Sir Chhotu Ram, a renowned Indian figure, was recognized by the Prime Minister with the unveiling of a 64-foot statue in his native village of Sampla in Haryana. The towering figure is a testament to his significant contributions, particularly as an agrarian reformer and advocate for fair laws benefiting farmers.
Life and Career of Sir Chhotu Ram
Born in 1881 with the real name Ram Richpal, Sir Chhotu Ram hails from Rohtak in Punjab, which is presently part of Haryana. He was conferred a knighthood in 1937. A graduate of St. Stephens College in Delhi, he founded the National Unionist Party and became the Revenue Minister of undivided Punjab. He is fondly known as “The father of Bhakra” for conceptualizing the Bhakra Dam as early as 1923 and is credited for introducing modern concepts like debt settlement boards and caps on interest in the 1930s. Notably, his concept of compensating farmers for their farming expenses has evolved into the contemporary practice of determining the ‘Minimum Support Price’.
Influence and Legacy
Sir Chhotu Ram’s impact is most notable in the agricultural sector, advocating for pro-farmers laws and being instrumental in empowering farmers during the pre-Independence era. Recognized as the country’s first significant agrarian reformer, he consistently fought for the rights of agriculturists.
The Launch of MedWatch App by the Indian Air Force
In honor of its 86th anniversary, the Indian Air Force launched a mobile health app named ‘MedWatch.’ It aligns with India’s vision for ‘Digital India, Ayushman Bharat, and Mission Indradhanush.’ The app, designed by IAF doctors and developed by the Directorate of Information Technology (DIT), offers an array of features such as basic First Aid information, Health topics, Nutritional Facts; reminders for timely Medical Review and Vaccination. Its utility tools include a Health Record Card, BMI calculator, helpline numbers, and web links.
National Environment Survey: India’s Initiative
A first in India’s history is the upcoming National Environment Survey (NES) organized by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Scheduled for January 2019, the survey will cover 55 districts across 24 states and three Union Territories. The NES is proposed under the ministry’s Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Scheme. Using a grid-based approach with 9×9 km measurements, it aims to collect comprehensive data on various environmental parameters. This initiative will lead to a ranking of all districts based on their environmental performance.
World Post Day: Celebrating Universal Postal Union
Annually celebrated every 9th of October, World Post Day marks the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in Bern, Switzerland in 1874. The day seeks to raise awareness on the role of the postal service in everyday life and its contribution to global social and economic development. Today, the post plays a more relevant role by providing infrastructure for development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals countries have committed to since 2015.
