Important Days

National Milk Day was celebrated on 26 November 2024 to honor the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution in India. This day highlights the remarkable growth in milk production, especially in Gujarat, the heart of India’s White Revolution.

Over the past 22 years, Gujarat’s milk production has increased by 119.63 lakh metric tons, with an average growth rate of 10.23%—outpacing the national growth rate. The state now contributes 7.49% of India’s total milk production. There has also been an unprecedented rise in the per capita availability of milk in Gujarat during this period.

The Amul Federation, which started with 6 member unions and a turnover of Rs. 49 crore, now includes 18 member unions. It collects over 3 crore liters of milk daily, producing and distributing dairy products not only across India but also in about 50 countries. The Amul model has become a globally recognized example of a self-reliant dairy development model, benefiting livestock farmers’ socio-economic growth.

The Government of India has announced year-long celebrations, beginning November 26, 2024, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. These celebrations, under the campaign tagline “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan” (Our Constitution, Our Pride), will run until November 26, 2025, honoring the Constitution adopted on November 26, 1949, which came into effect on January 26, 1950.

A grand event will be held at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, where President Droupadi Murmu will address both Houses of Parliament. Activities will be organized nationwide, including at village and district levels, focusing on the core values of the Constitution and the contributions of its makers. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the celebration as a collective national effort, while Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s significant role and the contributions of 15 women in the Drafting Committee.

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, also known as Tribal Pride Day, is celebrated annually on November 15th in India. This day was officially designated in 2021 to honor the contributions and sacrifices of India’s tribal communities, especially their role in the country’s freedom struggle.

The day marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter who led a significant uprising against British colonial rule in the late 19th century. His efforts and those of other tribal leaders like the Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis, and Mizos, are commemorated on this day.

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, history, and contributions of tribal communities to India’s development. Various events and activities are organized across the country to foster unity, pride, and recognition of their significant contributions.

In recent years, the day has also been used to launch development projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of tribal communities, such as the PM Janman Yojana, which focuses on the development of settlements for the most backward tribes.

Children’s Day in India is celebrated on November 14th each year. This special day is dedicated to celebrating children and recognizing their importance in society. The date was chosen to honor the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who was born on November 14, 1889. Nehru was known for his deep affection for children and his belief that they are the future of the nation. He was often referred to as “Chacha Nehru” by children, which means “Uncle Nehru.”

The significance of Children’s Day lies in promoting the rights, care, and education of children. It serves as a reminder of the importance of providing children with a nurturing environment in which they can grow, learn, and thrive. On this day, various programs and activities are organized across the country in schools, colleges, and communities to celebrate the joy and innocence of childhood. These activities often include cultural performances, competitions, and recreational events.

World Diabetes Day is observed every year on November 14th. It was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. The day aims to raise awareness of diabetes, its prevention, and the care needed to manage it.

The date was chosen to mark the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. Insulin is a crucial treatment for diabetes, transforming the lives of millions of people around the world.

National Education Day is celebrated in India on November 11 each year to emphasize the importance of education and recognize efforts toward making quality education accessible to all. This day honors the legacy of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, born on November 18, 1888, and posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1992 for his significant contributions to the nation.

Azad was a freedom fighter, scholar, and visionary who laid the foundation for India’s modern education system. He was instrumental in establishing key institutions, including the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and India’s first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kharagpur, supporting advancements in higher and technical education.

Under his leadership, various cultural and educational institutions, such as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, and Sangeet Natak Akademi, were founded to promote Indian culture and research. Azad’s vision extended to inclusive education, focusing on universal primary education, adult literacy, and education for the rural poor, particularly girls.

Azad saw education as a fundamental right and a vehicle for social progress, advocating for it as a tool for national empowerment. His contributions continue to influence India’s education policy, emphasizing inclusivity and progress.

National Cancer Awareness Day is observed annually on November 7, aiming to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Established in 2014, this day highlights the importance of public education on cancer and emphasizes early intervention to improve survival rates.

It coincides with the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, whose discoveries of radium and polonium have significantly contributed to cancer treatment. On this day, free screenings are offered at municipal clinics, government hospitals, and CGHS facilities to encourage early detection.