05 December - International Volunteer Day

 

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is observed annually on December 5th. It is a global celebration that provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the efforts of volunteers worldwide, as well as to promote the value of volunteerism in making positive contributions to communities and societies.

The United Nations established International Volunteer Day to raise awareness about the importance of volunteerism and to inspire more people to engage in volunteer activities. The day also serves as a platform for volunteer organizations and individuals to showcase their work, share their experiences, and highlight the impact of volunteering on local and global issues.

Each year, International Volunteer Day has a specific theme that focuses on various aspects of volunteerism. The themes often highlight the role of volunteers in addressing specific social, economic, or environmental challenges.

Volunteering plays a crucial role in addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, and community development. It fosters a sense of civic responsibility, solidarity, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. On International Volunteer Day, organizations and communities often organize events, conferences, and activities to recognize volunteers and promote the importance of volunteering.

05 December - Robert Watson-Watt death anniversary

 

Sir Robert Watson-Watt (1892–1973) was a Scottish physicist and engineer who played a crucial role in the development of radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) technology. Born on April 13, 1892, in Brechin, Scotland, Watson-Watt's work in radar had a significant impact on military and civilian applications, especially during World War II.

In the 1930s, Watson-Watt was involved in research related to radio waves and the ionosphere. In 1935, he was appointed to head a committee in the United Kingdom tasked with investigating the possibility of using radio waves to detect aircraft. Watson-Watt and his team quickly developed the concept of radar as a means of detecting and locating aircraft.

The first practical radar system, known as Chain Home, was deployed along the British coastline during the late 1930s and played a crucial role in the defense of Britain during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Radar allowed the British Royal Air Force to detect incoming German aircraft, providing valuable time to scramble fighter planes and respond to potential threats.

Watson-Watt's contributions to radar technology were of great strategic importance during World War II, and he was knighted for his efforts in 1942. After the war, he continued to work in scientific research and government service. Watson-Watt's work laid the foundation for the widespread development and application of radar technology in various fields, including aviation, meteorology, and navigation. He is remembered as a key figure in the advancement of radar and its impact on modern technology. Watson-Watt passed away on 05 December 1973.

05 December - Josh Malihabadi Indo- Pakistan poet

 

Josh Malihabadi (born Shabbir Hasan Khan; 5 December 1898 – 22 February 1982) popularly known as Shayar-e-Inqalab (poet of revolution) was a Pakistani poet and is regarded as one of the finest Urdu poets of the era of British India. Known for his liberal values and challenging the established order, he wrote over 100,000 couplets and more than 1,000 rubaiyat in his lifetime. His wrote Yaadon ki Barat, his autobiography which is noted for its frank and candid style. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru held him in high esteem and frequently attended the mushaira at Lala Kishan Lal Kalra's United Coffee House where Josh performed.

Some of his works were translated to English like The Unity of Mankind elegies by Josh Malihabadi by Syed Akbar Pasha Tirmizi who was a Pakistani citizen and a high court advocate.

Josh migrated to Pakistan in 1956 – despite Jawaharlal Nehru's insistence against it – over what is generally believed to be his concern regarding the future of Josh and Urdu language in India, where he thought the Hindu majority would encourage the use of Hindi rather than Urdu. After migration, Josh settled in Karachi and worked for Anjuman-i-Tarraqi-i-Urdu.Josh remained in Pakistan until he died on 22 February 1982 in Islamabad