14 March as Commonwealth Day

14 March as Commonwealth Day

By Dr Arvind Kumar

Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March each year. It was first observed in 1898 on 24 May, the birthday of Queen Victoria, as Empire Day. In 1958 Empire Day was renamed as Commonwealth Day, in accordance with the new post-colonial relationship between the nations of the former empire. However, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Canada in 1975, the Commonwealth Secretariat was asked to select a date, preferably one without previous historical connotations. Finally, in 1976, it was decided to observe Commonwealth Day on the second Monday in March every year.

The theme for Commonwealth Day 2011 will highlight ‘Women as Agents of Change’. The Commonwealth will celebrate women whose work have made a positive difference to the lives of others, and will emphasise the Commonwealth message that by investing in women and girls we can accelerate social, economic and political progress in our member states. The Commonwealth Day theme will be celebrated throughout the year around the 54-nation Commonwealth, with special events taking place during the week of Commonwealth Day (14-20 March). The Commonwealth of Nations is numerically a vast group encompassing countries from Asia and Africa. This platform can be used for ushering in peace, stability and economic prosperity in the under-developed countries of Africa by pooling resources.