10 August - Otto Lilienthal death anniversary

 

Otto Lilienthal (1848–1896) was a German aviation pioneer and a key figure in the history of human flight. Born on May 23, 1848, in Anklam, Germany, Lilienthal's fascination with flight led him to conduct extensive research on aerodynamics and glider design.

Lilienthal made significant contributions to aviation by designing and testing a series of successful gliders. He conducted numerous controlled gliding experiments, meticulously recording data and observations of his flights. His research and understanding of aerodynamics greatly influenced future aviation pioneers, including the Wright brothers.

On August 9, 1896, during one of his glider flights in Stölln, Germany, Lilienthal's glider experienced an unexpected stall, leading to a fatal crash. Despite his tragic death, his pioneering work laid the groundwork for the development of powered flight and inspired generations of aviators and engineers.

Otto Lilienthal's legacy lives on as a testament to his determination, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of the dream of human flight. His contributions continue to inspire those who seek to conquer the skies and explore the frontiers of aviation.

10 August - Henri Nestlé birth anniversary

 

Henri Nestlé (August 10, 1814 – July 7, 1890) was a Swiss chemist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who is best known for founding one of the world's largest and most recognizable food and beverage companies, Nestlé.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Nestlé's early life was marked by a passion for science and chemistry. He pursued his studies in various European cities, eventually settling in Switzerland. In 1866, Nestlé developed a breakthrough infant food product, a mixture of cow's milk, wheat flour, and sugar, known as "Farine Lactée" or "Nestlé's Food." This invention proved to be a revolutionary solution to address the high infant mortality rates caused by inadequate nutrition during that era. The success of his product laid the foundation for his company's future endeavors.

Nestlé's commitment to quality and innovation led his company to expand its product offerings beyond infant formula. The Nestlé Company gradually diversified into a wide range of food and beverage products, becoming one of the world's leading multinational corporations.

Henri Nestlé's contributions extended beyond business. He was a pioneer in corporate social responsibility, providing financial support to local communities, schools, and public facilities. His legacy includes not only a successful business empire but also a tradition of philanthropy and a commitment to improving the well-being of people.

Henri Nestlé passed away on July 7, 1890, in Montreux, Switzerland, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of nutrition, business, and philanthropy. The company he founded continues to thrive and is a testament to his vision and innovation.

10 August - Royal Greenwich Observatory foundation stone laid in 1675

 The foundation stone of the Royal Greenwich Observatory was actually laid on August 10, 1675, in Greenwich, London, England. The observatory played a significant role in the development of astronomical and navigational sciences, particularly in the field of timekeeping and the establishment of the Prime Meridian.

The observatory's primary purpose was to aid navigation by accurately determining the positions of celestial bodies, which was crucial for maritime activities. The site also served as the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian, which is the starting point for measuring longitudes around the world.

The Royal Greenwich Observatory has a rich history and has contributed greatly to the advancement of astronomy and navigation. It remains an important landmark and historical site in London.

10 August - Shyamlal Gupta death anniversary

 

Shyamlal Gupta, popularly known by his pen name Parshad, (9 September 1896 – 10 August 1977) was an Indian poet and lyricist. A song written by him which featured in the 1948 Hindi film, Azadi Ki Raah Par, (sung by Sarojini Naidu), has been accepted as the flag song of India and is sung every year during the flag hoisting ceremony at the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.He was the recipient of the fourth highest civilian award (Padma Shri) in 1969. In 1997, the Government of India issued a postage stamp in his honor.

The song was originally written by Gupta in March 1924 as a patriotic poem and was released by Khanna Press in Kanpur, The poem sold over 5000 copies.The Indian National Congress adopted the song as the official flag song in 1924 and it was first sung at the Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs' Day on 13 April 1924 at Phool Bagh in Kanpur, a function attended by Jawaharlal Nehru.In 1938, Sarojini Naidu presented the song at the Haripura Session of the Indian National Congress in the presence of freedom leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Govind Vallabh Pant, Jamnalal Bajaj, Mahadev Desai, and Purushottam Das Tandon.A decade later, the song was featured in the film, Azadi ki Raah Par, released in 1948.The film was directed by Lalit Chandra Mehta,and had Prithviraj Kapoor and Vanamala Pawarin the lead roles.The song, composed by Shekhar Kalyan and sung by Sarojini Naidu,is reported to have instilled a sense of patriotism among Indians during the pre-independence period. It is sung every year during the flag hoisting ceremony at the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.

The song in Hindi:

विजयी विश्व तिरंगा प्यारा, झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा।

सदा शक्ति बरसाने वाला, प्रेम सुधा सरसाने वाला। वीरों को हर्षाने वाला, मातृ भूमि का तन मन सारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

स्वतंत्रता के भीषण रण में, रख कर जोश बढ़े क्षण-क्षण में। काँपे शत्रु देखकर मन में, मिट जाये भय संकट सारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

इस झँडे के नीचे निर्भय, हो स्वराज जनता का निश्चय। बोलो भारत माता की जय, स्वतंत्रता ही ध्येय हमारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

आओ प्यारे वीरों आओ, देश धर्म पर बलि-बलि जाओ। एक साथ सब मिल कर गाओ, प्यारा भारत देश हमारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

शान न इसकी जाने पाये, चाहे जान भले ही जाये। विश्व विजयी कर के दिखलाएं, तब हो ये प्रण पूर्ण हमारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

 

 

10 August - Herbert Clark Hoover birth anniversary

 

Herbert Clark Hoover (August 10, 1874 – October 20, 1964) was the 31st President of the United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. He faced the formidable challenge of the Great Depression, working to address its devastating impact on the American economy and society. Hoover's presidency is characterized by his efforts to navigate the country through this unprecedented crisis. Beyond his time in office, Hoover was a skilled engineer, successful businessman, and dedicated humanitarian. He left a lasting mark on American history, both for his attempts to manage the challenges of his era and for his subsequent contributions to public service and international affairs.

10 August - Musée du Louvre was officially opened in Paris, France

 

The Musée du Louvre was officially opened in Paris, France, on August 10, 1793. The Louvre began as a royal palace and evolved into one of the world's most famous and iconic museums, housing an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. It has a rich history and has played a significant role in the cultural heritage of France and the world.Approximately 38,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century are exhibited over an area of 72,735 square meters (782,910 square feet). In 2019, the Louvre received 9.6 million visitors, making it the most visited museum in the world.

10 August - Ecuador's Independence Day

 

Ecuador's Independence Day, known as "Día de la Independencia" in Spanish, is celebrated on August 10th each year. This day commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1809. The events that led to Ecuador's struggle for independence were part of the broader movement for independence taking place throughout Latin America during the early 19th century.

On August 10, 1809, a group of Ecuadorian patriots in Quito, the capital of the Real Audiencia of Quito (a Spanish colonial administrative district), the city’s criollos called for independence from Spain (first among the peoples of Latin America). They were led by Juan Pío Montúfar, Quiroga, Salinas, and Bishop Cuero y Caicedo. Quito’s nickname, “Luz de América” (“Light of America”), is based on its leading role in trying to secure an independent, local government. Although the new government lasted no more than two months, it had important repercussions and was an inspiration for the independence movement of the rest of Spanish America.

 Ecuador would continue to face struggles and conflicts in the years following the events of 1809, but it eventually gained full independence along with other South American nations. Ecuador, along with Venezuela, Colombia, and Panama, was part of the Republic of Gran Colombia, which was established in 1819 under the leadership of Simón Bolívar. However, Gran Colombia dissolved into separate nations in the early 1830s, leading to the establishment of the modern-day countries of Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.

Ecuador's Independence Day is a national holiday, marked by celebrations, parades, cultural events, and patriotic ceremonies throughout the country. It's a time for Ecuadorians to reflect on their history, honor their national identity, and celebrate their hard-fought independence.