Tenzing Norgay's Birth Anniversary

 

Tenzing Norgay, original name Namgyal Wangdi who passed away on 9 May 1986, Darjeeling [now Darjiling], West Bengal, India, was a Nepali-Indian Sherpa mountaineer who in 1953 became, with Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, the first person to set foot on the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak (approximately 29,035 feet [8,850 metres].

There is uncertainty about Namgyal Wangdi’s early life. He claimed to have been born in the Khumbu region of Nepal (near Everest), an area that is home to the Sherpas. Some sources, however, state that his birthplace was Tshechu, Tibet (now Tibet Autonomous Region, China). It is known that his parents were Tibetan. Namgyal Wangdi likely grew up in the Khumbu village of Thame, and at some point he took the name Tenzing Norgay. He worked for several years for an affluent family in Khumjung, and, as a teen, he ran away from difficult conditions and settled in Darjeeling (now Darjiling), West Bengal, India. At age 19 he was chosen as a porter for his first expedition; in 1935 he accompanied Eric Shipton’s reconnaissance expedition of Everest. In the next few years Tenzing took part in more Everest expeditions than any other climber.

After World War II, Tenzing became a sirdar, or organizer of porters, and in this capacity accompanied a number of expeditions. In 1952 the Swiss made two attempts on the southern route up Everest, on both of which Tenzing was sirdar. He went as sirdar of the British Everest expedition of 1953 and formed the second summit pair with Hillary. From a tent at 27,900 feet (8,500 metres) on the Southeast Ridge, they reached the summit at 11:30 AM on May 29. He spent 15 minutes there “taking photographs and eating mint cake,” and, as a devout Buddhist, he left an offering of food.

After his feat he was regarded as a legendary hero by many Nepalese and Indians. His many honours included Britain’s George Medal and the Star of Nepal (Nepal Tara). Man of Everest (1955; also published as Tiger of the Snows), written in collaboration with James Ramsey Ullman, is an autobiography. After Everest (1978), as told to Malcolm Barnes, tells of his travels after the Everest ascent and his directorship of the Field Training Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, which the Indian government established in 1954. Tenzing: Hero of Everest (2003), a biography of Tenzing Norgay by mountaineer and journalist Ed Douglas, is a sensitive appreciation of his life, achievements, and disappointments.

 

 

Gopal Krishna Gokhale's Birth Anniversary

Gopal Krishna Gokhale, born on 9 May 1866, was an Indian liberal political leader and a social reformer during the Indian Independence Movement. Gokhale was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and the founder of the Servants of India Society. Through the Society as well as the Congress and other legislative bodies he served in, Gokhale campaigned for Indian self-rule and for social reforms. He was the leader of the moderate faction of the Congress party that advocated reforms by working with existing government institutions.

Maharana Pratap's Birth Anniversary

Pratap Singh I, also known as Maharana Pratap, born on 9 May 1540, at Kumbhalgarh Fort, was the 13th king of Mewar, which is now part of the state of Rajasthan in northwestern India. He was recognised for his role in the Battle of Haldighati and Battle of Dewair and was dubbed as "Mewari Rana" for his military resistance to the Mughal Empire's expansionism. From 1572 until his death in 1597, he was the ruler of Sisodias of Mewar. Maharana Pratap is revered as one of the strongest warriors India has ever seen. Standing at 7 feet 5 inches, he would carry an 80-kilogram spear and two swords weighing around 208 kilograms in total. He would also wear an armour weighing 72 kilograms.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

 

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated on May 8 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Henry Dunant. He was born on 8th May 1828 in Geneva and was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

On this day the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement were celebrated. World Red Cross Day is also known as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. It is dedicated to the people who suffer from the shortage of food, several natural calamities, war as well as from and epidemic diseases. Basic amenities are also provided to the people who are really in need. Many governments and private organisations become active members to help needy people who suffer from several disasters.

World Red Cross Day: History

After World War I, Red Cross was introduced as a major contribution to the peace and set up an international commission at14th International Conference of the Red Cross to study the Red Cross Truce. In 1934 the report of the Red Cross Truce was presented and its principles were approved at the 15th International Conference in Tokyo to get applicable all across the world in different regions.

In 1946 in World War II, the Tokyo proposal was put into effect. The possibility of an annual celebration was asked by the Board of Governors of the "League of the Red Cross Societies (LORCS)", later called the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross Societies. Two years later the proposal of celebrating annually World Red Cross Day was adopted on 8 May, 1948, the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross. In 1984 officially it was named “World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day”.

Various programmes and events are organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross and its members to facilitate and promote their humanitarian activities. They even motivate people to protect their own lives and take care of the dignity of the victims. This day is celebrated by all the sections of the Red Cross organisations to help people suffering from floods, earthquakes i.e. natural disasters and protect their life from emergencies.

What are the Seven Principles of the Red Cross Society?

The seven main principles of Red Cross Society are:

1. Humanity: The main aim is to protect life, health and to ensure respect for every human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation amongst all peoples.

2. Impartiality: No discrimination should be made on the basis of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions. The first and foremost motive is to help the people solely on the basis of their needs and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

3. Neutrality: The main purpose of this principle is to keep everyone neutral in providing help and the movement should not be affected by political, racial, religious, or ideological controversies.

4. Independence: We all know that this movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the movement.

5. Voluntary Service: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

6. Unity: This organisation must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

7. Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all societies and people have equal status and share equal liabilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

 

World Donkey Day

 

On May 8, we celebrate World Donkey Day, dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of these remarkable animals and recognizing their historical contributions to society.

The donkey, a member of the equidae family, was first domesticated approximately 6,000 years ago in North Africa, initially valued for its milk and meat.

World Donkey Day was established through the efforts of Razik Ark, a scientist specializing in desert animals, who sought to highlight the significance of donkeys in enhancing human life.

Throughout history, donkeys have served various roles crucial to human civilization. Today, they remain indispensable in agriculture and rural settings, as well as for transporting goods, although their utilization is declining in many regions.

Let's take this opportunity to appreciate and protect these loyal companions and acknowledge their enduring impact on our societies.

World Donkey Day: History

World Donkey Day commemorates the enduring partnership between humans and donkeys, tracing back through centuries of shared history. These resilient animals have served as indispensable partners in transportation, construction, agriculture, and even warfare. Today, they continue to play vital roles in various spheres of human activity, including as beloved attractions in zoos worldwide.

The modern Donkey we know today is a result of cross-breeding between the Somalian and Nubian subspecies. Dating back to 4000 BCE, they've been integral to human civilization, primarily in Nubia, offering versatility as pack animals compared to oxen. Their influence spread globally as cultures migrated, becoming ubiquitous worldwide.

Donkeys are also the ancestors of mules, a hybrid breed combining the strengths of horses and donkeys. However, mules are mostly sterile, hindering breeding efforts. Despite exceptions, there's never been a viable breeding stock of pure mules due to the absence of breedable mule stallions. Interestingly, female mules have occasionally produced seemingly purebred horses when bred with horses.

These resilient pack animals predate modern energy sources, providing the driving force for generating wealth in early civilizations. Many regard them as fundamental to society's development, akin to the importance of writing, pottery, and metallurgy.

World Donkey Day, conceived by scientist Raziq Ark, celebrates their enduring spirit and contributions. Initiated in 2018 through a Facebook group highlighting donkey stories worldwide, the day has gained traction in media coverage, including features on lesser-known donkey facts, like a female being called a Jenny.

World Athletics Day

 

World Athletics Day is celebrated on May 7 every year. This day aims to promote sports and encourage people, especially the youth, to participate in athletics. It is an annual event dedicated to honouring athletes and instilling values such as dedication and motivation that we can learn from sports. The day highlights the importance of sports and its positive impact on physical and mental well-being. 

HISTORY

World Athletics Day was established by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now known as World Athletics, in 1996. Since then, it has been celebrated annually to raise awareness about athletics and its benefits. The day also serves as a platform to encourage people of all ages and abilities to engage in sports activities.

Sigmund Freud's Birth Anniversary

 

Sigmund Freud, born on 6 May 1856, in Freiberg, Austrian Empire, was a neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. His groundbreaking theories on the unconscious mind, dreams, and the importance of sexuality in human development shaped the field of psychology and continue to influence it today.

Freud's major works include The Interpretation of Dreams (1899), The Psychopathology of Everyday Life (1901), and Civilization and Its Discontents (1930). Despite facing controversy and criticism during his lifetime and after, Freud's ideas have left an indelible mark on the study of the human mind and modern psychology.

Freud's circle of colleagues and followers included prominent figures like Carl Jung and Alfred Adler, who eventually developed their own psychological theories.

Napoleon Bonaparte's Death Anniversary

Napoleon Bonaparte, who passed away on 5 May 1821, aged 51, was a French Emperor.

One of the most controversial, influential and celebrated figures in human history, Napoleon seized upon the opportunities created by the outbreak of the French Revolution in1789 and became a general at age 29.

After the French Directory gave him control of the armed forces, his early military victories established him as a national hero, and he engineered a coup in 1799 that made him First Consul of the Republic. He went further and declared himself Emperor of the French in 1804.

Napoleon's stunning military victories over his European enemies - at Austerlitz in 1805, Friedland in 1807 and Wagram in 1809 - solidified his dominance of virtually the entire continent, and confirmed the rapid spread of his empire.

After launching the Peninsular War in Spain, Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812, which ended in disaster and the collapse of his Grand Army. A Sixth Coalition defeated him at Leipzig, invaded France and forced him to abdicate in 1814. He was exiled to Elba, where he escaped and took control of France. He was finally defeated by a Seventh Coalition at Waterloo and exiled to St Helena in the South Atlantic where he died in 1821.

Napoleon's foreign and domestic achievements, particularly the Napoleonic Code, greatly influenced the foundations of most of the modern Western world.

Karl Marx' Birth Anniversary

 

Karl Marx, born on 5 May 1818, was a German philosopher and revolutionary is of the most influential figures in modern human history.

In 1848 he published with Friedrich Engels "The Communist Manifesto" in Brussels describing how in the class struggle the workers could seize power from the elites. His many writings continued to build upon his ideas, most notably "Das Kapital" published in 1867, detailing his theory of capitalism and its self-destructive tendencies.

As a result of Marx's ideas revolutionary socialist governments espousing Marxist concepts took power in a variety of countries in the 20th century, leading to the formation of states such as the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China.

Giani Zail Singh's Birth Anniversary

Giani Zail Singh, born on 5 May 1916, in Sandhwan, India, was an Indian politician who was the first Sikh to serve as president of India (1982–87). He was an impotent bystander in 1984 when government troops stormed the complex of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, the Sikhs’ holiest shrine, in an effort to apprehend militants who had been demanding autonomy for the northwestern Indian state of Punjab.

Singh was raised in a village near Ludhiana, in what is now in Punjab state, India. When he was barely 15 years old, he became active in the politics of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Supreme Akali Party), the principal political organization that championed Sikh causes and that had joined with the Indian National Congress (Congress Party) in opposing British rule in India. He pursued traditional studies in Sikh holy books and earned the title Giani (“Learned Man”) for his scholarly mastery of the scriptures. In 1938 he established the Praja Mandal, a political organization allied to the Congress Party, in his home district of Faridkot. That insurrectionary act earned him a five-year jail sentence. During his incarceration he took the name Zail Singh.

After India became independent in 1947, Singh served in the Rajya Sabha (upper chamber of the Indian parliament) in 1956–62 and was chief minister (head of government) of Punjab in 1972–77. When Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was voted out of power in 1977, Singh continued to support her. Singh won a seat in the 1980 elections to the Lok Sabha (lower chamber of the parliament), as did Gandhi, who again became prime minister. She acknowledged Singh’s loyalty to her by naming him minister of home affairs. He held the post until 1982, when he became the Congress (I) Party’s presidential candidate.

Singh overwhelmingly won election to the largely ceremonial office. There was much speculation, however, that Gandhi had selected him in order to mollify Sikh extremists in Punjab, who had since mid-1982 become increasingly militant in that state. The June 1984 assault on the Harmandir Sahib complex by government troops, which killed hundreds, put Singh in a difficult situation with the Sikh community—made worse by the violence against Sikhs that erupted following Gandhi’s assassination by her Sikh bodyguards four months later. Singh named Gandhi’s son, Rajiv, to succeed her, but he soon fell out of favour with the new prime minister. Singh further inflamed the government by refusing to sign into law a 1987 bill permitting official censorship of private mail. Singh died in late 1994 following a car crash.

 

International Day of the Midwife

 

The International Day of the Midwife is annually celebrated on 5 May, and was established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to celebrate and raise awareness about the midwifery profession.

This day is observed to honour midwives’ work and promote awareness about their importance in providing crucial care to mothers and their newborns. In addition, it is a chance for us to recognize their efforts towards making the world a better place.

Themes for the day have included healthy families, newborn babies, partnerships between midwives and mothers, and leading the way with quality care.

Tipu Sultan's Death Anniversary

 

Tipu Sultan, who passed away on 4 May 1799, was a ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore and India's first freedom fighter. He was the eldest son of Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore. Tipu Sultan introduced a number of administrative innovations during his rule, including his coinage, a new Mauludi lunisolar calendar, and a new land revenue system which initiated the growth of the Mysore silk industry. He expanded the iron-cased Mysorean rockets and commissioned the military manual Fathul Mujahidin, and is considered a pioneer in the use of rocket artillery. He deployed the rockets against advances of British forces and their allies during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, including the Battle of Pollilur and Siege of Seringapatam. He also embarked on an ambitious economic development program that established Mysore as a major economic power, with some of the world's highest real wages and living standards in the late 18th century.

Maharaja Chhatrasal's Birth Anniversary

 

Maharaja Chhatrasal, born on 4 May 1649, was a medieval Indian warrior from the Bundela clan, who fought against the Mughal Empire, and established his own kingdom in Bundelkhand. becoming the founder of Panna State.

Tyagaraja's Birth Anniversary

 

Tyagaraja, born on 4 May 1767, was a renowned composer of Carnatic music, a form of Indian classical music. He was prolific and highly influential in the development of the classical music tradition. Tyagaraja and his contemporaries, Shyama Shastri and Muthuswami Dikshitar, were regarded as the Trinity of Carnatic music. Tyagaraja composed thousands of devotional compositions, most in Telugu and in praise of Lord Rama, many of which remain popular today. Of special mention are five of his compositions called the Pancharatna Kritis ("five gems"), which are often sung in programs in his honour.

Superga air disaster

 

The Superga air disaster occurred on 4 May 1949, when a Flight G.212 of Avio Linee Italiane (Italian Airlines), carrying the entire Torino football team (popularly known as the Grande Torino), crashed into the retaining wall at the back of the Basilica of Superga, which stands on a hill on the outskirts of Turin. Thirty-one people died; there were no survivors.

Anti-Bullying Day

 

Anti-Bullying Day is a day when people wear mainly a pink shirt to symbolise a stand against bullying, an idea that originated in Canada. It is celebrated on various dates around the world. In 2012, the United Nations declared the official day to be May 4.

Star Wars Day

 

Star Wars Day is celebrated every year on May 4. May 4th is unofficially “Star Wars" Day, in part because of the famous Jedi phrase “May the force be with you." The pun goes, “May the fourth be with you." Today, devoted fans of the American epic space saga greet each other with "May the fourth be with you," a playful twist on the classic movie line "May the Force be with you."

This day is dedicated to the celebration of the Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas in 1977. Notably, George Lucas' films have never officially recognised the day as a holiday, however, devoted fans and supporters of the successful franchise celebrate the day every year without fail. Fans in the US, Canada, UK, and several other nations gather on May 4 to celebrate Star Wars Day.

International Sun Day

International Sun Day is celebrated on May 3 every year. Many people think that the Sun started it all, however, we can all agree that the Sun provides light and warmth to Earth. On Sun Day, we honour the lone star that illuminates our world, but we also underline the immense energy potential that we have yet to completely realize. This annual holiday was established in 1978 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to promote solar energy as a viable and environmentally friendly energy source.

International Wild Koala Day

International Wild Koala Day is observed on May 3 in the honour of koalas. Koalas, the majestic representative of the wombat family, are mainly found in remote parts of Australia. Recognizable by their large heads, fluffy ears, and tailless body, koalas are considered to be the symbol of Australia. Yearly wildfires and rampant deforestation have exterminated more than 10 million koalas within a decade. International Wild Koala Day raises awareness and fights for their survival. May 3 was announced as International Wild Koala Day after the disastrous aftermath of the 2020 Australian bushfires.

World Tuna Day

 

World Tuna Day, observed annually on May 2 is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of tuna conservation. Tuna is popular for its numerous health benefits, as it provides Omega-3 fatty acids, protein and vital vitamins. But tuna populations face significant threats due to overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices.

Recognising the urgent need for conservation efforts, the United Nations established World Tuna Day to promote sustainable fishing practices and safeguard tuna populations for future generations. This day serves as an opportunity to educate people about the challenges facing tuna and to advocate for balanced fishing practices that ensure the long-term health and viability of tuna stocks.

World Tuna Day: History

World Tuna Day was initially proposed by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) during a meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in 2011.

The aim was to raise awareness about the importance of tuna and the challenges facing tuna populations, particularly in the Pacific region where tuna fisheries are significant.

In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared May 2 as World Tuna Day. Fiji led the resolution on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) and received support from more than 50 nations.

Brian Lara's Birthday

Brian Charles Lara, born on 2 May 1969, is a Trinidadian former international cricketer, who represented West Indies internationally and is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He holds several cricketing records, including the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket, with 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham at Edgbaston in 1994, and the record for the highest individual score in an international Test innings, after scoring 400 not out at Antigua during the 4th  Test against England in 2004.

Third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck's Birth Anniversary

 

His Majesty Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Third Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, was born on 2 May 1929 at the Thruepang Palace in Trongsa.

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, born in 1929, ascended the throne at the age of 23. He is known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. Like his father, he was educated in English, Hindi and Buddhist principles. Additionally, he spent six months in England during his youth.

Bhutan’s isolated journey in the world ended with the third King’s reign. He recognized the need to establish international relations for the world to recognize Bhutan as a country and to protect the country’s sovereignty. The King engaged foreign nations in the development of Bhutan and invited European nations to be involved in developmental projects.

In 1962, he joined the Colombo Plan where Bhutan received technical assistance for infrastructure development and educational scholarships. In 1971, under King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck’s reign, Bhutan became a member of the United Nations.

In his early years after his ascension to the throne, the King understood that he needed to implement socio-economic reforms to ensure that Bhutan could develop further. In 1956, he took the big step of ending feudalism, redistributed land to the landless while monasteries gave up land in exchange for financial support from the government. In 1961, the King drafted the country’s first five-year economic development plan, a practice which Bhutan is still following to date.

The King was far-sighted and learnt from history that centralized power was not the way forward for Bhutan to continue enjoying peace and stability. During his reign, he set up a modern judicial system and the country’s first Council of Ministers. The King also established a National Assembly (tshogdu) who had the power to remove the King or his successors with a two-third majority, allowing Bhutan to take the first step towards democracy.

His reforms and international relations opened the window for Bhutan to the outside world and started a slow but steady journey towards a system of democracy.

King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck passed away on 21 July 1972, aged 43, while receiving medical treatment in Nairobi, Kenya. He was succeeded by his son, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Harry Potter Day

The enchanting world of Harry Potter has captivated audiences worldwide, instilling lifelong love for magic and adventure. From the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to the camaraderie shared by Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the series has left an indelible mark on readers and viewers alike. On Harry Potter Day, it’s time to delve back into the magic and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Boy Who Lived.

History:

The series of Harry Potter books written by JK Rowling dates back to 1998, and the films made on those books started in 2001. However, a decade after the films were done, Harry Potter Day came to be established. The then President of the United Kingdom David Cameron announced that every year May 2 will be observed as Harry Potter Day to remind people of Harry's resilience and courage. It was commonly mistaken that the date falls on Harry Potter's birthday. However, a true Potterhead knows the real reason – on May 2, the great Battle of Hogwarts was fought and Lord Voldemort – Harry Potter's nemesis – was defeated.

Significance:

Harry Potter, since childhood, has made us dream of a world that is ruled by magic, love, friendship and fun. On this day, dust the Harry Potter books and the DVDs from the shelves and gather your friends together. Wear your Harry Potter-themed pajamas and have a rerun of the films, because no matter what, we can never get enough of Harry Potter and the world of magic.

Pope Pius V Death Anniversary

 

Pope Pius V (full name Antonio Ghislieri), who passed away on 1 May 1572, aged 68, was an Italian who rose from relatively humble origins in Lombardy to become pope in 1566 and ruled until his death in 1572.

Pius reacted against the previous excesses of earlier popes, condemning acts of nepotism and getting rid of the papal jester. His own behaviour was strict and he lived as an ascetic.

As Pope, Pius implemented the reforms of the Council of Trent, which over the previous decades has been called to address and prevent the spread of protestantism throughout Europe. Pius pursued heretics of the church relentlessly throughout his reign and excommunicate Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1570. He also oversaw the standardisation of the Roman Catholic mass in 1570, that was to remain unchanged for 400 years.

In 1571 he formed the Holy League to fight the increasing dominance of the Ottomans in the Mediterranean and its forces won the famous Battle of Lepanto later the same year.

He was canonized as a saint by Pope Clement XI in 1712.

Manna Dey's Birth Anniversary

 

Prabodh Chandra Dey, known by his stage name Manna Dey, and born on 1 May 1919, was a renowned Indian playback singer, music director, and musician. He had a classical music background, being part of the Bhendibazaar Gharana and receiving training under Ustad Aman Ali Khan. Manna Dey is widely recognized as one of the most versatile and celebrated vocalists in the Hindi film industry, and is often acknowledged for his significant contributions to integrating Indian classical music into Hindi commercial cinema. As a musician, Dey is particularly acclaimed for incorporating Indian classical music elements into a pop musical framework, a contribution that played a pivotal role during the golden era of Hindi cinema.

Throughout his career spanning over five decades, Dey recorded a total of 3,047 songs. While the majority of his songs were in Bengali and Hindi, he showcased his singing prowess in 14 other Indian languages, including Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, and Chhattisgarhi. His musical zenith was observed during the mid-1950s to the 1970s.

For his outstanding contributions to Indian music, Manna Dey received several prestigious accolades from the Government of India. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1971, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2005 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2007.

Penny Black - World's first adhesive postage stamp issued in 1840

 

The Penny Black was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp. It was issued by the United Kingdom on the 1 May 1840 and used from the 6 May the same year. All London post offices received official issues of the new stamps, but other offices in the country did not. Some post offices like in Bath, offered the stamp unofficially after 2 May.

Once the stamps were used, they had a red cancellation. However, it was hard to see, and it could easily be taken off. It is not very rare. The total print run was 286,700 sheets with 68,808,000 stamps. A mint condition stamp might fetch £3–4,000.

Maharashtra Day

Maharashtra Day is celebrated on May 1st every year in the state of Maharashtra to commemorate the state's formation on May 1, 1960. It is also known as Maharashtra Diwas.

Maharashtra was created when states in India were reorganized based on language. Before India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Maharashtra was part of the Bombay Presidency, including parts of present-day Pakistan and Gujarat. The British colonial government administered the Bombay Presidency. Maharashtra's formation was an important step in India's language-based state reorganization. It laid the groundwork for other states to be created based on language and helped to strengthen the cultural and linguistic identity of Marathi-speaking people.

Maharashtra Day celebrates the state's linguistic and cultural heritage. It is a day to remember those who fought for its creation and pay tribute to the leaders who led the movement for a separate state. The day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, and flag-hoisting ceremonies throughout the state. Schools and government offices remain closed, and people participate in various activities to mark the occasion.

International Labour Day

 

The workers and the working class are the driving force of a country. They are the ones who do most of the work to initiate development. The nation and the state are built by its infrastructure, development and the economy. The workers get down to the roots of things and start work at the basic level to initiate positive changes to the country and the world. Workers and the working class are extremely important as they are the backbone of a society. We should ensure that we take care of their wellbeing regularly and listen to their issues. Every year, International Labour Day is observed on May 1 to raise awareness about the struggles and the contributions of the workers and the working class to society.

History

In 1886, a large demonstration happened in America where the labours demanded eight hours of work on a daily basis. However, soon the demonstration went out of hand and in Chicago and lot of people got hurt. This incident came to be known as The Haymarket Affair. This incident marked the start of the International Labour Day. In 1889, a lot of socialist parties in Europe came together and decided to celebrate May 1 as International Labour Day. Since then, the special day has been observed every year on the same day.

Significance

International Labour Day helps us to recognise the contributions of the labours and the working class in development of the society and the country. It also urges the labours to learn about their rights. Labours are often exploited, and it is important that they know their rights to protect themselves. It also urges people to come together to develop the working and living conditions of the workers.

Dadasaheb Phalke's Birth Anniversary

  

Dadasaheb Phalke, born on 30 April 1870, in Trimbak, British India [now in Maharashtra, India], was a Motion picture director who is considered the father of the Indian cinema. Phalke was credited with making India’s first indigenous feature film and spawning the burgeoning Indian film industry today chiefly known through Bollywood productions.

As a child, Phalke displayed great interest in the creative arts. Determined to pursue his dreams, he joined the Sir J.J. School of Art, Bombay (now Mumbai), in 1885. While there he pursued a variety of interests, including photography, lithography, architecture, and amateur dramatics, and he became adept even at magic. He briefly worked as a painter, a theatrical set designer, and a photographer. While working at the lithography press of celebrated painter Ravi Varma, Phalke was significantly influenced by a series of Varma’s paintings of the Hindu gods, an impression that was evident in Phalke’s own portrayal of various gods and goddesses in the mythological films he later made.

In 1908 Phalke and a partner established Phalke’s Art Printing and Engraving Works, but the business failed because of differences between them. It was Phalke’s chance viewing of the silent film The Life of Christ (1910) that marked a turning point in his career. Deeply moved by the film, Phalke saw it as his mission to bring all that was Indian to the moving picture screen. He went to London in 1912 to learn the craft from British pioneer filmmaker Cecil Hepworth. In 1913 he released India’s first silent film, Raja Harishchandra, a work based on Hindu mythology. The film, scripted, produced, directed, and distributed by Phalke, was a huge success and an important milestone in Indian cinematic history. Likewise important, he introduced a female actor in the leading role in his film Bhasmasur Mohini (1913) at a time when professional acting was taboo for women.

Phalke, with the help of several partners, established the Hindustan Film Company in 1917 and went on to produce several films. A talented film technician, Phalke experimented with a variety of special effects. His employment of mythological themes and trick photography delighted his audience. Among his other successful films were Lanka dahan (1917), Shri Krishna janma (1918), Sairandari (1920), and Shakuntala (1920).

With the introduction of sound in cinema and the expansion of the film industry, Phalke’s work lost popularity. He left filmmaking in the 1930s and died lonely, embittered, and sick.

In recognition of Phalke’s contribution to the Indian cinema, the India government instituted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969, an award presented annually by the president of India for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.