List of days of the year

11 December - UNICEF Foundation Day

 

UNICEF Foundation Day is celebrated on 11 December each year, marking the establishment of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in 1946. UNICEF was created by the United Nations to provide emergency food, healthcare, and aid to children and mothers in countries devastated by World War II.

Key Highlights:

  1. Mission: UNICEF focuses on improving the lives of children worldwide, advocating for their rights, and ensuring their access to essential services like education, healthcare, clean water, and protection.
  2. Global Reach: Active in over 190 countries, UNICEF works to combat poverty, prevent disease, and respond to emergencies to secure a better future for children.
  3. Evolution: Initially formed to address post-war child welfare, UNICEF became a permanent UN agency in 1953, with its mission extended to address long-term development and child well-being globally.

Significance of the Day:

  • Advocacy: The day highlights UNICEF’s role in supporting vulnerable children and advancing their rights.
  • Awareness Campaigns: It is a time to reflect on pressing issues like child poverty, education, malnutrition, and child labor.
  • Fundraising and Volunteer Efforts: Many organizations and individuals support UNICEF's initiatives on this day.

Achievements:

  • Nobel Peace Prize (1965): Awarded for promoting fraternity among nations and improving children's welfare globally.
  • Innovative Programs: Campaigns like Immunization Drives, Education for All, and Clean Water Access have profoundly impacted millions of lives.

11 December - Maun Ekadashi

 



Maun Ekadashi is a significant day in Jainism and is observed with devotion and discipline. It falls on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) during the Margashirsha month in the Hindu lunar calendar, typically coinciding with November or December.

Importance in Jainism:

  1. Practice of Silence (Maun): Observers maintain complete silence (Maun) throughout the day to cultivate inner peace and focus on spiritual growth.
  2. Spiritual Discipline: The day emphasizes fasting (Upvas), self-restraint, and deep meditation.
  3. Purification of the Soul: Silence and austerities are seen as a means to cleanse the soul of karma and foster a sense of detachment.

Observance:

  • Fasting: Jains undertake a strict fast, often consuming only boiled water during specific times or abstaining from food altogether.
  • Silence: Observers avoid speaking to conserve energy and direct it inward.
  • Scriptural Study: They read or reflect on Jain scriptures and teachings.
  • Meditation and Prayers: Devotees engage in meditation and offer prayers to seek forgiveness and spiritual upliftment.

Broader Perspective:

While Maun Ekadashi holds special significance in Jainism, it is also observed in Hinduism, emphasizing silence, devotion, and fasting. However, the underlying practices and rituals may differ based on religious interpretations.

11 December - Bhagwad Gita Jayanti

 

Bhagavad Gita Jayanti, also known as Gita Jayanti, marks the day when Lord Krishna delivered the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This sacred day is observed annually on Shukla Ekadashi of the Margashirsha month as per the Hindu calendar, which typically falls in November or December.

Significance:

  1. Spiritual Essence: The Bhagavad Gita contains timeless spiritual and philosophical teachings. It emphasizes duty (dharma), selflessness (karma yoga), and devotion (bhakti yoga).
  2. Universal Appeal: Its teachings go beyond religion, offering guidance on living a balanced and meaningful life.
  3. Kurukshetra Connection: It is celebrated with grandeur at Kurukshetra, Haryana, where the Mahabharata war was fought.

Celebrations:

  • Recitation and Discourses: Devotees recite the verses of the Bhagavad Gita and listen to spiritual discourses explaining its philosophy.
  • Special Pujas: Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna hold special rituals and prayers.
  • Spiritual Debates: Scholars organize discussions on the teachings and relevance of the Gita.
  • Kurukshetra Festivities: A grand fair and cultural events are held at Kurukshetra, attracting thousands of devotees and visitors.

11 December - Alexander Solzhenitsyn birth anniversary

 


Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918–2008) was a Russian novelist, historian, and dissident, best known for his literary works that exposed the harsh realities of life in the Soviet Union, particularly under Joseph Stalin's rule. Solzhenitsyn's writings played a crucial role in revealing the oppressive nature of the Soviet regime, and he became an important figure in the Russian dissident movement.

Some key points about Alexander Solzhenitsyn's life and work include:

  1. Early Life and Military Service: Solzhenitsyn was born on December 11, 1918, in Kislovodsk, Russia. He served as an officer in the Soviet Army during World War II but was arrested in 1945 for criticizing Stalin in a private letter to a friend. He spent several years in labor camps and prisons as a result.

  2. Gulag Archipelago: One of Solzhenitsyn's most famous works is "The Gulag Archipelago," a three-volume, non-fiction literary work that provides a harrowing account of the Soviet forced labor camp system. It was written clandestinely and circulated in samizdat (self-published) form before being published outside the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

  3. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich: Another notable work is his novella "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich," which was published in 1962 and depicts a day in the life of a prisoner in a Soviet labor camp. This work was a significant departure from the officially sanctioned literature of the time and managed to pass through Soviet censorship.

  4. Exile and Nobel Prize: Solzhenitsyn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970, but fearing reprisals, he did not go to Stockholm to receive the prize. In 1974, he was expelled from the Soviet Union and settled in the United States.

  5. Return to Russia: After spending two decades in exile, Solzhenitsyn returned to Russia in 1994 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He continued to write and engage in public discourse on Russian history, politics, and culture.

  6. Later Works: In addition to his early works, Solzhenitsyn wrote historical novels, essays, and speeches. His later works include "August 1914" and "The Red Wheel" series.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn passed away on August 3, 2008, but his literary legacy endures, and his writings continue to be studied for their profound insights into the human experience and the consequences of totalitarianism.

10 December - Jean Henri Dunant first Nobel Peace Prize

 


On December 10, 1901, the first Nobel Peace Prizes were awarded to Jean Henri Dunant and Frédéric Passy . Each of them received the Nobel Peace Prize individually.

The recipients of the first Nobel Peace Prizes in 1901 were:

  1. Jean Henri Dunant: He was a Swiss businessman and social activist who co-founded the International Committee of the Red Cross. Dunant was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his role in establishing humanitarian principles, particularly the Geneva Conventions, and his efforts to alleviate the suffering of wounded soldiers.

  2. Frédéric Passy: He was a French economist and one of the leading figures of the international peace movement. Passy received the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to the cause of peace, his work with various peace societies, and his advocacy for disarmament.

These two individuals shared the honor of being the first recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.

 

10 December - Norman Borlaug awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970

 


Norman Borlaug, an American agronomist and humanitarian, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on 10 December 1970. He received the prize in recognition of his contributions to the Green Revolution, which involved the development of high-yielding varieties of wheat and other crops.

Borlaug's work significantly increased agricultural production in various parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. By introducing advanced agricultural techniques and crop varieties, he helped address food shortages and alleviate hunger in regions facing famine.

The Nobel Committee acknowledged Borlaug's efforts in applying science to improve food production and combat world hunger. His work had a profound impact on global agriculture and contributed to advancements in sustainable food production.

 

10 December - First official family planning program was launched in India in 1952

 


The world's first official family planning program was launched in India on 10 December 1952. The program was initiated by the government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The goal of the program was to control population growth and improve the overall health and well-being of families in the country.

The launch of India's family planning program marked a significant step in global efforts to address population-related issues. The program involved the promotion of contraceptive methods, education about family planning, and the establishment of clinics and facilities to provide reproductive health services.

India's family planning initiatives have evolved over the years, and the country continues to address population-related challenges through various policies and programs. The launch of the family planning program on December 10, 1952, is a noteworthy event in the history of public health and population control efforts.

 

10 December - Rudyard Kipling awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907

 


Rudyard Kipling, the author of "The Jungle Book" and "Kim," was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature on December 10, 1907. Kipling was the first English-language writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.

His citation from the Swedish Academy highlighted "the force and clarity of style with which he interprets in his works the epoch and the life of the peoples of the Indian Peninsula." The mentioned works, "The Jungle Book" and "Kim," contributed to his recognition for the Nobel Prize.

10 December - Pasang Lhamu Sherpa

 


The first Nepali woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest is Pasang Lhamu Sherpa. She achieved this remarkable feat on  22 April 1993, becoming a symbol of courage and determination for many. Her ascent was a significant milestone for women in Nepal and for the Sherpa community.

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa was also the first woman to be decorated with the Nepal Tara (Star) by the King of Nepal. This honor was bestowed posthumously in recognition of her outstanding achievement and her contribution to Nepalese mountaineering.

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa: A Brief Biography

  • Birth: 10 December 1961, in Solukhumbu District, Nepal.
  • Mountaineering Career: Pasang Lhamu was determined to reach the summit of Everest despite facing numerous challenges, including the lack of support and resources often available to her male counterparts. She had attempted to summit Everest several times before her successful ascent in 1993.
  • Historic Ascent: On 22 April 1993, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa reached the summit of Mount Everest, making her the first Nepali woman to do so. Tragically, she lost her life during the descent due to harsh weather conditions.
  • Legacy and Honors:
    • Pasang Lhamu Sherpa has been celebrated as a national hero in Nepal. Several monuments and institutions have been named in her honor, including the Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Memorial College and a highway in her name.
    • The Nepalese government issued stamps bearing her image and achievements.
    • In addition to the Nepal Tara, she received other posthumous accolades recognizing her pioneering spirit and contributions to mountaineering.

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa's legacy continues to inspire climbers, particularly women, in Nepal and around the world. Her story is one of perseverance, bravery, and breaking barriers in the face of formidable challenges.

 

10 December - Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is published

 


"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain (the pen name of Samuel Clemens) was first published in the United States on December 10, 1884. The novel is a sequel to Twain's earlier work, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and it is considered one of the great American literary classics.

Set in the pre-Civil War South, the novel follows the adventures of a young boy named Huck Finn and a runaway slave named Jim as they journey down the Mississippi River on a raft. The novel is known for its social commentary, humor, and exploration of themes such as racism, morality, and the hypocrisy of societal norms.

While "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is now widely celebrated for its literary achievements, it was initially met with controversy due to its portrayal of racial issues and the use of vernacular language. Over time, the novel has come to be recognized as a powerful and important work in American literature, addressing complex and enduring themes in a unique and influential way.