ORIGINS OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

March 17, 2023 Mitali k

Why Is International Women’s Day Celebrated?

International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women in politics, science, sports, and economics etc. The origins of International Women’s Day can be traced back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the US on February 28.

Women play a significant role in society. Their work made sure that countries would continue to flourish and develop over time. Whether they are homemakers, engineers, teachers, they all contribute to making the world a better place to live.

Who started Women’s Day?

Clara Zetkin, communist activist and advocate for women’s rights, was the first to suggest the idea that this day should be made international. She suggested this in 1910 at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. There were 100 women there, from 17 countries, and they agreed to her suggestion unanimously. Pursuant to the decision taken at Copenhagen in 1911, International Women’s Day was first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19.

The UN commemorated the first International Women’s Day on March 8, 1975. In 1977, the UN General Assembly declared March 8 as International Women’s Day in support of women’s rights and global peace.

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Do you know why International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th?

On February 23, 1917, women in St. Petersburg, Russia, staged a strike to protest against food shortages, poor living conditions, and World War I. This strike for “Bread and Peace” helped give rise to the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the abdication of Nicholas II.

In 1921 the date of the IWD was officially changed to March 8. The date when the women’s strike commenced on the Julian calendar, which was then in use in Russia, was February 23. This day in the Gregorian calendar was March 8- and that’s when it’s celebrated today.

Interesting Facts You Should Know: International Women’s Day

1. International Men’s Day is celebrated on November 19. It has only been marked since the 1990s and isn’t recognised by the UN. People celebrate it in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the UK.

2. The first theme adopted by the UN (in 1996) was “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future”.

3. The UN’s theme for 2023 is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. This theme aims to recognise and celebrate the contribution women and girls are making to technology and online education.

4. In some countries, like Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Serbia, and Albania, Women’s Day is a combined holiday celebrated along with Mother’s Day.

5. Purple, green, and white signify International Women’s Day as they reflect justice, dignity, hope, and purity.

6. Back in 2011, former President Barack Obama declared the month of March as Women’s History Month in the United States.

7. Women’s Day is also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

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Significant Indian Women Who Made History :

1. Anandi Gopal Joshi is considered the first Indian female to study western medicine in the United States and was one of the earliest female physicians in the country.

2. Savitribai Phule is counted among the first feminists in India and also the first-female teacher in India. Savitribai with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, started India’s first school for girls.

3. Sucheta Kripalani was an Indian freedom fighter and politician. She was also the first woman Chief Minister of India and served as the head of the Uttar Pradesh government from 1963 to 1967.

4. Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to hold the office of Governor in the Dominion of India. Her work as a poet earned her the sobriquet “the Nightingale of India”, or “Bharat Kokila” by Mahatma Gandhi.

5. Anna Chandi, was the first female judge in 1937 and then, in 1959, the first High Court judge in India.

6. Indira Gandhi was the first woman to win the Bharat Ratna in the year 1971.

7. Tessy Thomas is the first woman who made India proud to head an Indian missile project.

8. Sarla Thakral was the first Indian woman to get her pilot licence and clock more than 1000 hours of flying.

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India’s Republic Day: History And Celebrations

January 17, 2023 Mitali k

India marks January 26 as its Republic Day every year. Indian independence from the British Raj was achieved in 1947, but it wasn’t until January 26, 1950, when the Indian Constitution took effect and India was proclaimed a republic and an independent state.

All around the nation, Republic Day is celebrated with great fanfare. The yearly procession that starts at Rajpath in Delhi and concludes at the India Gate is the primary event of the Republic Day celebrations. At Rajpath in New Delhi, the country’s president hoists the flag on this day. The ceremonial event also features parades and airshows by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

History Of Republic Day

India became independent on August 15, 1947. A committee was established to write a permanent constitution for independent India a few days later, on August 29. The committee’s chairman was Dr. BR Ambedkar. The committee wrote the constitution and sent it to the Constituent Assembly on November 4, 1947.

After much deliberation and a few adjustments, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two handwritten versions of the accord on January 24, 1950, one in Hindi and one in English. The constitution went into force on January 26, 1950. On that day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad started his first term as President of the Indian Union.

Also read, History of the Constitution of India

Significance Of January 26

On January 26, 1950, the Preamble to the Constitution of India, a statement presenting the key principles of the Constitution came into effect. The governing principle of the Indian Constitution is “of the people, for the people and by the people”, which signifies that the power is vested in the hands of the citizens of India. Republic Day marks the celebration of the empowerment of Indian citizens to select their own government. It is a national holiday which commemorates the process of establishment of the Indian Constitution.

Some Interesting Facts –

1. Every year, heads of different countries are invited as chief guests for the celebration. The first-ever chief guest was President Sukarno who was the first President of Indonesia.

2. The Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi is a three-day affair that comes to an end on January 29 with the Beating Retreat. This takes place on Raisina Hill where the Air Force, Army, and the Navy display their individual bands in splendour. The flag is then brought down while the hymn, “Abide with me” is played. The celebration comes to an end with a bugle call, after which all the bands retreat to the tunes of “Sare Jahan Se Acchcha”.

3. The Indian Constitution, till date, is the longest among all constitutions that exist. When it was created, it had 395 articles and 8 schedules in 22 parts. Today, it has 448 articles, 12 schedules, in 25 parts. A team led by Dr B.R. Ambedkar took nearly 35 months to draft the entire constitution.

The constitution was handwritten in Hindi and English and was signed by 308 parliament members on January 24th, 1950 – two days before it became effective.

4. The Indian Air Force was created by the British Empire and was then called the Royal Indian Air Force. The Indian Air Force did not lose the Royal prefix until the nation became a Republic on January 26, 1950, at which point it became a separate organisation.

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A Look At The Top 10 Stories Of 2022

January 9, 2023 Mitali k

2022 had some major breakthroughs! Here are the top 10 stories of 2022. Let’s take a look at all of them.

1. BCCI Unveils New Team IndiaT20 Jersey.

The BCCI unveiled the new T20 jersey for the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams. The T20 World Cup was scheduled in Australia in October and November. The Indian men’s team donned the new jersey when it took on Australia in the first of three T20Is in Mohali on September 20.

2. Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s Longest Reigning Monarch, Passed Away At 96.

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning Monarch, died at 96, after reigning for 70 years. She was Britain’s longest-serving monarch. The UK observed an official 12 day mourning period and flags were flown at half-mast all across the country. She was the head of state of many Commonwealth countries as well as the UK. She was also the Queen of 15 countries of the Commonwealth.

3. Draupadi Murmu Sworn-In As India’s 15th President.

Draupadi Murmu took the oath as India’s 15th President. The ceremony was held at the central hall of Parliament on 25th July. Did you know that she is India’s first tribal President and also the youngest in the office of the President of India?

4. The First Indian Origin UK Prime Minister

After Liz Truss resigned, Rishi Sunak became Britain’s next prime minister after he won the race to lead the Conservative Party. The 42-year-old former finance minister became Britain’s third prime minister in less than two months.

5. Artemis Launched, Finally!

After several delays over the past months, NASA’s Artemis moon mission finally launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 18. The aim of this programme is to send humans back to the moon in 2025.

6. King Charles III Ascended The Throne

According to a centuries old tradition, Prince Charles, the late Queen’s eldest son at the age of 73, is now King. He will now be known as King Charles III. According to tradition, many steps have to be taken before he is crowned the King. He was proclaimed King on September 10, at St. James’s Palace in London.

Also read, King Charles III’s Coronation- As It Happened

7. Argentina Are The FIFA World Cup Champions

Argentina are the FIFA World Cup Champions after a remarkable finals. On December 18, Argentina defeated the defending champions France 4-2 on penalties after the game finished 3-3 after extra time. Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria scored a goal each for the winning team.

8. First Female Official At Men’s World Cup

Stephanie Frappart from France became the first female official at a men’s FIFA World Cup match when she was named the fourth official for Tuesday’s Group C clash between Mexico and Poland at 974 Stadium.The 0-0 outcome marked the second scoreless draw in the competitions.

9. India’s 1st Private Satellite Launched

India launched its first privately developed rocket, Vikram S, from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) launchpad at Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota between November 12 and 16. Vikram S was developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace and it will carry two Indian and one foreign customer payloads in a sub-orbital mission.

10. The Football Legend: ‘Pelé’

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, fondly known as Pelé, has died at the age of 82. The Brazilian football legend is the youngest player ever to win a FIFA World Cup at the age of 17 in 1958. He is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career.

Check out ,#PELE : All About The Football Legend, ‘Pelé’

All about The Football Legend, ‘Pelé’

January 2, 2023 Mitali k

Football’s greatest player ever, Pelé died in São Paulo, Brazil on December 29, at the age of 82. His birth name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento. He had been suffering with health problems for many years.

Widely regarded as one of soccer’s greatest players, the Brazilian player was one of the most well-known athletes of the 20th century and the only male football player to have won three FIFA World Cup championships (1958, 1962, and 1970). He played for Brazil and club sides Santos and New York Cosmos as a striker. Pelé was the Brazilian national team’s all-time top goalscorer, with 77 goals in 92 games.

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Why Do We Call Him Pelé?

The nickname Pelé emerged when a young Edson couldn’t pronounce the name of goalkeeper Bilé, who played in his hometown. He would always say Pelé.

Pelé’s Achievements

1. In 1957, at the age of 16, he made his national football (soccer) team debut.

2. He scored three goals against France in the 1958 World Cup semifinal, and two more against Sweden in the championship match.

3. He was later recognized as a national treasure by the Brazilian government. To prevent him from being traded to foreign teams, Brazilian President Jânio Quadros had Pelé declared a national treasure in 1961.

4. The Brazilian football legend is also the youngest player ever to win a FIFA World Cup at the age of 17 in 1958.

5. He is credited with scoring a world record of 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career.

6. Pelé was named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000.

7. He holds the Guinness World Record for the greatest number of goals scored by an individual.

8. Pelé scored his 1000th goal on November 19, 1969. November 19 is simply known as Pelé Day in Santos. There is a statue of Pelé in Rio de Janeiro that was unveiled in 2018. There is also a museum in his honour.

9. In Brazil he is often called “Pérola Negra”, which means Black Pearl.

10. When he was only 15 years old, he was signed by Santos. In his debut league match he scored four goals. He was discovered by another Brazilian player Waldemar de Brito. Brito at that time had said that Pelé was going to be the greatest football player in the world.

11. In 1999, he was voted as the Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Association.

Life After Retirement

In 1977 Pelé completed his career and retired after he led the New York Cosmos in the direction of the US title. He served as a Goodwill UNICEF ambassador for many years, promoting peace and support for vulnerable children.

“I was born to play football, just like Beethoven was born to write music and Michelangelo was born to paint,” Pelé famously said.

RIP Football Legend, Pelé.

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New Year Traditions Around The World

December 28, 2022 Mitali k

When the clock strikes midnight on January 1, a new year begins. The entire world celebrates the new year but the celebrations couldn’t be more different and unique. New Year’s is marked by a variety of traditions and customs depending on the culture and beliefs of the people. The New Year traditions hold a lot of value for people and make them feel happy and contended to follow them.

Also read, Easter Traditions Around The World

Here are some of the interesting New year traditions from around the world –

1. United States Of America

The ball drop at Times Square in New York is a tradition witnessed by millions of Americans across the country either in front of their television sets or at Times Square. Started by Adolph Ochs, the owner of The New York Times in 1907 to ring in the new year, wanted to draw attention to the Times’s new headquarters. Ever since it has become an annual and the most well-known New year’s eve tradition.

2. Denmark

In Denmark, people throw plates and glasses against their family and friends’ doors to ward off any evil spirits as they welcome the new year.

3. Italy

The Italians include lentils in their New Year’s Eve dinner, as they believe lentils are like mini edible coins and will bring in some good luck in the new year.

4. Spain

The people in Spain start off their new year by eating 12 grapes. These grapes are eaten as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve as it is believed to bring good luck in the new year. But these grapes have to be eaten within 12 seconds. The tradition of las doce uvas de la suerte (the twelve grapes of luck) dates back to the late 19th century and continues to date.

5. Greece

The Greeks believe that pomegranates are a symbol of life and good fortune. On New Year’s Eve, the people smash the fruit on the front door of the house. The number of seeds that come out equals the amount of good luck for the next year. It is also a tradition to hang onions outside the door, as they bring good luck for the new year ahead. Greeks hang the onions on the door after the church service on New Year’s Day.

6. Philippines

People in the Philippines hang round shapes all over the country on New Year’s Eve. Round loaves of bread, coins, and clothes covered in polka dots. All of these are believed to be symbols of prosperity. Also, many people eat 12 round-shaped fruits at midnight, each fruit representing each month in the new year.

7. Turkey

In Turkey, it is lucky to sprinkle salt on the doorstep at midnight. The Turks believe it

promotes peace and prosperity throughout the new year.

8. Austria

In Austria, people believe pigs to be a good luck charm. So, they celebrate the new year by eating dishes made from pigs. They also exchange chocolate pigs with each other, believing it will bring good luck in the new year.

9. Japan

In Japan, people welcome the new year by eating a bowl of warm soba noodles, or noodles made from buckwheat flour. While the origins of this tradition are not known, these noodles have been nicknamed “year-crossing noodles”. These noodles represent a long life, and also it is believed that eating them symbolizes a literal break from the old year.

10. South Africa

People in South Africa throw their old appliances and furniture out of their windows to bid farewell to the old year and ring in the new year. They believe that it would bring them good fortune in the coming year.

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11. Brazil

Brazil has a tradition of tossing white flowers into the sea. As sacrifices to Yemoja, a water god who can bring good fortune in the upcoming year, locals throw white flowers and candles into the Atlantic Ocean.

12. Scotland

In Scotland, they have a tradition for the new year called “First Footing.” Scots think that a dark-haired guy should ideally be the first person to enter a residence on New Year’s Day after midnight in order to bring in a prosperous new year.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and prosperous new year.

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Author: Mitali k