Since ancient times, pulses have been an essential part of the human diet. They are key ingredients in many national and regional dishes. Pulses can increase biodiversity as they can fix their nitrogen into the soil, enhancing the soil fertility. In addition to their high nutritional value and health benefits, pulses cultivation is economically advantageous for farmers and positively affects the environment. Intercropping with pulses increases farm biodiversity and creates a more diverse landscape for animals and insects. International Year of Pulses is observed to raise awareness of the importance of pulses cultivation, the nutritional value of pulses and their importance as an integral part of a healthy diet.
4 February is observed as World Cancer Day. It aims to raise awareness about Cancer and pressing governments and individuals worldwide to act against the disease. Most cancers get diagnosed at a later stage, and the precious time is lost to give a patient a quality life ahead. Many different types of Cancers can occur in young people. WHO reports that Breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer as the most common form of the disease. Currently, the overall cancer incidence in India is low. As India continues to age, cancer cases will double every 20 years. Cancer exists, and it could happen to anyone and everyone. Once a family member is diagnosed with Cancer, gloom looms. Fear of death, draining of resources, financial and time ensuring emotional support to the patient and more importantly, the family members. Only the commitment to act will lead to progress in reducing the global impact of Cancer. It is the commitment of governments, communities and more importantly people themselves.
2 February is celebrated as World Wetlands Day. The observation is to raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands. Wetlands occur where water meets land, and a wetland of international importance is being referred to as a Ramsar site. Estimates show that 64% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900. Like in many other countries, the wetlands in India are also fast disappearing. One of the reasons attributed to the recent devastation caused by 2015 floods in Chennai is vanishing wetlands. India has many of the Ramsar sites like Chilika Lake, Kolleru Lake, Loktak Lake. People are using more freshwater than nature can replenish, leading to destroying the ecosystem that water and all life depend on most – the Wetlands. There is no “Planet B’, at least for now. The world communities must work together to protect the irreplaceable wetlands for current and future generations to come. The role of local and indigenous communities is also vital in protecting them.
World Leprosy Day is observed every year on the last Sunday of January and started in 1954. It aims to raise awareness about this ancient disease and call attention to it can be prevented, treated, and cured. In India, it is observed on 30 January to coincide with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Historically speaking, Leprosy has existed since at least 4000 BC, and the disease was present and described in the ancient civilizations of China, India, and Egypt. Compared to other conditions, Leprosy affects only a small number of people, but it is essential to build an inclusive world. Leprosy is an easily treatable infectious disease. India achieved the elimination in 2005 at National level as per WHO criteria. According to WHO, more than 2 lakh new leprosy cases are reported globally in 153 countries, with more than 50% reported in India.
January 27 was designated by UN in 2005 as International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. It also commemorates when the Soviet troops liberated the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland on this day in 1945. Holocaust survivors and various leaders make their voices heard on this day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. The darker side of humanity, political and military leadership continues to emerge, and the world has seen similar or even more dreadful ones, the Cambodian genocide in 1975 by the Khmer Rouge or the genocide of ethnic communities in Rwanda in 1994. Importance of observance of days like these is to focus on bringing awareness especially to the youth of present with the lessons of the Holocaust so that future generations may work to prevent recurring of such events. Recalling the Past is essential to Safeguard the Future. Observation of days like this is “Lest We Forget”.
National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25 every year. It is observed to encourage tourism and bring awareness about the essential role tourism plays in the country’s growth. India has 38 World Heritage sites as recognised by UNESCO with Jaipur being the latest entry into the list. The funds generated due to tourism are huge, contributing to 9.2% of India’s GDP and the employment generation. New trends are emerging in the way people travel and visit, like Homestays over hotel rooms and workcations (a new word). Tourism has a different angle too, visiting historic places could be inspiring. When our ancestors could do that many years ago, sure we can do it now. As Samuel Johnson said, travelling is to realise. Yes, there is so much to see, enjoy and learn. ‘Dekho Apna Desh’
The National Voters’ Day is observed on January 25 every year to mark the Election Commission of India’s foundation day in 1950 and being observed since 2011. This day is meant to encourage, facilitate, and maximise enrolment of new voters. One of the notable initiatives being undertaken this year is the launching of Election Commissions of India’s Web Radio: ‘Hello Voters‘, an online digital radio service which will stream voter awareness programmes, beginning of e-EPICs (Elector Photo Identity Cards), a digital version of the Elector Photo Identity Card. The successful conduct of elections during pandemic has added another feather in India’s cap of Election Commission. There have been many instances in the history where everything came down to that one vote. Kudos to the election commission for the smooth conduct of such a large country, with enormous diversity. One of the ways of paying tribute is for everyone to exercise their right to vote.
Education is a fundamental right and plays a crucial role in everyone’s life. Development of a person hinges on education. Even though education is a human right, there are still many struggles for the children out there to get primary education. Conflicts hinder development and pushes many into poverty and one of the consequences of prolonged conflicts is affecting the education of young people. The world has recognised that education is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. There are some heartening developments that have emerged relating to imparting education in the times of COVID pandemic. Many countries have adopted innovative teaching methods to mitigate the pandemic’s immediate impact. It is high time to step up collaboration and international solidarity to place teaching and lifelong learning at the centre of the recovery. When the world is still struggling to ensure everyone gets educated, it is a long way to realise providing that education that was emphasised by Swami Vivekananda.
The National Disaster Response (NDRF) Force”, specialised Indian Special Forces and multi-skilled manpower. During floods, drowning, cyclones and other disasters, the actions of the NDRF have been appreciated by the people. 19 January mark “The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day”. It is to recall the day this force was formed 16 years back. The first batch of 100 women have been inducted with more to join the force in due course of time. The National Disaster Management Authority aims to build a safe and disaster-free India by developing a comprehensive, proactive, multi-disaster and technology-driven strategy for disaster management. Even though natural disasters are beyond the control of human beings, several are a consequence of man-made activities. Thanks to the NDRF teams, who are always there risking their lives and saving many and assuring the friends and family members. A day like this is to recall their services, record our appreciation. Kudos to the NDRF Team.
India celebrates National Youth Day on 12 January, to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, one of India’s most incredible spiritual and social leaders. Swami Vivekananda is one of the iconic leaders who were very vocal about youth’s importance in nation-building. The speech he delivered at the Parliament of World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893 is historic. The demographic dividend will be realised when the nations take the necessary steps. Most of the countries where the youth population dominates are developing countries. This can help to see their economies prosper, provided they invest heavily in young people’s education and health and protect their rights. Celebrating youth day is an occasion to introspect the steps to ensure just and all-round growth.
