15 May - Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar was born in 1907

 

 

Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar was an Indian freedom fighter who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He was born on May 15, 1907, in Ludhiana, Punjab, which is now part of present-day India.

Sukhdev Thapar was an active member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization led by Chandrashekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh. He was a close associate and friend of Bhagat Singh, and the two of them, along with Rajguru, formed a formidable trio in the fight against British imperialism.

Sukhdev Thapar was involved in several acts of revolutionary activities to protest against British rule and promote the cause of Indian independence. One of the notable acts was the Lahore Conspiracy Case, where they planned the assassination of British police officer James A. Scott, who was responsible for the brutal lathi charge on Lala Lajpat Rai. However, due to a case of mistaken identity, John P. Saunders, an assistant superintendent of police, was assassinated instead.

Sukhdev, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, faced trial for their revolutionary activities. They were charged with murder and conspiracy and were sentenced to death by the British authorities. On 23 March 1931, all three were hanged in Lahore Central Jail. Their sacrifice and martyrdom had a profound impact on the Indian freedom struggle, inspiring countless others to join the movement and fight for independence.

15 May - Walt Disney’s character Mickey Mouse premiered in his first cartoon, "Plane Crazy".

 

On 15 May 1928, Walt Disney’s character Mickey Mouse premiered in his first cartoon, "Plane Crazy".

Mickey Mouse is a funny animal cartoon character and the mascot of The Walt Disney Company. He was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at the Walt Disney Studios in 1928. An anthropomorphic mouse who typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves, Mickey is one of the world's most recognizable characters.

Plane Crazy is an American animated short film directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. The cartoon, released in 1928 by the Walt Disney Studios, was the first creation of the character Mickey Mouse. It was made as a silent film and given a test screening to a theater audience on May 15, 1928, but failed to pick up a distributor. Later that year, Disney released Mickey's first sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie, which was an enormous success. Following this, Plane Crazy was released as a sound cartoon on March 17, 1929. It was the fourth Mickey film to be released after Steamboat Willie, The Gallopin' Gaucho, and The Barn Dance (1928).

15 May - K. M. Cariappa death anniversary

 

Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, popularly known as K. M. Cariappa, was an Indian military officer and the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He was born on January 28, 1899, in Coorg (now Kodagu) in the state of Karnataka, India.

Cariappa had a distinguished career in the military. He joined the British Indian Army in 1919 and served in various positions during his tenure. He was commissioned into the Maratha Light Infantry and later became the first Indian officer to command an infantry battalion.

Cariappa played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. He was part of the Indian National Army (INA) trials in 1945 and served as a witness against General Shah Nawaz Khan and Colonel Prem Sahgal during their trial by the British authorities.

After India gained independence in 1947, Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949. He held this position until he retired on January 14, 1953. As the Commander-in-Chief, Cariappa played a crucial role in shaping the post-independence Indian Army.

K. M. Cariappa was known for his leadership, discipline, and commitment to the welfare of soldiers. He emphasized the importance of high ethical standards and professionalism within the army. His contributions to the Indian Army and the country's defense forces are highly regarded.

After his retirement, Cariappa was appointed as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand. He received several accolades and honors for his service, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1954.

K. M. Cariappa passed away on May 15, 1993, at the age of 94. His legacy as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army continues to inspire generations of military personnel in India.

15 May - The International Day of Families

 

The International Day of Families is observed on May 15th each year to promote awareness and highlight the importance of families in societies worldwide. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 with the aim of promoting the well-being and significance of families as fundamental units of society.

The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of families and the valuable roles they play in nurturing and supporting individuals. It recognizes that families come in various forms, including nuclear families, extended families, single-parent families, adoptive families, and same-sex parent families, among others.

The International Day of Families encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to engage in activities that promote family-oriented policies, strengthen family bonds, and address the challenges faced by families. It serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize the well-being and welfare of families, particularly in terms of education, healthcare, employment, and social integration.

Each year, the United Nations selects a specific theme to focus on for the International Day of Families. Themes in the past have covered various aspects of family life, such as family-friendly policies, work-family balance, youth and family, and families and inclusive societies.

The observance of this day is an opportunity for communities, institutions, and individuals to organize events, discussions, and initiatives that raise awareness about the importance of families, encourage family time, and foster understanding and support for different family structures.