11 May - The World Migratory Bird Day

 

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual event celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of migratory birds and their conservation. It aims to highlight the ecological significance of migratory birds, promote their conservation, and emphasize the need for international cooperation to protect their habitats.

WMBD was first initiated in 2006 by the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). Since then, it has been celebrated on the second Saturday of May and October each year.

The day serves as a platform for various activities, events, and campaigns organized by governments, conservation organizations, birdwatchers, and individuals worldwide. These initiatives include birdwatching tours, educational programs, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and community events focused on migratory birds.

WMBD aims to raise awareness about the threats faced by migratory birds, such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, hunting, and illegal trade. It emphasizes the need for international collaboration to conserve and protect the critical habitats that migratory birds depend on during their annual journeys.

By celebrating World Migratory Bird Day, people are encouraged to appreciate the beauty and diversity of migratory bird species, learn about their incredible long-distance journeys, and contribute to their conservation efforts. It also helps promote the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems that support the survival of these birds and the many other species that depend on them.

Overall, World Migratory Bird Day plays a crucial role in fostering global awareness and engagement in the conservation of migratory birds, promoting international collaboration, and inspiring people to take action to protect these remarkable avian travelers

11 May - Marriage treaty of Charles II and Catherine from Portugal, placed Bombay in the possession of the British Empire

 

As part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry to Charles II of England, Bombay (now Mumbai) was indeed transferred to the possession of the British Empire. This marriage treaty was signed on May 11, 1661, and Bombay became a key strategic port for the British in India, eventually playing a significant role in the development of British colonial rule on the subcontinent.

The marriage treaty between Charles II of England and Catherine of Braganza, daughter of King John IV of Portugal, was signed as part of an alliance between England and Portugal against Spain. Catherine's dowry included several valuable territories and possessions, one of the most significant being the transfer of the island of Bombay to the British East India Company.

Bombay, a group of islands on the west coast of India, was a strategic location for trade and naval purposes. Its acquisition provided the British with a foothold in the Indian subcontinent, laying the foundation for their expanding influence in the region.

However, it's worth noting that the transfer of Bombay to the British was not immediate. The Portuguese continued to administer the territory until 1665 when they formally handed over control to the English. From then on, Bombay became a crucial center for British trade and administration in India, eventually growing into one of the most important cities in the British Empire.

11 May - Jiddu Krishnamurti birth anniversary

 

Jiddu Krishnamurti was born on 11 May 1895, in Madanapalle, a town in the present-day state of Andhra Pradesh, India. He passed away on 17 February 1986, in Ojai, California, USA.

Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986) was a philosopher, spiritual teacher, and speaker who gained international recognition for his teachings on various subjects, including the nature of the mind, consciousness, human relationships, and the search for truth. Born in Madanapalle, India, Krishnamurti was discovered as a young boy by the leaders of the Theosophical Society, who believed he was a potential vehicle for the coming World Teacher or Messiah.

However, in 1929, Krishnamurti dissolved the Order of the Star, an organization established around him, and renounced the role that had been predicted for him. He declared that truth is a pathless land and that no organization or person could lead another to truth. From then on, he spent the rest of his life traveling the world, speaking and writing extensively about the nature of the mind and the pursuit of self-discovery.

Krishnamurti's teachings emphasized the importance of individual inquiry, self-awareness, and the need for a radical transformation of the human psyche. He encouraged people to question authority, conditioning, and beliefs, advocating for a direct and unmediated approach to understanding the mind and the nature of reality.

Some key themes in Krishnamurti's teachings include the nature of thought, the role of awareness in understanding oneself, the limitations of organized religions, and the pursuit of a holistic and harmonious way of living. His talks and writings have been influential across various fields, and his legacy continues to inspire individuals interested in philosophy, spirituality, and personal transformation.