Ma. Po. Sivagnanam's Birth Anniversary

 

Mylai Ponnuswamy Sivagnanam, popularly known as Ma.Po.Si. born on 26 June 1906, was an Indian politician, freedom fighter, and the founder of the political party Tamil Arasu Kazhagam. He wrote more than 100 books

MP Sivagnanam’s political career began when he enrolled himself as a Congress volunteer during the Madras Congress Session in 1927.

The news of Gandhiji’s arrest on January 4, 1932, on his return from London, ignited a spark of nationalism in Ma Po Si.

He took part in Congress activities with enthusiasm, and this gave him an opportunity to cultivate his oratorical skills by addressing public meetings.  Simultaneously, his association with trade unions also began, which brought him in contact with well-known trade union leaders such as V V Giri. Ma Po Si went to jail six times as a Congress worker.

With no formal education to his credit, Ma Po Si was able to earn the honour of being conferred a doctorate, the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature Honoris causa by the Madras University in 1981, a recognition of his well-earned distinction in various fields including high-level research in Tamil classics.

World Refrigeration Day

World Refrigeration Day is celebrated on 26 June. This day is dedicated to recognizing the refrigeration sector’s vital role in improving our quality of life. It is a time to honour the engineers and scientists who have enhanced our comfort at home and in business through advancements in refrigeration technology.

The Essential Role of Refrigeration

Refrigeration has become an indispensable part of modern, helping us to preserve food and beverages, inhibit bacterial growth, and even save lives. Especially in regions with soaring summer temperatures, refrigeration ensures that our food and drinks remain safe and fresh.

History of Refrigeration

The journey of refrigeration dates back over 300 years with the invention of the first mechanical refrigerator. Prior to this, people used cellars or submerged their food in water to keep it cool and safe from bacteria. The advent of modern refrigeration technology revolutionized daily living, making it an essential household item. World Refrigeration Day offers an opportunity to reflect on this history and the significant advancements that have made refrigeration an integral part of our lives.

Significance of World Refrigeration Day

World Refrigeration Day is not only a celebration of technological progress but also a platform to raise awareness about sustainable refrigeration practices. As we acknowledge the convenience refrigeration brings, it is crucial to consider its environmental impact. By adopting renewable energy sources and recycling old refrigerators, we can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This day encourages us to appreciate the innovations in refrigeration and motivates us to engage in practices that minimize our environmental footprint.

Flag Day of Romania

On 26 June, Romania celebrates its national flag. The flag is hoisted up near public buildings and institutions across the country, and the authorities organise cultural events and educational programs devoted to Romania’s history.

A military ceremony usually compliments the hoisting of the flag in the capital - Bucharest. People attending the event include representatives from civic, military, and religious organisations, as well as war veterans.

Origins of the Romanian flag

The colours of the Romanian flag first appeared in 1834, but not as a national flag, rather, as a flag used to identify merchant ships. In 1848, the flag was adopted by militias in the successful Wallachian Revolution against the Regulamentul Organic regime imposed by the Russian Empire on the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia, essentially creating a protectorate.

It is widely accepted that the three colours in the flag stand for the three different provinces of Romania:  

yellow for Wallachia, blue for Moldavia and red for Transylvania.

The blue, gold and red tricolour became the national flag in 1859, however, it has gone through multiple iterations since then. It was at first arranged horizontally until 1867 with blue at the hoist. Then, in 1948, it included a coat of arms that was changed at least 4 times during the country's Communist regime.

The Anti-Ceaușescu protests that erupted by the end of 1989 had the Communist coat of arms cut out in the middle, and the plain tricolour was re-established as Romania’s flag in 1991. In 1998, lawmakers proclaimed Flag Day to be annually observed on 26 June, albeit not as a public holiday, meaning that it is also a regular working day.

 

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Birth Anniversary

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (anglicized as Chatterjee), born on 26 June 1838, was an Indian novelist, poet, essayist and journalist. He was the author of the 1882 Bengali language novel Anandamath, which is one of the landmarks of modern Bengali and Indian literature. He was the composer of Vande Mataram, written in highly Sanskritised Bengali, personifying India as a Mother Goddess and inspiring activists during the Indian Independence Movement. Chattopadhayay wrote fourteen novels and many serious, serio-comic, satirical, scientific and critical treatises in Bengali. He is known as Sahitya Samrat (Emperor of Literature) in Bengali.

Bal Gandharva's Birth Anniversary

Narayan Shripad Rajhans, popularly known as Bal Gandharva, born on 26 June 1888, was a famous Marathi singer and stage actor. He was known for his roles as female characters in Marathi plays, since women were not allowed to act on stage during his time.

Bal Gandharva got his name after a singing performance in Pune. Lokmanya Tilak, a social reformer and a freedom fighter of the Indian independence movement was in the audience, and after the performance, reportedly patted Rajhans on the back and said that Narayan was a "Bal Gandharva" (lit. Young Gandharva).

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

 

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on June 26. The day is commonly referred to as World Anti-Drug Day. This observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 with the aim of strengthening action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

Significance of World Drug Day

The significance of World Drug Day lies in its ability to raise awareness about the severe consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. These issues not only destroy lives but also disrupt communities, fuel crime, and weaken economies. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 269 million people worldwide used drugs in 2018, and the numbers have continued to rise. The anti-drug day highlights the global commitment needed to address these challenges through education, support, and rehabilitation.

Moreover, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking underscores the necessity of international cooperation. Drug trafficking is a transnational issue that requires a coordinated response from governments, organizations, and individuals.