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.

Usain Bolt's Birthday

Usain St. Leo Bolt, born on 21 August 1986 in Sherwood Content, Trelawny, Jamaica, is a Jamaican retired sprinter who is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time. He is an eight-time Olympic gold medallist and the world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and 4 x100 metres relay.

Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016). He also won two 4 × 100 relay gold medals. He gained worldwide fame for his double sprint victory in world record times at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which made him the first person to hold both records since fully automatic time became mandatory.

An eleven-time World Champion, he won consecutive World Championship 100 m, 200 m and 4 x 100 metres relay gold medals from 2009 to 2015, with the exception of a 100 m false start in 2011. He is the most successful male athlete of the World Championships. Bolt is the first athlete to win four World Championship titles in the 200 m and is one of the most successful in the 100 m with three titles, being the first person to run sub-9.7s and sub-9.6s races.

Bolt improved upon his second 100 m world record of 9.69 with 9.58 seconds in 2009 – the biggest improvement since the start of electronic timing. He has twice broken the 200 metres world record, setting 19.30 in 2008 and 19.19 in 2009. He has helped Jamaica to three 4 x 100 metres relay world records, with the current record being 36.84 seconds set in 2012. Bolt's most successful event is the 200 m, with three Olympic and four World titles. The 2008 Olympics was his international debut over 100 m; he had earlier won numerous 200 m medals (including 2007 World Championship silver) and held the world under-20 and under-18 records for the event until being surpassed by Erriyon Knighton in 2021.

His achievements as a sprinter have earned him the media nickname "Lightning Bolt", and his awards include the IAAF World Athlete of the Year, Track & Field Athlete of the Year, BBC Overseas Personality of the Year (three times), and Laureus World Sportsman of the Year (four times). Bolt was included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2016. Bolt retired after the 2017 World Championships, when he finished third in his last solo 100 m race, opted out of the 200 m, and pulled up injured in the 4 × 100 m relay final.

 

World Senior Citizen's Day

The World Senior Citizen's Day is celebrated on 21 August each year.

The celebration took place for the first time in 1991 The day is intended to increase awareness of the factors and issues that affect older adults, such as health deterioration and elder abuse. It is also a day to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of older people to society.

History

The history of the World Senior Citizen's Day dates back to 1988. It was officially founded by the former President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan. He had signed on August 19, 1988, the promulgation of 5847, which appeared on 21 August as National Day of the Third Age. Ronald Reagan was the first to announce the first National Day of the Third Age.

Purpose

World Senior Citizen's Day is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate senior citizens for their services, accomplishments, and dedication they have given in their lives.

Ustad Bismillah Khan's Death Anniversary

 

Ustad Bismillah Khan, often referred to by the title Ustad, who passed away on 21 August 2006, in Varanasi, aged 90, was an Indian musician who played the shehnai, a ceremonial oboelike North Indian horn, with such expressive virtuosity that he became a leading Indian classical music artist. His name was indelibly linked with the woodwind instrument.

Khan was born into a family of court musicians in Bihar. He was apprenticed to his uncle, Ali Baksh, who played the shehnai in Vishvanatha, a Hindu temple in Varanasi. He accompanied his uncle in playing at ceremonies for Hindu deities as well as at weddings. Khan learned numerous musical forms and ragas, and he improvised patterns that had been considered impossible for the shehnai. His concert performance at the All-India Music Conference in Kolkata in 1937 gained him public respect, and the shehnai, traditionally used only in a ceremonial capacity, came to be seen as a classical music instrument. Years of concert and radio performances and recordings followed.

Khan was a devout Muslim but performed at both Hindu and Muslim ceremonies and was considered a symbol of religious harmony. His fame was such that he was selected to perform for the ceremony at Delhi’s historic Red Fort as the Indian flag unfurled at the hour of India’s independence on August 15, 1947; his music was played on television every Independence Day. He turned down invitations to perform in other countries before 1966, when the Indian government insisted that he play at the Edinburgh International Festival. This gained him a following in the West, and he continued to appear in Europe and North America thereafter. In 2001, Khan was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, and the country observed a national day of mourning following his death in 2006.

 

Sadbhavana Diwas (India)

 

Sadbhavana Divas, meaning “Day of Harmony,” is observed every year on August 20 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was India’s youngest prime minister. The day reflects his vision of promoting peace, harmony, national integration, and goodwill among all people, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.

On this day, leaders and citizens take a pledge to work towards peace, goodwill, and harmony in society. Various cultural events, debates, and educational activities are also organized to spread the message of tolerance and unity.

Significance of Sadbhavana Diwas 

The day reflects Rajiv Gandhi’s vision of a united and progressive India. His leadership emphasized youth empowerment, technological advancement, and communal harmony. Sadbhavana Diwas serves as a reminder of the values he stood for:

• National Integration: Strengthening unity across diverse communities.
• Peace & Harmony: Promoting goodwill beyond caste, creed, and religion.
• Youth Focus: Inspiring young Indians to contribute towards building a modern and inclusive nation.
• Commitment to Secularism: Upholding India’s pluralistic traditions and values.

How Sadbhavana Diwas is Observed

• Pledge Ceremonies: Leaders and citizens take an oath to uphold peace, unity, and goodwill.
• Educational Events: Schools and colleges organize debates, quizzes, and essay competitions on harmony and secularism.
• Cultural Programs: Institutions conduct plays, songs, and art events to spread awareness about his vision.
• Community Drives: NGOs and local groups promote social service and awareness campaigns.

Sadbhavana Diwas 2025 is not only a tribute to Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary but also a reminder of his enduring vision for India, a nation driven by peace, technological progress, youth empowerment, and harmony amongst communities.

In a diverse country like India, his message of “sadbhavana” (goodwill) remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. By upholding these values, citizens can contribute to building a stronger, more united, and inclusive India.

 

International Orangutan Day

 

Every year on August 19, the world observes International Orangutan Day to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect one of our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. This day reminds us of the serious threats these great apes face, including deforestation, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. With their rainforest homes in Borneo and Sumatra shrinking rapidly due to palm oil plantations and logging, orangutans are now staring at the risk of extinction. 

International Orangutan Day also serves as a chance to celebrate the uniqueness of these intelligent primates. From their fascinating behaviours to their striking features, orangutans have much to teach us about resilience and survival.

Here are some captivating facts about them:

The Heaviest Tree-Dwelling Animal

Orangutans are the largest animals to live almost entirely in trees. They spend most of their lives swinging through canopies, relying on vast forest areas for food and shelter. 

An Impressive Arm Span

These apes have remarkably long arms, stretching about 2.2 meters (over 7 feet) from fingertip to fingertip. That’s one and a half times longer than their legs. When they stand, their arms even reach their ankles.

Masters Of Dexterity

Orangutans can use both hands and feet with equal skill. Their feet resemble their hands, with four fingers and a thumb, making them excellent climbers and foragers.

Their Lifelong Bond With Their Mothers

Young orangutans stay with their mothers until about age seven. During this time, they learn vital survival skills, from identifying edible fruits to nest-building. This long learning period means females give birth only once every seven to nine years, the longest interval of any land mammal.

Majestic Males

Mature male orangutans often develop distinctive cheek pads, called flanges, around the age of 35. These unique features, along with their long lifespan of up to 50 years in the wild, make them stand out among great apes.

Nest Builders Of The Forest

Every night, orangutans construct nests out of branches and leaves to sleep in. In rainy weather, they even add a roof. Interestingly, conservationists often estimate orangutan populations by counting these nests, which are easier to spot than the animals themselves.

Tool Users

These clever primates use sticks to extract insects like termites and ants from tree holes. They’ve also been observed crafting makeshift “gloves” from leaves to handle thorny fruits such as durian.

A Species Under Grave Threat

It is estimated that over 100,000 Bornean orangutans were lost between 1999 and 2015 alone. Much of this decline is due to deforestation for palm oil plantations, logging, and fires. 

 

World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19th to honour humanitarian workers who risk their lives to deliver aid in crises around the world. It's a day to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty and to acknowledge the compassion and resilience of aid workers striving to alleviate human suffering. 

History and Significance

World Humanitarian Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2008 and first celebrated in 2009. The date was chosen to commemorate the bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad on August 19, 2003, which claimed the lives of 22 aid workers, including the UN Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. 

The day serves several crucial purposes:

·    Honouring Humanitarian Workers: It recognizes the bravery and selflessness of individuals, often working in dangerous and challenging environments, to deliver life-saving assistance and protection to those in need.

·  Raising Awareness: It draws attention to ongoing humanitarian crises, from conflicts and natural disasters to health emergencies and displacement, and highlights the urgent need for aid and support.

· Promoting Global Solidarity: It underscores the importance of empathy, collaboration, and international cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges and building a more compassionate world.

·   Inspiring Action: It encourages individuals, communities, and nations to support humanitarian efforts through donations, volunteering, and advocacy.

Baji Rao I Birth Anniversary

Baji Rao I, born on 18 August 1700, in Dubere, was a peshwa, or chief minister, of the Maratha confederacy from 1720 to 1740 during the reign of Shahu (1708–49). Baji Rao’s conquests were one of several contributors to the decay of the Mughal Empire, especially under Emperor Muhammad Shah (1719-48).

Baji Rao succeeded his father, Balaji Vishvanath Bhat, as peshwa in 1720, establishing hereditary succession for the post. His tenure oversaw the expansion in power and influence of the peshwa as well as of the dominion of the Marathas, especially into Malwa (now in Madhya Pradesh) and Gujarat. Upon Shahu’s death in 1749, Baji Rao’s son and successor, Balaji Baji Rao, became the virtual ruler of the Maratha confederacy.

Baji Rao’s success was achieved through military conquest and effective diplomacy, including the formation of alliances with Rajput princes, the ability to defeat and extract compromises from the Nizam al-Mulk of Hyderabad, and the implementation of a tax regime over a vast area of former Mughal territory. At the same time, the large territorial holdings under the Marathas allowed rival chiefs to assert a certain amount of independence, setting up the peshwas for setbacks later. The most notable instance was Baji Rao’s appointment of Malhar Rao Holkar as his chief general in Malwa in 1724. Holkar was able to set up a dynasty, which challenged Baji Rao II in 1801 and forced him to flee to the city of Bassein, where he sought protection from the British.  After a feud between Baji Rao II and the British in 1817–18, the peshwa ceased to exist.