International Day of Democracy is celebrated every year across the globe on 15 September. The day is observed to promote and uphold the principles of democracy. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), passed a resolution to observe 15 September as the International Day of Democracy. Currently, Indian democracy is considered the largest in the world.
The Digi Pullampara project, was launched in late 2021, by the Pullampara panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram, to achieve 100 percent digital literacy. 3300 residents, who are all aged above 45, were taught how to use smartphones to make calls, perform internet banking and use WhatsApp and YouTube, without anyone’s help. Due to this initiative, the local body is on its way to achieve the status of fully digital literate panchayat in the nation.
International Day to Protect Education from Attack is observed every year worldwide on 9 September. The day is observed to create awareness about the protection measures that should be implemented in schools, to make it a safe place for children and to safeguard them from crisis and threats. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2020.
24-year-old Indian athlete, Neeraj Chopra, created a new record on 8 September, 2022, by becoming the first Indian to win the Diamond League title. He won the title with a massive throw of 88.44m in the javelin throw event, in Zurich, Switzerland. Czech Republic’s Jakub Valdejch, stood second in the tournament with an 86.94m throw, while Julian Weber, from Germany, received the third spot with 83.73m throw.
Anant Chaturdashi is celebrated in the Bhadrapad month of Shukla Paksha and on the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, when Lord Ganesha is bid farewell by immersing his idol in water. On this day, devotees worship both Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha. The Anant Sutra, a 14-knot thread, is tied on the individual’s right hand as it is believed that the thread would protect the him from all evil forces.
International Day of Clean Air For Blue Skies is observed across the globe every year, on 7 September. The day is observed to create awareness about the negative impacts of air pollution and to encourage people to work towards increasing air quality across the globe. The theme for this year is, ‘Air We Share’. On 19 December, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UGNA), adopted a resolution to establish this day during its 74th session.
Every year, International Literacy Day is celebrated all over the world, on 8 September. The day is observed to spread awareness about the importance of literacy in society. This year, the theme is, ‘Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces’. On this day, organisations and individuals mentor children, donate books to libraries, help with students’ tuition and encourage them to work towards their dream professions.
Onam is a harvesting festival, celebrated widely in Kerala for ten days. This year, the festival started on August 30, 2022 and will end on September 8, 2022. The festival is celebrated to welcome the kind-hearted demon king Mahabali, who is believed to return to Kerala, during these ten days. During this festive period, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and women draw Pookkalam (floral designs) on the east side of their homes and sing melodious songs.
Teacher’s Day is celebrated all over India on 5 September. The day is observed to honour all the teachers in India and to acknowledge the important role they play in shaping their students’ lives. The day also commemorates the birth anniversary of former President, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. On this day, students wish and give gifts to their teachers, as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work.
India paid tribute to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the nation’s first Vice-President and second President, on his birth anniversary on 5 September. Born in 1888, Radhakrishnan was the recipient of Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour and is known for his notable work as a scholar, teacher and philosopher. To honour his dedication towards education and students, the nation has been celebrating 5 September as Teacher’s Day since 1962.
