Introduction – International Day of Light is celebrated annually on May 16 worldwide to honor the first successful operation of the laser by Theodore Maiman, a Physicist, and Engineer in the year 1960. The main goal of this global day is to emphasize the significant role of light in shaping our world and inspiring future innovations in several fields such as communications, education, arts and culture, sustainable development, and science. This International Day provides an opportunity to encourage scientific collaboration and explore the possibilities of light-based technologies to encourage sustainable development and peace.

History – Earlier, the United Nations celebrated International Day of Light on May 16 in the year 2015 to honor the first successful operation of the laser by Theodore Maiman, a physicist and an engineer in the year 1960, and spread awareness about light-based technologies, science, and applications. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) adopted the resolution to observe the International Day of Light every year on May 16 in the year 2018. Thus, the first celebration of the International Day of Light is on May 16 in the year 2018. The main aim of this International Day is to recognize the importance of light and light-based technologies to revolutionize society and several aspects or facets of our daily lives.

Significance – This global day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about the significance of light and how can we explore several ways to promote scientific collaboration or cooperation and possibilities of light-based technologies for sustainable development and innovation, and creativity. It also encourages individuals to come together from different sectors including art and culture, science, and technology to implement light-based technology, and the application of light for the execution of the purpose of UNESCO and innovation This International Day also urges people to strengthen scientific collaboration, sustainable development, and foster peace across the world.