Scientists believe that humans first appeared in the world around 2, 00,000 years in the East African region, and gradually revolution shaped this core species of Sapiens into one of the most sophisticated creatures in the world.
As social animals, humans have always tried to live comfortable life. The primitive race of humans who led the lives of hunters and gatherers tried to build clans amongst themselves to survive better. These clans used to hunt, gather and cultivate crops together as well as used to act as shields against invasion of other clans.
It is with this motto, scholars believe the earliest forms of civilizations thrived in Mesopotamia, the area between Tigris and Euphrates River (modern-day Iraq) and also in ancient India, Egypt and China as well.
Fast forward to modern times, the growth of civilization and education also brought its evils, such as racism, caste system, religious sentiments, economic inequalities, gender differences, corruption, greed and other societal differences.
Since time immemorial people have been victims of these social evils and the thread continues even in the 21st century. Recently, many cases of racist and hate crimes against Indians have been reported. For example, Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal claimed that she has been receiving abusive and hate messages over phone by a male caller who has threatened her to go back to India.
But the hardest hit by this situation is social media where we find many such incidents on regular basis. Racist slurs being used by people, trolling on the basis of religious identity, lifestyle, political beliefs, and gender continues to pose a grave concern for all.
World Habitat Day is observed every year on the first Monday of October to promote equality amongst humans by promoting harmonious relationships among sapiens.
The day was first celebrated in the year 1986 in Nairobi with the theme “Shelter Is My Right” by the United Nations.
This year the day is celebrated under the theme, “Mind the Gap. Leave No One and No Place Behind”. Through this theme, UN is planning to enlighten people about growing inequalities amongst the human settlements.
Each year, World Habitat Day focuses attention on the state of human settlements. This year’s theme – ‘Mind the Gap. Leave No One and No Place Behind’ – puts the spotlight on widening inequalities in living conditions across the world. A cascade of challenges – from climate chaos and conflicts to COVID-19 – is hitting the most vulnerable populations the hardest. – Antonio Guterres, UN General Secretary and the Executive Director. (Source: urbanoctober.unhabitat.org)