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.

18 September - Welthy Honsinger Fisher was born in 1879

 

Welthy Honsinger Fisher (18 September 1879 – 16 December 1980) was the American founder of World Education and World Literacy Canada.She was married to Frederick Bohn Fisher, a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, missionary, author, and official in Methodist missionary and men's movements. She was an intellectual, activist, and feminist requested by her friend Mohandas Gandhi to begin Literacy House outside of Lucknow, India, at the age of 73.

18 September - International Equal Pay Day

 

International Equal Pay Day is an annual observance that highlights the persistent gender pay gap and advocates for equal pay for equal work. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing inequalities in wages and income between men and women around the world. The date for International Equal Pay Day can vary, but it is typically observed on September 18th.

The gender pay gap is a global issue where women, on average, earn less than men for performing the same job or work of equal value. This wage disparity can have significant economic, social, and political implications, contributing to gender inequality, poverty, and economic instability. International Equal Pay Day aims to raise awareness about these disparities and promote actions to address and eliminate them.

The observance of International Equal Pay Day often involves various activities, including seminars, workshops, discussions, and campaigns that focus on:

1. Highlighting the gender pay gap and its consequences on individuals and society.
2. Advocating for policies and legislation that promote pay equity.
3. Encouraging businesses and organizations to conduct pay equity assessments and implement measures to close the gender pay gap.
4. Promoting transparency in pay practices and salary negotiations.
5. Empowering women to negotiate fair wages and benefits.
6. Recognizing the importance of women's economic empowerment in achieving gender equality.

Efforts to achieve equal pay for equal work are essential for promoting gender equality, economic justice, and social progress. International Equal Pay Day serves as a global platform for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and driving positive change toward closing the gender pay gap and achieving pay equity for all individuals, regardless of their gender.

18 September - World Water Monitoring Day

 

World Water Monitoring Day is an annual event that encourages people around the world to monitor the quality of their local water bodies and raise awareness about the importance of clean water. It typically takes place on September 18th each year.

The goal of World Water Monitoring Day is to engage individuals, schools, community groups, and organizations in monitoring the condition of their local rivers, lakes, streams, and other water sources. Participants are encouraged to test various water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH levels, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and the presence of certain pollutants.

The data collected during these monitoring activities can provide valuable information about the health of local water bodies, identify pollution sources, and help communities take action to protect and improve their water resources. It also serves as a reminder of the critical role that clean and safe water plays in our lives and the need for responsible stewardship of this precious resource.

World Water Monitoring Day is not only an educational opportunity but also a call to action for individuals and communities to take responsibility for the preservation and conservation of their local waterways. It promotes environmental awareness and encourages sustainable practices to ensure that clean water is available for current and future generations.

18 September - Gaganendranath Tagore birth anniversary

 

Gaganendranath Tagore (1867-1938): A Pioneer in Indian Art and Culture

Gaganendranath Tagore, born on September 18, 1867, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, was a multifaceted artist and cultural pioneer who left an indelible mark on the world of Indian art. He hailed from the illustrious Tagore family, renowned for its contributions to literature, art, and music. Gaganendranath, however, charted his unique path as a painter, cartoonist, and playwright.

As an artist, Gaganendranath Tagore was a trailblazer, known for his experiments with various styles, including the influence of Japanese art and modernist trends. His works often depicted the changing socio-political landscape of India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His versatility ranged from traditional Indian art forms like miniature paintings to avant-garde techniques, reflecting his keen sense of innovation.

Gaganendranath's contribution to Indian art extended beyond the canvas. He played a pivotal role in the cultural renaissance of Bengal, fostering a vibrant creative environment through his association with the Indian Society of Oriental Art and his interactions with luminaries like Rabindranath Tagore, his cousin, and other influential figures of the time.

Apart from his artistic pursuits, Gaganendranath Tagore was a satirist and humorist. He was a pioneer of political cartooning in India and used his sharp wit to comment on contemporary issues. His cartoons provided a powerful commentary on the socio-political climate of colonial India.

Gaganendranath Tagore passed away on July 14, 1938, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists and cultural enthusiasts in India and beyond. His eclectic body of work and commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression make him an enduring figure in the history of Indian art and culture

 

17 September - Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti

 

Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti, also known as Vishwakarma Puja, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman of the gods. This festival typically falls on the last day of the Indian lunar calendar month of Bhadra, which usually corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. In some regions of India, it is observed on different dates.

Lord Vishwakarma is revered as the creator of the universe's various celestial palaces, weapons, and other divine objects. He is considered the ultimate craftsman and architect and is believed to be the original creator of various machines and tools.

On Vishwakarma Jayanti, artisans, craftsmen, factory workers, and industrial workers pay homage to Lord Vishwakarma to seek his blessings for their tools, machinery, and workplaces. The festivities typically include the following rituals:

1. Worship: People clean and decorate their workplaces and machinery. They offer prayers and perform special pujas (ritual worship) to Lord Vishwakarma. Idols or images of Lord Vishwakarma are installed and adorned with flowers and other offerings.

2. Distribution of Prasad: Sweets and other traditional offerings, known as prasad, are prepared and distributed among workers and family members.

3. Feasting: People often engage in feasting and celebrate the day with traditional meals and sweets.

4. Craftsmanship Exhibitions: In some places, exhibitions showcasing the work of artisans and craftsmen are organized to highlight their skills and craftsmanship.

5. Artisan Processions: In certain regions, processions featuring artisans and their tools are taken out as a mark of respect to Lord Vishwakarma.

Vishwakarma Jayanti is not only a day of religious significance but also an occasion to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of craftsmen, engineers, and all those involved in various forms of craftsmanship and industrial work. It is a day to celebrate the spirit of creativity, innovation, and hard work.

17 September - Hyderabad Liberation Day

 

Hyderabad Liberation Day is observed on September 17th each year. It commemorates the day when the Indian state of Hyderabad was liberated and integrated into the Indian Union in 1948.

Before its integration into India, Hyderabad was one of the largest princely states in India, ruled by the Nizam, who was the monarch. When India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947, the princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent. The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, initially wanted to keep Hyderabad as an independent state, which led to tensions with the Indian government.

The situation escalated, and in September 1948, the Indian government launched a military operation known as "Operation Polo" to annex Hyderabad and bring it into the newly independent India. The operation resulted in the surrender of the Nizam's forces, and Hyderabad became a part of the Indian Union on September 17, 1948.

Hyderabad Liberation Day is celebrated in the state of Telangana, of which Hyderabad is now the capital, as a day to remember and honor the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union and the end of the princely rule. It signifies the importance of preserving the unity and integrity of the newly independent India.