Greenpeace Day is observed on September 15 each year to commemorate the founding of Greenpeace, one of the most well-known environmental organizations in the world. The organization was established on September 15, 1971, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, when a group of activists set sail aboard the ship Phyllis Cormack to protest U.S. nuclear testing off the coast of Alaska.
Greenpeace Day celebrates the organization's environmental activism and its efforts to raise awareness about issues such as climate change, deforestation, ocean pollution, and the protection of endangered species. It encourages people to reflect on their relationship with the environment and take steps toward more sustainable living.
The day also highlights Greenpeace’s non-violent direct action approach, aiming to bring attention to environmental problems and push for positive change through peaceful protest and advocacy.
Hindi Diwas is celebrated annually on September 14 to mark the adoption of Hindi as one of the official languages of India. On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, as the official language of the Republic of India under Article 343 of the Indian Constitution.
While Hindi is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India, Hindi Diwas also highlights ongoing efforts to promote Hindi in non-Hindi speaking regions, while balancing India's linguistic diversity. In recent years, the celebration has also sparked discussions about the coexistence of Hindi with other regional languages in India.
Anukulchandra Chakravarty (1888–1969), also known as Sree Sree Thakur Anukulchandra, was a prominent Indian spiritual leader, reformer, and the founder of the Satsang movement. Born on 14 September 1888, in Himachalpur, Pabna, in the Bengal Presidency (now in Bangladesh), he showed spiritual inclinations from an early age, combining his scientific knowledge with a deep sense of spirituality. In 1910, he established Satsang, a socio-spiritual organization aimed at promoting personal and collective spiritual growth, emphasizing truth, service, and love as the core principles of life. Anukulchandra’s teachings focused on self-realization, devotion to God, and the integration of science and religion. He believed that science and spirituality could work together for the progress of humanity, and he encouraged his followers to lead ethical lives dedicated to service and self-development.
In 1946, Anukulchandra moved to Deoghar, Bihar, due to the communal violence in Bengal, where he founded the Satsang Ashram, which became a major center for his spiritual and welfare activities. He emphasized the importance of social welfare, education, and moral living. His teachings have been compiled in several books, including "Satyanusaran" and "Punyapunthi", which continue to influence his followers. After his death on 27 January 1969, his followers continued the Satsang movement, which remains active today, spreading his message of love, unity, and spiritual growth. Anukulchandra’s legacy lives on through the Satsang Ashram and its continued philanthropic and spiritual activities.
The Government of India released a commemorative postage stamp, in 1987.
Jatindra Nath Das (often called Jatin Das) was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, revolutionary, and martyr, known for his role in India's independence movement, particularly for his historic hunger strike while imprisoned.
Jatindra Nath Das was deeply committed to the cause of India's independence from British rule. He joined the Anushilan Samiti, a secret revolutionary organization, at a young age and became involved in several radical activities. In 1925, he was arrested for his participation in revolutionary activities but was released after a 63-day hunger strike.
His revolutionary zeal was reignited when he joined Bhagat Singh and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a prominent group of revolutionaries in northern India fighting for freedom. Das was involved in making bombs for the HSRA and participated in several significant revolutionary acts.
In June 1929, Jatindra Nath Das was arrested by the British authorities in connection with the Lahore Conspiracy Case. He was imprisoned in the Lahore Central Jail. Das, along with Bhagat Singh and other revolutionaries, protested against the inhumane treatment of political prisoners by the British authorities. They demanded that Indian political prisoners be treated on par with European prisoners, including better hygiene, proper clothing, and food.
To press their demands, Jatin Das, along with other prisoners, started a hunger strike on July 13, 1929. While several others gave up due to deteriorating health, Das continued his hunger strike for an astounding 63 days. Despite numerous appeals and attempts to force-feed him, Das remained steadfast in his protest.
On September 13, 1929, after 63 days of fasting, Jatindra Nath Das died in jail at the young age of 24. His death sent shockwaves throughout India and heightened the nationalistic fervor. His sacrifice for the cause of Indian independence became a symbol of revolutionary courage and dedication.
The British authorities were widely criticized for their role in Das's death, and his martyrdom stirred even greater opposition to colonial rule. His body was transported from Lahore to Calcutta, and thousands of people joined the procession, making his funeral a massive event in the Indian independence movement.
Jatindra Nath Das's hunger strike and ultimate martyrdom inspired countless freedom fighters and left an indelible mark on India's struggle for independence. His steadfastness in the face of immense suffering demonstrated the lengths to which Indian revolutionaries were willing to go for freedom. He is remembered as a hero and martyr of India’s independence movement.
In his honor, various institutions, streets, and public places have been named after him, including Jatin Das Park in Kolkata and Jatindra Nath Das Road. His life continues to be an inspiration for those who believe in standing up against injustice.
