The clock never stops, the hands keep rushing at their pace, and we need to keep up with them. Not every day brings in excitement and showers of joy, some days we stumble upon disappointments. But, to stay gloomy and embrace melancholy, or just shatter them with our smile, is all that comes from within. In simple words, we are sad when we choose to be. So, here we bring to you several reasons to make today count and celebrate each day. The Today column brings to you the reasons to celebrate each day!

World Rabies Day

Dogs are the most commonly found and one of the most widespread animals throughout the world. Hence it becomes important to make people aware of the diseases that can be caused because of them and how they can escape from such infectious diseases. World Rabies Day is celebrated on 28th September annually. The main aim is to spread awareness about the dangers of the disease as well as how its spread can be stopped and can be cured. The event, put on by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), seeks to educate the public about how rabies can be eradicated in people and domestic animals if we take the appropriate steps.

History of World Rabies Day

At the very start in 300 BC, Aristotle wrote a paper noting a disease that affects dogs and any animal the dog bites. Later, Europe tries to eradicate rabies,

It attempts to destroy all stray dogs to fight the virus. In 1885, the first vaccine for animals was developed. After 1920, the vaccination came in America and was adopted throughout the world.

How to Celebrate?

• Get Involved

There are hundreds of events organized by GARC, throughout the countries, from  South Africa to Afghanistan, where you can learn more about how to control rabies. The most benefitting thing is the pledge that people can sign to fight for Zero by 30 causes.

• Do your research

There are various steps that can be taken to stop this spread as well as the cures and the precautions needed to be taken.

International Day for Universal Access to Information

The International Day for Universal Access to information focuses on the importance of the right to information in a

person’s life. How he must be aware and know of everything that is affecting their working around them.

The International Day for Universal Access to Information 2020 focuses on the right to information in times of crisis. It magnifies the advantages of having constitutional, statutory, and/or policy guarantees for public access to information to save lives, build trust and help the formulation of sustainable policies through and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.

UNESCO has its intergovernmental programs- the International Program for Development of Communication and the Information for All Program, that provides the guidelines and platform for where and how the public should be given access to information.

Universal access to information

Universal access to information means that people should have the right to seek, receive, and impart information. The freedom of expression proves to be one of the most important aspects of the constitution. Because a well-informed public is the one that makes the right decisions and contributes in the growth of the country.

Background

Overall around 100 countries have stated a “freedom of information” type of legislation. The oldest being Sweden’s Freedom of the Press Act of 1766 in the world.

In 2015, UNESCO General Conference voted to recognize 28 September as “International Day for the Universal Access to Information” or, as it is more commonly known, Access to Information Day. Which was previously known as “Right to Know Day” since 2002. The UNESCO resolution recommends approval by the UN General Assembly.

How to celebrate?

We as citizens, our topmost priority should be to know about all the rights that we have. We should always be aware of what is happening around us. As well as it’s our responsibility to know and find the truth behind the information and check its reliability. Also, we should keep our eyes open and know what is right and wrong for us.

On the other side, it’s the responsibility of the government as well as stakeholders to provide all the relevant information to the citizens. Also to take care that the right information and at right time should be conveyed to the public.

Information defines your personality, your memories, your skills.    

Ray Kurzweil

Information gives citizens of India the tools to fight against corruption and people the right to hold the government and organizations substantially funded by the government accountable. It citizens the right to ask for information and decide, based on the information received, whether their constitutional rights have been met. Hence, you should always be informed about everything that affects daily lives.