The World Philately News on 2nd September 2021
*TODAY*
*World Coconut Day*
Coconut, also known as ‘sri phal’ in Sanskrit and ‘nariyal’ in Hindi, is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. Interestingly, the term "coconut" may refer to the whole coconut palm including the edible part of the palm, which, botanically speaking, is a drupe instead of a nut, as opposed to the common use.
The plant’s name is derived from an old Portuguese word for "head" or "skull", as the three easily identifiable indentations on the coconut shell resemble a face.
Some facts about Coconut
Often associated with sunshine and tropical sandy beaches because of their preference for sandy beaches with warm summer seasons and relatively milder winter seasons. They are grown across the whole pacific region but a major portion of the world's coconut supply, about 75%, is produced by Indonesia, the Philippines and India combined.
World Coconut Day 2021: History and Significance
The coconut palm is often called the ‘tree of life’ owing to its versatile use in food, fuel, medicine, cosmetics, building materials and various other uses. In order to highlight the usefulness of coconut and its impact on society, the first world coconut day was celebrated on September 2, 2009, by the Asia Pacific Coconut Community (APCC).
Since then, every year under the APCC by the authority of UN-ESCAP (United nations economic and social commission for the Asia Pacific) this day is organised to highlight their policies and mark the course of action for promoting this tropical fruit and bringing awareness regarding its health benefits. This year’s theme for world coconut day is "Building a Safe Inclusive Resilient and Sustainable Coconut Community Amid COVID-19 Pandemic & Beyond”.
In India, this day is celebrated with the support of the Coconut Development Board (CDB), across the states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, etc.
World Coconut Day 2021: Theme
Keeping in mind the Covid-19 pandemic, this year, the theme for the World Coconut Day 2021 is "Building a Safe Inclusive Resilient and Sustainable Coconut Community Amid COVID-19 Pandemic & Beyond".
How World Coconut Day is celebrated?
Across several countries, this day is celebrated by raising awareness campaigns and technical sessions. These seminars are conducted to increase the production of the coconut and raise awareness regarding its usage. Many farmers and businessmen come to such events and exchange ideas and concerns about coconut production.
Benefits of Coconut
The wonderful tree justifies its title of the tree of life as not only does it provides food, water and raw materials such as fibre and wood, promoting its commercial production can also help in poverty alleviation and provide nutrient-rich cheap food sources in areas needing uplifting.
*Tamilvanan Philatelist*
Anukulchandra Chakravarty (1888–1969) a physician, a philosopher, a guru and the founder of Satsang, As a young medical student in Calcutta, Anukulchandra started serving and treating the slum dwellers in 1911. After six years of study, he came back to Himaitpur and began to practice medicine.
In 1913, Anukulchandra was spiritually initiated and started doing intense kirtan. During kirtan, he often went into a state of trance, fell on the ground unconsciously and uttered messages in that condition. His going into trance during kirtan, delivering holy messages during trance and the devotion of those around him started attracting many more people.
Anukulchandra Chakravarty's service to the people as a doctor, his speaking in tongues in a state of trance as well as his advice and guidance to his followers helped him secure a position as a religious leader. The personality, life and teachings of Thakur Anukulchandra mediates between science and spirituality, personal affirmation and self-transformation, individualism and social commitment has put him in the class of prophets or avatars of the Indian religious tradition. His devotees address him as Yuga Purushottam or the Prophet of the modern age.
Comments