Commonwealth Day 2025: When is it celebrated in India? Check date, theme, history & significance
What is Commonwealth Day 2025?
Commonwealth Day 2025 will be celebrated on May 24 in India. The day brings together 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. They come together to celebrate shared values, history, and cooperation. This year, the events will focus on unity, diversity, and sustainable development.
Commonwealth Day 2025 Theme: 'Together We Thrive'
The official theme for Commonwealth Day 2025 is 'Together We Thrive.' It highlights unity, resilience, and shared progress. The theme celebrates the collective spirit of the 56 Commonwealth nations. It also shows the power of cooperation among people across the world.
History of Commonwealth Day and Its Observance in India
Commonwealth Day was originally called Empire Day. It was first celebrated in 1904. The day honoured the British Empire and Queen Victoria's birthday. In 1958, UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan renamed it Commonwealth Day.
Most Commonwealth countries now observe it on the second Monday in March. But, India still celebrates it on May 24. This keeps the tradition linked to Queen Victoria's birth.
Significance of Commonwealth Day 2025 for India
Historical Ties: The day shows India's colonial past. It also tells the story of India's growth as an important Commonwealth member since 1947.
Cultural Unity: It helps promote cultural exchange and better understanding among Commonwealth countries.
Global Cooperation: India uses the Commonwealth to support diplomacy, trade, and deal with global issues like climate change.
Youth and Development: The day highlights youth empowerment and sustainable development, matching the Commonwealth's values.
How is Commonwealth Day Celebrated in India?
In India, Commonwealth Day is celebrated by:
Educational programs that teach about the Commonwealth's values.
Cultural events that show India's diverse heritage and its ties to the Commonwealth.
Ceremonies honouring Queen Victoria's legacy and the day's historical importance.
Commonwealth Day 2025: Key Facts and Dates
Below are the important facts and dates for Commonwealth day 2025 listed:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Iran Proxies Attack Deep In Israel; Houthis Drone Strike After Ben Gvir's Provocation Inside Al-Aqsa
Terror Alarm On Israeli Assets In Arab Nation; UK's BIG Warning as Khamenei Revives War Council The United Kingdom has issued a rare and mysterious terror warning for the United Arab Emirates, just days after Israel evacuated its embassy in Abu Dhabi. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cited 'increasing regional tensions' and warned that Israeli and Jewish-linked sites in the UAE could be targeted by terrorists. Meanwhile, Iran has revived its Supreme Defence Council, a military body that last operated during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war. The new council will be headed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and is designed to manage Iran's wartime response. 6.7K views | 13 hours ago
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Amid Trump tariff threat, PM Modi pledges to protect farmers, MSMEs & youth
VARANASI: Amid the tariff stalemate with the USA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sent a strong message to the world that protecting India's economic interest was paramount. Speaking in his parliamentary constituency on Saturday, the PM emphasised that the "top priority of the government remains the welfare of farmers, small industries and employment for youth." He reaffirmed the resilience of the Indian economy, saying that the country must remain vigilant about its economic interests and adopt 'swadeshi' products. "There is an atmosphere of global instability. All countries are focusing on their individual interests. India is going to become the third biggest economy in the world and this is why India will have to stay alert as far as its economic interests are concerned," the PM said, two days after UP President Donald Trump called India a 'dead economy'. CM Yogi Adityanath and two deputy CMs, Keshav Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were present on the occasion. Addressing a public gathering at Kalikadham in Sevapuri after transferring Rs 20,500 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 9.70 crore farmers as the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and inaugurating and laying the foundation of 52 projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore, the PM urged people to go 'Vocal for Local'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo "Anyone who wishes good for the country and wants to see India become the third-largest economy must encourage this spirit of going local," he said. The PM urged traders to promote 'swadeshi' products, terming it a true national service, and appealed to citizens to use Indian-made goods during the upcoming festivals and wedding seasons. He also advised people to hold weddings in India instead of abroad, highlighting that many young people were already doing so. "Every choice we make in favour of 'Swadeshi' will shape the future of the country. With everyone's effort, the dream of a developed India will come true. From now on, let's pledge to buy and decorate our homes with only Indian-made products," he added. Modi highlighted his government's farmer-centric policies, stating that unlike previous governments, the BJP administration has fulfilled its promises to farmers, citing the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi as a prime example. "When this scheme was launched, opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party and Congress left no stone unturned to mislead farmers by claiming that after the 2019 Lok Sabha election, it would be stopped and even the money transferred into the accounts of farmers would be taken back. However, Rs 3.75 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers' accounts so far," he said. In UP alone, 2.5 crore farmers have received over Rs 90,000 crore, while farmers from Kashi got Rs 900 crore, he added. Referring to the transparency maintained in the schemes of his govt, Modi said, "There are no cuts, commissions, or middlemen. We created a permanent system where there's no leakage and no one can steal the rights of the poor." Prime Minister Modi emphasized developing the most backward regions with his mantra of 'High priority to more backward'. He highlighted the newly approved PM Dhan Dhanya Agriculture Scheme, focusing on underdeveloped districts with low crop production and income. He said the govt will invest Rs 24,000 crore in this scheme to support farmers from 'lab to field' and 'seed to market' for their products. Massive investments are being made in irrigation, and under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, over Rs 1.75 lakh crore in claims were already paid out to farmers. Modi also mentioned a record increase in the MSP for farmers. Emphasising the govt's focus on boosting women's participation in agriculture through initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi, he stated that the aim is to empower 3 crore rural women financially, with over 1.5 crore already becoming Lakhpati Didis. Taking a subtle dig at the opposition, the PM said: "Hearing these numbers, SP leaders might just hop on their cycles and run away. " Despite agriculture being a state subject, the Centre has taken proactive steps to enhance farmers' income and living standards by implementing beneficial schemes, PM Modi said. He praised banks for launching a mega campaign and holding fairs in villages across the country for KYC renewal of the account holders under the Jan-Dhan scheme on the completion of its 10 years of launching. Modi also marked the distribution of assistive devices under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana to 2,000 Divyangs by handing over devices, including low vision glasses to Babli Kumari (visually impaired student), sports wheelchairs to Santosh Kumar Pandey and Vikas Kumar Patel, hearing aids to Kishun, and a motorized tricycle to Sita Kumari Pal (teacher). Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan joined the event virtually from Patna. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Massachusetts tables $400 million plan to shield colleges from looming federal cuts
Massachusetts tables $400 million plan to shield colleges from looming federal cuts In a decisive pre-emptive strike against looming fiscal shocks from Washington, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has announced a $400 million emergency fund to shield colleges from potential federal aid cuts. The proposal, pitched to the state legislature this week, promises a financial safety net for public universities, community colleges, and smaller private institutions that could face existential crises if federal dollars dry up or are delayed. The governor framed the measure as 'insurance for our students and our academic future,' a move aimed at preventing tuition spikes, programme shutdowns, and job losses in higher education. Blueprint of the plan Healey's legislation proposes a two-pronged war chest to steady the state's research and academic ecosystem. $200 million research fund: Parked at MassDevelopment, Massachusetts' economic development agency, this multi-year pool would bankroll cutting-edge projects across hospitals, universities, and independent research centres. It includes a one-year fellowship program to give early-career scientists a fighting chance at establishing themselves before federal dollars evaporate. $200 million bridge fund for public higher education: Funded by Fair Share surtax revenue—the voter-approved levy on Massachusetts' highest earners—this reserve is more than an accounting line item; it is a political firewall. By underwriting research costs, backing cross-campus partnerships, and shielding vulnerable academic roles from graduate assistants to postdocs, the fund is meant to counteract Washington's unpredictability. Together, these funds aim to insulate Massachusetts' world-class talent pipeline from political headwinds while signalling that the state will not surrender its innovation economy to fiscal shock therapy imposed from Washington. Building a firewall against federal mood swings The bill goes beyond stopgap funding. It would expand the state's ability to repurpose federal match funds whenever Washington's cuts threaten public health, safety, or the fiscal stability of the Commonwealth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo A key provision allows emergency transfers to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund (Massachusetts' low-income healthcare fund), safeguarding hospitals and community health centres that depend on stable federal support to care for vulnerable populations. The philanthropy gambit: Research catalyst fund Healey is also tapping private capital to reinforce public spending. Through MassDevelopment, the state will spin up a new 501(c)(3) vehicle—the Research Catalyst Fund—to pool philanthropic and industry dollars for science and research. Donors will have the option to earmark contributions for specific projects or build a collective fund, creating a hybrid financing model where public money pulls in private muscle. A Research Opportunity Review Board will oversee how the money is spent, prioritising high-impact projects with measurable benefits for Massachusetts' innovation economy. Advisory Commission: Plotting the long game An Executive Order will establish an Advisory Commission on Advancing Research and Discovery, gathering leaders from medicine, academia, and economic development to chart a long-term strategy for scientific discovery and job creation. The commission's remit is clear: ensure that Massachusetts doesn't just survive federal volatility but emerges as the nation's undisputed leader in research and innovation. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
