15 February - Death anniversary of Samarth Ramdas (Ramdas Navami)

 

Ramdas Navami is the death anniversary of Samarth Ramdas. Ramdas Navami 2023 date is February 15. Sri Ramdas, popular known as Samarth Ramdas, was a Marathi saint and poet of the 17th century. Samarth Ramdas dropped his physical body and merged with the Supreme Soul on the Navami day of Krishna Paksha (9th day of waning phase of moon) in the Magh month (January – February) as per traditional Marathi Calendar.

Samarth Ramdas was an ardent devotee of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman and he turned to spirituality at a very young age. He is believed to have greatly influenced Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Sri Ramdas was a gifted poet and his short poems contain universal truth and are pregnant with meaning.

Sri Ramdas inspired and motivated his generation to rise against the foreign oppressors and also stimulated the thoughts of self realization.

His life, writings and poems continues to inspire Marathis and all those who had the opportunity to read his immortal literary works.

Manache Shlok is a popular literary work credited to Samarth Ramdas.

15 February - Canada Maple Leaf inaugurated in a public ceremony

 

The new maple leaf flag was made official by a proclamation from Queen Elizabeth II on January 28, 1965. On February 15 of that year, it was inaugurated in a public ceremony on Parliament Hill. Thousands of Canadians gathered as the Canadian Red Ensign was lowered and, at the stroke of noon, the new National Flag of Canada was hoisted. Prime Minister Pearson’s words on the occasion resound with hope and determination: “May the land over which this new flag flies remain united in freedom and justice … sensitive, tolerant and compassionate towards all.”

In the words of John Matheson, the new flag “was the handiwork of many loving hands, extended over a long period of Canada’s history.” This collaborative effort created an elegant new emblem, instantly recognizable as the foremost symbol of Canada, its values, and the millions of citizens who make up the Canadian family.

15 February - World Hippo Day

 

Every year on February 15, World Hippopotamus Day, sometimes referred to as World Hippo Day, is observed. The day is set aside specifically to honor hippopotamuses and to inspire action against their extinction.The hippopotamus is the largest terrestrial mammal after elephants and rhinos.
 

The closest surviving relatives of hippopotamids, despite their outward resemblance to pigs, are whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc., from whom they diverged some 55 million years ago. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, hippos are semi-aquatic mammals that like to live in rivers and mangrove swamps.

15 February - Mirza Ghalib death anniversary

 

Mirza Ghalib, whose real name was Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan, was one of the most prominent and influential poets in the Urdu and Persian languages during the Mughal Empire in India. Born on 27 December 1797, in Agra, British India (present-day India), Ghalib's poetry continues to be celebrated for its depth, philosophical insight, and eloquent expression.

Here are some key points about Mirza Ghalib:

1. Name: Mirza Ghalib's pen name "Ghalib" means "conqueror" or "dominant," reflecting his mastery of language and poetic expression.

2. Early Life: Ghalib belonged to a family of Turkish descent and was educated in Persian and Arabic literature. He lived during a period of great cultural and political change in India.

3. Poetic Style: Ghalib is known for his ghazals, a poetic form that typically consists of rhyming couplets and a recurring rhyme scheme. His poetry often explores themes of love, loss, philosophical reflection, and the complexities of human emotions.

4. Persian and Urdu Poetry: Ghalib wrote extensively in both Persian and Urdu, showcasing his command over both languages. His poetry is considered a pinnacle of classical Urdu and Persian literature.

5. Life Challenges: Ghalib faced financial struggles and personal tragedies throughout his life. The decline of the Mughal Empire and the emergence of British colonial rule in India had a significant impact on his circumstances.

6. Recognition: While Ghalib did not gain widespread recognition during his lifetime, his work posthumously became immensely popular. His poetry is now celebrated not only in South Asia but also globally.

7. Legacy: Mirza Ghalib is regarded as one of the most significant poets in the Urdu and Persian languages. His ghazals are still widely read and recited, and his influence extends to various art forms, including music and literature.

Mirza Ghalib passed away on 15 February 1869 in Delhi, leaving behind a timeless legacy of poetic brilliance. His work has inspired generations of poets and continues to resonate with readers around the world.

15 February - Subhadra Kumari Chauhan death anniversary

Subhadra Kumari Chauhan (16 August 1904– 15 February 1948) was an Indian poet. One of her most popular poems is "Jhansi ki Rani" (about the courageous Queen of Jhansi)

Subhadra Chauhan was born in Nihalpur village in Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh. She initially studied in the Crosthwaite Girls' School in Allahabad where she was senior to and friends with Mahadevi Verma and passed the middle-school examination in 1919. She married Thakur Lakshman Singh Chauhan of Khandwa in 1919 when she was sixteen with whom she had five children. After her marriage with Thakur Lakshman Singh Chauhan of Khandwa in the same year, she moved to Jubbulpore (now Jabalpur), Central Provinces.

In 1921, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan and her husband joined Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement. She was the first woman Satyagrahi to court arrest in Nagpur and was jailed twice for her involvement in protests against the British rule in 1923 and 1942.

She was a member of the legislative assembly of the state (erstwhile Central Provinces). She died on 15 FEbruary 1948 in a car accident near Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, on her way back to Jabalpur from Nagpur, the then capital of Central Provinces, where she had gone to attend the assembly session.