04 October - World Smile Day

 

World Smile Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of October, a day dedicated to spreading kindness and making others smile. It was initiated by Harvey Ball, the creator of the famous yellow Smiley Face symbol in 1963. Concerned that his symbol was becoming too commercialized, Ball wanted to dedicate a day to genuine acts of kindness and joy. The first World Smile Day was held in 1999, and since then, it has grown into a global celebration of positivity.

The day encourages people to do something simple yet impactful—make someone smile. This can be achieved through random acts of kindness, offering compliments, helping those in need, or just sharing a friendly smile. Many schools, organizations, and communities mark the day by organizing events and initiatives aimed at spreading happiness and encouraging people to connect with others in a positive way.

The slogan for World Smile Day is "Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile." It serves as a reminder of the power of a smile to brighten someone's day and promote goodwill, unity, and empathy in society.

04 October - Kindness to Animals Day

 

Kindness to Animals Day, observed on October 4th, is a day dedicated to fostering empathy and compassion for animals of all kinds, whether they are pets, farm animals, or wildlife. This day encourages people to reflect on the critical role animals play in our lives and the world at large, from companionship to their contributions to ecosystems. It promotes ethical treatment and responsible care, urging people to be mindful of the welfare and dignity of all living beings.

The celebration aligns with World Animal Day, expanding the focus to include raising awareness about animal rights, conservation efforts, and the prevention of cruelty. Acts of kindness can range from adopting pets from shelters and supporting animal welfare organizations to volunteering at local rescues or advocating for stronger laws protecting animals. Schools, communities, and animal rights groups often organize educational programs, outreach events, and charity drives to support these efforts. The day also serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility humans have in protecting the environment and the creatures that inhabit it, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.

01 October - Ayudha Puja

 

Ayudha Puja, meaning "worship of tools," is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the reverence of instruments, tools, and weapons used in daily life and professional activities. It is observed as part of the larger Navaratri festival, particularly on the ninth day, also known as Maha Navami. The festival is popular in southern states of India, like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, as well as parts of Maharashtra and Odisha.

Ayudha Puja is deeply rooted in the idea that tools and implements, whether for agriculture, construction, business, or learning, are not just material objects but extensions of the divine. Worshipping these tools is a way of acknowledging their importance in enabling livelihoods, creativity, and productivity. On this day, people clean and decorate their tools—such as machinery, vehicles, books, musical instruments, computers, and even weapons—and offer prayers for prosperity, protection, and success in their endeavors.

In addition to tools, weapons like swords and guns are also honored, particularly by warriors and members of the armed forces, harking back to ancient times when this ritual was practiced by soldiers before battle. In modern contexts, even schoolchildren place their books and writing instruments for worship, seeking blessings for academic success.

Ayudha Puja also symbolizes the victory of good over evil, as it is closely associated with the story of Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the divine power protecting the world from chaos.

29 September - Alouette 1 a Canadian satellite launched in 1962

 

Alouette 1, Canada's first satellite, was launched on 29 September 1962 by NASA, marking Canada as the third country in the world to design and build its own satellite. It was sent into space aboard a Thor-Agena-B rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Alouette 1's primary mission was to study the Earth's ionosphere, which affects radio communications. The data it gathered helped scientists better understand the ionospheric conditions that affect long-distance communication. This satellite was part of Canada's contribution to the International Geophysical Year, and its successful operation for nearly a decade was a significant achievement in space research.

This event also established Canada as a pioneer in space technology, particularly in satellite communications.

28 September - National Ask a Stupid Question Day USA

 

National Ask a Stupid Question Day is celebrated annually on September 28 (or sometimes on the last school day of September) in the United States. It was created in the 1980s by teachers as a way to encourage students to ask more questions in class without fear of judgment. The idea behind this day is to remove the stigma around asking questions that might seem silly or trivial, promoting curiosity, learning, and open communication.

The day encourages people of all ages to overcome the fear of asking questions and embrace the idea that no question is truly "stupid" if it helps someone learn or clarify information. It reminds us that asking questions is an essential part of the learning process and that everyone benefits from open dialogue, even if the question seems simple or obvious.

28 September - World Rivers Day

 

World Rivers Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of September each year to raise awareness about the importance of rivers and promote their conservation. Established in 2005 following the success of the United Nations’ Water for Life Decade, the event highlights the vital role that rivers play in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and providing clean water for communities around the world. The day encourages environmental stewardship, advocating for the protection of rivers from pollution, overuse, and climate change impacts.

Celebrations of World Rivers Day often include community events like river cleanups, educational programs, recreational activities, and discussions on water conservation and sustainable practices. The day brings together governments, environmental organizations, and individuals to foster global appreciation for rivers and inspire actions that ensure their health and vitality for future generations.

25 September - National Lobster Day USA

 

National Lobster Day is celebrated in the United States on September 25th, recognizing the lobster’s role as an iconic seafood delicacy, particularly along the northeastern coast. The day highlights the importance of the lobster industry to coastal communities, especially in states like Maine, where lobstering is a vital part of the economy and culture. It also encourages seafood lovers to enjoy dishes featuring lobster, from classic steamed lobster with butter to more elaborate creations like lobster rolls, bisques, and pastas.

Lobster fishing has a rich history, with Native American communities having fished lobsters long before European settlers arrived. Over time, lobster evolved from a humble food for the poor to a prized luxury dish. National Lobster Day provides a chance to celebrate this transformation, honor the fishermen who work hard to harvest lobsters sustainably, and, of course, indulge in one of the ocean's finest delicacies.

25 September - Dhirubhai Mehta birth anniversary

 

Today marks the birth anniversary of Dhirubhai Mehta (1925-2020), India's eminent philatelist. Mehta led the Philatelic Society of India, edited the Philatelic Journal, and organized landmark exhibitions. His expertise earned international recognition, including the American Philatelic Society's highest award. Mehta's legacy inspires philatelists globally, cementing his place in India's philatelic history.

24 September - Mahatma Jyotirao Phule established the 'Satyashodhak Samaj' in 1873

 

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule established the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) in 1873 in Pune, Maharashtra, with the aim of promoting social justice and equality. The organization was founded to challenge the deep-rooted caste system, discrimination, and oppression in Indian society, particularly against lower castes (Dalits) and women. Phule, a visionary social reformer, sought to dismantle the exploitation by the Brahminical elite and religious orthodoxy, which he believed perpetuated social inequality and injustice. The Satyashodhak Samaj advocated for equal rights for all, regardless of caste or gender, and emphasized the need for education as a tool for social empowerment.

Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers in education, especially for women and marginalized communities, establishing the first school for girls in Pune in 1848. The Samaj also worked to improve the condition of women by promoting widow remarriage and opposing practices like child marriage. It was a platform for the marginalized to assert their rights and demand equality, guided by the principles of rationalism, justice, and the pursuit of truth. Through the Satyashodhak Samaj, Phule sought to create a more equitable society free from the chains of caste and gender discrimination.

23 September - The University of Allahabad was established

 

The University of Allahabad, often referred to as the "Oxford of the East," was established on 23 September 1887. Located in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, it is one of the oldest modern universities in India. Initially founded as a unitary, teaching, and residential institution, the university played a pivotal role in shaping higher education in the country.

The institution began as an affiliated college of Calcutta University before gaining its status as a full-fledged university in 1887. Over the years, the University of Allahabad has produced numerous notable alumni, including prominent leaders, scholars, and civil servants, contributing significantly to India’s intellectual and political landscape.

In 2005, the university was restored to its original central university status, further reinforcing its legacy as a premier educational institution in India.