Daily Staff Writer

Monday, Oct. 14

U.S.A. — Peace Corps Birthday

Actually it happened at 2:00 a.m. in 1960. John F. Kennedy (presidential candidate at the time) spoke impromptu to several thousand students from the steps of the University of Michigan Union building. His challenging questions: “How many of you who are going to be doctors are willing to spend your days in Ghana? How many of you technicians and engineers are willing to work in the Foreign Service?”, brought a rapid and positive response. Nineteen days later, Kennedy formally proposed the Peace Corps. In the next 30 years the Peace Corps attracted more than 100,000 volunteers .

October 11-14

INDIA — Durssehra/Durga Puja

One of the most important Hindu festivals, Durssehra celebrates the triumph of good over evil in the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana (the king of Lanka). In Northern India, huge effigies of Ravana are set aflame. In West Bengal, the destruction of the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura by the Goddess Durga symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Puja pandals, with ornate likeness of the goddess are erected, then taken to rivers and immersed on the last day of the celebration (Vijaya Dashami). Dussehra is celebrated as Navratri in South India.