INDIAN EVENTS ON 26 JUNE

In Indian 26th JUNE is celebrated, observed, and remembered for various reasons.

1. Birth Anniversary: 26th June is the birth anniversary of Aruna Roy and Arjun Kapoor. 

Aruna Roy an ex-civil servant and Indian political, prominent social activist who was born on 26 June 1946 in Chennai. 

She was a civil servant from 1968 to 1975. In 1975 she resigned from the Indian Administrative Service to work with the rural poor in Rajasthan. Along with Nikhil Dey, Shankar Singh, and several others from the local community in Devdungri district, she collectively formed the MKSS Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (Organisation for the Empowerment of Workers and Peasants) in 1990. The MKSS played a pivotal role in drafting and advocating for the Right to Information Law which was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2005. She has also worked with campaigns for the access of the poor to constitutional rights for equality and justice- the Right to Work, Food Security and the Peoples’ Union for Civil Liberties.

She worked as a member of India’s National Advisory Council from 2004-06 and 2010-13. As member of the Council she played a crucial role in the passage of national legislations for the Right to Information and the Right to Employment law (MGNREGA) in 2005. The RTI is the first national legislation in which a peoples’ campaign played such a significant role from enunciating the principles to drafting the law and over seeing it through parliament.

She is a prominent member of many democratic struggles and campaigns, and currently is the President of the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW). She was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2000, the Nani Palkiwala Award and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, Academia and Management in 2010, and listed as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by the TIME Magazine for 2011.

Aruna along with the MKSS Collective have recently published – “The RTI Story: Power to the People”- which tells the story of how ordinary people can come together and prevail against great odds, to make democracy more meaningful.

Arjun Kapoor (born 26 June 1985) is an Indian actor who works in Hindi films. Born to the Surinder Kapoor family, he is the son of film producer Boney Kapoorand Mona Shourie. Kapoor made his acting debut in 2012 with the drama Ishaqzaade which was commercially successful and earned him several awards, including the Stardust Award for Superstar of Tomorrow – Male.

2. Death Anniversary : This day is also observed as the death anniversary of Govind Shastri Dugvekar, Yash Johar, and Eknath Solkar.

Govind Shastri Dugvekar (1881 – 26 June 1961), a unique servant of Hindi language and literature and a versatile genius. Govind Shastri ji had a major hand in the first establishment of Shastra Shuddh Hindi Theater in the form of ‘Bhartendu Natak Mandali’. Govind had come to Kashi around 1901 and spent the remaining 60 years of his life mostly living in Kashi and did literary practice. He used to write very excellent poetry in Brajbhasha and Khariboli. To meet the lack of children’s literature, Govind Shastri has also written many stories in the form of a picture story. He died on 26 June 1961 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

 
Yash Johar (6 September 1929 – 26 June 2004), an Indian Bollywood film producer. He founded Dharma Productions in 1976. He died on 26 June 2004 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
 
Eknath Solkar (18 March 1948 – 26 June 2005), an Indian all-round cricketer who played 27 Tests and seven One Day Internationals. He died on 26 June 2005 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

 
In the context of India, 26th June holds historical, economic, political, and social significance. Here's a breakdown of each aspect:
 
1. Historical Importance:

Emergency Declaration (1975): As mentioned earlier, 26th June 1975 marks the day when the then-Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, declared a state of emergency in India. This event had a profound impact on the political landscape of the country, with the suspension of civil liberties and widespread political repression.
 
2. Economic Importance:

Implemetation of GST in Indian: On June 26, 2017, the Government of India implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which marked a significant economic and taxation reform. The GST replaced multiple indirect taxes levied by the central and state governments, unifying them under a single tax regime. It aimed to streamline the taxation system, eliminate cascading taxes, promote ease of doing business, and create a common national market. The GST has had far-reaching implications for businesses, consumers, and the overall economy of India. While it faced initial challenges and adjustments, the implementation of GST represents a landmark in India's economic reforms and fiscal consolidation efforts.

 
3. Political Importance:

a) Indian Constitution Adoption (1947): Although India's Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949, it came into effect on 26th January 1950. Hence, 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day in India. However, the historical importance of 26th June lies in the fact that it was on this day in 1947 when the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the final draft of the Constitution.This marked a crucial milestone in India's political history, as it laid the foundation for a democratic and sovereign nation.

b) Kargil Vijay Diwas: 26th June 2002 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas in India. It commemorates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the Kargil War against Pakistan in 1999.Kargil Vijay Diwas, has been named after the success of Operation Vijay. On this day India successfully reclaimed command of the high outposts which were treacherously occupied by Pakistani intruders during winter months. The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days which ended on 26 July 1999 with gallant victory for India.This day reminds us of the sacrifice of our Soldiers who fought the battle of Kargil with Pakistan on the icy heights of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of that grand victory. Functions are organised all over the country to commemorate the supreme sacrifice and glorious victory of the Indian Armed Forces. (Source https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1844944)

 
4. Social Importance:

a) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: Globally recognized on 26th June, this day is observed in India as well. It serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote initiatives for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Addressing social issues like drug abuse is crucial for the well-being and development of society.

5. Science And Technology:

a) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Launch: On June 26, 2015, ISRO successfully launched five British satellites into orbit using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C28.