24 April - Republic Day (The Gambia)

 

The Gambia celebrates Republic Day on April 24th. This day commemorates the declaration of The Gambia as a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations on April 24, 1970. It marks the country's transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, with a president as the head of state instead of a monarch.

Republic Day in The Gambia is typically observed with various celebrations, including official ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and sometimes speeches by government officials. It's a significant national holiday that symbolizes The Gambia's independence and sovereignty as a republic.

 

24 April - World Immunization Week (24 to 30 Apr)

 

World Immunization Week is an annual global public health campaign celebrated during the last week of April. The goal of this week-long observance, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), is to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against preventable diseases.

World Immunization Week raises awareness about the importance of immunization in saving lives, preventing diseases, and promoting overall health and well-being. It also serves as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of vaccination programs worldwide and to advocate for increased access to vaccines for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Throughout World Immunization Week, various activities and events are organized by governments, healthcare organizations, NGOs, and communities to educate people about the benefits of vaccination, address vaccine hesitancy, and encourage vaccination uptake. These activities may include vaccination drives, educational campaigns, seminars, workshops, and media outreach efforts.

By promoting immunization as a cornerstone of public health, World Immunization Week contributes to the global effort to control and eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases, ultimately improving the health and well-being of populations around the world.

24 April - Jamini Roy death anniversary

Padma Bhushan Jamini Roy was a renowned Indian painter known for his unique style that combined elements of traditional Indian folk art with modernist techniques. He was born on 11 April 1887, in Beliatore village of the Bankura district in present-day West Bengal, India.

Jamini Roy initially trained in the classical Western academic style of painting at the Government College of Art in Kolkata (then Calcutta). However, he later shifted his focus to indigenous Indian art forms, particularly the Kalighat style of painting from Bengal.

His work often depicted scenes from Indian mythology, folklore, and everyday rural life. He used bold lines, vibrant colors, and simple, stylized forms characteristic of folk art traditions. Rejecting the use of expensive materials, he painted on inexpensive materials like cloth, paper, and wood, making his art accessible to a wider audience.

Jamini Roy's distinctive style earned him widespread recognition both in India and internationally. In 1954, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, for his contributions to the field of art. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists, and his artworks are treasured in museums and private collections around the world.

Jamini Roy passed away on 24 April 1972. His contributions to Indian art continue to be celebrated and appreciated long after his passing.

24 April - National Panchayati Raj Day

 

National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated in India on April 24th each year. This day commemorates the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, which established the Panchayati Raj system in rural areas of India.

The Panchayati Raj system is a decentralized form of governance that aims to empower local communities and promote grassroots democracy. It involves the establishment of elected local bodies, known as Panchayats, at the village, intermediate (block), and district levels. These Panchayats are responsible for local governance, development planning, and the implementation of various rural development programs.

National Panchayati Raj Day is observed as a tribute to the importance of grassroots democracy and local self-governance in India's democratic framework. It serves as an occasion to highlight the achievements and challenges of the Panchayati Raj system and to reaffirm the commitment to strengthening decentralized governance and empowering local communities.

On this day, various events and activities may be organized across India to raise awareness about the role of Panchayats in rural development, promote citizen participation in local governance, and recognize the contributions of elected representatives and community leaders at the grassroots level.

24 April - Sathya Sai Baba death anniversary

 

Sathya Sai Baba, whose birth name was Sathyanarayana Raju, was an Indian spiritual leader and guru. He was born on 23 November  1926  in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India, and passed away on 24 April  2011.

Sathya Sai Baba claimed to be the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi, a revered saint. From a young age, he demonstrated spiritual inclinations and was believed by his followers to possess miraculous powers. His teachings emphasized the unity of all religions, the importance of spiritual practice, and the practice of selfless service to others.

Sathya Sai Baba gained a large following both in India and internationally. His devotees believed in his ability to perform miracles, including healing the sick and materializing objects. However, he was also a controversial figure, with skeptics questioning the authenticity of his miracles and expressing concerns about the cult-like aspects of his following.

After his passing, the Sathya Sai Baba organization continues to be active, involved in various charitable and educational activities. His life and teachings remain the subject of debate and discussion, reflecting the complex and varied perspectives on his legacy.

24 April - first battalion of the Gorkha Regiment, was raised in 1815

 

On 24 April 1815, the first battalion of the Gorkha Regiment, was raised as the Nasiri regiment. This regiment later became the 1st King George's Own Gurkha Rifles, and saw action at the Maulun fort under Lieutenant Lawtie.

They were instrumental in the expansion of the British East India Company throughout the subcontinent. The Gorkhas took part in the Gurkha-Sikh War, the First and Second Anglo-Sikh Wars, Afghan wars, and in suppressing the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Throughout these years, the British continued to recruit the Gorkhas and kept increasing the number of Gorkha regiments.

By the time First World War started, there were 10 Gorkha (spelt Gurkha at the time) regiments in the British Indian Army.

The Gorkha regiments played a major role as part of the Commonwealth armies during both World Wars seeing action from Monte Cassino in the west to Rangoon in the east, and earning extensive battle honours. During the North African campaign, the German Afrikakorps accorded respect to the Nepalese knife khukri-wielding Gorkhas.

24 April - Deenanath Mangeshkar death anniversary

 

 Deenanath Mangeshkar, passed away on 24 April 1942, was a well-known Marathi theatre actor, a renowned Natya Sangeet musician and a Hindustani classical vocalist. He is also the father of well-known singers Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Meena Khadikar and Usha Mangeshkar as well as composer Hridaynath Mangeshkar.

24 March - Robert Koch announced discovered the cause of tuberculosis

 

On 24 March 1882, Robert Koch announced to the Berlin Physiological Society that he had discovered the cause of tuberculosis. Three weeks later, on April 10, he published an article entitled "The Etiology of Tuberculosis". In 1884, in a second paper with the same title, he first expounded "Koch's postulates," which have since become basic to studies of all infectious diseases. He had observed the bacillus in association with all cases of the disease, had grown the organism outside the body of the host, and had reproduced the disease in a susceptible host inoculated with a pure culture of the isolated organism.

23 April - World Table Tennis Day

 

World Table Tennis Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the sport of table tennis and its values worldwide. Observed on April 6th, this day aims to encourage participation in table tennis at all levels, from recreational players to professional athletes.

On World Table Tennis Day, various events and activities are organized around the globe to raise awareness about the sport and its benefits. These may include exhibitions, tournaments, demonstrations, coaching sessions, and community outreach programs aimed at introducing new people to the game.

The day also serves as an opportunity to highlight the positive impact that table tennis can have on individuals and communities, including promoting physical fitness, social interaction, and inclusivity.

Overall, World Table Tennis Day celebrates the joy of playing table tennis and strives to make the sport accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a spirit of friendship, respect, and sportsmanship among participants.

23 April - English Language Day

 

English Language Day is celebrated annually on April 23rd. This date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of William Shakespeare, one of the most famous playwrights and poets in the English language, as well as the date of his death. Shakespeare's works have had a profound influence on the English language and literature.

English Language Day is observed to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity, as well as to celebrate the global significance of the English language. English is spoken by millions of people around the world as a first or second language, and it serves as a common means of communication in various fields, including business, diplomacy, science, and entertainment.

On English Language Day, various activities and events may take place to celebrate the language, including language workshops, literary readings, cultural performances, and educational programs. It's a day to appreciate the richness, versatility, and global impact of the English language.