The Honourable Prime Minister of India paid homage to national figures Rabindranath Tagore, Maharana Pratap, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale on their respective birth anniversaries on May 9th. Each person left a significant mark in their unique ways and greatly contributed to shaping the cultural, political, and social contours of India.
Rabindranath Tagore: A Beacon of Artistic Brilliance
Rabindranath Tagore, also known as Gurudev, is celebrated for his exceptional contributions to literature and music in Bengali culture. His birth anniversary, ‘Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti’, is marked each year on the 25th day of Baishakh according to the Bengali calendar, which is May 9th in the Gregorian calendar. Tagore’s compositions, including over 2000 songs known as ‘Rabindra Sangeet’ and landmark works like Gitanjali, have had a profound and lasting influence. His accolades include being the first non-European laureate to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. His philosophies and the establishment of Vishwa-Bharati University continue to inspire generations today.
Maharana Pratap: A Symbol of Unyielding Bravery
Maharana Pratap, born in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan on May 9th, 1540, was the 13th King of Mewar. He is best remembered for his heroic efforts against the Mughal forces in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. Despite being defeated, Maharana Pratap’s courage and resilience remain legendary. Furthermore, he later reclaimed parts of Mewar and contributed significantly to its development. Maharana Pratap’s horse, Chetak, who sacrificed its life in the battle, is also remembered for its bravery.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Champion of Social Reform
Gopal Krishna Gokhale, born on May 9th, 1866 in present-day Maharashtra, was an eminent social reformer and educationist who played a fundamental role in India’s freedom movement. He propagated ideas of social empowerment, education, and peaceful methods as the way to independence. As a member of the Moderate Group of the Indian National Congress, he was instrumental in framing the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909. He founded the Servants of India Society, contributed to various publications, and mentored Mahatma Gandhi.
Sittwe Port: A Landmark for Bilateral and Regional Trade
Recently, India and Myanmar jointly launched the Sittwe Port in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, marking a significant landmark in strengthening bilateral and regional trade. This development holds promise for the local economy and is expected to create employment opportunities and boost growth in the region. The port is part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, funded by the Indian government, and aims to provide an alternative route connecting Mizoram to Indian ports via the Kaladan River in Myanmar.
Fertilizer Flying Squads: Safeguarding Farmer Interests
The Department of Fertilizers, operating under the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has initiated a slew of measures to curb malpractices and ensure the availability of quality fertilizers for farmers. Special teams known as Fertilizer Flying Squads have been employed to crack down on activities such as hoarding, black marketing, and the supply of sub-standard fertilizers. Measures such as these have led to an increased demand for Indian fertilizers, with neighboring countries seeking to import urea from India.
IBM and NASA’s Geospatial Model: A New Vision for the Planet
In a landmark collaboration, NASA and IBM have developed a new geospatial model that converts satellite data into high-resolution maps of shifting landscapes due to floods, fires, and other changes. The model has potential applications in assessing climate-related risks, monitoring forests for carbon-offset initiatives, and developing predictive models to tackle climate change. Geospatial technology, which uses tools like GIS (Geographic Information System), GPS (Global Positioning System), and Remote Sensing, is instrumental in this process, enabling the creation of intelligent maps and guiding decision-making regarding the allocation of resources.
