World Bee Day

 

World Bee Day is observed on May 20 annually with an aim to raise awareness about the essential role of bees and other pollinators in maintaining the health of our planet, ensuring food security, and promoting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

World Bee Day – History

World Bee Day was established after Slovenia’s successful proposal to the United Nations in December 2017. The date, May 20, marks the birth anniversary of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping, who was born in 1734. With the support of the Slovenian Government and NGO Apimondia, the UN General Assembly adopted this day to honour the significance of bees and other pollinators. The inaugural World Bee Day was celebrated on May 20, 2018.

Significance of World Bee Day

Bees play a pivotal role in the environment by pollinating plants, which supports agriculture, promotes biodiversity, and ensures the survival of many plant species. Beekeeping is also a vital occupation that provides livelihoods for millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, bee populations are declining at an alarming rate due to factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. World Bee Day highlights the need to protect these essential creatures and promotes sustainable practices to safeguard their future.

How is World Bee Day Celebrated?

World Bee Day is celebrated in various ways to raise awareness and support for bees and beekeeping:

• Educational Visits: People can visit local beekeepers to learn more about their work and the importance of bees.
• Bee Farming: Setting up small bee farms in gardens or terraces can support bee populations.
• Honey Products: Enjoying and purchasing honey and other bee-based products from local beekeepers helps support their livelihood.
• Costume and Competitions: Dressing up like bees, participating in bee-related activities, and spreading awareness through fun competitions and events.
• Environmental Support: Supporting beekeeping charities and organizations that focus on bee conservation.

Interesting Facts About Bees

To celebrate World Bee Day, here are some fascinating facts about bees:

• Bees communicate through dancing.
• Honey bees can fly up to six miles at 15 miles per hour.
• An average bee produces only about one teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.
• To make one kilogram of honey, bees must fly approximately 90,000 miles and visit around two million flowers.
• Only female bees sting, and they die after stinging.
• Bees beat their wings 11,400 times per minute, creating their characteristic buzzing sound.
• There are over 20,000 different species of bees globally, except in Antarctica.
• Bees are the only social insects that are partially domesticated by humans.
• A honey bee visits between 50 to 100 flowers during a single collection trip.
• Bees have jointed legs but do not have knees.

 

Ho Chi Minh's Birth Anniversary

Ho Chi Minh, born on 19 May 1890, in Hoang Tru, Vietnam, French Indochina, was the founder of the Indochina Communist Party (1930) and its successor, the Viet-Minh (1941), and president from 1945 to 1969 of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). As the leader of the Vietnamese nationalist movement for nearly three decades, Ho was one of the prime movers of the post-World War II anti-colonial movement in Asia and one of the most influential communist leaders of the 20th century.

International Museum Day

 

Museums are considered a heritage of humanity and hold plenty of information about history, science, and culture. They serve as an educational hub, fostering curiosity, critical thinking and creativity. From art and history to science and technology, museums are vital spaces where education and research meet to shape our understanding of the world.

International Museum Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the fact that museums are a crucial means of cultural exchange, development of mutual understanding, and peace and cooperation among individuals.

On May 18, International Museum Day is observed by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The inception of this day dates back to 1977. As the name suggests, the day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of museums in society’s development.

International Museum Day: History

Established during the ICOM General Assembly in 1977 in Moscow, Russia, International Museum Day aimed to create an annual event that would unite museums and raise global awareness about their activities. It bore the message that museums are essential for cultural exchange, mutual understanding, peace, and cooperation among individuals.

Later, ICOM introduced the first theme for the event in 1992, focusing on ‘Museums and Environment.’ Five years later, the first official poster was launched and it addressed the issue of combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.

This event steadily garnered popularity, with an increasing number of museums participating and emphasising diversity within unity.

National Endangered Species Day - USA

 

Animal lovers and conservationists unite on May 17 as it is the National Endangered Species Day in the United States of America.

This is a day to consider the dwindling populations of certain animals and work together to help. Environmental conservation didn't gain traction until the mid-1800s. America's Endangered Species Act of 1973 sparked both domestic and international conservation by providing framework for protection.

Sikkim Foundation Day

 

Sikkim Foundation Day is observed in India annually to commemorate the day when the Himalayan Kingdom became part of the Indian Union. Nestled within the Himalayas, Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest of all the states in India. The peak of India's largest mountain and the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, lies within Sikkim.

History Of Sikkim State Day

On May 16, 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of the country, abolishing the long rule of monarchy. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval played a significant role in Sikkim's merger with India. The Kingdom of Sikkim dates back to the 17th century when the Namgyal dynasty founded it. It was ruled by a monarchy of Buddhist priest-kings known as Chogyal.

However, by 1890, it became a principality within British India. The state came under the jurisdiction of Britishers, who used it as a buffer state between China and British India.

After the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947, as Sikkim became a part of India (unofficially), its security, foreign policy and communication came under the realm of India while maintaining its independence at the same time.

How Did Monarchy End In Sikkim?

The last monarch of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal's American wife Hope Cook, took over the governance of the state after their marriage. She was accused of being a CIA agent.

The people of Sikkim waged a rebellion against the monarch, following which it merged with India. Ajit Doval participated in the uprising and handled the entire operation from Mizoram to Sikkim. Sikkim's first Chief Minister, Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, supported India throughout the strife. India prepared a constitution for Sikkim approved by its national assembly in 1974. In a special referendum held in 1975, more than 97 per cent of the electorate voted for the merger of Sikkim with India. Sikkim became a part of India under the 35th Constitutional Amendment Act. However, China did not like this union up till very late. In 2003, during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership, China accepted Sikkim as a part of India.

National Dengue Day - India

 

Every year, National Dengue Day in India is observed on May 16 to spread awareness about dengue, which is a viral disease caused by mosquitoes. It is a global epidemic, prevalent in over 100 countries, with close to half of the world's population at the risk of contracting it. 

Dengue is not a serious deadly disease any more, thanks to advancements in medicine and the development of antiviral drugs. Medicines have now made the treatment possible and dengue cure is much more effective. Despite not being a deadly disease anymore, it is still endemic to many countries with much of the global population still vulnerable to it.

International Day of Light

The International Day of Light is an annual celebration on May 16 established by UNESCO to recognize the significance of light and light-based technologies in revolutionizing our society.  

History:

In the year 1960, Physicist and Engineer Theodore Maiman conducted the first successful operation of the laser. To commemorate the special day, International Day of Light came to be observed every year on May 16. In 2015, the United Nations observed International Day of Light to raise awareness about light science and light-based technologies and applications. Following this, in 2016, UNESCO adopted the resolution to celebrate International Day of Light every year. The first International Day of Light was observed in 2018.

Significance:

The day is observed to raise awareness about the significance of light and how we can explore ways to encourage scientific collaboration and possibilities of light-based technologies for innovation, creativity and sustainable societies. The day urges people to come together from all sectors, such as science, technology, art and culture to implement the application of light and light-based technology for innovation and fulfilment of the goals of UNESCO. "This day is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development," wrote UNESCO on their official website.

International Day of Families

 

The International Day of Families is commemorated annually on May 15 to highlight the importance of families in society. The day offers a great opportunity to focus on the key role that family plays in our lives and also to recognise the challenges families face today. Family is the most important part of anyone’s life. It offers a sense of security of having someone with whom we can discuss and thoughts and celebrate our happiness. In short, family is our whole world.

International Day of Families: Origin and Significance

In 1983, the Economic and Social Council and the Commission for Social Development recommended that the United Nations focus on family issues. The UN recognised that changing economic and social structures were affecting family units worldwide. Therefore, in 1993, it officially declared May 15 as the International Day of Families.

The day aims to promote awareness of family issues, increase knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting families, and celebrate all types of families while acknowledging their diversity and promoting inclusivity. It is also an opportunity to emphasise the importance of maintaining strong relationships with relatives, thereby benefiting both individual families and society as a whole.

Paraguay Independence Day

 

Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest.

Paraguay Independence Day starts on May 14 and ends on May 15 every year, and we know what that means - two days off and unlimited fun and feasting for the people of Paraguay. On this day in 1811, Paraguay gained its independence after nearly 300 years of Spanish rule. Incidentally, Paraguay is the second independent nation in the new world after the United States.

1830, Republic of Ecuador is founded

 

Ecuador is a country straddling the equator on South America's west coast.

Ecuador's early history as a country was a tormented one. For some eight years it formed, together with what are now the countries of Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela, the confederation of Gran Colombia. But on May 13, 1830, after a period of protracted rivalries, Ecuador seceded and became a separate independent republic, with Juan Jose Flores aa president.

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

 

Each year on May 13, the Catholic Church celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary by honouring her message of peace and by reflecting on her apparitions in Fatima, Portugal.

Between May 13 and October 13 of the year 1917, Mary appeared six times to three shepherd children - to brother and sister Francisco, 8, and Jacinta, 6, and their cousin Lucia, 9.

On May 13, 1917, the three children were in the field when they saw a "woman all in white, more brilliant than the sun." She told the children, "Please don't be afraid of me, I'm not going to harm you." When Lucia asked her where she came from, she told them, "I come from Heaven." Our Lady wore a white mantle, edged with gold, and carried a rosary. She asked the children to pray and devote themselves to the Holy Trinity, and "to say the Rosary every day, to bring peace to the world and an end to the war."

Over the course of her appearances, Mary revealed that the children would suffer, especially from the unbelief of their families, and that the two young children, Francisco and Jacinta, would be taken to Heaven, but Lucia would live longer, to spread the message of devotion to the Immaculate Heart.

When she appeared for the last time, Mary told Lucia, “I am the Lady of the Rosary.” That day, 70,000 people turned out to witness the apparition, because Mary had promised that she would show the people the apparitions were true. The crowd saw the sun make three circles, moving around the sky in a zigzag movement, that left no doubt about the truth. By 1930, the Bishop had approved of the apparitions and the message, and the Church has declared them authentic.

Our Lady told the children about her concerns that the world would face war, starvation, and persecution of the Church in the 20th century if people did not make reparations for sin. She told the children, and the Church, to pray and offer sacrifices to God so that peace may be spread across the world.

Our Lady of Fatima also revealed three prophetic “secrets.” The first two were revealed earlier, referring to the vision of hell and the souls languishing, the request for an ardent devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the prediction of the Second World War, and finally the prediction of the damage Russia would do by embracing Communism and rejecting Christianity.

The third secret was revealed in 2000 — “The good will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated.” This has been interpreted to include the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981, which happened on May 13, the 64th anniversary of the apparitions.

 

 

International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day is an annual celebration on May 12 honouring the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. It marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, and recognises the tireless efforts of nurses in providing compassionate care and promoting health and wellness in communities.

International Nurses Day: History

The origins of International Nurses Day trace back to the advocacy efforts of Dorothy Sutherland in 1953, culminating in the official declaration of May 12 as 'International Nurses Day' in 1974. Since then, the day has been celebrated globally to pay tribute to nurses.

International Nurses Day: Significance

Nurses serve as the backbone of healthcare services, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding public health and addressing global health challenges.

International Nurses Day serves as a reminder of the essential role nurses play in promoting well-being and improving health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Florence Nightingale's Birth Anniversary

 

Florence Nightingale, born on 12 May 1820, in Florence, Italy, was a British nurse, statistician, and social reformer who was the foundational philosopher of modern nursing. Nightingale was put in charge of nursing British and allied soldiers in Turkey during the Crimean War. She spent many hours in the wards, and her night rounds giving personal care to the wounded established her image as the “Lady with the Lamp.” Her efforts to formalize nursing education led her to establish the first scientifically based nursing school—the Nightingale School of Nursing, at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London (opened 1860). She also was instrumental in setting up training for midwives and nurses in workhouse infirmaries. She was the first woman awarded the Order of Merit (1907). International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, commemorates her birth and celebrates the important role of nurses in health care.

Bob Marley's Death Anniversary

  

Bob Marley, original name Robert Nesta Marley, who passed away on 11 May 1981, aged 36, was a Jamaican reggae singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Considered one of the pioneers of the genre, Marley fused elements of reggae, ska, and rocksteady in his music and was renowned for his distinctive vocal and songwriting style. Marley's contribution to music increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide and made him a global figure in popular culture. Over the course of his career, Marley became known as a Rastafarian icon, and he infused his music with a sense of spirituality. He is also considered a global symbol of Jamaican music and culture and identity, and was controversial in his outspoken support for democratic social reforms.

National Technology Day - India

 

National Technology Day is celebrated annually in India on 11 May. This day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of innovators, scientists, and engineers, and to promoting scientific and technological innovation in the country. The day was first established in 1998 to commemorate the successful nuclear test at Pokharan. This test was a significant milestone in India's technological advancement, and it paved the way for the country to acquire a leading position in the field of nuclear weapons technology.

The National Technology Day celebrations are organized by a number of organizations, including the Government of India, National Council for Science & Technology Communication, the Department of Science & Technology, Various NGOs, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and the Science Centres. 

History of National Technology Day

The history of National Technology Day in India dates back to 1998, when Indian Army conducted five nuclear bomb tests (Pokhran- II) in Rajasthan under the surveillance of the then Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Pokhran - II was led by the Missile Man of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. India was entitled as the sixth nuclear country after the huge success of Pokhran Test.

To celebrate the accomplishment of India in the field of nuclear science, Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared 11 May as National Technology Day. The first National Technology Day was observed on 11 May 1999. Pokhran nuclear tests were a significant milestone in India’s efforts to achieve technological advancement and pave the way for future developments in the field.

In 1857, Indian Mutiny against rule of the British East India Company begins

 

By 1857, India - in whole or in part - had been under the rule of the British East India Company (on behalf of the Crown) for nearly a century. The assumption of British rule over this vast, diverse territory was not without the bloodshed and anguish that marked the era of imperialism.

The simmering anger at British rule is symbolized best by the rebellion of 1857. On 10 May of that year, sepoys in the town of Meerut mutinied against the Company. This was swiftly followed by other rebellions and uprisings across the country, but mainly in northern and central India. The rebellion against the British was not a unanimous uprising: many Indians fought for the British, and wholesale destruction laid waste to cities like Delhi and Lucknow.

Cruelty was widespread on both sides, and British reprisals after the fact confirmed the original grievances of many that had taken part. After the rebels were defeated, in 1858, the East India Company was disestablished and direct rule was formed, leading to the creation of the British Raj.

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.