History of 9th August – Indigenous People’s Day
A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music,…
This episode is about the history of 9th August, ranging from Caesar’s civil war to the construction of the Tower of Pisa, the granting of powers to the East India Company, various notable occurrences, and the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
The history of 9th August begins with Caesar’s civil war in the year 48 BCE. It was the battle of Pharsalus where Julius Caesar decisively defeated Pompey following which Pompey fled to Egypt.
Moving on with the history of 9th August I see that it was this day in the year 1173 when the construction of the Tower of Pisa was started. It takes almost two centuries to be completed. There has been controversy surrounding the identity of the architect of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. For many years, the design was attributed to Guglielmo and Bonanno Pisano. However, a 2001 study seems to indicate Diotisalvi was the original architect, due to the time of construction and affinity with other Diotisalvi works, notably the bell tower of San Nicola and the Baptistery, both in Pisa.
The history of 9th August is also a witness to various other events.
On this day in the year 1683, the British Crown granted powers to the East India Company to declare and make war and peace in Asia.
On this day in the year, 1788 Ghulam Kadir blinded Emperor Shah Alam II with his dagger.
On this day in the year, 1854 Henry David Thoreau published Walden. Walden or Life in the Woods is a series of 18 essays. It is an important contribution to New England Transcendentalism, the book was a record of Thoreau’s experiment in simple living on the northern shore of Walden Pond in eastern Massachusetts (1845–47).
On this day in the year 1942 Gandhi started the Quit India Movement.
On this day in the year 1945, an Atom Bomb was dropped in the Japanese city of Nagasaki
With this, I come to the feature from the history of 9th August.
Celebrating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People: Honoring Rights and Culture
On August 9th every year, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. This significant observance, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, commemorates the inaugural meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the rights, cultures, and challenges faced by indigenous communities worldwide. It provides an opportunity for people around the globe to join hands in spreading the message of protection, recognition, and promotion of the invaluable contributions of indigenous peoples.
The roots of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People trace back to December 23, 1994, when the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 49/214. This resolution marked a pivotal moment in acknowledging the plight of indigenous communities across the world. By selecting August 9th, the anniversary of the UN Working Group’s first meeting in 1982, the world recognized the importance of addressing the issues that indigenous populations have long faced, such as discrimination, marginalization, and the infringement of their basic rights.
At the heart of this observance lies the endeavor to raise global consciousness about the rights of indigenous peoples. The UN’s message underscores the necessity of safeguarding these rights to preserve the rich cultural diversity that indigenous communities contribute to our world. By celebrating their unique traditions, languages, and knowledge systems, we acknowledge that indigenous peoples are custodians of irreplaceable heritage that benefits all of humanity.
The United Nations headquarters in New York plays host to a range of events to commemorate this special day. High-level UN officials, governments, indigenous leaders, and prominent figures unite to share messages that emphasize the importance of protecting and promoting indigenous rights. Indigenous artists take center stage, captivating the audience with their performances that showcase the depth and beauty of their cultures. Additionally, panel discussions addressing emerging issues confronting indigenous communities add a crucial dimension to the celebration, fostering dialogue and engagement.
Beyond the UN headquarters, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is celebrated in various corners of the globe. Communities, organizations, and individuals organize events that honor and recognize indigenous cultures and their contributions. These events serve as platforms for education, awareness-raising, and solidarity-building. They also offer an opportunity for indigenous peoples to voice their concerns and aspirations on a global stage, fostering a sense of unity among diverse communities.
The importance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People extends beyond a single day of observance. It is a call to action, urging governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the protection of indigenous rights and cultures year-round. Efforts to combat discrimination, promote education, and provide equal opportunities for indigenous communities are fundamental in ensuring their well-being and contributing to the richness of our global tapestry.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People stands as a testament to the international community’s commitment to recognizing, respecting, and preserving the rights and cultures of indigenous peoples. It serves as a reminder that as inhabitants of this diverse planet, we are responsible for creating a world where all individuals, regardless of their cultural background, can thrive and contribute. By celebrating this day and supporting the cause it represents, we take a step towards a more just, inclusive, and harmonious world for present and future generations.
That’s all from the history of 9th August.
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A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music, cinema and travel Somashis has evolved over time . Being an enthusiastic reader he has recently started making occasional contribution to write-ups.