International Students’ Day is annually observed across the globe on November 17 to celebrate multiculturalism, diversity, and teamwork among students. The day aims to guarantee that every kid in the world has access to education.
- The observance marks the anniversary of the events held after the Nazi invasion of Charles University in Prague(Czech Republic), in 1939.
17th November 2023 marks the observance 83rd International Students’ Day.
Background:
i.In 1939, (during World War II) Nazi forces invaded Czechoslovakia and occupied Charles University in Prague.
ii.As a defiant act against Nazi rule, students of the Medical Faculty organised demonstrations to commemorate the establishment of an independent Czechoslovak Republic.
iii.These demonstrations were met with brutal suppression by the Nazi occupiers, resulting in the death of medical student Jan Opletal.
iv.Thousands of students turned the funeral of Jan Opletal into an anti-Nazi demonstration which resulted in drastic Nazi measures like the closing of all Czech universities and colleges and sending more than 1200 students to the concentration camps.
v.On 17th November 1939, as a final act of retribution, the Nazis executed nine students and professors without trial.
- Due to this event, the date was chosen to be International Students’ Day.
vi.The first-ever International Students’ Day was observed on 17th November 1941.
- It was observed by the International Students’ Council in London, The United Kingdom(UK).
Note: The Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU) annually raises awareness for students’ rights.
Velvet Revolution:
i.The Velvet Revolution was ignited in Prague, by demonstrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of International Students’ Day on 17th November 1989.
ii.The velvet revolution ended more than 40 years of communist rule in Czechoslovakia and catalysed the process of democratization in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
iii.The 17th of November is also marked as Freedom and Democracy Day in both Czech Republic and Slovakia.
