WORLD COTTON DAY OCTOBER-7

 

WORLD COTTON DAY

OCTOBER-7

Today . 2026 OCTOBER 7,is World Cotton Day. This day is celebrated annually on October 7 to highlight the global economic, social, and environmental importance of cotton. The theme for this year is Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership. Sharing a video message, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh extended greetings to everyone associated with this sector.He said that this day honours farmers who cultivate cotton in the fields, thereby enabling employment for workers across the entire value chain, whether in spinning mills, ginneries, textile manufacturing units, or garment factories. He informed that 60 lakh farmers in the country are engaged in cotton cultivation. He underlined that countless small enterprises are linked to the handloom industries that not only operate domestically but also export their products.

World Cotton Day 2026 is highlighting the importance of cotton to livelihoods, trade, and sustainable development, with this year’s global celebration focusing on how the sector can support economic opportunities and shared prosperity.Observed on 7 October, World Cotton Day provides an opportunity to recognize the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on cotton, including smallholder farmers, laborers, women and their families.The theme for World Cotton Day 2026 is ‘Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership.’ The sixth global celebration will examine how cotton can contribute to stronger rural communities, sustainable development and economic growth.Cotton has been part of human civilization for centuries and remains one of the world’s most widely used natural fibers. It is used extensively in clothing and home furnishings and provides employment and income for millions of smallholder farmers and their families.The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 7 October as World Cotton Day in August 2021, recognizing the sector’s contribution to economic development, international trade and poverty reduction.Top producers: China, India, Brazil, the United States and Pakistan are the five largest cotton-producing countries, together accounting for more than three-quarters of global production.Major mill users: More than half of global cotton mill use is concentrated in China and India.Farmers worldwide: Cotton is grown by around 24 million farmers globally.Employment: The cotton value chain provides employment for an estimated 125 million people worldwide.Global fiber demand: Cotton is the second-most used fiber globally after polyester, accounting for approximately 20 percent of total fiber demand.Clothing: Around 80 percent of cotton is used in apparel, while the remainder is used in home textiles and industrial products.Livelihoods: Cotton provides income and employment for millions of smallholder farmers, laborers and their families, particularly in developing countries.

World Cotton Day also draws attention to the challenges and opportunities within the cotton sector, particularly in low-income countries, while highlighting its role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The annual observance serves as an opportunity to renew global efforts towards a sustainable cotton sector that supports better production, stronger rural communities, environmental sustainability and improved livelihoods, leaving no one behind.

Cotton is much more than a natural fibre—it supports millions of livelihoods and plays an important role in agriculture, international trade and textile value chainsWorld Cotton Day, observed every year on 7 October, highlights the economic and social importance of the cotton sector. FAOHomeThe 2026 theme, “Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership,” focuses on strengthening the cotton value chain through trade, value addition, innovation and greater cooperation. From the cotton field to global markets, building a stronger value chain can create wider opportunities for farmers, workers and communities.

Prof. John Kurakar

COTTON FOR GOOD

 

WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY- OCTOBER 6

 

WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY-

OCTOBER 6

World Cerebral Palsy Day, celebrated annually on October 6, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about cerebral palsy (CP) and advocating for the rights of those affected by the condition. Established to highlight the challenges faced by the estimated 1.8 crore people living with CP worldwide, the day serves as a platform for individuals, families, and organizations to share experiences and promote understanding.On this day, various national and international organisations come together and organize education and outreach drives, sessions, conferences, workshops and social events to educate people about the risks of cerebral palsy and how to prevent it.

Cerebral palsy is a condition of movement and posture. It is a dynamic representation of a static state. In cerebral palsy, the brain develops differently in different children. The injured brain will have other expressions in different children. Some children might get mental impairment, while some may not. But the bottom line is that the disorder of movements and posture remains the same, yet it can be severe, moderate or mild.Cerebral Palsy is one of the least known disabilities, and people with cerebral palsy are frequently out of sight, out of mind, and out of options in communities globally, so it's important to consult a neurologist in case of any Trouble with vision or trouble in feeling sensation. Cerebral palsy is the most common type of childhood motor dysfunction. Cerebral palsy is mostly caused by injury to the growing brain during pregnancy or shortly after birth. It is a life-long condition that does not deteriorate over time.

Globally, about 1.7 crores of people have some form of cerebral palsy, according to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF). Another 35 crores of people are closely related to a child or adult with cerebral palsy. Nearly 15-20% of physically disabled children are affected by Cerebral Palsy. In India, the estimated incidence is around 3/1000 live births’1 in 3 will have extremely limited or no walking ability (and will need assistance devices, such as wheelchairs)1 in 4 will have bladder control issues1 in 4 will not able to speak1 in 5 will have a sleep disorder3 in 4 will experience chronic pain lifelong1 in 10 will have notable vision problems

As per a 2022 research report, the birth prevalence for pre-/perinatal cerebral palsy in regions from high-income countries (HICs) was 1.5 per 1000 live births and 1.6 per 1000 live births when post neonatal CP was included. A majority (82.9%) of the children with Cerebral palsy (CP) had spastic Cerebral palsy (CP). More than half (58.9%) of the children with Cerebral palsy (CP) could walk independently.Cerebral palsy (CP) was much more common in black children than in white. Hispanic and white children were equally likely to have CP. According to a research study, 41% of children with CP were unable to crawl, walk, run, or play, and 31% required the use of special equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs.Cerebral Palsy is one of the least understood disabilities due to a lack of awareness regarding this condition. The world of cerebral palsy creates a platform to emphasise awareness with respect to the disease, diagnosis and treatment, in addition to addressing the challenges cerebral palsy patients face.

The Cerebral Palsy Alliance in 2012 declared October 6 as World Cerebral Palsy Day in order to bring together people with cerebral palsy (CP), their friends, families, and organizations. It also aims to ensure that children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, opportunities, and access as everyone else globally.This year, 2026, the World Cerebral Palsy Day theme is “Unique and United”.  This theme highlights the individuality, lived experiences, and aspirations of every person with cerebral palsy. It also emphasizes the strength of collective action in advancing inclusion, equal opportunities, accessibility, and meaningful change.

Prof.  John Kurakar