16 April - National Orchid Day USA

 

National Orchid Day in the USA falls on April 16th each year, celebrating the beauty and diversity of orchids. Orchids are one of the largest families of flowering plants, with over 25,000 species found in almost every habitat around the world. They come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes, captivating orchid enthusiasts and botanists alike.

National Orchid Day provides an opportunity for orchid lovers to showcase their favorite blooms, share knowledge about orchid care and cultivation, and raise awareness about the importance of orchid conservation. Many botanical gardens, orchid societies, and nurseries may host special events, workshops, or exhibitions on this day to celebrate these remarkable flowers and promote their conservation.

16 April - The Great Indian Peninsula Railway opened in 1853

 

 On 16 April 1853, The Great Indian Peninsula Railway opened the first passenger rail in India, from Bori Bunder to Thane. It had 14 bogies and 400 people traveled. This is the First train of Asia also. It was operated by three locomotives, named Sahib, Sultan and Sindh.

The first passenger train in India ran between Bombay (Bori Bunder) and Thane on 16 April 1853. The 14-carriage train was hauled by three steam locomotives – Sahib, Sindh and Sultan; it carried 400 people and ran on a line of 34 kilometres (21 mi) built and operated by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway. This line was built in 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge, which became the standard for railways in the country. In May 1854, the Bombay–Thane line was extended to Kalyan by India's first railway bridges, the Thane viaducts, over Thane Creek.

16 April - Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma was born in 1813

 

Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, born on 16 April 1813, was the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Travancore. He is also considered as a brilliant music composer and is credited with over 400 classical compositions in both Carnatic and Hindustani style.

16 April - Wilbur Wright was born in 1867

 

The Wright brothers, Wilbur Wright, born on 16 April 1867 and Orville, were two American aviation pioneers generally credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful airplane. They made the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft with the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903, four miles south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In 1904–05, the brothers developed their flying machine into the first practical fixed-wing aircraft, the Wright Flyer III. Although not the first to build experimental aircraft, the Wright brothers were the first to invent aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible

16 April - Save The Elephant Day

 

Save The Elephant Day is an annual event observed on April 16th, dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of elephants and the importance of their conservation. Elephants face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching for their ivory tusks, human-wildlife conflict, and captivity. This day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats to ensure their survival for future generations. It also encourages people to take action by supporting conservation efforts, advocating for stronger protection laws, and spreading awareness about the issues facing elephants.

 

16 April - Madame Tussaud death anniversary

 

Madame Tussaud, whose full name was Marie Tussaud, was born on 01 December 1761, in Strasbourg, France. She died on 16 April 1850, in London, England. Madame Tussaud was a pioneering wax sculptor known for her incredibly lifelike wax figures. She gained fame during the French Revolution for her wax models of prominent figures, including royalty and political leaders. In 1835, she established her first permanent wax museum in London, which laid the foundation for the famous Madame Tussauds museums found in various cities worldwide today. Madame Tussaud's legacy continues to live on through her innovative artistry and the enduring popularity of her wax museums.

16 April - World Voice Day

 

World Voice Day is indeed celebrated annually on April 16th. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the voice and vocal health. The human voice is an incredible instrument, vital for communication, expression, and connection. World Voice Day aims to highlight the significance of vocal health and hygiene, as well as the prevention and treatment of voice disorders.

On World Voice Day, various events and activities may take place around the world, including workshops, seminars, concerts, and screenings related to vocal health and care. Professionals such as speech therapists, vocal coaches, singers, actors, and healthcare providers often participate in initiatives to educate the public about maintaining a healthy voice and addressing vocal issues.

Whether you're a professional vocalist or simply someone who uses their voice daily, World Voice Day serves as a reminder to appreciate and take care of this essential aspect of human communication and expression.

16 April - The Rolling Stones release their debut album 1964

 

The Rolling Stones released their self-titled debut album, "The Rolling Stones," on April 16, 1964. The album marked the beginning of the legendary career of one of the most influential rock bands in history. It featured a mix of rhythm and blues covers along with original compositions by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

"The Rolling Stones" album included classic tracks such as "Route 66," "Carol," and "I Just Want to Make Love to You." While the album received a mixed reception from critics initially, it was well-received by fans and helped establish The Rolling Stones as a major force in the burgeoning rock and roll scene of the 1960s.

Over the years, "The Rolling Stones" has come to be regarded as a seminal work in the band's discography, capturing the raw energy and attitude that would become their trademark. It set the stage for the countless albums and iconic performances that would follow, solidifying The Rolling Stones' status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

 

16 April - Harriet Quimby becomes the first woman to fly an airplane across the English Channel in 1912

 

On 16 April 1912, Harriet Quimby, an American aviator, accomplished the historic feat of becoming the first woman to fly an airplane across the English Channel. Quimby piloted a French-built monoplane, flying from Dover, England, to Hardelot-Plage, France, a distance of about 22 miles (35 kilometers). Her flight took approximately one hour and nine minutes to complete.

Harriet Quimby was already well-known as a pioneering aviator in the United States, having become the first licensed female pilot in the country in 1911. Her successful Channel crossing further solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in aviation history, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated field.

Tragically, Quimby's groundbreaking aviation career was cut short just a few months later when she died in an airplane crash during an aviation exhibition in Massachusetts on 01 July 1912. Despite her untimely death, Harriet Quimby's contributions to aviation continue to be remembered and celebrated, particularly her historic flight across the English Channel.

 

16 April – The Red Army begins the Battle of Berlin in 1945

 

On 16 April 1945, during World War II, the Red Army of the Soviet Union began the Battle of Berlin. This major military operation marked the final phase of the war in Europe and aimed to capture the capital of Nazi Germany. The Battle of Berlin was part of the larger Soviet Berlin Offensive, which commenced on 16 April and lasted until 02 May 1945.

The Soviet forces, under the command of Marshal Georgy Zhukov, launched a massive assault on Berlin, facing fierce resistance from the German defenders. The battle was characterized by intense street fighting, artillery bombardments, and significant casualties on both sides.

The Battle of Berlin ultimately resulted in the surrender of Nazi Germany on 08 May 1945, following the suicide of Adolf Hitler and the unconditional surrender of German forces. The capture of Berlin by the Soviets effectively marked the end of the war in Europe and the collapse of the Third Reich.

 

16 April - Madras Christian College postage stamp released in 1987

 

Madras Christian College (MCC) is a prestigious educational institution located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the oldest and most esteemed colleges in the country, with a history dating back to the 19th century.

The college was founded in 1837 by the Scottish missionary Rev. John Anderson with the support of the East India Company. Originally known as the General Assembly's Institution, it was later renamed Madras Christian College.

Madras Christian College offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including arts, science, commerce, and social work. The college is known for its high academic standards, rigorous teaching, and research-oriented approach to education.

The campus of Madras Christian College is spread over a vast area and provides a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. The college has state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and research centers that cater to the diverse academic interests of its students.

MCC has a rich history of producing many distinguished alumni who have excelled in various fields, including academia, arts, politics, and sports.

The college places a strong emphasis on holistic education and encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, sports, and community service. It promotes a sense of social responsibility and instills values of ethical behavior and empathy among its students.

16 April - Pope Benedict XVI birth anniversary

 

Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on April 16, 1927, served as the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from April 19, 2005, until his resignation on February 28, 2013. He was the first pope to resign since Pope Gregory XII in 1415, and his decision to step down surprised many.

Before his papacy, Benedict XVI had a distinguished career as a theologian and cardinal. He was born in Marktl am Inn, Bavaria, Germany. In 1951, he was ordained as a priest, and he went on to become a professor of theology. He later served as the Archbishop of Munich and Freising, and then as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a position he held for over 20 years.

Benedict XVI's papacy was marked by a focus on doctrinal orthodoxy and a commitment to traditional Catholic teachings. He issued the motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum," which relaxed restrictions on the celebration of the Tridentine Mass. His tenure also included efforts to address issues such as the clergy sex abuse scandal and the relationship between the Catholic Church and other religious traditions.

Citing health reasons and the physical and mental demands of the papal office, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation on February 11, 2013. After his resignation, he took on the title of Pope Emeritus and withdrew from public life. His decision to step down was a significant and rare event in the history of the Catholic Church.

 He died in died 31 December 2022 in Vatican City

16 April - GENARAL ZORAWAR SINGH birth anniversary

 

General Zorawar Singh, also known as Zorawar Singh Kahluria, was a prominent military commander and statesman from the Dogra dynasty of Jammu and Kashmir, which was part of the Sikh Empire. He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and successful military leaders in the history of India.

Zorawar Singh was born on April 16, 1786, in the village of Kahlur (now Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh) in present-day India. He initially served in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, and later became a commander in his own right.

Under the leadership of Zorawar Singh, the Dogra forces embarked on a series of military campaigns and conquests in the mountainous regions of Ladakh, Baltistan, and beyond. He led several successful expeditions, expanding the territories of the Sikh Empire and establishing its influence in the Himalayan regions.

One of Zorawar Singh's notable achievements was the conquest of Ladakh. He led multiple campaigns between 1834 and 1841, capturing key forts and territories in the region and integrating Ladakh into the Sikh Empire. His military tactics and strategic planning were instrumental in these victories.

Zorawar Singh also conducted campaigns in other regions, including Baltistan and Tibet. He attempted to extend Sikh control further into Tibet but faced resistance and ultimately lost his life in the Battle of Khurnak Fort in 1841.He passed away on 12 December 1841

General Zorawar Singh is remembered as a brilliant military strategist and a courageous commander. His military campaigns demonstrated his exceptional leadership skills and his ability to adapt to challenging terrains. He left a significant impact on the history of the Sikh Empire and the regions he conquered.

Today, Zorawar Singh is revered as a hero in the regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. Monuments, memorials, and statues have been erected in his honor, and his legacy continues to be celebrated as a symbol of bravery, leadership, and territorial expansion in the Indian subcontinent.

 

16 April - Kandukuri Veeresalingam birth anniversary

 

 Kandukuri Veeresalingam, born on 16 April 1848, was a social reformer and writer of Madras Presidency, British India. He is considered as the father of renaissance movement in Telugu. He was one of the early social reformers who encouraged women education, remarriage of widows which was not supported by the society during his time and fought against dowry system. He also started a school in Dowlaiswaram in 1874. He constructed a temple as 'Brahmo Mandir' in 1887 and the 'Hithakarini School' in 1908 in Andhra Pradesh. His novel Rajasekhara Charitramu is considered to be the first novel in Telugu literature.