'One Resilient Common Future' the theme for Commonwealth Day 2024 being observed on May 24

The 56 members of the Commonwealth of Nations are celebrating Commonwealth Day 2024 on May 24 with the theme 'One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth.'

Commonwealth Day message is made by the Head of the Commonwealth, as well as additional statements from the Commonwealth Secretary-General. Inter-denominational observances are also held in cities across the Commonwealth .

In the UK, the observance is led by the Head of the Commonwealth at Westminster Abbey in London and attended by the Commonwealth Secretary-General. Aso flag-raising ceremonies for the flag of the Commonwealth of Nations are also held in Commonwealth countries.

I his message, His Majesty The King Charles III, said on March 11, "The Commonwealth represents a third of humanity, from all regions of the world, with all the different experiences, knowledge, and aspirations that this brings. Wherever we live, we are united by the many challenges we face – whether it be climate change, the loss of Nature, or the social and economic changes that new technologies are bringing. Our diversity means that these challenges affect us all differently and that we experience their impacts in different ways. Their seriousness, however, is common to each one of us," adding that the Commonwealth nations must work together to understand each other’s perspectives, including the inequalities and injustices which still resonate to this day along with finding ways of healing, and to support each other to pursue solutions.

Earlier, prior to globalisation and privatization of education, Commonwealth Fellowships were offered to do professional courses in the UK to employed people to imrove their competence. In 1977, I received the Commonwealth Fellowship to do a course in 'School Technology' while working at MNSS, Rai (Sonipat), I did the specialized course at the International Center of School Technology based at Nottingham.

I also received the Commonwealth Sponsorship for participation in conference in Malaysia to present a paper on gender equity in STEM education. However, such opportunities have shrunk now due to world class higher education becoming available in most countries.