12 May - Shankaracharya Jayanti 2024

 

Shankaracharya Jayanti is a Hindu festival celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, a revered philosopher, theologian, and spiritual leader who lived in India during the 8th century CE. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with revitalizing and unifying various sects of Hinduism through his teachings and philosophical works.

Shankaracharya Jayanti typically falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu lunar month of Vaishakha, which usually occurs in April or May according to the Gregorian calendar.

On this day, devotees and followers of Adi Shankaracharya commemorate his life and teachings through prayers, devotional songs, discourses, and readings of his philosophical texts, such as the Prasthanatrayi (the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras). Special ceremonies and rituals may be held at Shankaracharya's temples and monasteries across India.

Adi Shankaracharya is revered for his Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality (Brahman), the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with Brahman, and the ultimate goal of self-realization or spiritual liberation (Moksha). His teachings continue to influence Hindu thought and spirituality to this day.

Shankaracharya Jayanti serves as a time for devotees to reflect on the profound wisdom and spiritual insights of Adi Shankaracharya and to reaffirm their commitment to the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and self-realization. It is a celebration of the enduring legacy of one of the most influential figures in Hindu philosophy and spirituality.

12 May - International Day of Plant Health

 

The International Day of Plant Health is celebrated annually on 12th May , as designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This observance aims to raise global awareness of the importance of plant health in safeguarding food security, protecting biodiversity, and supporting sustainable development.

The FAO emphasizes the critical role that healthy plants play in providing food, fiber, clean air, and ecosystem services. However, plant health is threatened by various factors, including pests, diseases, invasive species, climate change, and human activities. These threats can have devastating impacts on agriculture, forestry, and natural ecosystems, affecting livelihoods and food security worldwide.

The International Day of Plant Health encourages governments, organizations, researchers, farmers, and the public to collaborate and take action to prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases, promote responsible plant trade and quarantine measures, and adopt sustainable agriculture practices. By protecting plant health, we can ensure the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems, conserve biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

On this day, the FAO and its partners organize various activities and initiatives to raise awareness about plant health issues, share knowledge and best practices, and mobilize support for efforts to strengthen plant health systems globally. These activities may include conferences, workshops, educational campaigns, tree planting events, and community outreach programs.

Through the International Day of Plant Health, the FAO aims to promote a greater understanding of the importance of plant health and inspire collective action to protect and promote the well-being of plants and ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.

 

12 May - Konrad Zuse presented the Z3 world's first working fully automatic computer

 

On 12 May 1941, Konrad Zuse presented the Z3, the world's first working programmable, fully automatic computer, in Berlin.

Konrad Zuse's Z3 is considered by many to be the world's first programmable digital computer. It was a significant milestone in the history of computing, demonstrating the feasibility of automatic computation using binary logic and electromechanical components. The Z3 was primarily designed to perform complex calculations for engineering and scientific purposes. Zuse's work laid the groundwork for the development of modern computers.

12 May - Jodhpur founded by Rao Jodha in 1459

 

Jodhpur is a city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was founded by Rao Jodha, who was the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, on 12 May 1459. Rao Jodha established the city as the capital of the Marwar region, replacing the former capital of Mandore.

Under Rao Jodha's rule, Jodhpur grew and prospered. He constructed the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, which stands on a rocky hilltop overlooking the city. The fort served as the residence of the Rathore rulers and is now one of the prominent landmarks of Jodhpur.

Rao Jodha also established a network of water reservoirs, known as "step wells" or "baoris," to address the water scarcity in the region. These step wells not only provided water but also served as gathering places and architectural marvels.

Jodhpur has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its magnificent palaces, vibrant festivals, and traditional art forms. It is often referred to as the "Blue City" due to the blue-painted houses in its old town. The city continues to attract tourists from around the world who come to explore its historical sites, experience the Rajasthani culture, and witness the grandeur of its architectural wonders.

12 May - Norge first vessel to fly over the North Pole in 1926

 

On 12 May 1926, The Italian-built airship Norge became the first vessel to fly over the North Pole.

The Norge was a semi-rigid Italian-built airship that carried out the first verified trip of any kind to the North Pole and likely the first verified overflight on 12 May 1926. It was also the first aircraft to fly over the polar ice cap between Europe and America. The expedition was the brainchild of polar explorer and expedition leader Roald Amundsen, the airship's designer and pilot Umberto Nobile and American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth, who along with the Aero Club of Norway, financed the trip which was known as the Amundsen-Ellsworth 1926 Transpolar Flight.