Today – February 20

February comes from the Latin word ‘februum’, which means cleansing. While this month gives you a week to embrace a few days with your loved ones. On the fifty-first day of the Gregorian Calendar, February 20, celebrate the National Love Your Pet Day. Gallup estimates that 60% of Americans have pets at home. It’s just significant for so many people to recognize something that we celebrate this day. On this day, the World Day of Social Justice is also observed. It acknowledges the need for social justice to be promoted. Also, addresses problems like poverty, exclusion, gender equality, unemployment, human rights, and social security.

National Love Your Pet Day

Pets have a special place in our life. They bring us their warmth and love, making our home more welcoming. Whether cats, dogs, birds, or even snakes, this day is all about giving little attention to them. Pets can instantly put a smile on our faces. So, celebrating this day provides a chance to pamper your “partners” in the best way possible.

History of this day

Pets have always been on our side ever since civilization began. There is no particular knowledge of the fact that when did we start celebrating a day dedicated to our lovely pets. But the day gained popularity during the early 2000s. Moreover, what we know is that cats and dogs have been part of human lives for as back as 12000 years.

The European royalty started to hold dog breeds of toys in the 1600s. The birds were the favorite species of all groups in Spain till about the 1960s. Nobody knows what the first pet was exactly. But, one species, the wolf, existed alongside early humans for centuries. Pets are rooted in our species. National Love Your Pet Day gives the chance to rejoice that.

How to celebrate it?

• Discover and explore something new with your pet. You could go on a trip!
• Treat them with their beloved meals.
• Non-pet owners can adopt a pet. Find organizations that rescue and re-home pets in your area.
• Take your pet to a park, where it can play with other pets.
• Keep a check on your pet’s health and make sure all the vaccinations are up to date.
• As a non-pet owner, you can also donate money to your local shelters.

World Day of Social Justice

World Day of Social Justice is celebrated every year on February 20 to empower citizens and make them aware of their rights. The day signifies that it is essential to recognize the impact of social justice on the eradication of poverty. It also focuses on the aim of full employment and social inclusion. This year’s theme for the day is ‘A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy’. It aims at finding possible solutions and changes that can be implemented in society. Measures required in the new age of digital technology to address the digital divide, provide decent job opportunities, and protect labor and human rights are the objectives this year.

History of this day

In 1995, the World Summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, and concluded in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. Over 100 politicians at the summit committed to combat poverty and aim towards full employment with steady and healthy communities.

Nearly 10 years later, the UN’s member states reviewed the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. They agreed to contribute to advance social growth. On 26 November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations announced that 20 February will be the annual World Day of Social Justice beginning with the sixtieth session of the General Assembly. The first day of observation was planned for 2009.

How to celebrate it?

• Speak to people about the issues disturbing them.
• Spread awareness about this day.
• Raise your voice against any social injustice around you.
• Donate to various organizations working towards the same.
• Educate yourself more on the injustices prevalent in society.