural bond among the people of India and the staffs of armed forces. This celebration plays a great role in enhancing the welfare of the serving personnel of Indian armed forces.
Armed Forces Flag Day in India is celebrated yearly to remember all the sacrifices of the personnel of Army, Air Force and navy towards the country. This event is organized to get the common public collaboration and support throughout the country for the following purposes:
- To make available the rehabilitation to the families of battle victims.
- To offer welfare to the serving personnel as well as their relatives.
- To help in the resettlement and well-being of the ex-servicemen and their relatives.
7
December- International Civil Aviation Day
Civil Aviation is one of two major
categories of flying, representing all non-military aviation, both
private and commercial. Most of the countries in the world are
members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and
work together to establish common standards and recommended practices
for civil aviation through that agency. International Civil
Aviation Day is annually observed December 7 to raise awareness of
the importance of international civil aviation and the role that the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) plays
in international air transport.This observance aims to
generate and reinforce global awareness of the importance of
international civil aviation in the social and economic development .
8-14 December- All India Handicrafts Week
All India Handicrafts Week 2014 would be celebrated from Monday (8th of December) to the Sunday (14th of December).The whole week celebration is a special time of the year for all the artisans all across the country as they get a big chance to get focused and exposed for their great work all over the world. The organized exhibition during this week provides a big hope and opportunity to the millions of dedicated handicrafts artisans all around the India. It is a great event which helps in keeping alive the tradition and culture of handicrafts for the ages.
During “All India Handicrafts Week” event celebration, homage is given by the people to the Late Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay. She was a great social reformer, freedom fighter, follower of Gandhi and famous for her dedicated involvement in the Indian independence movement. She is also famous for being a driving force behind the revival of the Indian handlooms, handicrafts as well as enhancing the Indian women’s socio-economic standard through the co-operative movement after the independence of the country.
The whole week celebration includes five major components such as
the buyer-seller meeting, handicrafts exhibition, artistic
performances by the Indian artists, live display by the national
award winning crafts-persons and exhibition of Indian food.
All India handicrafts week is celebrated by the offices of
handicrafts development commissioner, as well as the ministry of
textiles for the whole week in order to increase the awareness and
distribute the main information of the handicrafts week schemes among
the artisans. During the whole week celebration, the handicrafts
development conducts a state-level as well as local marketing
workshop in the Bangalore and in Mangalore respectively.In order to promote and increase the awareness among people about the handicrafts, variety of craft maps, catalogues, leaflets and etc are published by the organizations to be distributed in the general public. During the celebration the Chikankari, Folk Painting, Phad painting, hand block printing, Bandhej Tie Dye, Durry Weaving, Kani Shawl Weaving, Lac bangles, Kantha, Mirror Work, Applique and Crochet, Crewel Embroidery, Phulkari and Kalamkari Painting, Zardozi and etc handicrafts works are displayed to the people.
9
December- International Anti Corruption Day
Corruption is an issue that affects all
countries around the world. It can refer to the destruction of one’s
honesty or loyalty through undermining moral integrity or acting in a
way that shows a lack of integrity or honesty. It also refers to
those who use a position of power or trust for dishonest gain.
Corruption undermines democracy, creates unstable governments, and
sets countries back economically. Corruption comes in various forms
such as bribery, law-breaking without dealing with the consequences
in a fair manner, unfairly amending election processes and results,
and covering mistakes or silencing whistle-blowers (those who expose
corruption in hope that justice would be served). Development is not
the only casualty. Corruption steals elections. It undermines the
rule of law. And it can jeopardize security. As we have seen over the
last year, it can also have a serious impact on the international
financial system. The United Nations Convention against Corruption is
the world's strongest legal instrument to build integrity and fight
corruption. The United Nations’ (UN) International
Anti-Corruption Day aims to raise public awareness of corruption and
what people can do to fight it. It is observed on December 9 each
year.
10 December- Human
Rights Day
Human rights are 'Basic Rights
and Freedoms to which all Humans are entitled'. Examples of
Rights and Freedoms include Civil and Political Rights such as The
Right To Life And Liberty, Freedom Of Expression and Equality Before
The Law and Economic, Social And Cultural Rights, including The Right
To Participate In Culture, The Right To Food, The Right To Work and
The Right To Education. The World Wars, and the huge losses of life
and gross abuses of human rights that took place during them were a
driving force behind the development of modern human rights
instruments. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was
drafted between January 1947 and December 1948. The
UN General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France, on the
December 10, 1948. All states and interested organizations were
invited to mark December 10 as Human Rights Day at a UN meeting on
December 4, 1950. It aimed to form a basis for human rights
all over the world and represented a significant change of direction
from events during World War II and the continuing colonialism that
was rife in the world at the time. The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights is considered as the most translated document in modern
history. It is available in more than 360 languages and new
translations are still being added. The date was chosen to honour the
United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10
December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),
the first global enunciation of human rights.
This day is also an occasion for people
worldwide to know and consider the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
Thrikarthika, is the
festival of lights celebrated in Kerala on the Kartika Nakshatram
(star) in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (mid-November to
mid-December). It usually falls on the full moon day in the month. On
that day after sunset all the houses, streets and temples are well
lit with traditional oil lamps, made out of clay called Chirad. The
festival is mainly observed in South Kerala.
This festival is not dedicated to any particular God or Goddess in Hindu pantheon. But some people do claim that is dedicated to Shakti – popularly known as Bhagavati in Kerala. Some people claim it is an ancient form of nature worship. Some people consider this day as the Birthday of Goddess Parvathi, consort of Lord Shiva. One day prior to Thrikarthika people clean their houses and its surroundings in order to welcome the Goddess to their houses. They wear new clothes, exchange small gifts with each other. One of the specialties of this day is that people never use crackers as this day is considered as the day of Peace & Silence.
It can be seen as another version of Diwali- the festival of lights. Like Diwali, Thrikarthika’s message is also the same – victory of truth over sin. So, people are lighting traditional lamps known as ‘Chirad’ made of clay in their homes and temples at evening twilight. Actually children are more interested in lighting lamps than elders. Lamp is known as ‘Vilakk’ in both Malayalam and Tamil and hence lighting lamps on Karthika day of Vrischikam month is known as Karthika Vilakk.
On the Thrikarthika day after sunset, houses, streets and temples are decorated with special oil lamps (lamps made out of clay, referred in Malayalam as chirad) and candles as an offering to Goddess on her birthday. The stems of banana (plantain) and tender leaves of coconut tree are used to decorate the Thrikarthika lamps. The lamps are placed on the banana stems supported by coconut leaves.
People who have domestic animals also decorate the cowshed and other places used by animals. Special food is prepared using Tapioca, elephant yam and other tubers with lot of grated coconut on the day and is known as Kartika Puzhukku. Traditionally in Trivandrum ,'ella appam' is prepared rather than the puzhukku.
The full moon night and the Thrikarthika lamps complement each other giving an awe inspiring feeling to the viewers.
On the same day, Tiruvannamalai Mahadeepam is held in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Tamil people celebrate this as the birthday of Lord Murugan.
Dec 13 Milad-un-Nabi
The Milad un Nabi or Malwid is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the world. For example, in Pakistan, it is celebrated with the raising of the national flag on national monuments followed by a gun salute at dawn. In some other parts of the world, the festival is observed with large processions and a carnival like atmosphere. There is an atmosphere of bonhomie and people can be seen exchanging gifts and distributing food to the poor. The day is celebrated with the offering of prayers by thousands in mosques and the mosques being decorated with lights. This is a public holiday in most of the Muslim countries.
Eid-e-Milad is celebrated in the memory of Prophet Muhammed. The Holy Prophet was born on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal in 570 C.E Saudi Arabia, Mecca. Rabi-ul-Awwal is the third month of the Muslim year. Eid-e-Milad is both, a time to rejoice and a time to mourn, since the Prophet passed away on the same day.
Maulid : Eid-e-Milad is also called Maulid, since it is Prophet Muhammed's Eid and the song sung in praise of the Prophet's birth is called a Maulud. From the Middle Ages, it was believed that, listening to the recitation of Maulud has not only worldly but heavenly rewards too.
12
December- Thrikarthika - The Festival of lights
This festival is not dedicated to any particular God or Goddess in Hindu pantheon. But some people do claim that is dedicated to Shakti – popularly known as Bhagavati in Kerala. Some people claim it is an ancient form of nature worship. Some people consider this day as the Birthday of Goddess Parvathi, consort of Lord Shiva. One day prior to Thrikarthika people clean their houses and its surroundings in order to welcome the Goddess to their houses. They wear new clothes, exchange small gifts with each other. One of the specialties of this day is that people never use crackers as this day is considered as the day of Peace & Silence.
It can be seen as another version of Diwali- the festival of lights. Like Diwali, Thrikarthika’s message is also the same – victory of truth over sin. So, people are lighting traditional lamps known as ‘Chirad’ made of clay in their homes and temples at evening twilight. Actually children are more interested in lighting lamps than elders. Lamp is known as ‘Vilakk’ in both Malayalam and Tamil and hence lighting lamps on Karthika day of Vrischikam month is known as Karthika Vilakk.
On the Thrikarthika day after sunset, houses, streets and temples are decorated with special oil lamps (lamps made out of clay, referred in Malayalam as chirad) and candles as an offering to Goddess on her birthday. The stems of banana (plantain) and tender leaves of coconut tree are used to decorate the Thrikarthika lamps. The lamps are placed on the banana stems supported by coconut leaves.
People who have domestic animals also decorate the cowshed and other places used by animals. Special food is prepared using Tapioca, elephant yam and other tubers with lot of grated coconut on the day and is known as Kartika Puzhukku. Traditionally in Trivandrum ,'ella appam' is prepared rather than the puzhukku.
The full moon night and the Thrikarthika lamps complement each other giving an awe inspiring feeling to the viewers.
On the same day, Tiruvannamalai Mahadeepam is held in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Tamil people celebrate this as the birthday of Lord Murugan.
Dec 13 Milad-un-Nabi
The Prophet's
Birthday, or Milad un Nabi as it is commonly known in Muslim culture,
is celebrated in most of the Muslim countries and in India as well.
The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Prophet
Muhammad. It is celebrated in the third month of the Islamic
calendar. While the Shias celebrate it on the 17th of the month, the
Sunnis celebrate on the 12th of the month, according to the Islamic
calendar. The date of this festival varies in the Gregorian calendar.
The Milad un Nabi or Malwid is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the world. For example, in Pakistan, it is celebrated with the raising of the national flag on national monuments followed by a gun salute at dawn. In some other parts of the world, the festival is observed with large processions and a carnival like atmosphere. There is an atmosphere of bonhomie and people can be seen exchanging gifts and distributing food to the poor. The day is celebrated with the offering of prayers by thousands in mosques and the mosques being decorated with lights. This is a public holiday in most of the Muslim countries.
Eid-e-Milad is celebrated in the memory of Prophet Muhammed. The Holy Prophet was born on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal in 570 C.E Saudi Arabia, Mecca. Rabi-ul-Awwal is the third month of the Muslim year. Eid-e-Milad is both, a time to rejoice and a time to mourn, since the Prophet passed away on the same day.
Maulid : Eid-e-Milad is also called Maulid, since it is Prophet Muhammed's Eid and the song sung in praise of the Prophet's birth is called a Maulud. From the Middle Ages, it was believed that, listening to the recitation of Maulud has not only worldly but heavenly rewards too.
14
December- National Energy Conservation Day
National
energy conservation day in India is celebrated to aware people about
the importance of energy as well as saving or conserving the more
energy by using less energy. The exact means of energy conservation
is using less energy by avoiding the unnecessary uses of energy.
Using energy efficiently is very necessary to save it for the future
usage. Energy conservation should be rooted in the behavior of every
human being to get more effect towards the plan of energy
conservation.
The
Energy Conservation Act in India was executed by the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency (BEE) in the year 2001. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is
a constitutional body which comes under Government of India and helps
in the development of policies and strategies in order to reduce the
energy use.
Fossil
fuels, Crude oil, Coal, natural gas and etc generate sufficient
energy for the use in daily life but increasing the demands of it day
by day creates the fear of reducing or diminishing the natural
resources. Energy conservation is the only way which helps in
replacing the non-renewable resources of energy with the renewable
energy.
Petroleum Conservation Research Association was
established by the Indian government in India in the year 1977 to
promote energy efficiency and conservation among Indian people in
their every walk of life. This is a big step taken by the government
of India for energy conservation to a great level. Another government
organization in India, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, has also been set
up in 2001 for better energy efficiency and conservation.
19
December- Goa's Liberation day
Goa was part of
Mauryan Empire of Ashoka . Afterwards , it was ruled by Satavahanas
of Kolhapur . Then , successively , it was ruled by Kalachuris
, Chalukyas of Badami and Rashtrakutas of Malkhed .
There after Goa briefly became part of Delhi Sultanate
. Afterwards Harihar of Vijayanagara Empire conquered and thus Goa
became part of mighty Vijayanagara Empire . |
|
Indian troops are greeted by
supporters as they march through the streets of Panaji, shortly after
the Portuguese retreat
|
Bahamani Sultans of Gulbarga came next and Goa became part of their Sultanate . Later on Goa was annexed by Adilshahi Sultans of Bijapur .
Then came Portuguese in 1510 . They defeated Sultan of Bijapur and made their first permanent settlement in Old Goa [ Velha Goa ] . Their Indian Empire was called Estado da India Portuguesa . They ruled for 450 years and that too with iron fist .
When India became free in 1947 , Portugal refused to liberate Goa and continued their tyrannical rule . On December 19 , 1961 , Indian forces launched OPERATION VIJAY and forces entered into Goa . Portuguese governor of Goa , who was threatening of a fierce battle , fled and thus after 451 years of oppressive and totalitarian Portuguese rule , Goa was finally liberated .
Initially a microscopic minority of Goa wanted to merge it with Maharashtra . In 1967 , during Indira Gandhi’s tenure , an Opinion Poll was held and people with overwhelming majority voted to retain their separate identity as a Union Territory and against merger with Maharashtra .
On May 30 , 1987 Goa became 25th state of India and Daman & Diu remained as Union Territory . On the same day Konkani also got the status of the official language of the new state of Goa .
20
December- International Human Solidarity Day
According to the U.N.,
'Solidarity' refers to a union of interests, purposes or sympathies
among members of a group. Solidarity, as a central pillar of
international cooperation, acquires new meaning in the face of
globalization and growing interdependence. In particular, a
globalizing world offers new opportunities to forge innovative
alliances that can unleash the potential for broader and faster
economic and social development. Among the more important aspects of
solidarity at the international level are assistance, development aid
and co-operation. The United Nations' (UN)
International Human Solidarity Day is annually held on
December 20 to celebrate unity in diversity. It also
aims to remind people on the importance of solidarity in working
towards eradicating poverty. On International Human
Solidarity Day, governments are reminded of their commitments to
international agreements on the need for human solidarity as an
initiative to fight against poverty. People are encouraged to debate
on ways to promote solidarity and find innovative methods to help
eradicate poverty.
21
December- Handloom week
The Handloom industry is a part
of the Textile industry. The Textile industry occupies a unique place
India. One of the earliest to come into existence in India, it
accounts for 14% of the total Industrial production, contributes to
nearly 30% of the total exports and is the second largest employment
generator after agriculture. Handloom products include handloom and
silk sarees, garments, gamchas, shawls, stoles, scarves, dupattas,
other readymades, home furnishings including bedsheets and covers,
fabrics, carpets, durries, rugs and mats, kitchen linen, hand towels
and napkins etc. Handloom week is organised from December 21-27 to
highlight a range of handloom products developed by handloom clusters
under the Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Scheme of the
Ministry of Textiles. The most important stimulus for the handloom
sector is marketing. To achiece this purpose agencies like EDI,
ACASH, NHDC, Weavers Service Centres, Ministry of Textiles, Office of
the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and Textiles Committee,
State Handloom Development Corporations and Federation put up their
Expos throughout the country. Handicrafts Week is generally
celebrated through a slew of expos being conducted in Delhi, Chennai,
Coimbatore, Kolkatta, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bhillai,
Dehradun, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bangalore, Puri, Kannur, Tirupathi,
Dimapur, Sibsagar, Bhopal, Chandigarh and Patna. The Handloom expos
exhibit live demostration of the weaving on handloom, cloth printing
and computer aided textile designing. Weavers from Varanasi, Bargarh,
Chanderi, Burdwan, Barabanki, Binjore and Gwalior also exhibited the
skills in form of saris, stoles, scarves, shawls, home furnishing
items, etc. Weavers from all parts of the country display their
creations in cotton, silk (eri, muga, tassar, mulberry) other natural
blends and get direct opportunity to interact with buyers from within
India and abroad.These products are tagged with Handloom Mark
indicating that they are made by hand looms and not powerlooms, and
are genuine.
Dec-22 National
Mathematics Day
In
India, December 22 has been declared as the National Mathematics Day.
The Indian mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on 22
December 1887 in Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu and died on 26 April 1920. It
was in recognition of his contribution to mathematics the Government
of India decided to celebrate Ramanujan's birthday as the National
Mathematics Day every year and to celebrate 2012 as the National
Mathematical Year.
Just
before the age of 10, in November 1897, he passed his primary
examinations in English, Tamil, geography and arithmetic. By 14, he
was receiving merit certificates and academic awards which continued
throughout his school career. When he graduated from Town Higher
Secondary School in 1904, Ramanujan was awarded the K. Ranganatha Rao
prize for mathematics. He received a scholarship to study at
Government Arts College, Kunbakinam. However, Ramanujan was so intent
on studying mathematics that he could not focus on any other subjects
and failed most of them, losing his scholarship in the process.
Poverty
and health problemsdid not permit him to continue his education. He
went in search of a job. But when he showed his mathematical notes to
many mathematicians in search of a job, they were all surprised at
his talent. He continued his mathematical research with R.Ramachandra
Rao's (the district collector for Nellore and the secretary of the
Indian Mathematical Society) financial aid taking care of his daily
needs. Ramanujan, with the help of Ramaswamy Aiyer, had his work
published in the Journal
of the Indian Mathematical Society.
In
early 1912, he got a temporary job in the Madras Acountant General's
office, with a salary of 20 rupees per month.Later he joined under
the Chief Accountant of the Madras Port Trust as a Class III, Grade
IV accounting clerk, making 30 rupees per month. At his office,
Ramanujan easily and quickly completed the work he was given, so he
spent his spare time doing mathematical research. Ramanujan's boss,
Sir Francis Spring, and S. Narayana Iyer, a colleague who was also
treasurer of the Indian Mathematical Society, encouraged Ramanujan in
his mathematical pursuits.
In
the spring of 1913, Narayana Iyer, Ramachandra Rao and E. W.
Middlemast tried to present Ramanujan's work to British
mathematicians. Many of them either returned them without any comment
or refused to take Ramanujan as a student.
On
16 January 1913, Ramanujan wrote to G. H. Hardy. Coming from an
unknown mathematician, the nine pages of mathematics made Hardy
initially view Ramanujan's manuscripts as a possible "fraud".
Hardy recognised some of Ramanujan's formulae but others "seemed
scarcely possible to believe". After he saw Ramanujan's theorems
on continued fractions on the last page of the manuscripts, Hardy
commented that "they [theorems] defeated me completely; I had
never seen anything in the least like them before". He asked a
colleague, J. E. Littlewood, to take a look at the papers. Littlewood
was amazed by the mathematical genius of Ramanujan. After discussing
the papers with Littlewood, Hardy concluded that the letters were
"certainly the most remarkable I have received" and
commented that Ramanujan was "a mathematician of the highest
quality, a man of altogether exceptional originality and power".
After
a long line of efforts and dramatic incidents finally Ramanujan
arrived in London on 14 April to continue his mathmatical researches
under Hardy's guidance. Ramanujan spent nearly five years in
Cambridge collaborating with Hardy and Littlewood and published a
part of his findings there. Hardy and Ramanujan had highly
contrasting personalities. Their collaboration was a clash of
different cultures, beliefs and working styles. Hardy was an atheist
and an apostle of proof and mathematical rigour, whereas Ramanujan
was a deeply religious man and relied very strongly on his intuition.
While in England, Hardy tried his best to fill the gaps in
Ramanujan's education without interrupting his spell of inspiration.
Ramanujan
was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree by research (this degree was
later renamed PhD) in March 1916 for his work on highly composite
numbers. On 6 December 1917, he was elected to the London
Mathematical Society. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in
1918, becoming the second Indian to do so, following Ardaseer
Cursetjee in 1841, and he was one of the youngest Fellows in the
history of the Royal Society. He was elected "for his
investigation in Elliptic functions and the Theory of Numbers."
On 13 October 1918, he became the first Indian to be elected a Fellow
of Trinity College, Cambridge.
Ramanujan's
health worsened in England. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis and a
severe vitamin deficiency and was confined to a sanatorium. So he
returned to Kumbakonam, in 1919 and died soon thereafter at the age
of 32 in 1920.
(Read
more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srinivasa_Ramanujan)
23 December- Kisan Divas
(Ch.
Charan Singh's Birth Anniversary)
Chaudhary Charan
Singh's birth anniversary on December 23rd every year is observed as
Farmer’s Day ( Kisan Divas). The late Charan Singh is also
remembered for the one and only budget he presented in 1979. That
Budget had everything a farmer could dream of in his favor. He also
came out with various initiatives in favor of farmers, his
passionate appeal and magnetic persona united all the farmers
against the moneylenders and landlords. He was also a very effective
writer and penned his thoughts on farmers and their problems and
solutions. Charan Singh passed away on 29 May 1987.
Charan Singh was born on 23
December 1902 in the village of Noorpur. Uthar Pradesh. He was a
good student, and received a MA degree in 1925 and Law degree in
1926 from Agra University. He started practice as a Civil Lawyer at
Ghaziyabad in 1928.
In February 1937 he was elected from Chhaprauli(Baghpat) to the
Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh (United Provinces) at the age
of 34. In 1938 he introduced an Agricultural Produce Market Bill in
the Assembly. The Bill was intended to safeguard the interests of
the farmers against the rapacity of the traders. The Bill was
adopted by most of the States in India,Punjab being the first state
to do so in 1940.Charan Singh opposed Jawaharlal Nehru on his Soviet-style economic reform. Charan Singh was of the opinion that cooperative farms would not succeed in India. Being a son of a farmer, Charan Singh opined that the right of ownership was important to the farmer in remaining a cultivator. Charan Singh's political career suffered due to his open criticism of Nehru's economic policy.
Charan Singh left the Congress party in 1967, and formed his own political party, Bharathiya Kranthi Dal. With the help and support ofRaj Narain and Ram Manohar Lohia, he becameChief Minister of Uthar pradesh in 1967, and later in 1970. In 1975, he was jailed again, but this time by then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, daughter of his former rival Nehru. She had declared the state of Emergency and jailed all her political opponents. In the 1977 General Elections, the Indian populace voted her out, and the opposition party, of which Chaudhary Charan Singh was a senior leader came into power. He served asDeputy Prime Minister and Home Minister in the Janatha Government headed by Morarji Desai.
Charan Singh followed Mahatma Gandhi in non-violent struggle for independence from the British Government, and was imprisoned several times. In 1930, he was sent to jail for 6 months by the British for contravention of the salt laws. He was jailed again for one year in November 1940 for individual Satyagraha Movement. In August 1942 he was jailed again by the British under DIR and released in November 1943.
25
December- Christmas
Jesus was incarnation
of god in the form of 'Son of God'. Jesus is widely
considered as the founder of Christianity. He was the one who
enlightened the larger populace about the greatness of god. He spread
the message of peace and believing in 'One God' as
opposed to the exploitation by Romans through their beliefs and
practices. All through his life he worked selflessly for the welfare
of poor and sick. He sacrificed his life in the service of mankind
and was crucified by Romans for opposing their beliefs. He rose from
the dead to show that God did exist in real. As per christian
traditions Jesus was Incarnation of god in human form, free of sin
and acting in obedience to and in fulfilment of the divine will of
God, thereby undoing the damage caused by the fall of the first man,
Adam, and opening the opportunity for salvation. His message and
efforts did not go wasted as they still resound even today, inspiring
the humanity towards good deeds. As a mark of respect and gratitude,
christians celebrate the birth day of their Lord as Christmas. Though
a predominantly christian festival, it is very popular amongst
non-christian community all over the world. As per Western
Christianity, Christmas falls on 25th December but as per Eastern
Orthodox calendar this day falls on 7th January. The Christmas
celebrated by Protestants and Catholics is widely accepted and
celebrated than theEastern Orthodox Christmas celebrated on January 7.
As per Christian scholars Jesus was
born about 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, in Judea (now Palestine). He
was born to Joseph and Virgin Mary in a manger. The news of his birth
was spread by an angel to certain shepherds / 3 magi (wise men). The
angel tells them they will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and
lying in a manger. They were guided by a star in their travel from the East to Jerusalem They brought gifts
of gold and frankincense and myrrh with them and presented to the
'Lord'. The young Jesus grew up to become one of the most revered
figures in the history of the world.
Christmas customs have largely been
derived from various cultures, including Teutonic, Celtic, Roman,
West Asian and Christian. The traditions which are observed during
the Christmas have their roots even before the birth of Christ.
Various traditions like exchanging gifts, decorating trees,
the burning of the Yule log were all winter traditions that were
celebrated before Christ’s birth. These traditions were eventually
incorporated into Christmas and with passage of time some more
practices were added to the celebration.
Santa Claus - Santa Claus is a legendary figure who gives gifts to children on Christmas. On Christmas night he secretly enters through the chimney of the house and places gifts for the children in stockings, in empty bag or under the pillow. He is characterised as a jolly fellow with a white beard and wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs. Santa Claus is actually a creation inspired by Saint Nicholas (prominent inspiration)- Bishop of Myra (Turkey), Dutch 'Sinterklaas' and English 'Father Christmas'. All these personalities were kind, gift givers and known for their love towards children. Other inspirations also facilitated in the development of Santa Claus. Major among them being - The book 'A New-year's present, to the little ones from five to twelve' published during 1821. It contained a poem titled 'Old Santeclaus', depicting an old man on a reindeer sleigh, bringing presents to children. 'A Visit From St. Nicholas' (the night before christmas) published in the Troy, New York, Sentinel on December 23, 1823 was also consequential in the popularity of santa claus. The figure was developed during the 19th century and acquired the name 'Santa Claus' from Dutch 'Sinterklaas'. The character as heavy and jolly person was popularised by Thomas Nast (editorial cartoonist) during 1800. As the legend goes Santa Claus lives in North Pole along with magical elves and 8 or 9 flying reindeer's. Santa Claus became so popular that people started dressing up like him and distributed gifts to children, even in modern times. Today, Santa epitomises the Christmas and it is unimaginable to see a christmas without a santa.
(Courtesy:
Various sources in the web)
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