Framework and Resources
National Observance Days

National Days linked to important issues or concern are seen as occasions to educate the public. These reinforce the national commitment and political will. These also create strong linkages between partnering organizations, institutions and civil society to address involvement. problems and to celebrate and reinforce achievements. Observance provides a powerful advocacy tool and forum for mass mobilization to usher change.

12 January National Youth Day

National Youth Day was launched in 1984 to commemorate the birthday of Swami Vivekanand and disseminate his philosophy and ideals as a source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.

22 January Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child)

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child) is a campaign launched on this day in 2015 by the Prime Minister to address the issue of the declining child sex ratio (CSR). It is a national initiative jointly run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Education. Initially it focused on multi-sector action in 100 districts throughout the country where there was a low CSR.

24 January National Girl Child Day

National Girl Child Day was initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to spread public awareness about inequities that girls face in Indian society. Programs are organized to enhance awareness about the girl child, the inequalities faced by girls in the country, rights of girl child, girl child sex ratios, importance of female, education, health and nutrition and creation of a healthy and safe environment for girls.

28 February National Science Day

National Science Day is celebrated in India to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Sir C. V. Raman on this day in 1928 for which he was awarded the Nobel prize in physics in 1930. The National Council for Science and Technology (NCSTC) asked the Government of India to designate the day as the National Science Day in 1986 with the aim of popularizing science. NCSTC also announced the institution of the National Science Popularization awards for recognizing outstanding efforts in the area of science and communication on this day.

04 March National Safety Day

National Safety Day commemorate the foundation of the National Safety Council (NSC) by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on this day in 1966, to generate, develop and sustain a voluntary movement on safety, health and environment (SHE). The first National Safety Day was celebrated seven years later in 1972. The objective of the day is to renew the commitment of employees and the general public to work safely and ensure the integration of a safe and sound work culture and lifestyle. Programmes are organized to raise awareness about safety measures that need to be undertaken to prevent accidents and mishaps; and educate people about the measures and regulations enacted to ensure a safe environment.

NSC is a non-profit organization that aids in generating, developing and sustaining national level initiatives and safety protocols, including on-roads, workplaces, health and environment.

11 April National Safe Motherhood Day

National Safe Motherhood Day was initiated in 2003 to raise awareness about adequate access to care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal services. The day also marks the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of the father of the nation, Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi. It is an initiative of White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI) which is a s a global people led advocacy movement for reproductive, maternal and new born health and rights. WRA is comprised of a vast network of affiliated alliances, networks, coalitions and individuals.

11 May National Technology Day

National Technology Day was launched in 1999 by the then prime minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee to commemorate the five nuclear tests that were carried out on this day in 1998. It celebrates the country’s technological advancements, it is dedicated not only to scientists and engineers but to anyone who is involved with ideating, innovating and promoting the dissemination of knowledge and also ensuring that its benefits reach the grassroots level. Those who have made significant contributions are honoured on this day.

15 September National Engineer’s Day

National Engineer’s Day commemorates the birthday of Bharat Ratna M. Visvesvaraya since 1968. It honours his contributions to the field of engineering and education; his crucial role in construction of dams, reservoirs, hydroelectric dams and flood protection systems in modern India. He built the Krishna Raja Sagar dam in Karnataka and is regarded as the father of modern day Mysore. The day is observed to acknowledge and honour all engineers in the country who have contributed and are still working towards a modern and developed India.

31 October National Unity Day

National Unity Day was introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India in 2014 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel who had a major role in the political integration of India at independence. Officially, it provides an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of the country.

11 November National Education Day

National Education Day was launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Education to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who served as the first education minister of the country from 1947 till 1958. The day marks the importance of literacy and the nation's commitment to all aspects of education system; it gives an opportunity to evaluate and improve the country's current performance in the field.

26 November Constitution Day or National Law Day

Constitution Day or National Law Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated in the country as Republic Day. The announcement for launch of this day was made as part of the year-long celebration of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B R Ambedkar. The day aims to bring awareness to the importance of the Indian Constitution as well as its main architect, Dr B R Ambedkar.

18 December Minorities Rights Day

Minorities Rights Day is celebrated annually since 2013. It aims at promoting and protecting the rights of the minority community; recognizes their contribution to nation-building; and ensuring the security of minorities, in particular their language, caste, religion, culture, tradition, etc. The observance highlights that the contribution of minorities matters in every country and also requires special measures to ensure that they benefit from the same rights as the rest of the population.

International Observance Days

International Observance Days are seen as occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.

06 February International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) introduced by the United Nations General Assembly and partners upholds the human rights of all women and girls. Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women. Recognizing this as an abhorrent human rights violation that causes profound and permanent harm to women and girls around the world, the aims is to put an end to a practice that is flagrant manifestation of gender inequality. Coordinated and systematic efforts are needed, and they must engage whole communities and focus on human rights, gender equality, sexual education and attention to the needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.

11 February International Day of Women and Girls in Science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science was introduced in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented these fields. The observance recognizes that science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The global community has to yet make a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science.

01 March Zero Discrimination Day

Zero Discrimination Day was launched by UNAIDS celebrates the right of all to live a full and productive life with dignity. The aim is to increase awareness about the issues to promote inclusion, compassion, and peace. n many countries, laws result in people being treated differently, excluded from essential services or being subject to undue restrictions on how they live their lives, simply because of who they are, what they do or who they love. Such laws are discriminatory—they deny human rights and fundamental freedoms. The observance highlights the need to take action against discriminatory laws and also enact laws that protect people from discrimination. While the governments have to be held accountable, everyone has a responsibility in this endeavour. The day calls upon all stakeholders to contribute and advocates a movement for change and global solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.

08 March International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe. It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977 and is celebrated in many countries around the world. It recognizes women for their achievements across the globe, in developed and developing countries without regard to national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political differences. The commemoration strengthens the growing international women’s movements and commitment of nations to overcome gender barriers. It advocates support for gender equality; and actions promoting women’s participation in the political and economic arenas. This includes enhancing opportunities for education and participation in the workforce, especially in science and technology domains.

28 April World Day for Safety and Health at Work

World Day for Safety and Health at Work has been observed since 2003 as a part of International Labour Organization’s (ILO) strategy on occupational safety and health. It advocates the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases at work globally. It also raises awareness about the need to raise the political profile of occupational safety and health; and creating a culture of practices that can help reduce work-related deaths and injuries. Governments are urged to develop national policies, laws, services and systems enforce compliance with occupational safety; and ensure health. Employers are sensitized to be responsible for ensuring that the working environment is safe and healthy. Workers are also sensitized to be responsible for working safely, protecting themselves, and not endangering others; and further, knowing their rights and participation in the implementation of preventive measures.

01 June Global Parents Day

Global Parents Day was proclaimed through a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 17 September 2012. The annual observance recognizes the role of parents in rearing children. It aims at honouring parents throughout the world; in full partnership with civil society, particularly involving young people and children. All cultures, societies and religions recognize (by custom or by decree) the critical role parents play as primary caregivers for upbringing and development of their children; the valuable guidance and support they provide children as teachers and mentors. The celebration gives an opportunity to; highlight the human rights instruments in the best interest of the child; recognize and honour the role of families and responsible parenting in building a better world.

19 June International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict  was proclaimed in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes. The date commemorates the adoption in 2008 of a resolution by the Security Council condemning sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding.   In response to the rise in violent extremism, the Security Council adopted another resolution in 2016 to address the nexus between trafficking, sexual violence, terrorism and transnational organized crime. Acknowledging sexual violence as a tactic of terrorism, it further affirmed that victims of trafficking and sexual violence committed by terrorist groups should be eligible for official redress as victims of terrorism.

23 June International Widows’ Day

International Widows’ Day aims to motivate support for the unique needs of widows. In addition to the trauma after the loss of a spouse, they often face social stigma, discrimination, exclusion, harmful traditional practices, and economic insecurity due to their marital status. There is need for societies to recognize the human rights of widows and take appropriate actions to empower them to support themselves and their families. This involves enhancing awareness, providing them with information on national laws, access to a fair share of their inheritance, land and productive resources; pensions and social protection; decent work and equal pay; education and training opportunities.

24 July International Self-Care Day

International Self-Care Day was initiated in 2011, led by the Global Self-care Federation to build awareness about importance of selfcare in healthcare and encourage its practice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7). There is a felt need to explain its importance to all stakeholders, be it general public, healthcare professionals, health officials and media. Effective selfcare can bring benefits to both, the individual and the healthcare systems by reducing unnecessary visits to health professionals. Selfcare promotes wellness and is a vital foundation of health. It reduces spread of non-communicable diseases. The observance inspires engagement and activities promoting self-care for benefit of society at large.

12 August International Youth Day

International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 at the first session of the United Nations World Youth Forum and endorsed by the General Assembly as part of its resolution on policies and programmes involving youth in 1999. It celebrates the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society and aims to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community.   There have been several UN resolutions and initiatives that recognize the need for an international policy on youth; and for promoting the ideals of peace, mutual respect and understanding between peoples. Year 1985 was designated as International Youth Year: Participation, Development, Peace. Specific measures have focused on need to address the needs of subgroups such as young people with disabilities, rural and urban youth and young women. World Programme of Action for Youth adopted by the General Assembly in 1996. In 2009, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the year commencing 12 August 2010 as the International Year of Youth. Security Council resolution in 2015 on Youth, Peace and Security represents an unprecedented acknowledgement of the urgent need to engage young peacebuilders in promoting peace and countering extremism, and clearly positions youth as important partners in the global efforts.

26 August Women's Equality Day

Women's Equality Day commemorates the day when women in US were given the right to vote. It recognizes the struggle for women's suffrage It commemorates the adoption of 1920 XIX Amendment to its constitution, prohibiting the states and the federal government form denying the right to vote to citizens of the US on the basis of sex. It was first celebrated in 1971, designated by Congress in 1973, and is proclaimed each year by the United States President.   The long struggle for women's suffrage preceding the amendment is viewed as the first step towards full and equal participation of women in the Nation's life. In recent years, significant strides have addressed sex discrimination through laws and paved new avenues for equal economic opportunity for women.

08 September International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day is being celebrated since 1967 around the world. It emanates from a resolution adopted at a UNESCO General Conference held in Paris in 1966. The aim is to highlight the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. Despite progress made, literacy challenges persist with at least 773 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills today. The observance invites all actors around the world, in the field of education and beyond, to mobilize for the literacy of young people, adults and women, so that they too can have the right to dream and be free.

05 October World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day celebrates teachers around the globe since 1994 co-convened in partnership between co-convened in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and Education International (EI). It commemorates the anniversary of 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendations concerning the status of teachers which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. These recommendations were furthered by those concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel in 1997. At the current time, teachers are seen at the heart of educational recovery and there is a call on countries to “ invest in them and prioritize them in global education recovery efforts so that every learner has access to a qualified and supported teacher.”

10 October World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day was introduced by the United Nations in . The aim of the observance is to raise awareness about mental health and carry out activities along with UN system-wide partner organizations and UN taskforces. The call of action is to protect populations at risk of poor mental health and unequal access to mental healthcare. The theme for 2022 is “Mental Health in an Unequal World’.

11 October International Day of the Girl Child

International Day of the Girl Child was proclaimed through a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 2011. It recognizes girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world and aims to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. It focuses attention that right to safe, educated and healthy life is critical in formative years for adolescent girls and as they mature into women. Effective support in early years enables girls to mature into women who will have potential to change the world as workers, mothers, household heads, entrepreneurs, mentors, political leaders. Upholding the rights of adolescent girls is an important first step them for realizing their potential for participation as equal partners in solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability. The focus is on empowering girls to break boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities.

15 October International Day of Rural Women

International Day of Rural Women was established by the UN General Assembly in 2008 to recognize the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty. It aims to focus the attention of governments and civil societies on the need for socio-economic and political empowerment of rural and indigenous women. There is need for designing laws to ensure that they are accorded full and equal rights to own land and other property; and enable full and equal participation in decision-making at all levels, This entails formulating policies and developing specific assistance and training programs for them to promote education, financial literacy, entrepreneurial, economic and business skills; access to microcredit, and other financial and business services.

25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women has been observed by Women's rights activists since 1981. It honours Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler. The day was officially designated by UN in 2000 paving the path towards eradicating violence against women and girls worldwide. The aim is to raise public awareness; and enhance both policymaking and resources dedicated to ending violence against women and girls worldwide.   Much effort is needed yet on the global scale. Only two out of three countries have outlawed domestic violence; 37 countries worldwide still exempt rape perpetrators from prosecution if they are married to or eventually marry the victim; and 49 countries currently have no laws protecting women from domestic violence.

GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) - Framework Development for Advancing Gender Equity in Science, Technology and Higher Education in India
Sanctioned to GATI PI based at NAAC via Government of India, Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Science and Technology, Order dated 30 August 2020