My Science School

                                                The Indian Constitution is considered one the most comprehensive of all constitutions in the world. On April 14, India celebrates the birthday of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Ambedkar Jayanti is an occasion to acknowledge not only the contribution he has made to create the Constitution, but also the efforts he took in uplifting the Dalits and other marginalized castes in India.

                                                Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a multifaceted personality, marking his presence as an economist, jurist, politician and social reformer who fought against social discrimination towards the untouchables, while also supporting the rights of women and labour. He is known the world over as the Indian crusader for social justice.

                                                Ambedkar Jayanti inspires men and women to stand up for their rights and fight against any kind of discrimination in society.

          The human body wages an unceasing war against microbes that attack it from all over. While many diseases still pose fatal threats, modern medical science has been successful in overpowering many that used to be life threatening.

          Vaccines, synthetic formulae that provide immunity against diseases, have been a boon to societies. On March 16, 2014, the National Vaccination Day, India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization.

           Polio, also known as infantile paralysis, is an infectious disease that causes muscle weakness resulting in an inability to move. Aggressive vaccination campaigns and concerted efforts, however, have resulted in freeing the country of polio, smallpox and such diseases. The National Vaccination Day attempts to spread awareness regarding the importance of eradicating polio and such other deadly diseases from our planet Earth.

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              Thousands of men have sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. Although names of many of them have faded into oblivion, their character, courage and commitment have inspired millions of Indians to work towards building India into a prosperous nation.

              On January 30, the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, the nation pays homage to the freedom fighters and those people who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. The day is observed as Martyrs’ Day.

              Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, is recognized as one of the greatest leaders of our times. His greatest contribution to humanity is the praxis of non-violence and civil disobedience that won India its freedom. He is reputed for professing in his life spirituality and politics, two seemingly irreconcilable aspects of life.

             Gandhi was shot down by Nathuram Godse, another Indian, who was intolerant of Gandhi’s altruistic attitudes. Martyrs' Day is a reminder to us to be ever vigilant against rising hatred and violence in society.

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            A nation becomes fully independent when it has a body of fundamental principles, known as a constitution, according to which the state is acknowledged to be governed. India became an independent republic and its constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. Therefore January 26 is celebrated as Indian Republic Day.

            Chaired by B. R. Ambedkar, the Constituent Assembly that drafted the constitution included statesmen like Jawaharlal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad, Vallabhbhai Patel and Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi. The Indian constitution is the longest written constitution in the world.

              On Republic Day, India celebrates its constitution that declares the nation as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its citizens justice, equality and liberty.

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          Subhas Chandra Bose, fondly called Netaji, is one of the most prominent revolutionary leaders of the Indian freedom movement. He was born on January 23, 1887 and the same day is celebrated as. Netaji Jayanti.

          Although the credit for leading the national struggle against the British could be given to the non-violent movement of Gandhi, Bose’s armed struggle played an important role in it too. He went to Japan in 1943 to plan an attack on the British Raj and win independence for India with Japan’s help. His Indian National Army, in fact, captured Kohima from the British. However, as Japan could not intervene and help the INA in time, his top lieutenants were arrested and captured. The INA remains a symbol of our nation’s determination and courage to rise up against the enemy.

          While there is still uncertainty around Netaji’s disappearance, his popularity and iconic status as a warrior has not diminished in any measure in India. Even today, Netaji continues to inspire thousands of young men to show their love for their nation.

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         The army not only guards the borders of our nation, but also takes part in several other activities aimed at serving the people.

         Soldiers make appropriate interventions at the times of natural disasters and calamities with wide impact, and help the victims by bringing them food and other necessary amenities. They also help governments in conducting larger events smoothly. The Indian Army Day is observed on January 15, the anniversary of shifting of power from the British General, Sir Francis Butcher, to the Indian General, KM Cariappa.

         Indian Army is the third largest standing army in the world. Celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital New Delhi as well as in other headquarters, the day marks a day to respect the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.

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        The youth are the future of any nation. Investing wisely in the youth in terms of education will guarantee a prosperous nation. The National Youth Day on January 12 falls on the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, a great Indian monk and philosopher.

       Swami Vivekananda, born in 1863, was a prodigy. The foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the 19th century Indian saint, he was a spokesperson for the Vedanta philosophy of India. He placed India on the world map with his historical speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago. The monk represented Hinduism and India at this first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893; and subsequently, he was invited to speak all over America and Europe.

         He was also a key figure in the introduction of yoga to the western world. The National Youth Day is celebrated to remind each young mind of India to be a courageous and responsible citizen.

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          Does science contribute to world peace? Science has often been criticized for inventing devices that wreaked havoc in the world. From bombs and guns to nuclear weapons of mass destruction, some scientific inventions have caused the death of millions of people.

          Today, the scientific community is striving hard to direct scientific Pursuits for the peace and Prosperity of the world. Therefore, the International Week of Science and Peace, celebrated from November 6 to 12, poses some very relevant questions.

          Science should be more responsible today. Scientists should be able to stand by the high moral standards in order that science may fuel constructive and proactive developments in society. Education across the globe should be directed at a scientific way of thinking rather than mere learning pure sciences. The International Week of Science encourages greater academic exchanges of universal importance while also generating greater awareness of the relationship of science and peace among the public.

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        The world is witnessing an arms race among nations today. Governments are spending large amounts from the exchequer to buy newer and better weaponry.

        Accumulation of weapons is often based on the misconception that conflicts can be resolved by showing off one’s weaponry. However, war seldom brings peace. Disarmament Week, observed from October 24 to 30, is an attempt to raise awareness regarding the importance of systematic reduction of arms and lead world powers to better sense.

        The annual observance of the week starts on the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Worldwide awareness is invited to the danger of the arms race during this week. It is also an opportunity to propagate the need for ending accumulation of weapons and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament.

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        Lying on his back and gazing at the stars after a hard day’s labour, ancient Man may have dreamt of flying past the sky, and touching the moon one day. The dream materialized only quite recently when the Soviet Union and the US competed to outstrip each other in conquering Space and beyond. When others pitched in and ventured into more space explorations, we started learning more about our planet, the solar system, the galaxy, the vast universe and Man’s position in the universe. The World Space Week from October 4 to 10 celebrates the role of Space in bringing the world closer together.

         The World Space Week starts on the anniversary of the launching of Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite, on October 4, 1957. The week presents the biggest Space event in the world. The purpose of the celebrations is to inspire students to turn to Space research and educate the public about Space activities.

         Humanity has reached beyond the sky. Every step humans take now should not only advance them in knowledge, but also bring them closer to each other.

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          When India gained independence in 1947, the nation became a sovereign state that is ruled by its own people. However, many territories in other parts of world are still under the rule of colonial countries. Therefore, the International Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories observed between May 25 and 31, has great relevance.                         Colonialism was tragic event, which saw many countries and territories being invaded or systematically subjugated and plundered of their wealth. In 1946, the UN had prepared a list of territories that were not self-governing. Most of these territories freed themselves through the process of decolonization. However, some of them had remained dependent. The UN is urging the administering countries to take effective measures to safeguard and guarantee the inalienable rights of the peoples of the Non-Self- Governing Territories to their natural resources, including land. It is important that these territories be given the power to maintain control over the future development of those resources. The UN is also making requests to take all necessary steps to protect the property rights of the peoples of those territories.

        The Week of Solidarity is aimed at enabling the people of these territories to stand up for their own rights and fight against all oppressing powers.

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         Racism segregates Man from Man. It is an absurd belief in the superiority of some people over others because of their racial origin and skin colour. Racism was rampant in the past and nations are trying their best to eradicate this evil practice today. From March 21 to 27, the UN observes the Week of Solidarity with the People Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination. The week starts with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21.

         While racism is a system of power that provides privilege to the dominant white racial group while oppressing darker-skinned people, racial discrimination is the individual unfair treatment of a person or group of people on the basis of race. State interventions and laws can control racial discrimination, to a certain extent. However, racism can be wiped out only through awareness and understanding. There should be concerted effort from leaders of the nations to ordinary citizens, in order to bridge the gap.

          The Week of Solidarity is an opportunity to remind each of us that all are equal and we have no right to hold any prejudice against anyone because of their colour, birth, race and ethnicity.

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           Do you know there are roughly 4,200 religions in the world? This means that there is so much diversity in terms of people’s religious beliefs and opinions. Several instances of intolerance towards other faiths have occurred, and disrupted peace across the world. Religious fanaticism and insularity are on the increase and there is a great need among men to respect others’ perspectives and opinions. The World Interfaith Harmony Week, which advocates Understanding and tolerance of others’ faith, is celebrated in the first week of February.

          Most of the times, disrespect and intolerance start from ignorance. The UN General Assembly points out that mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue are essential for establishing a culture of peace among people. Dialogue can foster mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation.

         Religion is more of an individual’s personal affair. We all can contribute to peace in society by respecting others’ faith and acknowledging their right to have their opinions.

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         Have you been to the top of a mountain? The cool breeze, the fresh air, the beautiful sky and, above all, the sight from above give us an unforgettable experience from high up on the mountain. Mountains are not just beautiful places to visit. They contribute significantly to ecosystems and biosphere. International Mountain Day is celebrated on December 11.

       Statistics say that about one billion people live in mountainous areas. Almost half the human population depends on mountains for water, food and clean energy. However, climate change, land degradation, over exploitation and natural disasters, with potentially far-reaching and devastating consequences, are threatening not only the mountains themselves, but also mountain communities, and the rest of the world. Global warming is melting mountain glaciers at an unprecedented rate. This affects freshwater supplies down- stream for millions of people.

         International Mountain Day should raise awareness regarding the importance of mountains in Man’s life. It is also an opportunity to remind governments to be pro-active, and protect mountains.

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          Millions of people are living all over the world devoid of basic amenities, dignity and human rights. Human Rights are the rights that every individual has by virtue of being a human being, irrespective of their gender, caste, creed, religion, nation, location or economic status. On December 10, the world observes the Human Rights Day.

         December 10 is the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a historic document, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its third session on 10 December 1948 in Paris, France. It is a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights, which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Being the sacred scripture of justice and fairness, this document is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages.

        The Human Rights Day reminds us of the significance of equal dignity and worth of every person. We, as responsible individuals, have to make a promise to ourselves to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the kinship of all human beings.

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