24 Oct
World Polio Day: A Commitment to Eradication
Poliomyelitis, has been a highly infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis in a matter of hours and it primarily affects children under five years. Despite significant progress in the fight against polio, the disease remains a public health concern in some parts of the world. World Health Assembly committed to eradicate this life-threatening disease in the year 1988. Since then every year on October 24, the global community comes together to observe World Polio Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against Poliomyelitis. World Polio Day not only raises awareness but also underscores the importance of continued efforts towards eradication.
Polio has a long and troubling history, with outbreaks documented for centuries. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that the disease became a major public health crisis. The introduction of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk in the 1950s marked a turning point in the fight against this debilitating disease. The vaccine significantly reduced polio cases in many countries, leading to widespread immunisation efforts.
World Polio Day was established to honour the birth of Dr. Jonas Salk and to promote awareness about the disease and the importance of vaccination. The day serves multiple purposes:
- Awareness: It highlights the ongoing need for vaccinations and the importance of reaching every child with the polio vaccine.
- Education: Various organisations and health agencies use this day to educate the public about polio, its effects, and the significance of maintaining high immunization coverage.
- Advocacy: World Polio Day brings together governments, NGOs, and health organisations to advocate for policies and funding necessary to eliminate polio globally.
- Community Engagement: Events and campaigns on this day encourage communities to participate in vaccination drives and support public health initiatives.
Current Status of Polio Eradication progress has been commendable. As of now, the global fight against polio has made remarkable progress. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have reported a drastic reduction in polio cases since the 1980s. World Health Organization (WHO) declared India as “POLIO FREE COUNTRY” in 2014. The last case of wild poliovirus in India was reported in 2011. On 13 January 2023, India completes 12 polio-free years – a remarkable achievement that was made as a result of consistent, determined efforts and genuine commitment at all levels. Also in 2020, the WHO declared the African region free of wild poliovirus, a monumental achievement.
However, challenges remain. Political instability, misinformation about vaccines, and logistical hurdles in reaching remote areas pose significant threats to eradication efforts. Additionally, vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks highlight the need for consistent vaccination coverage.
Everyone can play a role in the fight against polio. The least we can do is encouraging friends and family to ensure their children are vaccinated against polio and other preventable diseases. Almost everyone, even in rural areas nowadays active on Social media. We can use social media to raise awareness about World Polio Day and the importance of vaccination.
India takes several measures to maintain polio-free status, including:
- Polio campaigns: India conducts polio campaigns annually to maintain population immunity.
- Vaccination: India vaccinates international travelers to and from countries where polio is present, and continues to vaccinate at international borders.
- Surveillance: India monitors for polio through Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance in humans and the environment.
World Polio Day serves as a reminder of how far we have come in the fight against polio and the work still needed to eradicate it completely. With collective effort and unwavering commitment, we can ensure that future generations live in a polio-free world. On this day, let’s recommit ourselves to this vital cause and work together to finish the job.
@Sanchita Roychowdhury
Head - P.R & Digitisation
GOPSAI AVINANDAN SANGHA
Editor
World Music Day Celebrating Indias Enduring Sonic Heritage and Its ...
World Music Day, celebrated annually on June 21st, isn't just about listening to tunes, it's a magnificent opportunity to immerse ourselves in the soul-stirring depths of India's profound sonic heritage. This isn't just a day for melodies, it's a global stage to truly appreciate a legacy that has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. From the ancient, resonant echoes of Vedic chants that predate recorded history, to the intricate, emotive landscapes of classical ragas like Hindustani and Carnatic, India's musical journey is a testament to its rich cultural revolution. Imagine the centuries of devotion and discipline poured into perfecting each note, each nuanced phrase, designed not just to entertain but to evoke specific emotions and connect with the divine. The very fabric of Indian classical music has been woven by titans whose names resonate through time. Think of the sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, who brought Indian classical music to the global stage through his iconic collaborations with Western artists like George Harrison. Or the captivating voice of Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi, whose devotion to Carnatic music touched millions. In Hindustani classical, the powerful and soulful renditions of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (Khayal) and the unparalleled mastery of the shehnai by Ustad Bismillah Khan continue to inspire awe. And who can forget the rhythmic genius of tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, who has pushed the boundaries of percussion across genres. Beyond the classical and folk traditions, towering figures have shaped the modern musical landscape. Rabindranath Tagore, India's first Nobel laureate and a true polymath, made an unparalleled contribution through Rabindra Sangeet. He composed over 2,000 songs, blending elements of Hindustani classical, folk melodies, and Western influences, often setting them to his own poetry. Rabindranath Tagore's music is not merely an accompaniment to his words, it's an integral part of his philosophy, expressing a vast range of human emotions, spiritual insights, and love for nature and country. His compositions are a distinct and beloved genre, deeply ingrained in the cultural psyche of Bengal and beyond. But India's musical story isn't confined to grand concert halls. It thrives in the vibrant rhythms of its diverse folk music, echoing across sun-drenched fields, bustling village squares, and festive celebrations. Each region, each community, boasts its own unique musical dialect – from the spirited bhangra of Punjab to the soulful baul songs of Bengal, and the captivating Lavani of Maharashtra. These are the sounds of daily life, of stories passed down through generations, of shared joy and collective spirit. Legendary folk artists like Bhupen Hazarika from Assam, whose poignant songs spoke of humanity and social justice, or the mesmerizing voices of the Nooran Sisters in Sufi music, have ensured these traditions continue to flourish. India's sonic landscape is constantly evolving, embracing innovative fusions of contemporary genres. Modern Indian artists, championed by trailblazers like the Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, are fearlessly blending traditional instruments and melodies with Western influences, creating sounds that are both rooted in heritage and refreshingly new. The golden voices of playback singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi have defined generations of Bollywood music. In current scenario Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Arijit Singh and so many singers showcasing the versatility and emotional depth of Indian vocal artistry. On this World Music Day, let's not just passively listen, but actively recognize and appreciate the intricate melodies, complex rhythmic structures, and the undeniable spiritual depth embedded within Indian music. It's a reminder of its enduring influence, not just on India's own vibrant culture, but on the wider world, inspiring musicians and enchanting audiences across continents.
National Anti Terrorism Day 2025 ...
May 21, 2025, dawns not as just another day in India’s calendar, neither it’s just another National Anti-Terrorism Day, but as a solemn reminder of the lives lost, the wounds borne, and the resilience shown in the face of terror. This National Anti-Terrorism Day comes barely a month after one of the most heinous terror attacks in recent memory, an act of cowardice that targeted innocent tourists in the tranquil valley of Pahalgam. Among the slain were families, newlyweds, and children; all victims of a calculated plan to spread fear and division by terrorists.