National Integration Day (or) Quami Ekta Diwas is observed annually across India on November 19 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, India’s First Female Prime Minister (PM).
- The day aims to promote unity, peace, and love across India’s diverse communities.
- November 19 2024 marks the 107th birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi.
- The day marks the beginning of National Integration Week (Qaumi Ekta Week), which is observed annually from November 19 to 25.
About Indira Gandhi:
i.Indira Gandhi, the daughter of India’s 1st PM Jawaharlal Nehru, was born on November 19, 1917, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh (UP).
ii.She served as the 3rd PM of Independent India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980, till her assassination in 1984.
iii.She was India’s 2nd-longest-serving PM after Nehru (15th August 1947 – 27th May 1964). She was known as the ‘Iron Lady of India’.
v.She was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1971, and the Lenin Peace Prize in 1984.
vi.She wrote ‘My Truth’ book which depicts the unexplored aspects of her life.
National Integration Week:
i.National Integration Week is a week-long celebration that aims to strengthen the spirit of national unity, communal harmony, and pride in India’s diverse cultural heritage.
- National Integration Week 2024, also known as Quami Ekta Week, was observed from 19th to 25th November 2024.
ii.During this week, various events and programs are organized across the country to promote unity, peace, and brotherhood among all Indians.
Overview of the daily themes:
- National Integration Day (November 19): Emphasis on secularism, anti-communalism, and nonviolence.
- Welfare of Minorities Day (November 20): Highlighting the well-being and upliftment of minority communities.
- Linguistic Harmony Day (November 21): Celebrating the diversity of languages and promoting linguistic harmony.
- Weaker Sections Day (November 22): Focusing on the empowerment and development of weaker sections of society.
- Cultural Unity Day (November 23): Promoting cultural conservation, unity in diversity, and appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Women’s Day (November 24): Recognizing the contributions and achievements of women in society.
- Conservation Day (November 25): Emphasizing environmental protection and sustainable development.
Additional Info:
The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA), organizes the Communal Harmony Campaign coinciding with the Qaumi Ekta Week and observes the Communal Harmony Flag Day on 25th November every year.
