Category DAYS TO REMEMBER

         November 14 is the World Diabetes Day. A condition that impairs the human body’s ability to process blood sugar, diabetes occurs because our body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet its needs.

        The prevalence of diabetes is increasing so rapidly across the globe. It is estimated that around 422 million people have been living with diabetes in 2016. The number was only 108 million in 1980. The disease comes with many associated risk factors, such as obesity. Diabetes is considered a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, strokes and lower limb amputation. Doctors say that a healthy diet, physical activity and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. There are several drugs available today, which can cure the disease and its consequences.

       The World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to encourage countries to develop national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of the disease.

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           We all know that most of the international days we have dealt with so far are declared by the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization. Therefore, it is only befitting that we have a day to celebrate the UN itself, on October 24.

            The UN Day is celebrated on the anniversary of its entry into force in 1945 by adopting the UN Charter. The founding document was ratified by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council. The five permanent members were France, the Republic of China, the Soviet Union, the UK and the US. The purpose of founding such an international body was to maintain international peace and security and become a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.

              The UN has declared peacekeeping, security among nations, human rights, economic development and humanitarian assistance as its objectives.

              The UN has been of great help to the nations and communities in the world. As an organization that has considerable influence over nations, there is much more the organization can offer today than ever before.

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         One of the most persistent evils that world a face today is poverty. In 2012, there were about 1.2 billion poor people in the world, according to statistics. Although people say that poverty is a relative notion, it is generally understood as the scarcity of a certain amount of material possession or money to live a respectable life. On October 17, we observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

        We often mistake poverty to be a solely an economic problem. However, the phenomenon has many dimensions that include lack of both income and the basic capabilities to live in dignity. It is a matter of great shame that so many people still continue to live in abject poverty while certain parts of the world enjoy unprecedented levels of economic development, technological means and financial resources.

         It is true that poverty often coincides with human rights violations. If we all have wide-open eyes, an empathetic heart and love for humanity, we all can contribute in our own little way in eradicating poverty from the face of the Earth.

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          The most essential element to being healthy and fit is a nutritious diet. While we have our favourite snack or dessert, we have our staple food that we eat routinely and that keeps us healthy. on October 16, when the world observes the World Food Day, we should not only thank the thousand hands that prepare our food and bring it to our table, but also bear in mind the thousands of faceless people who go hungry without even a day’s meal.

         One of the greatest tasks the world faces today is addressing the challenge of feeding a rapidly growing population. Nations have to invest in sustainable food systems and rural development. They have their task cut out in protecting the global climate and tackling some of the root causes of migration and displacement. The UN is resolved to end hunger world over and evolve a climate-compatible agriculture and food systems that deliver without harming nature.

          World Food Day reminds each of us of our responsibility to keep our neighbours free of hunger. While the likelihood of a child dying before age five has been nearly cut in half, with about 17,000 children saved every day over the past 20 years, there are still millions, who need our intervention to keep the fire in their body burning.

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          The International Day of the Girl Child falls on October 11, highlighting the needs and challenges girls face today. There are many societies where the girl child is regarded inauspicious and unwelcome. In many parts of India, the girl child is considered a burden due to the evil practice of dowry.

          The day reminds us that between boys and girls there is nothing that makes one superior to the other. An educated and skilled girl is as equipped and qualified as an educated and skilled boy. Therefore, women should be provided all opportunities that man get. The UN reports that millions of girls are either denied jobs or are employed in jobs that earn them low or no pay. Many of them face bias, abuse and exploitation at work. Nations should be able to expand existing learning opportunities for girls, chart new pathways for them and rethink how to prepare them for a successful transition into the world of work.

          The UN has marked the beginning of a year-long programme to draw attention to the most pressing needs and opportunities for girls to attain skills for employability under the theme, ‘With her: A Skilled Girl-force’.

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         In Indian tradition, the teacher is considered equal to God. Along with mother and father, the teacher plays an important role in the development of the child. World over, teachers are given special importance for their contribution to the well-being and edification of society. The World Teachers’ Day is held annually on October 5.

        Teachers play an important part in students’ education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. One of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN recognizes teachers as key to the achievement of the Education 2030 agenda and recommends ways to counter challenges to ideal teacher-student relationship. The right to education presupposes the right to qualified teachers. Therefore, it is important for nations to raise the standards of teachers by providing them with programmes that will improve their quality.

        The world needs more teachers today. Statistics suggest that around 69 million teachers have to be recruited to reach the 2030 education goal of universal primary and secondary education. The World Teachers’ Day also serves as an invitation to young men and women to choose the noble profession of teaching.