17 November - World Prematurity Day

 

World Prematurity Day is observed annually on November 17 to raise awareness of preterm birth and the challenges faced by premature babies and their families. It is a globally recognized day to highlight the importance of providing support and care to these babies, who are born before 37 weeks of gestation, and to advocate for advancements in neonatal healthcare.

Key Facts:

1. Established:
   World Prematurity Day was first celebrated in 2011 as an initiative of the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) and other organizations working in neonatal care.

2. Significance:

   • Premature birth is a leading cause of death for children under five years of age.
   • The day emphasizes the need for resources, education, and research to prevent preterm births and improve care for preterm infants.

3. Theme:
   Each year, World Prematurity Day adopts a specific theme to focus on particular aspects of neonatal health and care. Themes often revolve around equity, family support, and innovation in medical care.

4. Color Symbol:
   The color purple is used to symbolize sensitivity and compassion for premature babies and their families.

Goals:

• Awareness: Increase understanding of the causes, consequences, and preventative measures related to preterm birth.
• Advocacy: Encourage governments and health organizations to invest in neonatal care and support.
• Support: Build a global community that provides emotional and practical assistance to affected families.

This day serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in ensuring better outcomes for premature babies worldwide.

17 November - National Baklava Day United States

 

National Baklava Day is celebrated annually in the United States on November 17. This day honors the rich and flavorful pastry known as baklava, a dessert made with layers of flaky phyllo dough, nuts (such as pistachios or walnuts), and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is a treat loved for its unique combination of textures and tastes.

History of Baklava:

• Origins:
  Baklava's exact origins are debated, but it is widely believed to have originated in the Middle East or the Ottoman Empire. It has become a cherished dessert in countries across the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

• Cultural Significance:
  Each region has its unique variation of baklava, reflecting local ingredients and traditions.

How to Celebrate:

1. Enjoy Baklava:
   Treat yourself to a slice of this delicious dessert from a local bakery or try making it at home. Many recipes are available to suit different tastes.

2. Share with Friends and Family:
   Baklava is often associated with gatherings and celebrations, making it perfect for sharing.

3. Explore Variations:
   Try different regional versions, such as Greek baklava with cinnamon or Turkish baklava made with pistachios and kaymak (clotted cream).

4. Learn About Its History:
   Use the day to explore the cultural heritage of baklava and its connection to various cuisines around the world.

National Baklava Day is a delightful occasion to indulge in this sweet, layered pastry and appreciate the culinary artistry that goes into making it.

17 November - Hubert Lyautey birth anniversary

 

Hubert Lyautey, full name Louis Hubert Gonzalve Lyautey, was born on 17 November 1854, in Nancy, France, and he passed away on  21 July 1934, in Thorey, France. Marshal Lyautey was a French Army general and colonial administrator, and he played a significant role in the development of Casablanca and other parts of the French colonial empire. His tenure as the Resident-General of the French Protectorate in Morocco from 1912 to 1925 involved extensive efforts to modernize and develop various aspects of Moroccan infrastructure, including the city of Casablanca.

 

17 November - Herman Hollerith death anniversary

 

Herman Hollerith (1860–1929) was an American inventor and statistician who made significant contributions to the development of punched card data processing technology. Born on February 29, 1860, in Buffalo, New York, Hollerith is best known for his invention of the punched card tabulating machine.

Hollerith's invention played a crucial role in the processing of data for the 1890 United States Census. His machine used punched cards to represent data, with holes punched in specific positions to signify information about individuals and households. This allowed for the automated and efficient processing of census data, reducing the time and resources required for tabulation.

In 1896, Hollerith founded the Tabulating Machine Company, which later became part of the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and eventually evolved into IBM (International Business Machines) in 1924.

Herman Hollerith's innovations in data processing technology laid the groundwork for modern computing and information management systems. He passed away on November 17, 1929, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of statistics and technology.

17 November - Nicolas Appert birth anniversary

 

Nicolas Appert (1749–1841) was a French chef and inventor best known for his pioneering work in food preservation. Born on November 17, 1749, in Châlons-sur-Marne, France, Appert's most significant contribution was the development of the canning process. In 1809, he received a prize of 12,000 francs from the French government for his method of preserving food in glass jars sealed with wax.

Appert's method involved sealing food in airtight containers and then heating them to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms, preventing spoilage. Although he did not fully understand the role of heat in the preservation process, his work laid the foundation for the later development of commercial canning.

Nicolas Appert's contributions to food preservation were significant, and his innovative techniques revolutionized the storage and transportation of perishable goods. He passed away on June 01, 1841, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of food technology.

17 November - Rajendra Prasad elected the President of Indian National Congress in 1947

 

Rajendra Prasad was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress on 17 November 1947. This was a significant event in India's political history, as it occurred just a few months after India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. Rajendra Prasad, who later went on to become the first President of independent India, played a crucial role in the Constituent Assembly and the framing of the Indian Constitution.

His election as the President of the Indian National Congress showcased his leadership and the trust that his colleagues had in him during the formative years of the country's independence. Rajendra Prasad's contributions to the nation extended beyond his role in the Congress, making him a key figure in the early years of India's post-independence era.

17 November - Martyrs' Day (Orissa, India)

 

In India, there are several dates declared as Martyrs’ Day to honor those who died fighting for the nation’s independence. For example, Martyrs’ Day in Odisha is observed on November 17. It commemorates the death anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, also known as the “Lion of Punjab”.

Lala Lajpat Rai was born on January 28, 1865 in a Hindu family. In 1880, he entered the Government College in Lahore to study law. It was there that he met Indian patriots and future freedom fighters, and joined the Arya Samaj reform movement.

After graduation, Lajpat Rai moved to Rohtak where his father was working as a teacher. Two years later, his father was transferred to Hisar and Rai came along. He practiced law and was actively involved in political and social life. He founded the district branch of the Indian National Congress and was one of the delegates from Hisar at two annual sessions of the Congress in Allahabad, in 1888 and in 1889.

Lajpat Rai made a significant contribution to the work of the Congress, but his views were more radical than its official policy. After the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon ordered the partition of Bengal in 1905, Lajpat Rai began to advocate the Swadeshi movement that involved the boycott of all products imported from Britain. As a result, Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal split from the Congress and founded a radical movement that was named Lal Bal Pal after them.

In 1907, Lajpat Rai was arrested and deported from India without trial. He was allowed to return several months later, but soon left India for the United States. There, he worked with Sikh organizations and sought support from the American government, hoping it would help India gain independence.

Lajpat Rai returned to India at the end of World War I. In 1920, he was elected President of the Indian National Congress at a special session in Calcutta and actively participated in the non-cooperation movement, for which he was imprisoned between 1921 and 1923.

In 1928, the British government sent the so-called Simon Commission to assess the political situation in India. Local political parties boycotted the Commission because there wasn’t a single Indian among its members. When the Commission arrived in Lahore on October 30, Lajpat Rai led a non-violent protest that was dispelled by the police. Rai was assaulted and badly hurt by the police superintendent in the process. He never fully recovered from his injuries and died of a heart attack on November 17, 1928.

The anniversary of Lajpat Rai’s death is observed as Martyrs’ Day in the state of Odisha. The observance is designed to honor the memory of all people who gave their lives for India’s independence.

17 November - Presidents Day (Marshall Islands)

 

Celebrated as a public holiday in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, November 17th is a day that’s observed as President’s Day. It’s a holiday that commemorates the birthday of the country’s first president, President Amata Kabua who was born on November 17th, 1928. He was a politician that was central to independence negotiations and he was served as the country’s president for 5 consecutive terms.

He would end up dying on December 19th, 1996 but this holiday continues in his memory. Because this day is a public holiday in the Marshall Islands, it’s a day off for the general public, and many government offices, schools, and businesses are closed.

17 November - Stanley Cohen birth anniversary

 

Stanley Cohen, born on November 17, 1922, was a British biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. He passed away on February 27, 2020.

Cohen is particularly renowned for his collaborative work with Herbert Boyer in the early 1970s, where they developed recombinant DNA technology. Their groundbreaking research laid the foundation for genetic engineering and biotechnology. The pair successfully inserted a foreign gene into a specific bacterium, a critical advancement that allowed scientists to manipulate and transfer genetic material across different organisms.

For his pioneering work, Stanley Cohen received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science and the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research. His contributions to molecular biology have had a lasting impact on scientific research and medical applications.