how did youth day came?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_Day
http://www.calendarlabs.com/holidays/south-africa/youth-day.php
Youth Day originated as a way to recognize and celebrate young people's contributions to society. It is observed in different countries on various dates. To understand how Youth Day came about, we need to explore the historical context of different nations. Here are three examples:
1. South Africa:
Youth Day in South Africa commemorates the Soweto Uprising, which took place on June 16, 1976. During apartheid, the South African government introduced a policy to enforce the use of Afrikaans as the primary language of instruction in schools. On June 16, thousands of students in Soweto protested against this policy, demanding quality education. The police responded violently, leading to the deaths of many students. The brave actions of these young people are remembered and celebrated on Youth Day.
2. India:
In India, National Youth Day is observed on January 12th, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda was a philosopher and social reformer known for his teachings that inspired youth empowerment and individuality. His speeches during the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893 brought global attention to the youth's potential as agents of change. National Youth Day in India aims to promote the ideas of Swami Vivekananda and encourage young people to contribute to society.
3. United Nations:
On August 12th, the United Nations celebrates International Youth Day. This day was designated in 1999 by the UN General Assembly as a way to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities faced by young people worldwide. International Youth Day aims to promote youth engagement and amplify their voices in decision-making processes. Each year, different themes are chosen to focus on specific issues affecting young people globally.
To get a more detailed understanding of Youth Day in specific countries, it is recommended to explore historical events, cultural traditions, and government proclamations related to youth. It is also helpful to consult official websites, historical documents, and academic sources.
Youth Day commemorates the historical events that took place on June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa. Here is the step-by-step breakdown of how Youth Day came about:
1. Background: In South Africa during the 1970s, the apartheid regime enforced segregated education, with Black students required to learn in the Afrikaans language, which was associated with the oppressors.
2. Student protests: On June 16, 1976, thousands of Black students from Soweto organized a peaceful protest against the compulsory use of Afrikaans in schools. They believed that the language policy was a method of perpetuating the apartheid regime.
3. Start of the protest: Students gathered to march from their schools to Orlando Stadium to voice their opposition to the oppressive education system.
4. Police response: As the protests progressed, the police responded with violence, using tear gas and live ammunition against the students. The police brutality led to chaos and clashes between the authorities and the protesters.
5. Hector Pieterson: During the chaos, a 13-year-old student named Hector Pieterson was shot and killed by the police. His photograph being carried by another student, Mbuyisa Makhubo, became an iconic image that represented the tragedy and struggle of the students.
6. Nationwide unrest: The events in Soweto triggered widespread protests and unrest across the country, with students and activists demanding an end to apartheid and equal rights for all.
7. International attention: The events of June 16, 1976, garnered international attention and condemnation, shining a spotlight on the injustices of the apartheid regime.
8. Significance: The Youth Day protests played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, inspiring further resistance and activism against racial segregation.
9. Recognition: In the years following the protests, the South African government officially recognized June 16 as Youth Day, dedicating it to honoring the courage and sacrifice of the students in their fight against apartheid.
Today, Youth Day is celebrated annually in South Africa as a public holiday, serving as a reminder of the youth's role in shaping the country's future and promoting the ideals of equality and freedom.