25 May - National Wine Day USA

 

National Wine Day is a celebration dedicated to the appreciation of wine. It is observed annually on May 25th. This day provides an opportunity for wine lovers around the world to enjoy their favorite wines and explore new ones.

On National Wine Day, people often participate in various activities related to wine. Some may visit wineries or vineyards for tours and tastings, while others might host wine-themed parties or gatherings with friends and family. Many restaurants and bars also offer special promotions or wine discounts to mark the occasion.

It's worth noting that National Wine Day is separate from other wine-related holidays, such as National Drink Wine Day (February 18th) or National Wine and Cheese Day (July 25th). Each of these observances focuses on different aspects of the wine-drinking experience.

Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys the occasional glass, National Wine Day serves as a reminder to savor and appreciate the rich diversity and flavors that wine has to offer.

25 May - Ramkinkar Baij birth anniversary

 

 The cover is one from the Special Cover Balaka -Birbhum Stamp Exhibition which was held from 1-3 December 2016.

Ramkinkar Baij was an Indian sculptor and painter, renowned for his significant contributions to modern Indian art. Born on 25 May 1906, in Bankura, West Bengal, he is often celebrated as one of the pioneers of modern Indian sculpture.

Early Life and Education

Ramkinkar Baij showed an early interest in art, sketching and modeling clay figures in his village. His talent was recognized by local patrons who supported his education. He eventually moved to Calcutta (now Kolkata) and then to Santiniketan, where he joined the Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore.

Career and Artistic Contributions

Santiniketan and Influence: At Santiniketan, Baij was deeply influenced by Tagore's vision of a harmonious blend of art and life. Under the guidance of Nandalal Bose, Baij honed his skills and developed a distinctive style that combined Indian themes with modernist approaches.

Sculpture and Painting: Baij is best known for his sculptures, which often depicted rural life and local landscapes. His works are characterized by their robust forms, dynamic compositions, and a keen sense of movement and texture. Notable sculptures include:

• Santhal Family: This iconic work captures the essence of a tribal family, portraying their strength and unity.
• Lamp Carrier: A dynamic sculpture that showcases Baij's ability to infuse life into static forms.

In addition to sculpture, Baij was also an accomplished painter, creating works that reflected his interest in natural forms and human figures.

Legacy and Recognition

Ramkinkar Baij's contributions to Indian art were immense, and he received several accolades during his lifetime, including the Padma Bhushan in 1970. His innovative techniques and thematic focus have left a lasting impact on subsequent generations of artists.

Baij passed away on 02 August 1980, but his legacy continues through his works displayed in various museums and institutions, and through the continued influence of his style and vision on modern Indian art.

25 May - USA observes National Missing Children's Day

 

National Missing Children's Day is observed in the United States on May 25th each year. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of missing and exploited children and aims to raise awareness about child safety and the importance of child protection.

National Missing Children's Day was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, following the disappearance of 6-year-old Etan Patz from his New York City neighborhood in 1979. Etan's case received significant media attention and helped draw attention to the issue of missing children.

The observance of National Missing Children's Day includes various activities and initiatives aimed at promoting child safety, preventing child abduction, and aiding in the recovery of missing children. These activities may include community events, educational programs in schools, safety demonstrations, child identification programs, and awareness campaigns.

Law enforcement agencies, child advocacy organizations, and community groups often collaborate to provide resources, information, and support to families of missing children. They may use this day to distribute educational materials, offer guidance on child safety practices, and emphasize the importance of reporting and responding promptly to missing child cases.

In addition to raising awareness, National Missing Children's Day also recognizes the efforts of individuals and organizations involved in the search, recovery, and prevention of missing children cases. Awards and commendations may be given to those who have made significant contributions to the field of child protection and helped reunite missing children with their families.

25 May - Phoenix Mars Lander successfully landed on Mars in 2008

 

On May 25th, 2008, NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander successfully landed on Mars. The lander was part of NASA's Mars Scout Program and was designed to study the Martian arctic region. It touched down in the northern polar region of Mars, specifically in a region called Vastitas Borealis.

The Phoenix Mars Lander's main objective was to analyze the soil and ice samples in order to study the history of water and potential habitability on Mars. It had a robotic arm equipped with scientific instruments to dig trenches, collect samples, and analyze them on board. The lander conducted various experiments and made significant discoveries during its mission.

Among its notable findings, the Phoenix Mars Lander confirmed the presence of water ice just below the Martian surface and detected perchlorate, a chemical that can lower the freezing point of water, which suggested the potential for briny water on Mars.

The mission operated successfully until November 2008, providing valuable data and insights into the Martian environment.

25 May - S.K.C.G.COLLEGE, PARLAKHEMUNDI postage stamp issue in 1996

 

This illustrious institution was founded in 1896 under the munificent patronage of the Raja of Paralakhemundi Shri Shri Shri Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayana Deo. Although the idea of the establishment began in 1894 Nangu Sreenivas Rao, the then Head Master of M.R.B.H. School was given the charge in the same year. In the same year it obtained affiliation as a second grade college from the Madras University. Due to the initiative and continued efforts by our foster father, Maharaja Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayana Deo the college was upgraded to the status of a first grade college in 1936.

Originally affiliated to the Madras University and then to the Andhra University, the college had the honour of being one of the first five affiliated colleges with which Utkal University started functioning in November 1943 On 2nd January , 1967 Berhampur University.

 

25 May - Ashutosh Mukherjee death anniversary

Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee  (29 June 1864 – 25 May 1924) was a prolific Bengali educator, jurist, barrister and mathematician. He was the first student to be awarded a dual degree (MA in Mathematics and MSc in Physics) from Calcutta University. Perhaps the most emphatic figure of Indian education, he was a man of great personality, high self-respect, courage and towering administrative ability. The second Indian Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta for four consecutive two-year terms (1906–1914) and a fifth two-year term (1921–23), Mukherjee was responsible for the foundation of the Bengal Technical Institute in 1906 and the University College of Science (Rajabazar Science College) of the Calcutta University in 1914.

Mukherjee also played a vital role in the founding of the University College of Law popularly known as Hazra Law College. The Calcutta Mathematical Society was also founded by Mukherjee in 1908 and he served as the president of the Society from 1908 to 1923.He was also the president of the inaugural session of the Indian Science Congress in 1914 held at the Rajabazar Science College, which he founded. The Ashutosh College was also founded under his stewardship in 1916, when he was Vice-chancellor of University of Calcutta.

He was often called "Banglar Bagh" ("Tiger of Bengal") for his high self-esteem, courage, academic integrity and a general intransigent attitude towards the British Government.

25 May - Mike Myers birthday

 

Mike Myers is a Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and director who has achieved fame for his work in film and television. He was born on May 25, 1963, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Myers is best known for his iconic comedic roles in various movies, particularly the "Austin Powers" series, where he played the title character, a groovy and eccentric British spy.

Myers also gained immense popularity for his portrayal of Wayne Campbell in the "Wayne's World" films, which originated from a sketch on "Saturday Night Live," where he was a cast member. Additionally, he voiced the character Shrek in the animated film series of the same name, further cementing his status as a comedic legend.

Beyond acting, Myers has also written and produced several of his projects, showcasing his versatility and talent in the entertainment industry. His contributions to comedy have left a lasting impact, earning him a dedicated fanbase and numerous accolades throughout his career.

 

25 May - The Kochrab Ashram founded in 1915

 

The Kochrab Ashram was the first ashram in India organized by Mohandas Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement, and was gifted to him by his friend Barrister Jivanlal Desai. Founded on 25 May 1915, Gandhi's Kochrab Ashram was located near the city of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat

25 May - The first ascent of Kangchenjunga in 1955

 

The first ascent of Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, was a remarkable achievement in mountaineering history. Kangchenjunga is located in the Himalayas, straddling the border between Nepal and India.

The first successful ascent of Kangchenjunga took place on May 25, 1955. The British expedition, led by Charles Evans, consisted of Joe Brown and George Band, both experienced climbers. They reached the summit via the Southwest Face of the mountain.

The ascent of Kangchenjunga was particularly challenging due to its remote location and difficult terrain. The mountain's steep and icy slopes, as well as its unpredictable weather conditions, posed significant obstacles to the climbers. The team had to establish several high-altitude camps, overcoming technical difficulties and enduring harsh conditions.

Upon reaching the summit, Joe Brown and George Band became the first individuals to set foot on the peak of Kangchenjunga. However, in accordance with a promise made by the team, they stopped a few meters short of the actual highest point as a mark of respect for local beliefs and reverence for the mountain.

The successful ascent of Kangchenjunga marked a significant milestone in mountaineering history. It demonstrated the remarkable courage, skill, and perseverance of the climbers who tackled one of the most challenging mountains in the world. Since then, many other climbers have attempted to conquer Kangchenjunga, but its formidable nature continues to demand great respect and presents a formidable challenge to those who seek to reach its summit