19 September - International Deafness Week (19 to 25 Sep)

 

International Deafness Week, also known as International Week of the Deaf (IWD), is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the rights, culture, and issues faced by deaf people around the world. This week-long event typically takes place during the last full week of September each year.

The primary goals of International Deafness Week are:

1. Promoting Deaf Awareness: The week aims to educate the public about the lives and experiences of deaf individuals, their contributions to society, and the challenges they face, including communication barriers and discrimination.

2. Advocating for Deaf Rights: It provides a platform for advocating for the rights and inclusion of deaf people in all aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and access to information.

3. Celebrating Deaf Culture: The week celebrates the rich and diverse culture, history, and achievements of the deaf community. It's an opportunity to highlight the importance of sign languages and the contributions of deaf individuals to the arts, sports, and various fields.

4. Encouraging Inclusivity: International Deafness Week encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to promote inclusivity and accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This includes making information, services, and facilities more accessible through sign language interpreters, captioning, and other accommodations.

5. Fostering International Solidarity: The week serves as a reminder of the global nature of deaf issues and the need for international cooperation in addressing them. It promotes solidarity among deaf communities worldwide.

During International Deafness Week, various events and activities are organized, such as sign language workshops, cultural performances, conferences, and awareness campaigns. These activities aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more inclusive and equitable society for deaf individuals. The specific dates and events may vary from year to year, but the overarching goal remains consistent: to advocate for the rights and well-being of the global deaf community.

 

19 September - Independence Day Saint Kitts and Nevis

 

Independence Day in Saint Kitts and Nevis is celebrated on September 19th each year. It commemorates the day in 1983 when Saint Kitts and Nevis officially gained independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation.

Before achieving independence, Saint Kitts and Nevis were part of the British colonial administration. The journey to independence was marked by political negotiations, and on September 19, 1983, the nation's flag was raised, and it became an independent nation within the Commonwealth. Saint Kitts and Nevis is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history.

Independence Day is a significant national holiday in Saint Kitts and Nevis and is celebrated with various festivities, including parades, cultural events, music, dance, and fireworks. It's a day for citizens to come together, express their national pride, and reflect on the country's history and achievements as an independent nation.

19 September - Sunita Williams birth anniversary

 

Sunita Williams, born on September 19, 1965, is a renowned American astronaut who has made significant contributions to space exploration.

Sunita Williams gained recognition for her remarkable achievements during her space missions. She holds the record for the longest cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut. Williams has spent a total of 50 hours and 40 minutes outside the International Space Station (ISS) during several spacewalks.

Born in Euclid, Ohio, Sunita Williams has a background in the United States Navy and was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1998. She has completed two long-duration missions aboard the ISS, conducted numerous scientific experiments, and inspired people around the world with her dedication and enthusiasm for space exploration.

Sunita Williams continues to be a prominent figure in the field of astronautics and space exploration, serving as an inspiration for aspiring astronauts and scientists.

19 September - Swami Haridas postage stamp issued in India

 

Swami Haridas, born in approximately 1478 and passing away around 1573, was a revered saint and musician in India during the 15th and 16th centuries. His life and legacy are marked by profound devotion to Lord Krishna and significant contributions to Hindustani classical music.

Born in the village of Khelan in what is now Uttar Pradesh, Swami Haridas dedicated his life to the Bhakti movement, a devotional form of Hinduism. He became a disciple of Swami Vallabhacharya and immersed himself in the worship of Lord Krishna.

Swami Haridas's musical talents were remarkable, and he is celebrated for his compositions in the dhrupad style of classical music. His devotional songs and hymns, which beautifully expressed his love for Lord Krishna, remain integral to the classical music tradition.

Throughout his life, Swami Haridas exemplified humility, simplicity, and selfless service. He often engaged in ecstatic devotional singing and dancing in the forests near Vrindavan, a place closely associated with Lord Krishna's early life.

Even centuries after his passing, Swami Haridas's influence endures. His life and teachings continue to inspire both musicians and spiritual seekers, and he is remembered and honored on Swami Haridas Jayanti, a day dedicated to celebrating his birth and his profound devotion to the Divine.