Category DAYS TO REMEMBER

          The human body wages an unceasing war against microbes that attack it from all over. While many diseases still pose fatal threats, modern medical science has been successful in overpowering many that used to be life threatening.

          Vaccines, synthetic formulae that provide immunity against diseases, have been a boon to societies. On March 16, 2014, the National Vaccination Day, India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization.

           Polio, also known as infantile paralysis, is an infectious disease that causes muscle weakness resulting in an inability to move. Aggressive vaccination campaigns and concerted efforts, however, have resulted in freeing the country of polio, smallpox and such diseases. The National Vaccination Day attempts to spread awareness regarding the importance of eradicating polio and such other deadly diseases from our planet Earth.

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              Thousands of men have sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. Although names of many of them have faded into oblivion, their character, courage and commitment have inspired millions of Indians to work towards building India into a prosperous nation.

              On January 30, the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, the nation pays homage to the freedom fighters and those people who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. The day is observed as Martyrs’ Day.

              Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, is recognized as one of the greatest leaders of our times. His greatest contribution to humanity is the praxis of non-violence and civil disobedience that won India its freedom. He is reputed for professing in his life spirituality and politics, two seemingly irreconcilable aspects of life.

             Gandhi was shot down by Nathuram Godse, another Indian, who was intolerant of Gandhi’s altruistic attitudes. Martyrs’ Day is a reminder to us to be ever vigilant against rising hatred and violence in society.

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            A nation becomes fully independent when it has a body of fundamental principles, known as a constitution, according to which the state is acknowledged to be governed. India became an independent republic and its constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. Therefore January 26 is celebrated as Indian Republic Day.

            Chaired by B. R. Ambedkar, the Constituent Assembly that drafted the constitution included statesmen like Jawaharlal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad, Vallabhbhai Patel and Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi. The Indian constitution is the longest written constitution in the world.

              On Republic Day, India celebrates its constitution that declares the nation as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its citizens justice, equality and liberty.

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          Subhas Chandra Bose, fondly called Netaji, is one of the most prominent revolutionary leaders of the Indian freedom movement. He was born on January 23, 1887 and the same day is celebrated as. Netaji Jayanti.

          Although the credit for leading the national struggle against the British could be given to the non-violent movement of Gandhi, Bose’s armed struggle played an important role in it too. He went to Japan in 1943 to plan an attack on the British Raj and win independence for India with Japan’s help. His Indian National Army, in fact, captured Kohima from the British. However, as Japan could not intervene and help the INA in time, his top lieutenants were arrested and captured. The INA remains a symbol of our nation’s determination and courage to rise up against the enemy.

          While there is still uncertainty around Netaji’s disappearance, his popularity and iconic status as a warrior has not diminished in any measure in India. Even today, Netaji continues to inspire thousands of young men to show their love for their nation.

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         The army not only guards the borders of our nation, but also takes part in several other activities aimed at serving the people.

         Soldiers make appropriate interventions at the times of natural disasters and calamities with wide impact, and help the victims by bringing them food and other necessary amenities. They also help governments in conducting larger events smoothly. The Indian Army Day is observed on January 15, the anniversary of shifting of power from the British General, Sir Francis Butcher, to the Indian General, KM Cariappa.

         Indian Army is the third largest standing army in the world. Celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital New Delhi as well as in other headquarters, the day marks a day to respect the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.

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        The youth are the future of any nation. Investing wisely in the youth in terms of education will guarantee a prosperous nation. The National Youth Day on January 12 falls on the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, a great Indian monk and philosopher.

       Swami Vivekananda, born in 1863, was a prodigy. The foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the 19th century Indian saint, he was a spokesperson for the Vedanta philosophy of India. He placed India on the world map with his historical speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago. The monk represented Hinduism and India at this first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893; and subsequently, he was invited to speak all over America and Europe.

         He was also a key figure in the introduction of yoga to the western world. The National Youth Day is celebrated to remind each young mind of India to be a courageous and responsible citizen.

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