World Day of Social Justice

2016 Theme: A Just Transition - environmentally sustainable economies and societies

 

The United Nations' (UN) World Day of Social Justice is annually observed on February 20 to encourage people to look at how social justice affects poverty eradication. It also focuses on the goal of achieving full employment and support for social integration.  

What Do People Do?

Many organizations, including the UN and the International Labour Office, make statements on the importance of social justice for people. Many organizations also present plans for greater social justice by tackling poverty, social and economic exclusion and unemployment. Trade unions and campaign groups are invited to call on their members and supporters to mark the day. The Russian General Confederation of Trade Unions declared that the common slogan would be "Social Justice and Decent Life for All!".

Schools, colleges and universities may prepare special activities for the day or plan a week of events around a theme related to poverty, social and economic exclusion or unemployment. Different media, including radio and television stations, newspapers and Internet sites, may give attention to the issues around the World Day of Social Justice.

It is hoped that particular coverage is given to the links between the illicit trade in diamonds and armed conflicts, particularly in Africa, and the importance of the International Criminal Court. This is an independent court that conducts trials of people accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Background

The World Summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1995 and resulted in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. At this summit, more than 100 political leaders pledged to make the conquest of poverty and full employment, as well as stable, safe and just societies, their overriding objectives. They also agreed on the need to put people at the center of development plans.

Nearly 10 years later, the UN's member states reviewed the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action when they gathered at a session of the Commission for Social Development in New York in February 2005. They also agreed to commit to advance social development. On November 26, 2007, the UN General Assembly named February 20 as the annual World Day of Social Justice. The day was scheduled to be first observed in 2009.

Shivaji Jayanthi

Shivaji jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great Martha leader and the founder of the Martha Empire Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This day is celebrated annually on 19^th February.

Life history of Chatrapati Shivaji

Shivaji was born on February 19^th 1627 at the Shivneri fort to Jijabai and Shahaji Bhosle. After his father was offered a jagir in present day Bangalore he left behind Shivaji and his mother in Pune to take care of the Pune holdings. Shivaji’s mother had great influence on Shivaji who instilled in him love for independence. He was also greatly influenced by Ramayana and Mahabharata.
At a very young age of 17 he attacked the Torna Fort of Bijapur and captured it and by 1647 he had complete control over the Pune region with the capture of Kondana and Rajgad forts. In 1659 he defeated Afzal khan in the battle of Pratapgarh. After this victory Shivaji became a hero of Maratha folklore and a legendary figure among his people. Immediately after this he defeated the army commanded by renowned Bijapur’s Abyssinian general Rustemjaman in the battle of kolahpur.
By this time Mughals started considering Shivaji a big threat. In the year 1660 a truce was made between Shivaji and Adilshahi after the fierce battle in Panhala fort. After this Aurangzeb attacked Shivaji by sending his maternal uncle Shaista Khan in 1660. By 1663 Shivaji had lost most of his forts to the Mughals. However Shivaji regained his fort back and attacked Surat in 1664 to replenish his looted treasury. However he was defeated by Mirza Raja Jai Singh I who was sent by Aurangzeb and surrendered to him. But he managed to escape from the Mughals and maintained a low profile for the next few years and began building his army. By 1674 he had retained most of his territory and expanded his territory to present day Karnataka and Tamilnadu. He was formally crowned Chatrapthi in the year 1674 in at the Raigad fort. Shivaji died on 3rd April, in 1680 at Raigad after running fever for three weeks
Shivaji was a great warrior and a hero known for his military and civil administration. He used innovative methods like guerrilla tactic in his attacks. He adopted a policy of religious tolerance among all the sects and promoted Sanskrit and Marathi during his rule.

How is Shivaji Jayanti Celebrated?

Shivaji today is a national hero and has been a source of inspiration for many. In Maharashtra he enjoys the status of a demi god where the international airport, main railway station and museums are named after him. Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated with gusto and fanfare in state of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. On this day people take out grand and colorful processions with many tableaux and people dress up as Shivaji and his associates. Skits are performed depicting various events in his life. Politicians pay their respect to him on this day by garlanding his statutes.