International Sudoku Day

 

International Sudoku Day is celebrated annually on September 9th to recognize the popular logic puzzle and encourage people to engage in brain-stimulating activities. The date, 9/9, was chosen by the World Puzzle Federation to reflect the nine-by-nine grid used in the game. The day promotes cognitive benefits like improved concentration and logical thinking, originating from the 18th-century Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler's "Latin Squares" and developed into the modern puzzle by American designer Howard Garns in the late 1970s.  

Star Trek Day

On September 8th every year, Star Trek enthusiasts celebrate Star Trek Day marking the anniversary of the original series which released on this date in 1966 in the United States. 

Gene Roddenberry who created this show introduced audiences to a completely different universe where unique and various species coexist and explore the cosmos together. 

This day celebrates the franchise's lasting impact on science fiction, pop culture and the imaginations of millions of people across the globe. 

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies aims to build a global community of action, encouraging countries to collaborate in tackling air pollution to protect our ecosystems. This day provides a platform for cooperation at individual, national, regional, and international levels to work together and invest in #CleanAirNow. The United Nations General Assembly designated 7 September as International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in 2019, and the first Day was held in 2020. This designation reflects the global community’s growing awareness of air pollution risks and underscores the necessity of further efforts to improve air quality to safeguard human and environmental health.

Brazil Independence Day

Brazil Independence Day, or Sete de Setembro (7th of September), is celebrated annually on September 7 to commemorate the nation's declaration of independence from the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves in 1822.

History

·  The path to independence began after French forces invaded Portugal in 1807 during the Napoleonic Wars. This prompted the Portuguese royal family to flee to their colony in Brazil.

·   While in Brazil, the Portuguese Prince Regent, Dom João VI, elevated Brazil's status from a colony to an equal kingdom within the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.

·  After the French were defeated, the royal family returned to Lisbon. However, Prince Dom Pedro was left as regent of Brazil. When the Portuguese parliament later demanded that Brazil revert to its former colonial status, Dom Pedro refused. On January 9, 1822, he declared his intention to stay in the country.

·    On September 7, 1822, Princess Maria Leopoldina sent a letter advising Dom Pedro to declare independence. Dom Pedro then famously proclaimed "Independência ou Morte!" ("Independence or Death!") near the Ipiranga River in São Paulo.

·   He was crowned Emperor Dom Pedro I of Brazil, and Portugal officially recognized Brazil's independence in 1825. 

Celebrations

·   Military parades: Grand civil-military parades led by the president are held in Brasília, the capital. They feature military vehicles, armed forces, and public security forces. Similar parades occur in state capitals and other cities.

·  Cultural events: Throughout the country, celebrations feature music, folk performances, and cultural activities. These vary by region, with some cities, like Salvador, incorporating Afro-Brazilian traditions into their festivals.

·    Patriotic displays: Brazilians show their national pride by flying the national flag from buildings and vehicles, and wearing clothing in the national colours of green, yellow, and blue.

·    Festivals and fireworks: Major cities often host public concerts and end the day with spectacular fireworks displays. Informal street parties, or blocos, are also common.

·    Traditional food: Families and friends gather for barbecues (churrasco) and other meals. They enjoy traditional Brazilian foods like feijoada and pão de queijo. 

World Shorebirds Day

World Shorebirds Day is celebrated annually on September 6 to raise awareness about shorebirds, their incredible migration, and the threats they face. The main event associated with the day is the Global Shorebird Count (GSC), a week-long monitoring program from September 1-7 where people count shorebirds and submit their data to help with conservation. 

Key aspects of World Shorebirds Day:

·   Purpose: To draw attention to shorebird species, often overlooked, and advocate for their conservation. 

·    Date: September 6th of each year. 

·   Global Shorebird Count (GSC): The signature event of World Shorebirds Day, which takes place from September 1-7. 

·    How to Participate: Birdwatchers can record shorebird sightings during the count week using platforms like eBird and submit their data to a shared account to contribute to the effort. 

·    Origin: The day was established in 2014. 

·    Goal: To provide crucial data on shorebird populations and help in their long-term monitoring and protection efforts. 

 

 

University of Madras established in 1857

The University of Madras was incorporated on September 5, 1857, by an Act of the Legislative Council of India. It was established under the British government and modelled after the University of London. 

Timeline of the university's founding

• November 1839: Mr. George Norton, the Advocate-General of Madras, submitted a public petition calling for an English-language college in Madras.
• January 1840: A University Board was formed with Mr. Norton as its president.
• 1854: The Government of India finalized a new educational policy, which led to the establishment of the university system.
• September 5, 1857: The University of Madras was established, along with the Universities of Calcutta and Bombay, marking the start of the modern university system in India

 

International Taekwondo Day

 

International Taekwondo Day is celebrated annually on September 4th to commemorate the historic 1994 decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include Taekwondo as an Olympic sport. The day serves to promote the spirit of Taekwondo, foster discipline, and celebrate the values of respect and perseverance within the global Taekwondo community.

Why September 4th? 

IOC Decision:

On this day in 1994, the IOC officially decided to add Taekwondo to the Olympic program, marking a pivotal moment for the martial art.

Olympic Inclusion:

This milestone led to Taekwondo's feature in every subsequent Olympic Games, solidifying its status as a major international sport.

What Happens on Taekwondo Day?

Global Celebration:

The day is celebrated by Taekwondo practitioners, clubs, and associations worldwide through various events and activities. 

Focus on Values:

It's a time to highlight the deeper philosophy of Taekwondo, which emphasizes the development of character, self-control, and the harmonious development of body, mind, and spirit. 

Community and Digital Promotion:

World Taekwondo and its members encourage the Taekwondo community to share the joy of the sport and its values across social media platforms. 

 

Uttam Kumar's Birth Anniversary

 

Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay, known professionally as Uttam Kumar, born on 3 September 1926, in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (now Kolkata, West Bengal, India), was an Indian actor, director, producer, screenwriter, composer and playback singer who predominantly worked in Bengali Cinema.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most successful actors in the history of Indian cinema, Kumar dominated Bengali cinema from the 1950s throughout the 1970s, being referred to as "Mahanayak" (Bengali for "The Great Hero"). His accolades include five National Awards and four Filmfare Awards.

 

Vietnam Independence Day

 

Vietnam's Independence Day, also known as National Day, is celebrated on September 2. It commemorates the day in 1945 when revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. 

For locals, September 2 his is more than a public holiday; it’s a day to reflect on their nation’s resilience and honour their shared history.

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.

Sir Donald Bradman's Birth Anniversary

 

Sir Donald George Bradman, born on 27 August 1908, in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia, nicknamed "The Don", was an Australian international cricketer, widely acknowledged as the greatest batsman of all time. His cricketing successes have been claimed by Shane Warne, among others, to make Bradman the "greatest sportsperson" in history. Bradman's career Test batting average of 99.94 is considered by some to be the greatest achievement by any sportsman in any major sport.

The story that the young Bradman practiced alone with a cricket stump and a golf ball is part of Australian folklore. His meteoric rise from bush cricket to the Australian Test team took just over two years. Before his 22nd birthday, he had set many records for top-scoring, some of which still stand, and became Australia's sporting idol at the height of the Great Depression. This hero status grew and continued through the Second World War.

During a 20-year playing career, Bradman consistently scored at a level that made him, in the words of former Australia captain Bill Woodfull, "worth three batsmen to Australia". A controversial set of tactics, known as Bodyline, was specially devised by the England team to curb his scoring. As a captain and administrator, Bradman was committed to attacking, entertaining cricket; he drew spectators in record numbers. He hated the constant adulation, however, and it affected how he dealt with others. The focus of attention on Bradman's individual performances strained relationships with some teammates, administrators and journalists, who thought him aloof and wary. Following an enforced hiatus due to the Second World War, he made a dramatic comeback, captaining an Australian team known as "The Invincibles” on a record-breaking unbeaten tour of England.

A complex and highly driven man, not given to close personal relationships, Bradman retained a pre-eminent position in the game by acting as an administrator, selector and writer for three decades following his retirement. Even after he became reclusive in his declining years, Bradman's opinion was highly sought, and his status as a national icon was still recognized. Almost fifty years after his retirement as a Test player, in 1997, Prime Minister John Howard called him the "greatest living Australian". Bradman's image has appeared on postage stamps and coins, and a museum dedicated to his life was opened while he was still living. On the centenary of his birth, 27 August 2008, the Royal Australian Mint issued a $5 commemorative gold coin with Bradman's image. In 2009, he was inducted posthumously as an inaugural member into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

 

World Lake Day - first observance

World Lake Day on August 27 aims to raise awareness of the importance of lakes and the sustainable management of lake and related ecosystems. 

Lakes are one of the most vital natural resources on our planet. They serve as a crucial source of fresh water, play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, contribute to climate regulation, and provide recreational and economic opportunities.

2025 is the first observance of World Lake Day.

Sir Dorabji Tata's Birth Anniversary

 

Sir Dorabji Tata, born on 27 August 1859, in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India, was an Indian industrialist and philanthropist of the British Raj, and a key figure in the history and development of the Tata Group. He was knighted in 1910 for his contributions to industry in British India. He was the elder son of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. He played a pioneering role by guiding India to the Olympics even before the establishment of an independent National Olympic Association.

Saint Mother Teresa's Birth Anniversary

Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, on 26 August 1910, better known as Mother Teresa or Saint Mother Teresa, was an Albanian-Indian Catholic nun, founder of the Missionaries of Charity and is a Catholic saint. Born in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire, she was raised in a devoutly Catholic family. At the age of 18, she moved to Ireland to join the Sisters of Loreto and later to India, where she lived most of her life and carried out her missionary work. On 4 September 2016, she was canonized by the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. The anniversary of her death, 5 September, is now observed as her feast day.

In 1950, Mother Teresa established the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation that was initially dedicated to serving "the poorest of the poor" in the slums of Calcutta. Over the decades, the congregation grew to operate in over 133 countries, as of 2012, with more than 4,500 nuns managing homes for those dying from HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis, as well as running soup kitchens, dispensaries, mobile clinics, orphanages, and schools. Members of the order take vows of chastity, poverty and obedience and also profess a fourth vow: to give "wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor."

Mother Teresa received several honours, including the 1962 Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. Her life and work have inspired books, documentaries, and films. Her authorized biography, written by Navin Chawla, was published in 1992, and on 6 September 2017, she was named a co-patron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta alongside St Francis Xavier. However, she also drew criticism for the poor conditions and lack of medical care or pain relief in her houses for the dying.

 

 

 

Sir Thomas Sean Connery's Birth Anniversary

 

Sir Thomas Sean Connery, born on 25 August 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a legendary Scottish actor widely recognized for being the first to portray James Bond on screen. Beyond his iconic 007 role, he had a decorated career spanning decades, earning an Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards, and three Golden Globes. Connery was also an ardent supporter of Scottish independence and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.

 

Career highlights

·   James Bond (1962–1983): Connery originated the role of the suave British secret agent in the 1962 film Dr. No and starred in seven films in the franchise. His introduction, "Bond... James Bond," became a cultural catchphrase and defined the character for a generation.

·   The Untouchables (1987): He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as veteran Chicago cop Jimmy Malone.

·   Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989): Connery famously played Harrison Ford's father, Henry Jones Sr., in the Steven Spielberg-directed adventure film.

·  The Hunt for Red October (1990): He starred as a defecting Soviet submarine captain in the commercially successful Cold War thriller.

·   The Man Who Would Be King (1975): In this critically acclaimed film by director John Huston, Connery starred alongside his close friend Michael Caine as two British soldiers who crown themselves kings in a remote land.

·   Highlander (1986): He played the mentor figure Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez to the younger protagonist.

·  The Rock (1996): Connery starred as a former SAS soldier turned political prisoner who helps an FBI agent break into Alcatraz. 

 

Vesuvius Day

 

August 24 is commemorated as Vesuvius Day, honouring the most famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., which destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The historical date and its revision

·   The traditional date (August 24, 79 A.D.): For centuries, this date was widely accepted based on a copy of a letter by Pliny the Younger, an eyewitness to the event. Pliny wrote his account 20 years after the disaster, and the date may have been corrupted over 1,400 years of hand-copying.

 

·   The revised date (October 24, 79 A.D.): In 2018, an inscription found on a wall in Pompeii dated to October 17th of 79 A.D. supported a theory that had been building since the 18th century. Other archaeological evidence, such as findings of autumnal fruits and victims wearing heavy clothing, also points to an autumn eruption. 

Commemorating "Vesuvius Day"

Today, August 24 is still observed as "Vesuvius Day" by some as a tribute to the victims, though it's now widely acknowledged that the disaster occurred later in the year. Ways to observe the day include: 

·        Learning about volcanoes and the history of the eruption.

·        Watching documentaries about Pompeii and Herculaneum.

·        Creating a model volcano with children. 

Visiting Mount Vesuvius today

For those interested in exploring the site, tours and day trips are available from nearby cities like Naples and Rome. Visitors can hike to the crater of the volcano and explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii. 

 

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

 

Across the globe, August 23 is recognized as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition. UNESCO established the day in 1997 to honour the millions affected by the transatlantic slave trade and to remember those who resisted it.

The date commemorates a significant historical moment. On the night of August 22–23, 1791, enslaved people in Saint Domingue, now Haiti, rose in revolt. Their uprising triggered the Haitian Revolution and led to the formation of the first modern Black republic.

Significance

Remembrance and Education:

The day encourages global participation in educational and cultural programs to teach about the atrocities of the slave trade and the resilience of enslaved people. 

Fighting Injustice:

It serves as an inspiration for current and future generations to combat all forms of servitude, racism, and social injustice that have their roots in slavery. 

Promoting Dignity:

The day reinforces the call for the abolition of human exploitation and the recognition of the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals. 

 

 

 

Madras Day

Chennai, the southernmost Indian metropolis, previously known as Madras, is commemorates its founding day today on August 22. Every year on Madras Day, the city comes together to celebrate its origins with joy and lots of festivities. Madras is not just the capital of Tamil Nadu but also a focal point of India's cinema, sports and cultural activities -- making it a true cosmopolitan city.

Madras Day History

The city and the origin of Madras Day stretch all the way back to August 22, 1639. It was on this day that the East India Company (EIC) bought Madrasapatnam from local monarchs. Local Nayak ruler, Damarla Venkatadri Nayaka agreed to the deal with EIC officers viz., Francis Day, his superior, Andrew Cogan, and Day's Dubash (translator), Beri Thimmappa.

It was on this small patch of land that Fort St George was built, which would lay the foundations of the British Empire in India.

After India gained independence in 1947, Madras continued as the capital city of the Madras State and present-day Tamil Nadu. The state was formally renamed as Tamil Nadu in 1969, and the capital city of Madras changed its name to Chennai in 1996.

Madras Day Origins

Madras Day was initiated by a group of enthusiastic individuals who wanted to celebrate the rich history of the city. The first celebration took place in 2004, and since then, it has grown into a big festival filled with events, exhibitions, talks, and performances. These activities highlight various aspects of the city's identity, from its architecture and cuisine to its arts and traditions.

The day holds immense significance for the residents of the city as it allows them to connect with their history and learn about the city's evolution. It's a time to remember the great leaders who contributed to its development, as well as to acknowledge the cultural diversity that makes Chennai unique.