24 May - Benares was officially renamed Varanasi in 1956

 

Benares was officially renamed Varanasi. 

The renaming of Benares to Varanasi took place on 24 May 1956. Varanasi is a city located on the banks of the River Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It holds immense religious and cultural significance in Hinduism and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

The name "Varanasi" has ancient roots and is derived from the names Varuna, the Hindu god of water, and Assi, the name of a nearby river. The change in name was part of a broader movement in post-independence India to restore the traditional names of cities and regions that had been anglicized during the British colonial period.

By adopting the name Varanasi, the city reconnected with its historical and cultural heritage, as it had been referred to by that name for centuries. The renaming also aimed to reinforce the city's identity and cultural roots, reflecting the sentiments of the local population.

Today, Varanasi continues to be a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience its sacred temples, ghats (steps leading down to the river), and vibrant spiritual atmosphere. The name Varanasi is widely recognized and used to refer to the city both within India and internationally.

 

24 May - Queen Victoria birth anniversary

 

Queen Victoria, whose full name was Alexandrina Victoria, was born on May 24, 1819, in Kensington Palace, London, England. She became the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on June 20, 1837, and reigned until her death on January 22, 1901. Queen Victoria's reign, known as the Victorian era, was the longest of any British monarch and was characterized by significant political, social, and industrial changes.

During her reign, the British Empire expanded significantly, reaching its zenith, with territories across the globe. Queen Victoria's reign witnessed the Industrial Revolution, which transformed Britain into the world's leading industrial and economic power. This period also saw major advances in science, technology, and medicine.

Queen Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, on February 10, 1840. They had nine children, who married into various European royal families, earning Queen Victoria the nickname "the grandmother of Europe." The death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861 deeply affected Queen Victoria, and she entered a period of mourning that lasted for many years.

Queen Victoria's reign had a profound impact on British society. She embodied the values of morality, duty, and family, and her image as a devoted wife and mother became synonymous with the ideals of the time. The Victorian era was characterized by a strict code of conduct and social etiquette, as well as a revival of traditional values and customs.

Queen Victoria's popularity waned somewhat in the later years of her reign, as public sentiment shifted towards more liberal and progressive ideas. However, she remained a respected and influential figure until her death. After her passing, her son, Edward VII, succeeded her as the king.

Queen Victoria's legacy is still felt today. The Victorian era left an indelible mark on British architecture, literature, fashion, and cultural norms. She was the last British monarch of the House of Hanover and the first of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, which later became the House of Windsor. Her reign marked the transition of Britain from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse and played a significant role in shaping the modern world.

24 May - Kazi Nazrul Islam birth anniversary

 

Kazi Nazrul Islam (24 May 1899 – 29 August 1976) was a Bengali poet, writer, musician, and is the national poet of Bangladesh.Nazrul is regarded as one of the greatest poets in Bengali literature. Popularly known as Nazrul, he produced a large body of poetry, music, messages, novels, stories, etc. with themes that included equality, justice, anti-imperialism, humanity, rebellion against oppression and religious devotion. Nazrul's activism for political and social justice as well as writing a poem titled as "Bidrohī", meaning "the rebel" in Bengali, earned him the title of "Bidrohī Kôbi" (Rebel Poet).His compositions form the avant-garde music genre of Nazrul Gīti (Music of Nazrul).

24 May - Peter Minuit purchase of Manhattan Island from the indigenous Lenape people in 1626

 

Peter Minuit is credited with the purchase of Manhattan Island from the indigenous Lenape people in the early 17th century. However, it is important to note that the details of the transaction and the exact circumstances surrounding it are not entirely clear and have been the subject of some historical debate.

On 24 May1626, Peter Minuit, a Dutch colonial official serving as the Director-General of the Dutch colony of New Netherland, is believed to have negotiated the acquisition of Manhattan Island from the Lenape people. The Lenape, who inhabited the area, had a different concept of land ownership than the European settlers, and the transaction was likely not understood in the same way by both parties involved.

The exact price and nature of the transaction have been subjects of speculation, as there are no surviving records or contemporary accounts providing precise details. According to popular legend, the purchase was made for goods and trinkets worth 60 guilders, equivalent to approximately $24 at the time. However, this specific amount is largely regarded as a symbolic figure and not an accurate representation of the true value of the transaction.

The purchase of Manhattan Island marked the beginning of Dutch colonial settlement in the area, leading to the establishment of New Amsterdam, which eventually became New York City. The Dutch presence in the region was later overtaken by the English, who captured the colony in 1664.

While the sale of Manhattan Island by the Lenape to Peter Minuit is often cited as a pivotal moment in New York City's history, it is important to recognize the complexities and nuances surrounding the event. The transaction and its implications have been reinterpreted and scrutinized by historians, reflecting evolving understandings of colonialism, land ownership, and indigenous rights.

 

24 May - Majrooh Sultanpuri death anniversary

Majrooh Sultanpuri, born Asrar ul Hasan Khan (1919-2000), was an eminent Indian Urdu poet and lyricist known for his contributions to the world of Hindi film music. He was born on October 1, 1919, in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Majrooh Sultanpuri began his literary career as a poet, writing poetry in the Urdu language. His verses were known for their simplicity, emotional depth, and social consciousness. He gained recognition and popularity for his poetry in the 1940s and 1950s.

In the early 1940s, Majrooh Sultanpuri entered the world of Hindi cinema as a lyricist. He wrote the lyrics for numerous Hindi film songs that went on to become immensely popular. His collaboration with music composers like S.D. Burman, O.P. Nayyar, and R.D. Burman resulted in many memorable and melodious songs.

Majrooh Sultanpuri's lyrics often reflected the emotions and sentiments of the characters and the situations depicted in the films. His songs covered a wide range of themes, including love, romance, patriotism, and social issues. He had a unique ability to capture the essence of a scene and convey it through his poetic expressions.

Some of Majrooh Sultanpuri's most famous songs include "Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein" from the film Kabhi Kabhie (1976), "Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko" from Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), and "Chandan Sa Badan" from Saraswatichandra (1968), among many others. His work contributed significantly to the success of several Hindi films and left a lasting impact on Indian film music.

Majrooh Sultanpuri's talent and contributions to the Hindi film industry earned him several awards and accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist multiple times. He continued to work as a lyricist until his demise.

Majrooh Sultanpuri passed away on May 24, 2000, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetic and lyrical excellence. His songs continue to be cherished and enjoyed by music lovers, and his contributions to the world of Hindi film music are remembered with great respect and admiration.

 

24 May - Joseph Brodsky birth anniversary

 

 

Joseph Brodsky (1940-1996) was a Russian and American poet, essayist, and Nobel laureate in Literature. He was born on May 24, 1940, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Soviet Union (Russia). Brodsky's work is known for its profound themes, linguistic virtuosity, and exploration of the human condition.

Brodsky began writing poetry in his youth and quickly gained recognition for his talent. However, his work was considered controversial by Soviet authorities, and he faced persecution and censorship. In 1964, he was charged with "social parasitism" for his refusal to hold a regular job and was sentenced to five years of hard labor in a northern Russian village. The international literary community rallied around him, leading to his release after serving only 18 months.

In 1972, Brodsky emigrated from the Soviet Union to the United States, settling in New York City. He continued to write poetry and essays, exploring themes of exile, language, memory, and the nature of art. His works were published in both Russian and English and received critical acclaim. Brodsky's poetry is characterized by its precise language, rich imagery, and philosophical depth.

In 1987, Joseph Brodsky was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature "for an all-embracing authorship, imbued with clarity of thought and poetic intensity." He became the first Russian poet to receive this prestigious award since Boris Pasternak in 1958.

Throughout his career, Brodsky also served as a lecturer and professor at various universities, including the University of Michigan and Mount Holyoke College. He was a sought-after speaker and delivered influential lectures on literature and culture, including his notable commencement address at Dartmouth College in 1986, titled "Speech at the Stadium."

Joseph Brodsky passed away on January 28, 1996, in New York City at the age of 55. His poetry and essays continue to be widely read and admired for their profound insights, linguistic brilliance, and universal themes. Brodsky's contribution to Russian and world literature remains significant, and he is considered one of the most important poets of the 20th century.

 

24 May - Mikhail Sholokhov birth anniversary

 

Mikhail Sholokhov (1905-1984) was a prominent Russian writer and Nobel laureate in literature. He is best known for his epic novel "And Quiet Flows the Don" (also known as "Quiet Don" or "The Don Flows Home to the Sea"), which depicts the lives of Cossacks during the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war.

Born on May 24, 1905, in the village of Veshenskaya, in the Don region of Russia (now part of present-day Rostov Oblast), Sholokhov came from a Cossack background, and his early experiences shaped his literary work. He witnessed the events of the Russian Revolution and the ensuing conflicts firsthand, and these experiences heavily influenced his writing.

"And Quiet Flows the Don," published in four volumes between 1928 and 1940, brought Sholokhov international recognition. The novel follows the life of Grigory Melekhov, a Cossack who becomes entangled in the upheaval of the times. Sholokhov's portrayal of Cossack traditions, the impact of war on individuals and communities, and the struggles and passions of ordinary people resonated with readers. The novel was highly acclaimed for its detailed characterization, rich historical backdrop, and powerful narrative.

In 1965, Sholokhov was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his outstanding literary achievements, specifically for "And Quiet Flows the Don." His Nobel Prize win was a significant honor for Russian literature, as he was the first Russian writer to receive this prestigious award since Boris Pasternak in 1958.

Aside from "And Quiet Flows the Don," Sholokhov wrote several other works, including "The Don Flows Home to the Sea" (the second part of the novel), "They Fought for Their Country," and "Virgin Soil Upturned." His writing often explored themes of war, revolution, and the human spirit, and he is regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century Russian literature.

Mikhail Sholokhov passed away on February 21, 1984, in Veshenskaya, leaving behind a remarkable literary legacy that continues to be celebrated and studied in Russia and around the world.

24 May - The Brooklyn Bridge open for traffic in 1883

 

The Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic landmark in New York City, officially opened to traffic on May 24, 1883. It is a suspension bridge that spans the East River, connecting the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan. At the time of its completion, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span of 1,595.5 feet (486.3 meters).

The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge was a significant engineering feat of its time. It was designed by John Augustus Roebling, a German immigrant engineer, and his son Washington Roebling. Unfortunately, John Roebling passed away during the construction, and his son took over the project, overseeing its completion.

The bridge's distinctive Gothic arches and towering granite towers make it a beloved and recognizable symbol of New York City. It not only serves as a vital transportation route, but it also offers stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding area.

Since its opening, the Brooklyn Bridge has become an iconic landmark and a popular tourist attraction. It has also played a significant role in New York City's history and has been featured in various films, books, and artworks. Today, the bridge continues to carry vehicular and pedestrian traffic, connecting two bustling boroughs and serving as a symbol of the city's ingenuity and resilience.

24 May - Kartar Singh Sarabha birth anniversary

 

Kartar Singh Sarabha (24 May 1896 – 16 November 1915), an Indian revolutionary. He became a member of the Ghadar Party at just 15-years-old, and then he became a leading luminary member and started fighting for the Indian independence movement. He was one of the most active members of the movement. In November 1915 in Lahore, he was executed for his role in the movement when he was 19 years old. He was born on 24 May 1896 in Sarabha, Punjab Province, British India.