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19 August 2020 –

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Martin Luther King Jr.,

World Humanitarian Day is celebrated every year on 19th August. World Humanitarian Day 2020 is observed to pay tribute to aid workers who involve themselves in humanitarian services by risking their lives. World Humanitarian Day is celebrated to create awareness about those affected by the crisis of the world. It was established in 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly, which was first officially celebrated in 2009. The date of 19th August was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the Canal Hotel’s bombing in Baghdad, an event in which the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello and twenty others sacrificed their lives.

This year, World Humanitarian Day is extra special as we have a number of people who risk their lives to save the sick ones. The year 2020 has been a disaster to all of us, and yet people who work for saving lives amid COVID-19 deserve to be celebrated. Humanitarians are not only doctors but also nurses, hospital workers, police officers, and many other government employees who are involved in the betterment of the world during this time.

Humanitarians are not those who help humans who are in need but also animals. This World Humanitarian Day is dedicated to every individual who works for the needy by risking their life. Even if you step out to provide face masks or food for the underprivileged, you are a humanitarian, and this day is to celebrate your efforts.

18 August 2020 –

“In later days from Brahma came,
to rule our land, a noble dame,
kind was her heart and bright her fame,
Ahilya was her honoured name,” wrote poet Joanna Baillie in 1849 in honour of one of the greatest Maratha woman ruler of Malwa.

Born in the village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharani Ahilyabai as she was fondly referred to Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar was the Holkar Queen of the Malwa kingdom.

She was married to Khanderao Holkar in 1733 at the tender age of 8. But distress was quick to befall the young bride when her husband Khanderao was killed in the battle of Kumbher in 1754, leaving her a widow at only 29.

When Ahilyabai was about to commit Sati, her father-in-law Malhar Rao refused to let it happen.

He had been her strongest pillar of support at that time. But a young Ahilyabai could see her kingdom fall like a pack of cards after her father-in-law passed away in 1766, only 12 years after the death of his son Khanderao.

One can imagine how a woman, royalty would suffer after losing her husband, father-in-law and only son. But Ahilyabai stood undeterred. She did not let the grief of her loss affect the administration of the kingdom and the lives of her people.

She took matters into her own hands. She petitioned the Peshwa after her son’s death, to take over the administration herself. She ascended the throne and became the ruler of Indore on 11 December 1767.

The Queen of Malwa, apart from being a brave queen and proficient ruler, was also an erudite politician. She observed the bigger picture when the Maratha Peshwa couldn’t pin down the agenda of the British.

“Far and wide the roads were planted with shady trees, and wells were dug, and rest-houses for travellers were made. The poor, the homeless, the orphaned were all helped according to their needs. The Bhils, who had long been the torment of all caravans, were routed from their mountain fastnesses and persuaded to settle down as honest farmers. Hindu and Muslim alike revered the famous Queen and prayed for her long life,” writes Annie Besant.

She was 70 when she died and was succeeded by her commander-in-chief, Tukoji Rao Holkar I.

According to Besant “Indore long mourned its noble Queen, happy had been her reign, and her memory is cherished with deep reverence unto this day”.

15 August 2020 –

“Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err.”
Mahatma Gandhi

The Independence Day of India, which is celebrated religiously throughout the Country on the 15th of August every year, holds tremendous ground in the list of national days, since it reminds every Indian about the dawn of a new beginning, the beginning of an era of deliverance from the clutches of British colonialism of more than 200 years. It was on 15th August 1947 that India was declared independent from British colonialism, and the reins of control were handed over to the leaders of the Country. India’s gaining of independence was a tryst with destiny, as the struggle for freedom was a long and tiresome one, witnessing the sacrifices of many freedom fighters, who laid down their lives on the line.
On this day, India witnesses a huge celebration of independence with tricolor flag hoisting, parades and cultural functions across the country. Independence Day is one of the most significant days in the Indian history that remarks the bravery of our freedom fighters. With buildings illuminated by the tricolor, people pay homage to our leaders and great fighters who fought and gave up their lives for India’s freedom “Our Freedom”. Laid on the sacrifices of many freedom fighters and celebrated with much dedication, the 74th Independence Day on 15th August is a national holiday when people express their happiness by flying kites, listening patriotic songs and hoisting national flag.

To continue with the legacy, this Independence Day will be celebrated online by hosting the tricolor followed by National Anthem, patriotic songs and motivational speeches​ by Students and faculties.

12 August 2020 –

“The Youth of a Nation are the trustees of Posterity.” – Benjamin Disraeli

International Youth Day seeks to raise awareness to the cultural and legal issues faced by youth throughout the world. The United Nations defines youth as people between the ages of 15 and 24 years, although locally, youth can be interpreted in a more flexible manner.

In 1995, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) adopted the World Programme of Action for Youth with the intention of establishing guidelines and policies for action and support that would lead to a brighter future for tomorrow’s youth. The World Programme of Action for Youth, which consists of 15 priority areas, including education, employment, hunger and poverty, health, environment and drug abuse, paved the way for the UN’s declaration of International Youth Day in 1999. Since its inception on August 12, 2000, International Youth Day has served to increase the quality and quantity of opportunities available to the youth to actively participate in society.

In 2009, the UN Economic and Social Council further expanded each of the 15 youth priority areas by developing goals and targets for monitoring youth progress, an expansion that now serves as the basis for International Youth Day’s annual theme. Each year, the theme is selected based upon immediate and relevant issues that youth are facing today. The youth is leading the change, and International Youth Day ensures that they have the ability, skill, motivation and recognition to continue to do so.

12 August 2020 –

Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India. According to the Hindu calendar this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon.

Sri Krishna is considered as one of the most powerful human incarnations of the Lord Vishnu. He was born around 5,200 years ago in Mathura. The sole objective of Sri Krishna’s birth was to free the Earth from the evilness of demons. He played an important role in Mahabharata and propagated the theory of bhakti and good karma which are narrated deeply in the Bhagwat Geeta.

Sri Krishna was born in a prison in the custody of Kansa. Vasudev, His father immediately thought of his friend Nand and decided to hand over his child to him to save Krishna from the clutch of Kansa. Krishna grew up in Gokul and finally killed his uncle, King Kansa.

The actual celebration of Janmashtami takes place during the midnight as Sri Krishna is believed to be borned on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and violence of his uncle, Kansa. All over India this day is celebrated with devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.

The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna had spent his life, are very special. On this day temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are chanted in the temples.

9 August 2020 –

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only once.” (George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons)

National Book Lovers’ day is an unofficial holiday observed to encourage bibliophiles celebrate reading and literature, reading and learning! People are advised to put away their smart phones and every possible technological distraction and pick up a book or two, and read. Reading is a process, an ongoing activity. People say, there are not enough days in human life to finish the best writings that humanity presented – To Read And Enjoy, To Read And Learn.

Research studies have shown that reading can not only be entertaining, but can also have many health benefits. Reading helps in reducing stress, keeps the brain sharp, and can help the sleeping disorders. Scientists have also found that those who read are much more likely to be empathic and possess ability to understanding of others.

There is a book for everyone’s taste – from the scent of a rare first edition book found in an antique books collection, to a crisp, fresh book at the local bookstore. The very sight of a book can bring back memories of childhood reading, to enjoy a short story or a poem. The long books novels are bringing on the magic ability to lose yourself in a story so powerful that at the end it is like missing good friends. This is for the reader in everyone, the celebration of Book Lovers Day!

Started from carving on stone tablets, the book was designed to make portable the writings and drawings of those who could not carry around stone tablets. In the more modern age, printing capabilities (Thank you, Guttenberg!) made books cheaper, and easier to obtain. The printing press, the typewriter, and the computer all had an effect on the market of books. However, the upsurge in electronic devices that can be used for reading books – computers, tablets, and most cell phones now have the ability to access any small or big book, and to enjoy reading books not matter where you are, at any geographical location.

In order to truly appreciate Book Lovers Day, one must only find a story and read it. Maybe some wish to dive into the unknown with a good mystery, or see magic in a high fantasy setting, or be enthralled in a steamy romance. The individual genre of reading is not the big part of this ‘book lovers’ celebration, just that someone practices the reading.

Today, we encourage to find time to read as many books as someone can, to live the many lives of the heroes, to learn new things, and the open the mind to new forms of knowledge.

3 August 2020 –

Raksha Bandhan’ is a famous festival of Hindus. It is also called the festival of ‘Rakhi’. It falls on Purnima or full moon day in the month of Shravan according to Hindu Calendar. It is celebrated all over India.

‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means bound. Thus ‘Raksha Bandhan’ means the ‘Bond of Protection’. On this day, Sisters tie a special band on their brothers’ wrist as a mark of affection. This thread is called the ‘Rakhi’. The brothers in return takes a lifelong vow to protect their sisters. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, brothers and sisters reaffirm their pious bonds of affection.
Raksha Bandhan is all about celebrating this bond. It is a symbolism of the unique and special relationship shared by the two. This day has been rightly recognized to have a good time and focus on this beautiful bond. It serves as a symbol of their love, togetherness, and confidence in each other.

3 August 2020

देश की प्राचीन भाषाओं में संस्कृत का मुख्य स्थान हैं. संस्कृत भाषा को सभी आधुनिक भारतीय भाषाओं की जननी माना जाता हैं. इसी से दूसरी अन्य भाषाओं का जन्म माना जाता हैं. भारतीय संस्कृति का आधार कही जाने वाली यह मातृभाषा हमारे संविधान द्वारा सूचीबद्ध 22 राष्ट्रीय भाषाओं में से एक हैं. हमारे अधिकतर धार्मिक ग्रन्थ जिनमे वेद पुराण और गीता की रचना संस्कृत भाषा में हुई. आज विश्व की सबसे सम्पन्न और आधुनिक भाषा कही जाने वाली अंग्रेजी के शब्दकोश के अधिकतर शब्द इसी भाषा से लिए गये हैं. आज से कुछ हजार वर्ष तक संस्कृत भारतीय जन जीवन की आधार भाषा कही जाने वाली संस्कृत आज हासिये पर आ चुकी जिसको जानने और समझने की आज संख्या मुट्ठीभर ही रह गईं हैं.
भले ही संस्कृत को आज वो स्थान प्राप्त नही हैं, जिसकी वो हकदार हैं, मगर इसका महत्व आज भी उतना ही हैं जितना पहले था. क्योंकि इसी की मदद से हमे अन्य भाषाओं का ज्ञान प्राप्त हो सका हैं.

आज के समय में इस देवभाषा के सभी आयामो पर फिर अनुसन्धान कर आमजन में इसके प्रति जागृति लाने की आवश्यकता हैं. क्योंकि यह मात्र एक भाषा न होकर भारतीय संस्कृति का पर्याय भी हैं. हमारी सभ्यता और संस्कृति को बढ़ावा देने के लिए हमे इस भाषा को अधिक महत्व देना चाहिए. इसी से हमे शिरोधार्य करना होगा इससे ही हमारी विरासत का विकास और उत्थान हो सकता हैं.

2 August 2020

Friendship Day celebrations take place on the first Sunday of August every year. The tradition of dedicating a day in honor of friends began in US in 1935. Gradually the festival gained popularity and today Friendship Day is celebrated in large number of countries including India.

There is not much literature on Friendship Day history as we celebrate today. However, there are numerous folktales and several instance in mythological legends that shows that friends and friendship have been valued since the beginning of civilized world. As an intrinsically social creature, men love to make friends to carry further this process of socialization.

Considering the valuable role friends play in our life it was deemed to fit to have a day dedicated to friends and friendship. The United States Congress, in 1935, proclaimed first Sunday of August as the National Friendship Day. Since then, celebration of National Friendship Day became an annual event. The noble idea of honoring the beautiful relationship of friendship caught on with the people and soon Friendship Day became a hugely popular festival.

Following the popularity and success of Friendship Day in US, several other countries adopted the tradition of dedicating a day to friends. Today, Friendship Day is enthusiastically celebrated by several countries across the world including India.

In 1997, the United Nations named Winnie – the Pooh as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship.

Importance of Friendship in Bible: The Bible, the primary text of the western civilization, reflects upon friendship as the bond that forms the foundation to human faith, trust and companionship. Following verses from the bible aptly portray the importance of friends
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
“Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13-15

Importance of Friendship in Mahabharata
In the famous Hindu epic ‘Mahabharata’, Lord Krishna demonstrates the many colors of friendship – affection, romance, brotherhood, protection, guidance, intimacy and even teasing. Friendship is all about these and much more. The character of Karna is the embodiment of friendship who prepared to fight even his own brothers for the sack of friendship.

Friendship is divine. Friendship is always giving and not asking or taking.

Friendship is one of the most beautiful relationships that has evolved since the beginning of the human race. Other than immediate blood relations, friends are the most valued persons in one’s life. Friendship usually develops with the same age groups with more or less identical nature and interests. Friends usually spend whatever time they find in pursuing their common interests, confiding in each other about their joys and sorrows and coming to the help of those who are in need emotionally or otherwise. It is but natural that one particular day in a year has been set aside to celebrate this beautiful relationship.

Friendship is a great feeling. As long as we feel friendly towards our fellow human beings and all other living beings there will be no hostility and all of us can lead a harmonious joyful life.

1 August 2020

“Festival of the Sacrifice”

Eid Ul Adha is a Muslim festival that basically marks the end of Hajj or Pilgrimage to Makkah. This Eid is also known as the Eid of sacrifice, and it basically commemorates the faith of Abraham and devotion to Allah. According to the Belief of the Muslims, Allah asked Abraham to sacrifice his son for Allah’s sake, and even though he was a good man and loved his son very much, his devotion and faith to God was so strong that he did not hesitate to take this bold step and agreed to sacrifice his son (Huda, 2011). The willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah caused Allah to spare his son’s life, and therefore a lamb was sacrificed in his place. This was a miracle of Allah and it proved that he has command over all things and the known and the unknown. It is because of this holy incident in the History of Islam that the Muslims now celebrate Eid ul Adha every year to earn Allah’s blessings and forgiveness.