03 September - The British Empire skipped 11 days starting September 3 when it adopted the Gregorian calendar 1752

 

In 1752, the British Empire made a significant change by adopting the Gregorian calendar, which led to the skipping of 11 days. The changeover was part of a calendar reform to align the British calendar with the Gregorian calendar, which had already been adopted by many other European countries.

The Calendar Change

Before 1752, the British Empire used the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE. However, the Julian calendar had a small error in calculating the length of a year, leading to a gradual misalignment with the solar year. By the 16th century, this misalignment had grown to about 10 days. To correct this, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582.

The Skip

To align with the Gregorian calendar, the British Empire skipped 11 days in September 1752. The day after 02 September  1752, was adjusted to be 14 September 1752. This meant that the days between 03 September and 13 September were effectively removed from the calendar.

Impact and Reactions

• Public Confusion and Unrest: The sudden loss of 11 days led to confusion and, in some cases, public unrest. There were reports, though likely exaggerated, of protests demanding the "return" of the lost 11 days. Some people believed they had been robbed of part of their lives.

• Legal and Financial Adjustments: Legal documents, financial transactions, and other records had to be adjusted to account for the missing days. For instance, rents and wages were prorated to ensure fairness during the transition.

• New Year Date Change: Along with adopting the Gregorian calendar, the British Empire also shifted the start of the new year from March 25 to January 1, bringing it in line with most of Europe.

Historical Context

The adoption of the Gregorian calendar was a crucial step in standardizing timekeeping across Europe. While many Catholic countries had adopted the Gregorian calendar soon after its introduction in 1582, Protestant countries, including Britain, were slower to make the change due to religious and political differences.

The calendar reform in 1752 marked a significant moment in British history, aligning its timekeeping with much of the rest of the world and avoiding further discrepancies with the solar year.

03 September - Sadhguru, Indian yogi, mystic birthday

 

Sadhguru, born Jagadish Vasudev on September 3, 1957, in Mysore, Karnataka, is a renowned Indian yogi, mystic, and spiritual leader. He is the founder of the Isha Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers yoga programs and promotes humanitarian causes on a global scale.

Early Life and Background

Sadhguru was born into a well-educated family. His father was an ophthalmologist with Indian Railways, which led the family to move frequently. From a young age, Sadhguru exhibited a deep connection with nature and a profound sense of curiosity about life. He pursued his education in English literature at the University of Mysore. Despite his academic pursuits, he was deeply drawn to exploring the spiritual and mystical aspects of life.

Spiritual Journey

Sadhguru's transformative spiritual experience occurred at the age of 25 when he was meditating on a rock on the Chamundi Hill in Mysore. He described this experience as a moment of profound inner realization, where he felt a deep sense of unity with the universe. This experience was pivotal in shaping his path as a spiritual leader.

Isha Foundation

In 1992, Sadhguru founded the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The foundation offers a range of programs designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. One of the foundation's flagship programs is the Inner Engineering course, which combines ancient yogic practices with modern science to help individuals achieve inner balance and fulfillment.

Key Initiatives

• Rally for Rivers: Launched in 2017, this nationwide campaign aimed to raise awareness about the depleting rivers in India. Sadhguru traveled over 9,300 kilometers across 16 Indian states to gather support for the cause. The campaign led to the drafting of a river revitalization policy, which was submitted to the Indian government.

• Cauvery Calling: Another significant environmental initiative, Cauvery Calling, focuses on revitalizing the Cauvery River by encouraging farmers to plant trees on their land. The project aims to plant 2.42 billion trees, covering over 83,000 square kilometers of the river basin.

• Save Soil Movement: Sadhguru initiated this global campaign in 2022 to address soil degradation. The movement emphasizes the importance of soil health for sustaining life on Earth and calls for policy changes to increase organic content in soil.

Books and Teachings

Sadhguru is also a prolific author, having written several books on spirituality, self-improvement, and inner well-being. Some of his notable works include:

• "Inner Engineering: A Yogi's Guide to Joy" – A comprehensive guide to achieving inner happiness and fulfillment through yoga and meditation.
• "Mystic's Musings" – A collection of teachings and insights that explore the deeper aspects of life and existence.
• "Death: An Inside Story" – A book that delves into the concept of death from a spiritual perspective, offering a unique understanding of life's end.

Recognition and Influence

Sadhguru's influence extends beyond the spiritual realm. He has been invited to speak at prestigious forums such as the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and leading universities like MIT and Harvard. His teachings attract millions of followers worldwide, and his programs have been attended by people from all walks of life, including celebrities, politicians, and business leaders.

Personal Life

Sadhguru was married to Vijaya Kumari (also known as Vijji), who passed away in 1997 under circumstances that he describes as a voluntary "mahasamadhi," a yogic act of leaving the body consciously. He has one daughter, Radhe Jaggi, who is a classical dancer.

Sadhguru continues to be a prominent figure in both India and the global community, advocating for spiritual growth, environmental sustainability, and human well-being.

03 September - Sakshi Malik birthday

 

On 3rd September 2024, Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik celebrated her 31st birthday. Born on September 3, 1992, in Rohtak, Haryana, Sakshi Malik is renowned for winning a bronze medal in the 58 kg category at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making her the first Indian woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal.

She has also won numerous other accolades in wrestling, including medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships. Sakshi Malik has been an inspiration for many aspiring female wrestlers in India.

Image taken for reference from google search engine.

03 September - Qatar's Independence Day

 

Qatar's Independence Day marks the country's independence from Britain, which occurred on 03 September 1971. Before gaining independence, Qatar was a British protectorate, with the British overseeing its defense and foreign relations under a treaty established in 1916. However, the discovery of oil in the 1940s significantly boosted Qatar's economy, leading to increased aspirations for self-governance.

As decolonization movements gained momentum globally, Qatar sought greater autonomy. Negotiations with Britain led to the eventual termination of the treaty, and Qatar declared its independence on 03 September 1971. Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, who was then the ruler of Qatar, played a pivotal role in securing the nation's sovereignty.

Qatar’s Independence Day was initially celebrated on 03rd September , but in 2007, the national holiday was moved to December 18th to coincide with the day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar, succeeded his father as the leader of Qatar. This date is now celebrated as Qatar National Day.

03 September - Merchant Navy Remembrance Day (Canada)

 

Merchant Navy Remembrance Day in Canada is observed on September 3rd each year, similar to the UK. It honors the Canadian Merchant Navy's contributions during the World Wars, particularly their vital role in transporting troops, food, equipment, and other supplies across the Atlantic and other dangerous waters.

During World War II, Canadian merchant seafarers faced great peril from enemy submarines, mines, and aircraft. Many ships were lost, and a significant number of merchant sailors gave their lives in service. The day commemorates their bravery and the critical role they played in the Allied war effort.

The observance typically includes ceremonies at war memorials and monuments dedicated to the Merchant Navy, as well as the laying of wreaths. The Canadian Red Ensign, which was flown by Canadian merchant ships during the war, is often prominently displayed during these events.

Merchant Navy Remembrance Day was officially recognized by the Canadian government to ensure that the sacrifices of these brave seafarers are remembered alongside those of the armed forces.

03 September - Merchant Navy Day United Kingdom

 

Merchant Navy Day in the UK is observed on September 3rd each year. It was established to honor the men and women of the Merchant Navy who served during both World Wars and other conflicts, ensuring that vital supplies reached the UK. The day also recognizes the ongoing contribution of merchant seafarers to the country's economy.

On this day, the Red Ensign (the official flag of the British Merchant Navy) is flown on public buildings, local authority buildings, and landmarks across the country as a mark of respect and remembrance. There are also various commemorative events, including wreath-laying ceremonies and gatherings at war memorials dedicated to merchant seafarers.

The tradition of Merchant Navy Day began in 2000, initiated by the UK government to raise awareness and commemorate the sacrifices made by merchant seafarers.

03 September - Treaty of Paris 1783

 

The Treaty of Paris refers to several historical agreements, but most notably it is the treaty signed on 03 September 1783, that ended the American Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the United States of America. Negotiated in Paris, the treaty was signed by representatives of King George III of Great Britain and representatives of the United States, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

1. Recognition of Independence: The treaty recognized the sovereignty and independence of the thirteen American colonies, effectively acknowledging the United States as a free and independent nation.
2. Territorial Boundaries: The boundaries of the United States were defined, extending west to the Mississippi River, north to Canada, and south to Spanish Florida. This significantly expanded the territory of the new nation.
3. Fishing Rights: Americans were granted fishing rights off the coast of Newfoundland and in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
4. Restitution of Property: The treaty recommended that the Congress of the Confederation provide restitution to Loyalists for their confiscated properties. However, this clause was more of a suggestion rather than a mandate and was not fully enforced.
5. Debts: It was agreed that creditors from neither side would face legal obstacles in seeking repayment of debts owed to them.

Significance and Impact

The Treaty of Paris of 1783 was a landmark document that not only ended the war but also laid the groundwork for the expansion and development of the United States. It marked the beginning of a new era of American self-governance and westward expansion. Furthermore, the treaty established a framework for peaceful relations between the United States and Great Britain, although tensions and conflicts would arise in subsequent years. The successful negotiation of the treaty underscored the diplomatic skills of the American representatives and set a precedent for future American diplomacy.