Breaking the Chains of Poverty through a call for global solidarity, inclusive progress
October 17 brings world attention to the fight against poverty and the pursuit of dignity for all humankind. Observed as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, this day has also become an annual reminder to world governments about one of the greatest challenges confronting humanity in the 21st century. Millions continue to suffer through it across continents. Its focus is really on collective action towards sustainable development with a probable agenda to make sure that no one is left behind.
This day comes from Father Joseph Wresinski, a French priest who established the ATD Fourth World Movement in 1957 in the battle against extreme poverty.. On October 17, 1987, over 100,000 people held a rally at the Trocadéro in Paris to commemorate victims of hunger, poverty, and violence. A commemorative stone at the site bears an inscription that says, "Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty." The event came to be the cornerstone of international recognition, and in 1992, the United Nations declared October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
This day offers a moment to confront the harsh realities of poverty, advocate for human dignity and rights, and champion efforts to restore both. It also highlights the deep-rooted economic, social, and cultural inequalities that fuel the persistence of poverty. Reflecting the global struggle, economic trends have shown significant fluctuations, as reported by the World Bank. In 2019, 8.4% of the global population—approximately 650 million people—survived on less than $2.15 a day. However, the COVID-19 pandemic wiped away all this within a year, adding 97 million people to extreme poverty in 2020. Poverty rates have just began to rebound since then, while the effects of inflation, conflict, and climate change continued to hinder meaningful recovery and growth by 2023.
According to the World Bank and inputs from NITI Ayog poverty in India, 24.82 crore Indians escaped multidimensional poverty over the past nine years. The Poverty Headcount Ratio saw a steep decline, dropping from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23, reflecting significant progress. For all the 12 indicators of the MPI, major improvements were recorded; hence much was enhanced upon-completely in the direction of which poverty reduction efforts were undertaken.
This decline has been recorded in the largest states, namely, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Interestingly, the faster gains on poverty reduction within the poorer states indicate that regional disparities are shrinking on a positive scale.
However, fueled by the pandemic, socio-political conflicts and exploding unemployment affect millions, particularly the vulnerable population from rural and under-developed countries . UN SDG 1 states that extreme poverty is to be completely eradicated by 2030. Based on current projections and unless action is taken in due time, the world will probably miss this target. Economic uncertainty, war, and climatic change are all strong threats to this progress, and never has the call for sustained, inclusive effort been higher. Committed governments, communities, and individuals working together towards equality, dignity, and opportunity for all will bring this world of poverty free. It reminds us on this day that collective action is a prerequisite for creating a future where no one will be left behind.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Lost a good friend; void cannot be filled: Fadnavis mourns Ajit Pawar’s passing
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday described Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash as unbelievable, and said he had lost a good friend.
Fadnavis said “today” (January 28) will be a government holiday and there will be a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Pawar.
Ajit Pawar’s death has left a void that will never be filled, he said. “After working closely together, it is unbelievable that he is no more,” Fadnavis said.
Talking to reporters, Fadnavis described Pawar as a people’s leader who knew the state well and had a deep understanding of the issues in Maharashtra. He said it takes several years to build and establish such leadership.
Fadnavis said he had apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the tragedy. The CM said he had also spoken with Ajit Pawar’s cousin Supriya Sule and his son Parth Pawar.
“Both (Deputy CM) Eknath Shinde and I are leaving for Baramati now. Once their entire family gathers in Baramati, we will share further details,” he said.
The entire state stands by Pawar’s family and his party NCP in this hour of grief, he added.
Ajit Pawar, 66, and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said. The incident occurred when the plane carrying Pawar and others landed near Baramati, they said.
Several state BJP leaders, including Ashish Shelar, Ravindra Chavan and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, expressed deep grief over Pawar’s passing.
“This heart-wrenching incident has left the mind numb. Maharashtra has lost an experienced, dutiful and resolute leader,” state minister Shelar said.
Pawar left a distinct imprint on the state’s politics through his strong grip over administration, decisiveness and relentless drive for Maharashtra’s all-round progress. “Firmness, discipline, punctuality and tireless dedication were defining aspects of his personality,” he said.
BJP state president Ravindra Chavan said Maharashtra’s politics was unimaginable without Pawar. He said Pawar was known as a dynamic leader with a powerful command over administration and an unwavering focus on the state’s comprehensive development.
He said Pawar held the record for serving the longest tenure as deputy CM in the state’s history and left an indelible mark while handling key portfolios such as irrigation, energy and finance. “With his passing, Maharashtra has lost a firm, disciplined, punctual and indefatigable leader. This void can never be filled,” Chavan said.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described Pawar as a senior friend and guide. “Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened,” he said. Pawar would be remembered as a true people’s leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to Maharashtra’s all-round development, Bawankule said.
Recalling Pawar’s immense administrative experience, Bawankule said he had personally sought the NCP leader’s advice on several occasions.
“The loss of Ajitdada is not merely the departure of one leader; it is a profound loss for Maharashtra itself. The nation has lost a visionary statesman, and I have lost a dear elder friend and guide,” Bawankule said, adding that the reality of Pawar no longer being among them felt impossible to accept.
VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expresses grief over the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash. He says, “This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief… pic.twitter.com/sKIKJ5FvRW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026
