13 July - International Rock Day

 

International Rock Day has been created so that people all around the world can learn more about rocks. It’s not about rock and roll music; it’s all about the stone variety! After all, rocks play a big role in the environment, and they have been used by humans for many purposes over the years.

Three major groups of rocks are defined: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The scientific study of rocks is called petrology, which is an essential component of geology. At a granular level, rocks are composed of grains of minerals, which, in turn, are homogeneous solids formed from a chemical compound that is arranged in an orderly manner.

The aggregate minerals forming the rock are held together by chemical bonds. The types and abundance of minerals in a rock are determined by the manner in which the rock was formed. Many rocks contain silica (SiO2); a compound of silicon and oxygen that forms 74.3% of the Earth’s crust. This material forms crystals with other compounds in the rock. The proportion of silica in rocks and minerals is a major factor in determining their name and properties.

The stamp depicts the Vivekananda Rock Memorial which is a monument and popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari, India's southernmost tip. The memorial stands on one of the two rocks located about 500 meters off mainland of Vavathurai. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. According to legends, it was on this rock that Goddess Kanyakumari (Parvathi) performed tapas in devotion of lord Shiva. A meditation hall known as Dhyana Mandapam is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India.The rocks are surrounded by the Laccadive Sea where the three oceans Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meets. The memorial consists of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam

13 July - Fool's Paradise Day

 

Fool's Paradise Day is a lighthearted observance that takes place on July 13th each year. It is a day to embrace and enjoy the concept of a "fool's paradise," which refers to a state of blissful ignorance or delusion. On this day, people can indulge in playful activities, humorous pranks, or simply take a break from the seriousness of everyday life.

The origins of Fool's Paradise Day are not well-documented, and it is unclear when or how the observance began. However, the concept of a fool's paradise itself has been around for centuries. It often refers to a temporary state of happiness or contentment that is based on false beliefs or unrealistic expectations.

To celebrate Fool's Paradise Day, individuals might engage in activities that bring laughter and joy. Some may play harmless pranks on friends or loved ones, share jokes and funny stories, or watch comedy movies. It's a time to let go of worries, embrace silliness, and find amusement in the lighter side of life.

While Fool's Paradise Day is not widely recognized as a major holiday, it offers a brief respite from the seriousness of daily routines and can serve as a reminder to find moments of levity and playfulness in our lives.

 

13 July - Gabriel Lippmann death anniversary

 

Gabriel Lippmann was a Luxembourgish-French physicist and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the area of optics. He was born on August 16, 1845, in Hollerich, Luxembourg, and passed away on July 13, 1921, in Ciboure, France.

Lippmann is best known for his invention of the "Lippmann plate" or "Lippmann process," which enabled the first practical method of reproducing color photographs. In 1908, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for this groundbreaking achievement. The Lippmann plate used an interference phenomenon to capture and reproduce the full color spectrum, unlike earlier methods that relied on color filters or additive color systems.

Apart from his work on color photography, Lippmann conducted research in various other areas of physics. He made important contributions to electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and capillarity. He developed an improved electrometer, an instrument used to measure electric charge, and made advancements in the understanding of electric potential and electric discharges.

Lippmann's work on capillary action and surface tension contributed to the understanding of fluid dynamics. He also conducted research on the Doppler effect and the propagation of sound waves.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Lippmann was a respected educator and held several academic positions throughout his career. He taught at the Sorbonne in Paris and served as the Director of Research at the Ecole Normale Supérieure. Lippmann mentored numerous students who went on to make their own significant contributions to physics.

Gabriel Lippmann's pioneering work in color photography and his contributions to various branches of physics have left a lasting impact on the field. His innovative approach to capturing and reproducing color images paved the way for modern color photography and influenced subsequent advancements in the field of optics.

13 July - Wole Soyinka birth anniversary

 

Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian playwright, poet, essayist, and critic who is widely regarded as one of Africa's most distinguished writers and intellectuals. He was born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Soyinka is known for his profound contributions to literature, social activism, and his efforts in championing human rights and democracy in Nigeria and beyond.

Soyinka's literary works often explore themes of Nigerian culture, politics, and the complexities of post-colonial societies. He gained international recognition in 1986 when he became the first African writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Nobel committee recognized his wide range of literary achievements, including his plays, poetry, novels, and essays, which exhibit a blend of artistic innovation and critical commentary.

Some of Soyinka's notable works include the play "A Dance of the Forests," which he wrote to mark Nigeria's independence in 1960, as well as plays like "Death and the King's Horseman" and "The Bacchae of Euripides." His memoir, "Ake: The Years of Childhood," provides insights into his early life and the cultural context in which he grew up.

Apart from his literary pursuits, Soyinka has been actively involved in political activism. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), he played a crucial role in mediating between the warring factions. He has also been a vocal critic of oppressive regimes, including his outspoken opposition to military dictatorships in Nigeria.

Wole Soyinka's work and activism have earned him numerous accolades, including honorary degrees from universities worldwide. He continues to be an influential figure in the global literary and intellectual community, using his voice and platform to address social and political issues, promote human rights, and advocate for justice and freedom.