27 April - Ulysses S. Grant birth anniversary

 

Ulysses S. Grant, born on 27 April 1823, was an American soldier, politician, and international statesman, who served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. During the American Civil War Grant led the Union Army as its commanding general to victory over the Confederacy with the supervision of President Abraham Lincoln. During the Reconstruction Era, President Grant led the Republicans in their efforts to remove the vestiges of Confederate nationalism, racism, and slavery.

27 April - Telegraph service was opened to the public

 

On 27 April 1854, the telegraph service was opened to the public and the first telegram was sent from Mumbai to Pune.

Popularly known as ‘Taar’, the telegram service in India was seen as the harbinger of change. For 160 years, the service was both anticipated and feared; bringing good and bad, but urgent news to Indians.

Telegraph services in India date back to 1850. The first telegraph line, though only experimental was established between Calcutta and Diamond Harbour.

The British East India Company started using the telegraph in 1851 and till 1854 telegraph lines were laid across the country.

In 1854, the telegraph service was opened to the public and the first telegram was sent from Mumbai to Pune on 27 April 1854.

Telegraph service thrived in India even after Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone in 1876.

Since 1850 till 1902, the telegrams were sent through cable lines, but in 1902, the Indian system went wireless.

Telegraph service was one of the major reasons why British could quell the 1857 revolt. The telegraph service allowed British to mobilise their troops swiftly which undid the plans of the rebellions

27 April - Ruth Handler death anniversary

 

Ruth Handler was born on 04 November 1916, and she passed away on 27 April 2002. She was an American businesswoman, best known as the creator of the Barbie doll. She co-founded Mattel, Inc. with her husband, Elliot Handler, in 1945. Barbie was introduced to the world in 1959, and it quickly became one of the most iconic toys globally, revolutionizing the toy industry. Handler noticed that her daughter, Barbara, often played with paper dolls that represented adult women, and she saw the potential for a three-dimensional adult-bodied doll. Barbie's success made Ruth Handler one of the most influential figures in the toy industry.

27 April - Flag Day (Moldova)

 

Flag Day in Moldova, known as "Ziua Drapelului" in Romanian, is celebrated on April 27th each year. This day commemorates the national flag of Moldova and its significance as a symbol of the country's identity, unity, and sovereignty.

The flag of Moldova consists of three horizontal stripes of blue, yellow, and red, with the blue stripe on top representing the sky, the yellow stripe symbolizing the country's fertile soil, and the red stripe representing the blood shed by Moldovan martyrs for independence and freedom.

On Flag Day, various events and ceremonies are held across Moldova to honor the national flag. These may include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, exhibitions, and educational activities about the history and symbolism of the flag.

Flag Day is an opportunity for Moldovans to express their patriotism and pride in their national identity. It serves to reinforce the importance of the flag as a unifying symbol that represents the values and aspirations of the Moldovan people.

 

27 April - National Veterans' Day (Finland)

 

National Veterans' Day in Finland, also known as "Veteraanien Päivä" in Finnish, is observed on April 27th every year. This day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the veterans of the Finnish Defense Forces and paying tribute to their service and sacrifices.

National Veterans' Day holds particular significance in Finland due to the country's history of military conflicts and the contributions of its veterans in defending the nation's independence and sovereignty. The day is marked by various commemorative events, ceremonies, and gatherings across the country, where veterans are recognized and honored for their bravery, dedication, and resilience.

Finnish veterans include those who served in wars such as the Winter War (1939-1940), the Continuation War (1941-1944), and the Lapland War (1944-1945), as well as in peacekeeping missions and operations around the world.

National Veterans' Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of past sacrifices and ensuring that the contributions of veterans are never forgotten. It is also an opportunity for the Finnish people to express their gratitude and respect for those who have served their country.

 

27 April – Grant’s Tomb is dedicated in 1897

 

Grant's Tomb, officially known as the General Grant National Memorial, was indeed dedicated on April 27, 1897. Located in Riverside Park in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, it serves as the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, and his wife, Julia Dent Grant.

The tomb was built to honor Grant's legacy as a Civil War general and his service as president. It is the largest mausoleum in North America. The dedication ceremony was attended by thousands of people, including President William McKinley, members of Grant's family, and various dignitaries.

Grant's Tomb has since become a significant historical and cultural landmark in New York City, attracting visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects to one of America's most prominent military and political figures.

 ( USA Advertising stamp: 1930s New York City: Grant's Tomb, Riverside Dr )

27 April - The British Parliament passes the Tea Act in1773

 

The Tea Act of 1773 was indeed a significant piece of legislation passed by the British Parliament on May 10, 1773. It was designed to address the financial struggles of the British East India Company, which was facing financial difficulties due to a surplus of tea in its warehouses.

The Tea Act allowed the East India Company to bypass colonial tea merchants and sell its surplus tea directly to the American colonies, thereby eliminating the middlemen and reducing the price of tea for the colonists. However, the act also maintained the existing taxes on tea, which had been imposed by the Townshend Acts of 1767.

Despite the lower price of tea, many colonists opposed the Tea Act because it was seen as a violation of their rights to representation and self-governance. They believed that by allowing the British East India Company to monopolize the tea trade, the British government was exerting undue control over the colonies' economy.

The Tea Act ultimately led to the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773, when a group of colonists, disguised as Native Americans, boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped chests of tea into the water in protest against the Tea Act and British taxation without representation.

The British government responded to the Boston Tea Party with harsh measures, including the passage of the Coercive Acts (known as the Intolerable Acts in the colonies), which further escalated tensions between Britain and its American colonies, eventually leading to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.

 

27 April - Sierra Leone Independence Day

 

Sierra Leone Independence Day is celebrated on April 27th. On this day in 1961, Sierra Leone gained independence from British colonial rule. After years of struggle and activism led by prominent figures such as Sir Milton Margai and others, Sierra Leone became a sovereign nation.

Independence Day in Sierra Leone is a significant national holiday marked by various ceremonies, events, and celebrations across the country. These may include parades, cultural performances, speeches by political leaders, flag-raising ceremonies, and community gatherings.

The day serves as an opportunity for Sierra Leoneans to reflect on their nation's history, honor the sacrifices made by their forebears in the fight for independence, and celebrate the progress and achievements made since gaining independence. It is also a time to reaffirm national unity, pride, and commitment to the development and prosperity of Sierra Leone.

 

27 April - Togo Independence Day

 

April 27th is indeed celebrated as Independence Day in Togo. On this day in 1960, Togo gained independence from French colonial rule. After years of struggle and resistance against colonial domination, Togo became a sovereign nation, marking a significant milestone in its history.

Independence Day in Togo is celebrated with various festivities, including parades, cultural events, music, dance, and traditional ceremonies. It is a time for Togolese people to reflect on their nation's history, achievements, and challenges, as well as to honor the sacrifices made by their ancestors in the fight for independence.

Throughout the country, flags are flown, and public buildings and streets are decorated in the national colors of green, yellow, and red. The day is also marked by speeches from political leaders, cultural performances, and community gatherings. Independence Day in Togo is a time of national pride and unity, as well as an opportunity to reaffirm the country's commitment to progress, development, and democracy.

 

27 April - King’s Day (Koningsdag) in the Netherlands

 

King's Day, known as Koningsdag in Dutch, is a national holiday in the Netherlands celebrated on April 27th. It marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, who ascended to the throne on April 30, 2013, following the abdication of his mother, Queen Beatrix.

Koningsdag is one of the most widely celebrated and anticipated events in the Netherlands, characterized by vibrant festivities, colorful street markets, live music, parades, and traditional Dutch culture. People across the country dress in orange, the national color, to honor the Dutch royal family, who belong to the House of Orange-Nassau.

The celebrations typically begin on the evening of April 26th, known as Koningsnacht (King's Night), with concerts, parties, and other events taking place throughout the night. On Koningsdag itself, cities and towns come alive with outdoor flea markets (vrijmarkt), where people sell second-hand goods, food, and drinks on the streets. There are also various cultural and sporting activities, as well as boat parades in Amsterdam and other waterways.

Koningsdag is not only a day of national pride and celebration but also an opportunity for people to come together, socialize, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It reflects the Dutch spirit of unity, diversity, and community.

 

27 April - South Africa Freedom Day

 

South Africa Freedom Day is celebrated annually on April 27th. It commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa on April 27, 1994, which marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of freedom and democracy in the country.

After decades of racial segregation, oppression, and resistance, the apartheid regime was dismantled, and Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid leader, was elected as the first black president of South Africa. The historic elections of 1994 were a milestone in the country's history, symbolizing the triumph of democracy over discrimination and the beginning of a journey towards reconciliation and nation-building.

Freedom Day is a national holiday in South Africa, observed with various ceremonies, events, and celebrations across the country. It serves as a time for reflection on the progress made since the end of apartheid, as well as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous society for all South Africans.

 

27 April - World Tapir Day

 

World Tapir Day is observed on April 27th every year. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about tapirs, their conservation status, and the threats they face in the wild. Tapirs are large, herbivorous mammals found in Central and South America, as well as in parts of Southeast Asia. They are often referred to as "living fossils" due to their ancient lineage and unique appearance.

World Tapir Day aims to educate the public about the importance of protecting tapir species and their habitats. Activities on this day may include educational programs, conservation initiatives, fundraising events for tapir-related projects, and social media campaigns to spread awareness.

The day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard tapirs and their ecosystems from threats such as habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting, and illegal wildlife trade. By celebrating World Tapir Day, organizations and individuals contribute to the preservation of these fascinating and ecologically important animals.

 

27 April - Treaty of Utrecht

 

The Treaty of Utrecht was a series of agreements signed between various European powers between April 11 and July 13, 1713, in the Dutch city of Utrecht. These agreements marked the end of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), a conflict primarily fought over the succession to the Spanish throne after the death of the last Spanish Habsburg monarch, Charles II.

The treaty had several key provisions:

1. Spanish Succession: The treaty recognized Philip V, the grandson of King Louis XIV of France, as the legitimate king of Spain. However, it stipulated that the French and Spanish crowns should remain separate to prevent the union of the two powerful kingdoms.

2. Territorial Adjustments: The treaty resulted in significant territorial changes in Europe and overseas. Spain ceded territories including Naples, Milan, Sardinia, Sicily, and the Spanish Netherlands (modern Belgium) to various powers such as Austria, Savoy, and the Dutch Republic. Gibraltar and Minorca were ceded to Britain.

3. Trade and Commerce: The treaty established favorable commercial arrangements for Britain, including access to Spanish territories and the lucrative slave trade with the Spanish colonies in the Americas.

4. Recognition of Sovereignty: The treaty recognized the sovereignty of various states, including the Dutch Republic and the Protestant succession in England, effectively ending the ambitions of Louis XIV to expand his territory and influence in Europe.

The Treaty of Utrecht is considered a significant diplomatic milestone in European history as it helped establish a balance of power and brought an end to decades of conflict. It also laid the groundwork for the rise of Britain as a major global power in the 18th century. However, it also sowed the seeds for future conflicts, particularly regarding the ongoing rivalry between Britain and France.

 

27 April - Zohra Segal birth anniversary

 

Zohra Sehgal was a legendary Indian actress and dancer who was born on 27 April 1912, in Saharanpur, British India (now in Uttar Pradesh, India), and she passed away on 10 July 2014. She had an illustrious career spanning over seven decades in both Indian and British cinema and theater.

Zohra Sehgal began her career as a dancer with the Uday Shankar Ballet Troupe and later transitioned to acting. She appeared in numerous Indian films, including classics like "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam," "Bhaji on the Beach," "Dil Se..," and "Cheeni Kum." She also gained international recognition for her roles in films such as "Bend It Like Beckham" and "The Mystic Masseur."

Apart from her film career, Sehgal was also actively involved in theater and television. Her vibrant personality and versatile acting skills earned her widespread admiration and accolades throughout her career. Zohra Sehgal's contributions to Indian cinema and culture have left an indelible mark, and she is remembered as one of the pioneering figures in the industry.