04 February - Banaras Hindu University established

 

Banaras Hindu University is a collegiate, central, and research university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, and founded in 1916. The university incorporated the Central Hindu College, founded by Indian Home Rule-leaguer and Theosophist, Annie Besant in 1898.After Besant and her associates were marginalized,the university was established by Madan Mohan Malaviya with the financial support of the maharaja of Dharbhanga Rameshwar Singh, the maharaja of Benares Prabhu Narayan Singh, and the lawyer Sunder Lal. With over 30,000 students, and 18,000 residing on campus, BHU is the largest residential university in Asia. The university is one of the eight public institutions declared as an Institute of Eminence by the Government of India.

BHU has often been referred by different names throughout the history and present. Some of the English names include Banaras University,Benares Hindu University, and Hindu University.

The university's main campus, spread over 1,370 acres (5.5 km2), was built on land donated by the Kashi Naresh Prabhu Narayan Singh, the hereditary ruler of Banaras ("Kashi" being an alternative name for Banaras or Varanasi). The south campus, spread over 2,700 acres (11 km2) is built on land donated later by Maharaj Kumar Aditya Narayan Singh in Sunderpur,hosts the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Agriculture Science Centre)and is located in Barkachha in Mirzapur district, about 60 km (37 mi) from Varanasi.

BHU is organized into six institutes, 14 faculties (streams) and about 140 departments. As of 2020, the total student enrolment at the university is 30,698 coming from 48 countries.It has over 65 hostels for resident students. Several of its faculties and institutes include Arts, Social Sciences, Commerce, Management Studies, Science, Performing Arts, Law, Agricultural Science, Medical Science, and Environment and Sustainable Development along with departments of Linguistics, Journalism & Mass Communication, among others.The university's engineering institute was designated as an Indian Institute of Technology in June 2012, and henceforth is Indian Institute of Technology (BHU).

Centralised in 1916 through the Banaras Hindu University Act, Banaras Hindu University is India's first central university. BHU celebrated its centenary year in 2015–2016.

04 February - Rosa Parks birth anniversary

 

Rosa Parks ( 04 February 1913 – 24 October 2005) was an African American civil rights activist best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a key event in the American civil rights movement.

On 01 December 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, as was required by the city's segregation laws. Her arrest led to widespread protests and, eventually, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a coordinated effort by the African American community to boycott the city's buses in protest against segregation.

The boycott, which lasted for more than a year, ended with a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. Rosa Parks' act of civil disobedience and her steadfast commitment to justice made her an iconic figure in the struggle for civil rights.

Rosa Parks continued her activism throughout her life, working with the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and contributing to the broader civil rights movement. Her legacy extends beyond the Montgomery Bus Boycott, symbolizing the courage and determination of individuals in the fight against racial segregation and injustice.

04 February - American Revolutionary War

 

The American Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, was a conflict that occurred between 19 April 1775 and 03 September 1783 between Great Britain and thirteen of its North American colonies, which had declared themselves the independent United States of America.

Here is a brief overview of key events during the American Revolutionary War:

1. Background:

   • Tensions had been building between the American colonies and British authorities over issues such as taxation without representation and perceived violations of colonial rights.

2. First Continental Congress (1774):

   • Delegates from the colonies convened in Philadelphia to address grievances and coordinate a response to British policies.

3. Lexington and Concord (April 1775):

   • The first military engagements occurred in Massachusetts, marking the beginning of open hostilities between the colonists and British forces.

4. Second Continental Congress (1775):

   • The Congress assumed control of the war effort and appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.

5. Declaration of Independence (1776):

   • The Second Continental Congress declared the thirteen colonies independent from British rule with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

6. Military Campaigns:

   • The war involved various theaters, including battles in the Thirteen Colonies, Canada, and the Southern states. Major battles included Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

7. Treaty of Paris (1783):

   • The conflict officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, recognizing the independence of the United States and establishing new boundaries.

8. Legacy:

   • The American Revolutionary War had a profound impact on shaping the ideals of democracy and influencing revolutions worldwide. The United States emerged as a new, independent nation.

Key figures in the war included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and other Founding Fathers. The principles articulated in documents like the Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for the formation of the United States and its system of government.

 

04 February - Hendrik Lorentz death anniversary

 

Hendrik Lorentz (July 18, 1853 – 04 February 1928) was a Dutch physicist who made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics. He is particularly known for his work on the theory of electromagnetism and the development of the electron theory.

Lorentz was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1902, jointly with Pieter Zeeman, for their independent discovery of the Zeeman effect, which demonstrated the splitting of spectral lines in a magnetic field. This discovery provided important evidence for the theory of electromagnetic radiation.

Lorentz also played a crucial role in the development of the electron theory, formulating what is now known as the Lorentz force equation. Additionally, he made significant contributions to the understanding of the behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular levels.

His work laid the foundation for Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. Lorentz and Einstein corresponded and had discussions about their ideas, and Lorentz's work influenced the development of Einstein's special theory of relativity.

Hendrik Lorentz's contributions to physics had a lasting impact on the field and helped shape our understanding of fundamental physical principles.

04 February - The Chauri Chaura incident happened during the freedom movement of India

 

The Chauri Chaura incident was a significant event in the Indian independence movement that took place on February 4, 1922, in the town of Chauri Chaura in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It had a profound impact on the nonviolent approach advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.

During the ongoing Non-Cooperation Movement led by Gandhi, protesters gathered in Chauri Chaura to participate in a demonstration against the colonial British government. The demonstration turned violent, leading to clashes between the police and the protesters. In the course of the confrontation, a police station was set on fire by the demonstrators, resulting in the death of several police officers.

In response to the violence, Mahatma Gandhi, who had been advocating nonviolence as a means of achieving independence, was deeply troubled. He felt that the movement had lost its nonviolent character, and in a drastic decision, he called off the Non-Cooperation Movement on February 12, 1922.

Gandhi's decision to suspend the movement was met with mixed reactions, but he emphasized the importance of nonviolent resistance and the need for discipline within the independence movement. The Chauri Chaura incident and the subsequent suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement marked a critical moment in India's struggle for independence, prompting a reevaluation of strategies and methods within the broader movement.

 

04 February - Concepción Arenal death anniversary

 

Concepción Arenal (born María Concepción Jacinta Catalina Arenal Ponte on 31 January 1820 – died 04 February 1893) was a Spanish feminist, social activist, and writer. She is considered one of the most important figures in Spanish feminism and social reform during the 19th century.

Concepción Arenal dedicated her life to advocating for social justice and women's rights. She focused on issues such as prison reform, education, and the rights of women and the poor. Arenal was the first woman in Spain to attend university, although she was not officially enrolled, and she faced many challenges in pursuing her education.

Her notable works include "La beneficencia, la filantropía y la caridad" (Philanthropy, Charity, and Beneficence), in which she addressed issues related to social welfare and charitable work.

Concepción Arenal's contributions to feminist thought and social reform have left a lasting impact on Spain, and she is remembered as a pioneering figure in the fight for equality and justice.

 

04 February - Josef Kajetán Tyl birth anniversary

 

Josef Kajetán Tyl ( 04 February  1808 – 11 July 1856) was a Czech playwright, poet, and actor, best known for writing the lyrics to the Czech national anthem and for his contributions to Czech theater. He played a significant role in the Czech National Revival, which aimed to revive and promote Czech culture and identity.

Tyl's most famous work is the libretto for the opera "Fidlovačka, aneb Žádný hněv a žádná rvačka" (The Brandenburgers in Bohemia), composed by Bedřich Smetana. Additionally, he wrote the lyrics to the Czech national anthem, "Kde domov můj?" ("Where is My Home?").

Josef Kajetán Tyl was not only a prolific writer but also an influential figure in the cultural and political landscape of the Czech National Revival during the 19th century. His contributions played a crucial role in fostering a sense of national identity among the Czech people.

 

04 February - Birju maharaj birth anniversary

Birju Maharaj, whose full name is Brijmohan Mishra, is a renowned Indian classical dancer and one of the leading exponents of the Kathak dance form. He was born on 04 February 1938, in Varanasi, India. Birju Maharaj comes from a distinguished family of Kathak dancers, and he has played a crucial role in popularizing and preserving the traditional dance form.

Birju Maharaj has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of dance, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Padma Vibhushan (the second-highest civilian award in India), and the Kalidas Samman, among others. He has also been actively involved in teaching and has trained several students in the art of Kathak.

His performances are celebrated for their grace, precision, and the ability to express intricate emotions through the rhythmic movements of Kathak. Birju Maharaj is considered a living legend and a cultural icon in the field of classical Indian dance.

He died from a heart attack at his residence in Delhi, on 16 January 2022, less than a month before his 84th birthday.

04 February - International Day of Human Fraternity

 

The International Day of Human Fraternity is observed on February 4th each year. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020 to promote the principles of human fraternity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among individuals and communities.

The date, February 4th, was chosen to coincide with the visit of Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to the United Arab Emirates on February 4, 2019, where they signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. This document emphasizes the importance of promoting a culture of mutual respect and dialogue among people of different faiths and cultures.

04 February - Independence Day Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

 

Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence Day on February 4th. On this day in 1948, Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) gained independence from British rule. The country marks this occasion with various events and celebrations, including a flag-hoisting ceremony, cultural performances, and parades.

04 February - Angola Liberation Day

 

Angola Liberation Day is celebrated on February 4th. It commemorates the day in 1961 when the armed struggle for independence against Portuguese colonial rule began in Angola. The war for independence lasted until 1975, and Angola finally gained its independence on November 11, 1975.