Category DAYS TO REMEMBER

            Our Earth is not what it used to be a few hundred years ago. Natural change along with massive human intervention, has led our planet to an environmental crisis. As a result, we face a wide range of hazards today, such as tropical cyclone storm surges, heavy rains, heat waves, droughts and many more. Therefore, in order to spread awareness, the World Meteorological Day is held on March 23.

           Climate change is no longer about mere themes of science fiction novels and films; we face it in our everyday life. The weather is turning extreme in some regions. Sea levels are rising and acidification of the oceans is taking place at a fast pace. Life seems more and more vulnerable as urbanization is spreading. Therefore, the message of the day is to be weather-ready, climate-smart and water-wise!

            World Meteorological Day is an occasion to set our priorities right and take initiatives to protect the lives, livelihoods and property of people from risks related to weather, and climate and water.

            One of the ways of readying people for imminent dangers is by installing early warning systems and implementing various disaster-risk-reduction measures.

            If nations do not start executing policy level decisions regarding climate change, our planet will soon become inhospitable to life.

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            Can we survive without water? An essential building block of life, water is much more than a vital commodity for quenching our thirst or protecting health. It is an indispensable material for the economic, social and human development of a nation.

           It is imperative to hold an International Water Day when there are about 663 million people who live without safe water supplies. World Water Day is observed on March 22.

            Although more than 70 percent of the earth’s surface is covered with water, clean drinking water is not as abundant. Water-related crises are erupting every day as environmental damage and climate change are happening rapidly. The world is looking forward to overcome the water challenges of the 21st century.

            Communities in general and individuals in particular have to partake actively in water conservation initiatives. We have to explore nature-based solutions, such as planting new forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains and restoring wetlands as they will rebalance the water cycle and improve human health and livelihoods.

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          Forests are the lungs of the earth. Without them, life on Earth is impossible. Therefore, when we celebrate the International Day of Forests on March 21, we are providing a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of woodlands and trees, and celebrate the ways in which they sustain and protect us.

        Forests are an indispensable part of our life. They store carbon, which helps reduce the impacts of climate change in and around urban spaces. They also help improve the local climate. During these times of soaring heat, placing trees in certain strategically significant areas can cool the air by up to 8 degrees Celsius. Thus, trees, in fact, can replace air-conditioners. They are effective air-filters too, as they sieve out harmful pollutants in the air.

          Forests can filter and regulate water too. They help increase the quality of groundwater supplies. Flooding is to a certain extent prevented by trees. Forests can provide us with fresh fruits and nuts, provide habitats for animal diversity, and boost tourism.

          Thus, they encourage an active and healthy lifestyle, improve mental health, prevent disease and provide a place for people to socialize and commune with nature.

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          Poetry is often said to be the food for the human soul. A medium for the deep thoughts and feelings of mind, poetry has a universal appeal. Poetry has the unique ability to record the creative spirit of the human soul; and therefore, we have a dedicated day for celebrating poetry. World Poetry Day falls on March 21.

          Why, do you think, we celebrate the 16th century poet Shakespeare even today? It is because the poems and plays written by him living in a distant land and in an alien cultural background still have a universal value to which people across the globe can relate. Poetry has the distinct ability to affirm humanity by revealing through choicest words that the angst and agony of individuals are the same across regions.

          World Poetry Day attempts to support poets and poetry from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. It also offers an opportunity to return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry, to restore a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and to support small publishers.

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           Racism is one of the evils that the world is facing even today. For hundreds of years, men and women have been held slaves because of the colour of their skin.

           In the slavery that existed in the Americas and Europe, black men and women were not even considered human beings. This evil practice was legally banned after incessant interventions by great men like Abraham Lincoln, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. However, racial discrimination exists in various forms even today.

           March 21 is recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Human dignity is the foundation stone for human rights. Every individual is entitled to human rights without discrimination. Governments across the globe have recognized the importance of the rights to equality and non-discrimination.

          The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

          Most societies are afflicted by racism, xenophobia and intolerance. Minorities are discriminated against, and migrants are treated with hatred and cruelty. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a reminder to all of us that we should all stand up against racial prejudice.

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          Have you heard the story of a king who ordered a hunt for the shirt of the happiest man in his kingdom? When his servants finally found the happiest man, he had no shirt! Beyond all his cares and longings, Man ultimately wants to be happy. In acknowledgement of this great truth, March 20 is recognized as the International Day of Happiness.

          What is the purpose of the International Day of Happiness? Of course, it is a day to be happy! However, it is also an occasion to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. There are millions of people in the world devoid of happiness due to several factors. A UN resolution in 2015 has sought to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet, the three key points that lead to the well-being and happiness of people.

               Being happy is everyman’s right. Controlling the factors that lead to the loss of happiness of people all over is not only the responsibility governments but also of every individual.

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