International Primate Day

International Primate Day is observed annually on September 1st to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection and conservation of the world's primate species. The event, which began in 2005, highlights the threats faced by these animals, including habitat loss and their use in research. It serves as a global call to protect primates, which encompass species like monkeys, apes, and lemurs, and recognize their vital role in ecosystems and our connection to them as closest relatives.
 

Key aspects of International Primate Day:

Purpose:

To educate the public about primate species, their importance, and the urgent need for their conservation. 

Origin:

It was established in 2005 by the British-based organization Animal Defenders International (ADI) and is now supported by many international advocacy groups. 

Scope:

The day brings attention to all primates, including lemurs, lorises, monkeys, and apes, and the over 300 species that exist. 

Focus:

It draws attention to issues such as habitat destruction due to deforestation, the pet trade, and the use of primates in scientific research. 

Call to Action:

The observance encourages individuals to support conservation efforts and make lifestyle changes, like checking for sustainable palm oil in products, to help protect these endangered animals. 

 

Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day

Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, in North America.

The Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day is marked on August 31 every year as a day to commemorate the freedom of the nation. The southernmost Caribbean nation gained Independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1962. At midnight on 30th August, 1962, the Union Jack (British flag) was lowered and the Trinidad and Tobago flag was raised for the first time. Bells tolled and sirens rang out to herald the birth of the newly independent nation.

Malaysia National Day

On this day, August 31 in 1957, Malaysia's predecessor, the Federation of Malaya, declared independence and became free from British colonial rule. Over 20,000 people gathered to hear the national anthem and watch government officials raise the Malayan flag.

The first Prime Minister shouted "Merdeka" seven times, which means "free" in Malay.

Though the public holiday falls on August 31, Merdeka celebrations are seen throughout the whole month and extends to Malaysia Day on September 16.

Kyrgyzstan Independence Day

Kyrgyzstan, officially the Kyrgyz Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Asia, lying in the Tian Shan and Pamir Mountain ranges. Bishkek is the capital and largest city of the country.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union; on 31 August, 1991, an extraordinary session of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan adopted a resolution on the "Declaration on State Independence of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan". This meant the Kyrgyz Republic was declared a sovereign state, with the country gaining independent statehood for the first time in history.

Ernest Rutherford's Birth Anniversary

Ernest Rutherford, born on 30 August 1871, in Spring Grove, New Zealand, was a New Zealand-born British physicist considered the greatest experimentalist since Michael Faraday (1791–1867). Rutherford was the central figure in the study of radioactivity, and with his concept of the nuclear atom he led the exploration of nuclear physics. He won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1908, was president of the Royal Society (1925–30) and the British Association for the Advancement of Science (1923), was conferred the Order of Merit in 1925, and was raised to the peerage as Lord Rutherford of Nelson in 1931.

Major Dhyan Chand's Birth Anniversary

Major Dhyan Chand, born on 29 August 1905, in Allahabad, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India (present-day Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India), was an Indian field hockey player. He is widely regarded as the greatest field hockey player in history. He was known for his extraordinary ball control and goal-scoring feats, in addition to earning three Olympic gold medals, in 1928, 1932 and 1936, during an era where India dominated field hockey. Dhyan Chand's influence extended beyond these victories, as India won the field hockey event in seven out of eight Olympics from 1928 to 1964.

Known as The Wizard or The Magician of hockey for his superb ball control, Chand played internationally from 1926 to 1949, where he scored 570 goals in 185 matches according to his autobiography, Goal, and over 1,000 goals in his entire domestic and international career. BBC called him the "hockey's equivalent of Muhammad Ali”. The Government of India awarded Chand India's third highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan in 1956. His birthday, 29 August, is celebrated as National Sports Day in India every year. India’s highest sporting honour, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is named after him.

Firaq Gorakhpuri's Birth Anniversary

Raghupati Sahay, also known by his pen name Firaq Gorakhpuri, born on 28 August 1896, was an Indian writer, critic, and, according to one commentator, one of the most noted contemporary Urdu poets from India. He established himself among peers including Muhammad Iqbal, Yagana Changezi, Jigar Mordabadi and Josh Malihabadi.