Indian Commonwealth Day - 24 May

Tags: Important Days

Commonwealth Day of India is celebrated every year on 24 May.

An Overview of the News 

• Commonwealth Day is a global celebration that is usually celebrated on 13 March, but India and some other countries celebrate it on 24 May.

• The theme for Commonwealth Day 2023 is "Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future".

• In 2023, Commonwealth Day aims to promote a sense of shared humanity and solidarity.

• The occasion aims to bring together the 2.5 billion citizens of the Commonwealth to recognize their shared values and principles.

• Commonwealth Day provides an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the achievements of the 54 Commonwealth countries.

• Focus areas include addressing climate change and promoting gender equality.

History of Commonwealth Day:

• It was started in 1902 to pay respect after the death of Queen Victoria on January 22, 1901.

• The first commemoration of Commonwealth Day took place on May 24, 1902, on the occasion of Queen Victoria's birthday.

• In 1916, Commonwealth Day received official recognition as an annual celebration.

• In 1958, Prime Minister Harold Macmillan changed the name of the event from Empire Day to Commonwealth Day.