27 October - Otto Wichterle birth anniversary

 

Otto Wichterle (27 October 1913 – 18 August 1998) was a Czech chemist and inventor known for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of polymer chemistry and his invention of the soft contact lens. Born in Prostějov, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Wichterle's work revolutionized the way people correct vision.

Wichterle's most notable achievement was the development of the hydrogel, a water-absorbing polymer material. He created the first soft contact lens from this material in the 1950s, making it a comfortable and practical alternative to the hard, glass-like lenses previously used. This invention had a profound impact on the field of ophthalmology and revolutionized the way millions of people around the world corrected their vision.

His work significantly improved the quality of life for countless individuals, particularly those with vision impairments, by offering a more comfortable and wearable solution. Otto Wichterle's legacy lives on in the form of the soft contact lens, which remains a widely used and indispensable tool for vision correction. His contributions to polymer chemistry and ophthalmology continue to be celebrated in the scientific and medical communities.

27 October - Theodore Roosevelt birth anniversary

 

Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as "Teddy" Roosevelt, was a prominent American statesman, conservationist, and the 26th President of the United States. Here is a brief note about him, including his birth and death dates:

• Born: 27 October 1858
• Died: 06 January 1919

Key points about Theodore Roosevelt:

1. Presidential Legacy: Theodore Roosevelt served as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He was known for his progressive policies and reforms, earning him a place among the nation's most influential presidents.

2. Progressive Reforms: During his presidency, Roosevelt championed a series of progressive reforms, including trust-busting (breaking up monopolies), regulating big business, and supporting workers' rights. He also advocated for environmental conservation.

3. Conservation: Roosevelt was a dedicated conservationist and established numerous national parks, forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges. He helped lay the foundation for modern environmental and wildlife protection in the United States.

4. Foreign Policy: He was also known for his strong stance in foreign affairs. He mediated the end of the Russo-Japanese War, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. He believed in "speaking softly and carrying a big stick" in international relations.

5. Legacy: Roosevelt's larger-than-life personality, his dedication to public service, and his contributions to American politics and conservation have left a lasting legacy. He is often remembered as a key figure in the Progressive Era of American history.

Theodore Roosevelt's birth on October 27, 1858, and his death on January 6, 1919, mark the life of a dynamic and influential figure in American history who had a profound impact on the nation's political landscape and environmental conservation efforts.

27 October - Kumar sangakkara birthday

 

Kumar Sangakkara, born on October 27, 1977, is a Sri Lankan cricket legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in the history of the sport. Hailing from Matale, Sri Lanka, Sangakkara's elegant and technically sound batting, combined with his excellent skills behind the stumps, made him a cricketing icon.

During his illustrious international career, Sangakkara amassed numerous records and accolades. He was a key figure in Sri Lanka's cricketing success, helping the national team to reach the final of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup and playing a pivotal role in their victory in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2014. His batting was marked by consistency and the ability to excel in all formats of the game, be it Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), or Twenty20s.

Off the field, Kumar Sangakkara is known for his articulate and insightful commentary and his contributions to the administration of cricket. He has been a prominent advocate for the sport's integrity and development. His exemplary career, both as a player and a cricket ambassador, has left an indelible mark on the world of cricket.

27 October - Constantine the Great received his famous Vision of the Cross

 

On October 27, 312 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great is said to have experienced a pivotal event known as the "Vision of the Cross." According to historical accounts and Christian tradition, this event had a profound influence on the subsequent history of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity.

The story goes that Constantine, on the eve of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge against his co-emperor Maxentius, had a vision of a cross in the sky with the words "In Hoc Signo Vinces" (In this sign, you will conquer) or similar variations. Inspired by this vision, Constantine ordered his soldiers to mark their shields with the Christian symbol, the Chi-Rho, and went on to win the battle. This victory marked a turning point in the history of the Roman Empire and was seen as a significant step in the establishment of Christianity as the religion of the Roman state.

Following his victory at the Milvian Bridge, Constantine went on to issue the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted religious tolerance to all religions, including Christianity. This edict helped pave the way for the eventual acceptance of Christianity as the state religion of the Roman Empire under Constantine's reign and the reign of his successors.

The Vision of the Cross, as it is traditionally known, is a crucial event in the history of Christianity, as it contributed to the religion's transition from a persecuted minority to a favored and eventually dominant faith within the Roman Empire.

27 October - Last plate (225) of Penny red put to press in 1879

 

On October 27, 1879, an important milestone was reached in the history of the Penny Red stamp, a postage stamp of the United Kingdom. It marked the completion of the last printing plate, which was Plate 225, for the Penny Red stamp. The Penny Red was the successor to the Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp, and was used extensively throughout the United Kingdom during the 19th century.

Plate 225 was one of the many printing plates used for the production of the Penny Red stamps, which were printed in various shades of red. These stamps played a crucial role in simplifying the postage system and promoting the efficient delivery of mail in the 19th century.

The use of multiple printing plates allowed for the mass production of these stamps, which were in circulation for a considerable period. The completion of Plate 225 was a noteworthy event in the history of philately and a testament to the meticulous and innovative efforts that went into producing postage stamps during that era.

27 October - Brigadier Rajinder Singh Jamwal

 

Brigadier Rajinder Singh Jamwal, MVC (14 June 1899 – 26/27 October 1947), also remembered as the Saviour of Kashmir, was an officer in the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces. He briefly served as the Chief of Staff of State Forces and died fighting during the First Kashmir War. Rajinder Singh and his small contingent of about 200 men successfully delayed the advance of a much larger force of Pakistani tribal raiders near Uri for several days, during which the Maharaja of Kashmir acceded to India and the Indian forces air-lifted for the defence of Kashmir.

On 30 December 1949, he was posthumously awarded Maha Vir Chakra, independent India’s second highest military decoration. He was the first Indian to receive the honour.

27 October - National Black Cat Day USA

 

National Black Cat Day in the USA is a day dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about black cats. It is observed on October 27th each year. This day is meant to dispel common superstitions and misconceptions associated with black cats and to promote the adoption and well-being of these feline companions.

Black cats have long been the subject of myths and superstitions, often unfairly associated with bad luck or witchcraft. National Black Cat Day encourages people to recognize the beauty, charm, and unique personalities of these animals. It also emphasizes the importance of providing loving homes and proper care for all cats, regardless of their color.

Many animal shelters and rescue organizations use this day to hold special events, adoption drives, and fundraisers to support black cat adoption. It's an opportunity to highlight the wonderful qualities of black cats and help them find loving families. It's also a reminder that superstitions about these feline friends should be put to rest, and they should be appreciated for the fantastic pets they can be.

27 October - Banda Singh Bahadur birth anniversary

 

Banda Singh Bahadur (born Lachman Dev, October 27, 1670 – June 9, 1716) was a Sikh military commander and a significant figure in the history of Sikhism. He was born in the Rājput family of Lachman Dev in the Chhinna village in the Jammu region of India.

Banda Singh Bahadur is renowned for his fearless leadership and dedication to the Sikh faith. He played a pivotal role in the early years of the Khalsa, a military brotherhood among the Sikhs, and was a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. In 1708, after the death of Guru Gobind Singh, he assumed leadership and led a series of successful military campaigns against the Mughal Empire in the Punjab region.

Under Banda Singh Bahadur's leadership, the Sikhs established their rule over a significant portion of northern India for a brief period. His efforts aimed to protect religious freedom and secure the rights of the Sikh community, as well as other oppressed groups. However, his rule was met with severe opposition from the Mughals, and he was eventually captured, tortured, and executed in 1716.

Banda Singh Bahadur's unwavering commitment to the Sikh faith and his efforts to resist oppression left an indelible mark on Sikh history. He is remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and a fierce defender of religious freedom and justice in the face of adversity. His legacy continues to inspire Sikh communities and individuals around the world.

 

27 October - Isaac Merritt Singer birth anniversary

 

Isaac Merritt Singer (October 27, 1811 – July 23, 1875) was an American inventor and entrepreneur best known for revolutionizing the textile and sewing industries. Born in Pittstown, New York, Singer's most significant contribution to technology was the invention of the first practical and commercially successful sewing machine.

Singer's sewing machine, patented in 1851, introduced a major advancement in textile production. It featured a continuous feed mechanism and a foot pedal, which allowed for more efficient and precise stitching, making sewing tasks significantly faster and easier. His invention had a profound impact on the garment industry, enabling mass production and transforming the way clothes were made.

Isaac Singer's innovative approach to marketing and distribution, including the introduction of installment payment plans, played a crucial role in popularizing his sewing machines. This made them accessible to a broader range of consumers, including households. The Singer Sewing Machine Company, founded in 1851, became one of the most successful and enduring sewing machine manufacturers in the world.

Isaac Merritt Singer's legacy extends far beyond his sewing machine invention, as his innovations reshaped the textile and clothing industries, empowering individuals and businesses to create and repair garments more efficiently. He remains an iconic figure in the history of American innovation and entrepreneurship.