16 November - Maharaja Bijli Pasi stamp issued in year 2000

 

Bijli Pasi, also known as Raja Bijli Pasi, was a legendary figure in the folk traditions and oral histories of Uttar Pradesh, India. However, it's important to note that information about Bijli Pasi is primarily found in folklore and local legends, and there might not be much historical documentation available.

According to the folklore, Bijli Pasi was a powerful and benevolent ruler who hailed from the Pasi community, which is traditionally associated with leatherwork and tanning. He was believed to possess supernatural powers, including control over lightning (bijli in Hindi, which is where his name originates) and the ability to bring rainfall during droughts.

Bijli Pasi is often depicted as a just and fair ruler who fought against injustice and championed the cause of the marginalized sections of society. He was known for his courage, wisdom, and compassion.

The stories and legends about Bijli Pasi have been passed down through generations and are an integral part of the local folklore in parts of Uttar Pradesh. While the historical accuracy of the tales may be difficult to ascertain, the figure of Bijli Pasi remains an important cultural and folkloric symbol in the region, representing resilience, justice, and the power of the marginalized.

A commemorative postage stamp was issued on 16 Nov 2000 on Maharaja Bijli Pasi.

16 November - International day for Intolerance

 

This day was established to encourage mindfulness and faith in human rights. In an effort to encourage equality and diversity across the world, the United Nations introduced The International Day for Tolerance in 1996. This particular day was founded following the United Nations Year for Tolerance, which was 1995, in order to observe its teachings every year instead of just letting the ideas fall away. The UN Year for Tolerance was dedicated in honor of the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.

The United Nations defines tolerance as respect, appreciation and acceptance of the diversity of the world’s cultures and all the ways that people are human. It is considered to be a basic human right to receive tolerance, and should be expected to be practiced by not just individuals, but also by groups and states. Human rights is at the core of this thought – as such, it supports the notion that humanity has the right to live in peace.

Along with these thoughts, the International Day for Tolerance also supports the idea that education is a key factor in preventing intolerance across the human race. On this day, people across the world are encouraged to become more educated and learn how to practice solidarity between ethnic, social and cultural groups.

Each year, the common theme for the International Day for Tolerance is to promote “respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and our ways of being human”.

16 November - National Press Day

 

National Press Day is observed on November 16th every year in India. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of a free and responsible press in a democracy. It commemorates the establishment of the Press Council of India, which was formed on this day in 1966.

The Press Council of India is an autonomous body that acts as a watchdog for the press, ensuring that it maintains high standards of journalism and adheres to ethical practices. National Press Day is an occasion to reflect on the role of the media in society, its responsibilities, and the challenges it faces.

On this day, various events, seminars, and discussions are organized to promote a free and responsible press, encourage journalistic ethics, and highlight the importance of media in fostering a well-informed and democratic society. It's also an opportunity to recognize the contributions of journalists and media organizations to the dissemination of information and the functioning of a vibrant democracy.

16 November - Indian Arrival Day in South Africa

 

November 16, 1860, marks a significant date in the history of Indian indentured labor migration to South Africa. Indian Arrival Day is not celebrated holiday in South Africa. However, South Africa does have a significant Indian population with a rich history, primarily stemming from the arrival of indentured laborers from India during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

These Indian laborers were brought to South Africa, like many other parts of the British Empire, to work on sugar plantations and in various other industries. Their arrival had a profound impact on the demographic and cultural landscape of South Africa.

While Indian Arrival Day itself may not be celebrated in South Africa, the country does recognize its diverse heritage, which includes Indian influences. There are cultural festivals, events, and heritage celebrations that highlight the contributions of the South African Indian community to the nation's cultural fabric. These events often focus on traditional Indian music, dance, cuisine, and other aspects of the Indian heritage that have become an integral part of South African culture.