11 September - Vinoba Bhave birth anniversary

 

Vinoba Bhave, also known as Acharya Vinoba Bhave, was a renowned Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and spiritual leader. He was born on 11September 1895, in Gagode village in Maharashtra, India, and he passed away on 15 November 1982. Vinoba Bhave is best known for his significant contributions to India's struggle for independence and his advocacy for nonviolence and social justice.

Key highlights of Vinoba Bhave's life and contributions include:

1. Bhoodan Movement: Vinoba Bhave is most famous for initiating the Bhoodan (land gift) Movement in 1951. In this movement, he traveled across India, persuading landowners to voluntarily donate a portion of their land to landless peasants and the poor. The movement aimed to address the issue of land inequality and poverty in rural India.

2. Sarvodaya Movement: Vinoba Bhave was associated with the Sarvodaya (welfare for all) Movement, which sought to uplift all sections of society, particularly the marginalized and oppressed, through nonviolent means and the principles of moral and spiritual development.

3. Gandhi's Disciple: He was a close associate and follower of Mahatma Gandhi and actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle. He played a significant role in the Quit India Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement.

4. Literary Works: Vinoba Bhave was a prolific writer and authored numerous books and articles on various topics, including nonviolence, spirituality, and social reform.

5. Post-Independence Contributions: After India gained independence in 1947, Vinoba Bhave continued his efforts in the fields of land reform, education, and social justice. He was an advocate for rural development and self-reliance.

Vinoba Bhave's life and work were deeply rooted in the principles of nonviolence, simplicity, and compassion. He dedicated his life to promoting social harmony, economic equality, and the welfare of the downtrodden. His legacy continues to inspire social activists and reformers, and he is remembered as one of India's most influential leaders in the fields of social justice and nonviolence.

11 September - Subramania Bharati death anniversary

C. Subramania Bharathi(11 December 1882 – 11 September 1921) was a Tamil writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist, social reformer and polyglot. He was bestowed the title "Bharathi" for his excellence in poetry. He was a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry and is considered one of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time. He is popularly known by his mononymous title "Bharathi/ Bharathiyaar," and also by the other title "Mahakavi Bharathi" ("the great poet Bharathi"). His numerous works included fiery songs kindling patriotism during the Indian Independence movement.He fought for the emancipation of women, against child marriage, vehemently opposed the caste system, and stood for reforming society and religion. He was also in solidarity with Dalits and Muslims.

11 September - National Day of Catalonia

 

The National Day of Catalonia, known as "La Diada" in Catalan, is a holiday celebrated in the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain. It is held annually on September 11th to commemorate the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714, which led to Catalonia losing its political and institutional autonomy within the Crown of Aragon. The day is a symbol of Catalan identity, culture, and the desire for greater autonomy or independence from Spain for many Catalans.

On La Diada, you can expect to see various events and demonstrations throughout Catalonia, including parades, concerts, and gatherings. Many people display the Catalan flag, known as the "Estelada," and participate in peaceful marches to express their support for Catalonia's cultural and political distinctiveness.

In recent years, the National Day of Catalonia has also been a platform for demonstrations advocating for Catalan independence, reflecting the ongoing political debate and movement in the region. The celebration of La Diada has gained significance as Catalonia continues to grapple with questions of its identity and relationship with the Spanish state.

11 September - World Wildlife Fund established in 1961

 

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was established on September 11, 1961. It is one of the world's largest and most well-known conservation organizations, dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the preservation of the natural environment. WWF was founded in Switzerland, and its establishment marked a significant milestone in the global conservation movement.

The primary mission of WWF is to conserve biodiversity, protect endangered species, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources to ensure a healthy planet for future generations. To achieve these goals, WWF engages in a wide range of activities, including:

1. Conservation Projects: WWF supports conservation projects around the world, working in partnership with governments, local communities, and other organizations to protect critical habitats, wildlife species, and ecosystems.

2. Advocacy and Policy: WWF advocates for policies and practices that promote conservation and sustainable development. They work with governments, businesses, and international organizations to address environmental challenges and influence policy decisions.

3. Research and Science: WWF conducts scientific research to better understand the natural world and the threats it faces. This research informs their conservation strategies and helps raise awareness about environmental issues.

4. Education and Outreach: WWF is actively involved in education and public awareness campaigns to inform people about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

5. Fundraising: WWF relies on fundraising efforts to support its initiatives and projects. They often use the iconic panda logo to symbolize their commitment to protecting endangered species.

Over the years, WWF has expanded its reach and impact, with offices and projects in numerous countries. They work on a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, habitat destruction, poaching, and the conservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

WWF's work has been instrumental in raising awareness about environmental issues and driving positive change in conservation and sustainable development practices worldwide.

11 September - Mahadevi Verma death anniversary

 

Mahadevi Verma (March 26, 1907 – September 11, 1987) was a revered Indian poet, freedom fighter, and champion of women's rights and education. Born in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, she grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment that nurtured her literary talents.

Mahadevi Verma's literary career was marked by her exquisite poetry, which often explored themes of nature, love, and the struggles of women. She was a leading figure in the Chhayavaad literary movement, and her works like "Yama" and "Sparsh" continue to be celebrated for their depth and beauty.

Beyond her literary prowess, Mahadevi Verma was a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and education. She believed that education could transform the lives of women and tirelessly worked to promote women's education in India.

During India's fight for independence, Mahadevi Verma played an active role as a freedom fighter, using her poetic talents to inspire and motivate others to join the struggle against British colonial rule.

Her contributions to literature earned her prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan and the Jnanpith Award, making her one of the most influential Hindi poets of the 20th century.

Mahadevi Verma's legacy lives on in her poetry and her tireless efforts to empower women through education. Her work continues to inspire poets and writers, and her advocacy for women's rights remains a source of inspiration for generations to come. She passed away on September 11, 1987, leaving behind a lasting impact on Indian literature and society.

11 September - 9/11 Remembrance Day

 

9/11 Remembrance Day, also known as Patriot Day, is observed annually on September 11th in the United States. It is a day of solemn reflection and tribute to honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Key points about 9/11 Remembrance Day:

1. The 9/11 Attacks: On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two of them were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, causing their collapse. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane, United Flight 93, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control from the hijackers.

2. A National Tragedy: The 9/11 attacks were a watershed moment in American history and a devastating tragedy. They resulted in the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States.

3. Observance: On 9/11 Remembrance Day, Americans across the country observe a moment of silence at specific times corresponding to the moments when the attacks occurred. These times are 8:46 a.m. (when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower), 9:03 a.m. (when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower), 9:37 a.m. (when American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon), and 10:03 a.m. (when Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania).

4. Ceremonies and Tributes: Various ceremonies, memorial services, and tributes are held throughout the United States. These may include reading the names of the victims, wreath-laying ceremonies, and speeches by political leaders and survivors.

5. Flags at Half-Staff: The U.S. flag is flown at half-staff at government buildings and various other locations to honor the victims of 9/11.

6. Acts of Kindness and Service: In addition to remembrance, some people choose to perform acts of kindness and engage in volunteer service as a way to commemorate 9/11 and promote unity and community resilience.

7. Education and Reflection: Many educational institutions take this opportunity to teach students about the events of 9/11 and their historical significance. It's a time for reflection on the impact of the attacks and the nation's response.

9/11 Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of the American people in the face of tragedy. It's a day to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, pay tribute to the first responders and heroes of that day, and reaffirm the nation's commitment to combating terrorism and promoting peace.