India celebrates Commonwealth Day on 24 May along with some other countries. (Image: shutterstock)
Commonwealth Day focuses on the objectives of helping each other in health care, education, job opportunities and sports as well as protecting each other’s environment.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated across the world on 13 March every year. On the other hand, India follows it on May 24 along with some other countries. With ‘Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future’ as its theme this year, Commonwealth Day, also known as Empire Day, aims to unite the 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens. Celebrating their shared values and principles and pursuing a common future centered on stability and peace.
To mark the day, speeches are given, and exhibitions and cultural events are held in the 56 Commonwealth member states. Commonwealth Day also focuses on the objectives of helping each other in protecting each other’s environment along with health care, education, job opportunities and sports.
Commonwealth Day 2023: History
The history of Commonwealth Day dates back to 1902, when it was initially established to honor Queen Victoria after her death on January 22, 1901. The first celebration of this memorial day was celebrated on May 24, 1902 to coincide with the birth anniversary of Queen Victoria. However, it was not until 1916 that Empire Day, as it was then known, received official recognition as an annual event.
In 1916 Lord Meath played a key role in expanding Empire Day celebrations beyond national boundaries, turning it into a significant historical event. Years later, in 1958, Harold Macmillan, the then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announced that Empire Day would be renamed Commonwealth Day, embracing the evolving nature of relations between member nations.
Commonwealth Day 2023: Theme
Commonwealth Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and draw attention to the achievements of the 54 Commonwealth countries in various areas such as addressing climate change as well as promoting gender equality. This year, the theme of Commonwealth Day is “Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future”, which also reflects the shared commitment of the member states towards building a better and united tomorrow.
Commonwealth Day 2023: Significance
This day is a symbol of unity, solidarity and brotherhood. It holds symbolic value as it symbolizes unity and serves as a platform for Commonwealth members to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to equality, peace and democracy. Commonwealth Day 2023 aims to foster a sense of humanity and promote togetherness, emphasizing the collective quest for a harmonious and interconnected world.