18 February - Malayapuram Singaravelu birth anniversary

 

 Malayapuram Singaravelu (18 February 1860 – 11 February 1946), also known as M. Singaravelu and Singaravelar, was a pioneer in more than one field in India. In 1918, he founded the first trade union in India. On 1 May 1923 he organised the first ever celebration of May Day in the country. Singaravelar was a major leader of the Indian independence movement, initially under the leadership of Gandhi, but later, joining the budding communist movement. In 1925, he became one of the founding fathers of the Communist Party of India; and chaired its inaugural convention in Kanpur. Though the British Government arrested him along with other leaders on charges of conspiring to wage war against the Crown, he was set free, soon after, on account of his failing health. Singaravelar was also a path-breaking social reformer who in his early life took to Buddhism, seeing it as a weapon against the evil of untouchability, which was particularly severe in the 19th-century India. He was also in the forefront of Self respect movement, in the Madras Presidency that fought for equal rights for backward castes. Though in his advanced years, he withdrew from active politics, Singaravelar remained a staunch advocate of the causes he had pioneered till his death at the age of 85

18 February - Mutiny against the British began in the Royal Indian Navy in 1946

 

On February 18, 1946, a historic event known as the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny took place in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. This mutiny marked a significant moment in India's struggle for independence from British rule. The naval ratings, consisting of Indian sailors, led a revolt against the British authorities, demanding better working conditions, equal pay, and the end of racial discrimination within the Royal Indian Navy.

The immediate trigger for the mutiny was the frustration and discontent among Indian sailors who had served in the Royal Indian Navy during World War II. Despite their contributions to the war effort, they faced discrimination and were treated unequally compared to their British counterparts. The sailors were particularly angered by the British decision to reduce their salaries and allowances after the war.

The mutiny began on February 18, 1946, when a group of naval ratings on HMIS Talwar went on strike, and the protests quickly spread to other naval vessels and shore establishments in Bombay, Karachi, Calcutta, and Madras (now Chennai). The revolt gained widespread support from the civilian population and political leaders.

However, the leaders of the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, who were negotiating with the British for India's independence, were cautious about openly supporting the mutiny. They were concerned that the unrest might jeopardize the delicate political situation and negotiations.

Ultimately, the mutiny was brought under control by the British authorities through a combination of force and negotiations. The leaders of the mutiny were arrested, and some were court-martialed. While the immediate objectives of the mutiny were not fully achieved, it played a crucial role in drawing attention to the grievances of Indian servicemen and contributed to the broader political climate that led to India gaining independence in 1947.

 

18 February - Pluto Day

 

Pluto Day is celebrated on February 18th each year, marking the anniversary of the discovery of the dwarf planet Pluto. Pluto was officially discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh on February 18, 1930, at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Pluto was initially classified as the ninth planet in our solar system, but in 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified it as a "dwarf planet" due to its size and characteristics differing from the traditional definition of a planet.

Pluto Day is an opportunity to commemorate the history of Pluto's discovery and its subsequent reclassification. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing exploration and study of the outer reaches of our solar system. Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and space organizations may use this day to engage in activities, events, or discussions about Pluto, the solar system, and the ever-evolving field of planetary science.

18 February - National Battery Day USA

 

National Battery Day is observed on February 18th each year. The day is dedicated to celebrating the invention and importance of batteries in our daily lives. Batteries play a crucial role in powering a wide range of devices, from small gadgets like flashlights and remote controls to more significant applications like electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

National Battery Day serves as an opportunity to appreciate the convenience and versatility that batteries bring to modern life. It also encourages awareness of battery technologies, advancements, and the role they play in various industries, including electronics, transportation, and energy.

On this day, educational activities, events, and promotions related to batteries may take place to highlight the significance of proper battery usage, recycling, and environmental considerations associated with battery disposal. It's a day to acknowledge the impact batteries have on our daily routines and the continuous efforts to improve their efficiency and sustainability.

18 February - World Whale Day

 

World Whale Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about whales and their conservation. Celebrated on the third Sunday of February each year, World Whale Day serves as a reminder of the importance of these magnificent marine mammals and the need to protect their natural habitats.

The day was established in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii, and it has since grown into an international event. Activities and events on World Whale Day often include educational programs, whale watching tours, art and music exhibitions, and various initiatives to promote whale conservation and the protection of ocean ecosystems.

The aim of World Whale Day is not only to celebrate the beauty of whales but also to highlight the threats they face, such as habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and whaling. Conservation organizations, marine biologists, and communities around the world participate in this day to promote awareness and encourage actions to ensure the well-being of these remarkable creatures and the oceans they inhabit.