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.