This year, author-researcher Antaryami Mishra from Odisha, was chosen as one of the recipients of the Padma Shri, in the field of literature and education. Mishra has dedicated five decades of his life to researching and writing on Odia language and Jagannath culture. Dedicating his award to the Odia society, the differently-abled (locomotor disability) author feels that he still has a lot more to do for the promotion of Odia language and Jagannath culture.
The Saharan sisters Manju, Roma, Anshu, Reetu and Suman from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, owe their success to their father, Sahdev Saharan. Born in an impoverished family of farmers, Sahdev did not let his financial difficulties hinder his daughters’ education and taught them at home. His efforts paid off as all the five sisters have now cracked the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) Exam. They are also running Pahal Academy, an online platform that provides coaching for the state-level civil services exams.
India paid tribute to the legendary singer and Bharat Ratna recipient, Lata Mangeshkar, on her first death anniversary on 6 February, 2023. Known as the ‘Nightingale of India’, Mangeshkar started singing from the age of five. She has been credited with having sung 25,000 songs in 36 Indian languages including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Bengali.
Every year, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed globally on 6 February, to amplify the efforts on the elimination of this cruel practice. FGM is a procedure which involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and it is considered as a brutal violation of human rights. The theme of this year is, ‘Partnership with Men and Boys to transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM’.
Lack of resources and his family’s financial difficulties prevented Dipak Sahu from pursuing his higher education. Hence, the 48-year-old businessman, from Kalahandi District, Odisha, opened a coaching centre with his wife Sitarani, on 1 November, 2021, to provide free coaching to children from poor families, in all subjects. Currently, 105 students from primary to high school levels are enrolled in the centre.
Did you know that Lantana camara is an invasive species that can quickly suppress the growth of native plants and turn forests into shrub-lands. To prevent these toxic species from destroying forests, the talented tribal women in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, are using them to manufacture furniture and other decorative items. They sell the items to tourists, who visit the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Chamarajanagar district.
Did you know that 2023 has been declared as the ‘International Year of the Millet’, by the United Nations? Lahari Bai, a Baiga tribal woman from Silpadi village, Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as a true brand ambassador of these coarse grains. The 27-year-old has turned one of the rooms in her two-room home, into a ‘Beej Bank’, in which she conserves around 150-plus rare seeds of millets, including Kodo, Kutki, Sanwa, Madhia and Salhar.
Did you know that the International Day of Human Fraternity was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in 2020? Since then, the day is observed annually on 4 February, to promote greater cultural and religious tolerance. The day is marked to spread awareness about various beliefs, cultures and religions and the importance of tolerance.
Every year in India, Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas is observed on 30 January, to mark the death anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as the ‘Father of our Nation’. The day is also observed to pay tribute to the bravery of all freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the freedom movement.
Did you know that Mahatma Gandhi was a big crusader against leprosy? In India, Leprosy Day is observed on 30 January, to coincide with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Globally, World Leprosy Day (WLD), is observed on the last Sunday of January to raise awareness about Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a type of bacteria.
