06 May - Dr. Rajendra Prasad was re-elected as the President of India for a second term

 

On 06 May 1957, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was re-elected as the President of India for a second term. This re-election marked a significant moment in Indian political history, as Dr. Prasad became the first President of India to serve two consecutive terms in office.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a key figure in India's struggle for independence and played a crucial role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. He was elected as the first President of independent India when the country adopted its republican constitution on 26 January 1950.

During his presidency, Dr. Rajendra Prasad worked to strengthen the democratic institutions of India and promote unity among its diverse population. His re-election for a second term was a testament to the respect and admiration he commanded from both the political establishment and the Indian people.

Throughout his tenure as President, Dr. Prasad remained dedicated to upholding the principles of democracy, secularism, and social justice. His leadership and statesmanship continue to inspire generations of Indians.

 

06 May - The Two Pence Blue valid from 6 May 1840

 

The Two Pence Blue is the world's second official postage stamp, produced in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and issued after the Penny Black.

Officially the stamps were valid for postage from 6 May 1840, but were only available from 8 May 1840. It was first sold to the public at the London Inland revenue office on 6 May 1840. Except for its denomination, the design is exactly the same as the Penny Black and was struck from the same die.

The Penny Black allowed a letter weighing up to half an ounce to be sent anywhere within Britain; the Two Penny Blue's weight limit was a full ounce.

06 May - Sigmund Freud birth anniversary

 Sigmund Freud, born on 6 May 1856, was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst.

Sigmund Freud, often hailed as the father of psychoanalysis, revolutionized the understanding of the human mind. Born in 1856 in Austria, Freud developed theories that delved into the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and the role of sexuality in shaping human behavior. His work laid the foundation for modern psychology and influenced fields like psychiatry, literature, and art.

Freud introduced concepts such as the id, ego, and superego, which represent different aspects of the psyche, and the idea of defense mechanisms to cope with anxiety. His exploration of the unconscious mind revealed the significance of dreams and slips of the tongue (Freudian slips) in understanding underlying desires and conflicts.

Despite controversies and criticisms, Freud's impact on psychology remains profound, with his ideas continuing to inspire debate and research in the field.

06 May - German airship Hindenburg exploded in flames at Lakehurst

 

Hindenburg Disaster Ended the Age of Zeppelins

On 6 May 1937, German airship Hindenburg exploded in flames at Lakehurst, New Jersey, killed 35 of the 97 on board and 1 on the ground.

The Hindenburg disaster occurred during its attempt to land at the Naval Air Station Lakehurst. As the airship approached the landing mast, it suddenly caught fire, leading to a rapid and catastrophic blaze. Investigations pointed to a combination of factors, including the highly flammable hydrogen used to lift the airship, a spark, and the outer cover material, which was also flammable. The incident led to significant changes in airship design and regulations, effectively ending the era of hydrogen-filled passenger airships.

06 May - George V became King of the United Kingdom in 1910

 

George V, born George Frederick Ernest Albert, ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Edward VII, on May 6, 1910. His reign lasted until his death on January 20, 1936. George V was the second son of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. He was not initially expected to become king, as his older brother, Albert Victor, was first in line to the throne. However, Albert Victor's death in 1892 led George to assume the role of heir apparent. During his reign, George V saw significant political and social changes, including World War I and the decline of the British Empire. He played a key role in representing the monarchy during these turbulent times, earning him the respect of his people.

06 May - The first day of Hıdırellez (Turkey)

 

Hıdırellez is a traditional celebration observed in Turkey, as well as in some other countries with Turkic and Islamic cultural influences. It's celebrated on May 6th each year, marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new season of growth and renewal.

The origins of Hıdırellez are rooted in both Islamic and pre-Islamic traditions, blending elements of folklore, mythology, and religious beliefs. The day is named after Hızır (also known as Khidr), a legendary figure in Islamic tradition who is associated with wisdom, guidance, and the renewal of life. According to folklore, Hızır is believed to appear on earth during the night of May 5th to May 6th, bringing blessings, fertility, and good fortune.

Hıdırellez is celebrated with various customs and rituals, which may vary depending on the region. Common traditions include outdoor gatherings, picnics, dancing, singing, and making wishes for prosperity and happiness. People may also engage in rituals believed to bring good luck, such as jumping over bonfires, tying colorful ribbons to trees, and releasing lanterns into the sky.

Throughout Turkey, Hıdırellez is celebrated as a joyful occasion that brings communities together to welcome the arrival of spring and to celebrate the abundance of nature. It's a time of hope, optimism, and renewal, as people look forward to the warmer months ahead and the promise of new beginnings.

 

06 May - Great Lakes Awareness Day (USA)

 

Great Lakes Awareness Day is indeed observed annually in the United States, typically on the first Thursday of May. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of the Great Lakes, the challenges they face, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these valuable freshwater resources.

The Great Lakes, comprising Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area, holding about 21% of the world's surface freshwater. They provide drinking water for millions of people, support diverse ecosystems, and contribute to various industries, including shipping, tourism, and fishing.

Great Lakes Awareness Day serves as an opportunity for communities, organizations, and policymakers to come together to discuss issues impacting the Great Lakes, such as pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, and water quality concerns. It's also a time to celebrate the beauty and importance of the Great Lakes and to promote stewardship and conservation efforts to ensure their long-term health and sustainability.

Throughout the day, various events, educational programs, clean-up activities, and advocacy initiatives may take place across the Great Lakes region to engage the public and highlight the importance of protecting these valuable natural resources for current and future generations.

 

06 May - National Nurses Day (USA)

 

National Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 6th in the United States. It marks the beginning of National Nurses Week, which ends on May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing.

National Nurses Day is a day to recognize and appreciate the vital role that nurses play in healthcare. Nurses are at the forefront of patient care, providing compassion, expertise, and support to individuals and families during times of illness, injury, and vulnerability.

On National Nurses Day, healthcare organizations, communities, and individuals may honor nurses through various activities such as appreciation events, awards ceremonies, educational programs, and social media tributes. It's an opportunity to express gratitude for the dedication, skill, and compassion that nurses demonstrate in their work every day.

Especially in recent years, with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, National Nurses Day takes on even greater significance as a time to recognize the tireless efforts and sacrifices of nurses who have been on the front lines of caring for patients and combating the spread of the virus.

 

06 May - National Beverage Day (USA)

 

06 May is celebrated as National Beverage Day in the United States. It's a day to celebrate all types of beverages, from soft drinks to juices, teas, coffees, and everything in between. Beverages play an integral role in our daily lives, providing refreshment, hydration, and enjoyment.

On National Beverage Day, people may choose to indulge in their favorite drinks, try new beverages, or even experiment with homemade concoctions. It's also an opportunity for beverage companies to promote their products and for restaurants and cafes to offer special deals or promotions on drinks.

In addition to celebrating the diverse array of beverages available, National Beverage Day can also serve as a reminder to stay hydrated and make healthy beverage choices. Whether it's enjoying a refreshing glass of water, sipping on a fruit smoothie, or treating yourself to a specialty coffee, National Beverage Day is a day to raise a glass and toast to the wide world of beverages.

 

06 May - Victor Grignard, birth anniversary

 

Victor Grignard was a French chemist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1912 for his discovery of the Grignard reaction. Born on May 6, 1871, in Cherbourg, France, Grignard made significant contributions to organic chemistry during his career.

The Grignard reaction, which he discovered in 1900 while working on his doctoral thesis, involves the addition of an organomagnesium compound (now known as a Grignard reagent) to a carbonyl compound, such as an aldehyde or ketone, to form a new carbon-carbon bond. This reaction opened up new possibilities for the synthesis of organic compounds and has since become one of the most widely used methods in organic chemistry.

Grignard's discovery had a profound impact on the field of organic synthesis, enabling chemists to synthesize a wide range of complex molecules more efficiently. His work laid the foundation for further advances in organic chemistry and has had a lasting influence on the field.

In recognition of his groundbreaking research, Victor Grignard was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1912, jointly with fellow French chemist Paul Sabatier. Grignard continued to make important contributions to chemistry throughout his career, and he is remembered as one of the pioneering figures in the field of organic synthesis.

 

06 May - Mulready stationery valid for use from 6 May 1840

 

Mulready stationery refers to the postal stationery letter sheets and envelopes that were introduced as part of the postal reforms in Britain in 1840. These reforms were spearheaded by Rowland Hill, and they aimed to simplify the postal system and make it more affordable and efficient.

The Mulready stationery was named after the artist who designed them, William Mulready. The designs featured intricate and elaborate vignettes, showcasing scenes of Britannia, postmen, and various allegorical figures. However, the designs were not universally well-received, and they faced criticism for being overly ornate and impractical.

Mulready stationery went on sale to the public on May 1, 1840, and they became valid for use on May 6, 1840. Despite their initial controversy, they became an important part of postal history and are now highly collectible items among philatelists and postal history enthusiasts.

06 May - Velayudhan Chempakaraman Thampi birth anniversary

 

Velayudhan Chempakaraman Thampi, born on 6 May 1765, was the Dalawa or Prime Minister of the Indian kingdom of Travancore between 1802 and 1809 during the reign of Bala Rama Varma Kulasekhara Perumal. He is best known for being one of the earliest individuals to rebel against the British East India Company's supremacy in India.

06 May - The Eiffel Tower was officially opened to the public

 

On May 6, 1889, the Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, was officially opened to the public during the Universal Exposition (World's Fair) held in Paris. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was constructed as the entrance arch for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

At the time of its completion, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at 300 meters (984 feet). While initially met with some controversy and criticism from artists and intellectuals, it quickly became a symbol of France and an enduring icon of Paris.

Today, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, drawing millions of visitors annually who come to admire its architectural beauty, panoramic views of the city, and its cultural significance. It has also served various practical purposes over the years, including as a radio transmission tower and a platform for scientific experiments.

06 May - Channel Tunnel opened in 1994

The Channel Tunnel, linking England and France, was officially opened on 6 May 1994, nearly 200 years after the idea was first suggested. There were many misgivings, the sea having protected for centuries what Shakespeare described as “this precious stone set in the silver sea . . . this fortress built by Nature for herself against infection and the hand of war”.

But the demands of modern commerce prevailed and the completed tunnel – stretching 31.4 miles under the sea – was hailed as one of the “seven wonders of the modern world" by the American Society of Civil Engineers. They rated it alongside the Empire State Building, the Itaipu Dam in South America, the CN Tower in Toronto, the Panama Canal, the North Sea protection works in the Netherlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

It took six years to build at a cost of £4.65 billion – £12 billion ($17 billion) in today’s money. There is no facility for vehicles to be driven through – everything and everybody goes by train. Up to 400 of them pass through the tunnel each day, carrying an average of 50,000 passengers, 6,000 cars, 180 coaches and 54,000 tonnes of freight on the 35-minute journey.

It is a far cry from the proposals in 1802 of French engineer Albert Mathieu, the first person to suggest a tunnel between the two countries. His plans included an artificial island halfway across, so that horses pulling the wagons through could be changed. Later proposals for a tunnel came from Napoleon III in 1856, and the English prime ministers William Gladstone in 1865 and David Lloyd George in 1919.

All would have been astonished by the engineering technology employed in the modern-day project. The average depth of the tunnel is 50 metres below the seabed, and the lowest point 75 metres below. To accomplish the task, 11 boring machines were used, each as long as two football pitches. They weighed a total of 12,000 tonnes, which is more than the Eiffel Tower. One of the machines remains buried under the sea while another, amazingly, was sold on eBay in 2004 for £40,000 ($57,000).