12 May - Shankaracharya Jayanti 2024

 

Shankaracharya Jayanti is a Hindu festival celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, a revered philosopher, theologian, and spiritual leader who lived in India during the 8th century CE. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with revitalizing and unifying various sects of Hinduism through his teachings and philosophical works.

Shankaracharya Jayanti typically falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu lunar month of Vaishakha, which usually occurs in April or May according to the Gregorian calendar.

On this day, devotees and followers of Adi Shankaracharya commemorate his life and teachings through prayers, devotional songs, discourses, and readings of his philosophical texts, such as the Prasthanatrayi (the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras). Special ceremonies and rituals may be held at Shankaracharya's temples and monasteries across India.

Adi Shankaracharya is revered for his Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality (Brahman), the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with Brahman, and the ultimate goal of self-realization or spiritual liberation (Moksha). His teachings continue to influence Hindu thought and spirituality to this day.

Shankaracharya Jayanti serves as a time for devotees to reflect on the profound wisdom and spiritual insights of Adi Shankaracharya and to reaffirm their commitment to the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and self-realization. It is a celebration of the enduring legacy of one of the most influential figures in Hindu philosophy and spirituality.

12 May - International Day of Plant Health

 

The International Day of Plant Health is celebrated annually on 12th May , as designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This observance aims to raise global awareness of the importance of plant health in safeguarding food security, protecting biodiversity, and supporting sustainable development.

The FAO emphasizes the critical role that healthy plants play in providing food, fiber, clean air, and ecosystem services. However, plant health is threatened by various factors, including pests, diseases, invasive species, climate change, and human activities. These threats can have devastating impacts on agriculture, forestry, and natural ecosystems, affecting livelihoods and food security worldwide.

The International Day of Plant Health encourages governments, organizations, researchers, farmers, and the public to collaborate and take action to prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases, promote responsible plant trade and quarantine measures, and adopt sustainable agriculture practices. By protecting plant health, we can ensure the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems, conserve biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

On this day, the FAO and its partners organize various activities and initiatives to raise awareness about plant health issues, share knowledge and best practices, and mobilize support for efforts to strengthen plant health systems globally. These activities may include conferences, workshops, educational campaigns, tree planting events, and community outreach programs.

Through the International Day of Plant Health, the FAO aims to promote a greater understanding of the importance of plant health and inspire collective action to protect and promote the well-being of plants and ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.

 

12 May - Konrad Zuse presented the Z3 world's first working fully automatic computer

 

On 12 May 1941, Konrad Zuse presented the Z3, the world's first working programmable, fully automatic computer, in Berlin.

Konrad Zuse's Z3 is considered by many to be the world's first programmable digital computer. It was a significant milestone in the history of computing, demonstrating the feasibility of automatic computation using binary logic and electromechanical components. The Z3 was primarily designed to perform complex calculations for engineering and scientific purposes. Zuse's work laid the groundwork for the development of modern computers.

12 May - Jodhpur founded by Rao Jodha in 1459

 

Jodhpur is a city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was founded by Rao Jodha, who was the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, on 12 May 1459. Rao Jodha established the city as the capital of the Marwar region, replacing the former capital of Mandore.

Under Rao Jodha's rule, Jodhpur grew and prospered. He constructed the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, which stands on a rocky hilltop overlooking the city. The fort served as the residence of the Rathore rulers and is now one of the prominent landmarks of Jodhpur.

Rao Jodha also established a network of water reservoirs, known as "step wells" or "baoris," to address the water scarcity in the region. These step wells not only provided water but also served as gathering places and architectural marvels.

Jodhpur has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its magnificent palaces, vibrant festivals, and traditional art forms. It is often referred to as the "Blue City" due to the blue-painted houses in its old town. The city continues to attract tourists from around the world who come to explore its historical sites, experience the Rajasthani culture, and witness the grandeur of its architectural wonders.

12 May - Norge first vessel to fly over the North Pole in 1926

 

On 12 May 1926, The Italian-built airship Norge became the first vessel to fly over the North Pole.

The Norge was a semi-rigid Italian-built airship that carried out the first verified trip of any kind to the North Pole and likely the first verified overflight on 12 May 1926. It was also the first aircraft to fly over the polar ice cap between Europe and America. The expedition was the brainchild of polar explorer and expedition leader Roald Amundsen, the airship's designer and pilot Umberto Nobile and American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth, who along with the Aero Club of Norway, financed the trip which was known as the Amundsen-Ellsworth 1926 Transpolar Flight.

11 May - The World Migratory Bird Day

 

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual event celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of migratory birds and their conservation. It aims to highlight the ecological significance of migratory birds, promote their conservation, and emphasize the need for international cooperation to protect their habitats.

WMBD was first initiated in 2006 by the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). Since then, it has been celebrated on the second Saturday of May and October each year.

The day serves as a platform for various activities, events, and campaigns organized by governments, conservation organizations, birdwatchers, and individuals worldwide. These initiatives include birdwatching tours, educational programs, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and community events focused on migratory birds.

WMBD aims to raise awareness about the threats faced by migratory birds, such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, hunting, and illegal trade. It emphasizes the need for international collaboration to conserve and protect the critical habitats that migratory birds depend on during their annual journeys.

By celebrating World Migratory Bird Day, people are encouraged to appreciate the beauty and diversity of migratory bird species, learn about their incredible long-distance journeys, and contribute to their conservation efforts. It also helps promote the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems that support the survival of these birds and the many other species that depend on them.

Overall, World Migratory Bird Day plays a crucial role in fostering global awareness and engagement in the conservation of migratory birds, promoting international collaboration, and inspiring people to take action to protect these remarkable avian travelers

11 May - Marriage treaty of Charles II and Catherine from Portugal, placed Bombay in the possession of the British Empire

 

As part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry to Charles II of England, Bombay (now Mumbai) was indeed transferred to the possession of the British Empire. This marriage treaty was signed on May 11, 1661, and Bombay became a key strategic port for the British in India, eventually playing a significant role in the development of British colonial rule on the subcontinent.

The marriage treaty between Charles II of England and Catherine of Braganza, daughter of King John IV of Portugal, was signed as part of an alliance between England and Portugal against Spain. Catherine's dowry included several valuable territories and possessions, one of the most significant being the transfer of the island of Bombay to the British East India Company.

Bombay, a group of islands on the west coast of India, was a strategic location for trade and naval purposes. Its acquisition provided the British with a foothold in the Indian subcontinent, laying the foundation for their expanding influence in the region.

However, it's worth noting that the transfer of Bombay to the British was not immediate. The Portuguese continued to administer the territory until 1665 when they formally handed over control to the English. From then on, Bombay became a crucial center for British trade and administration in India, eventually growing into one of the most important cities in the British Empire.

11 May - Jiddu Krishnamurti birth anniversary

 

Jiddu Krishnamurti was born on 11 May 1895, in Madanapalle, a town in the present-day state of Andhra Pradesh, India. He passed away on 17 February 1986, in Ojai, California, USA.

Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986) was a philosopher, spiritual teacher, and speaker who gained international recognition for his teachings on various subjects, including the nature of the mind, consciousness, human relationships, and the search for truth. Born in Madanapalle, India, Krishnamurti was discovered as a young boy by the leaders of the Theosophical Society, who believed he was a potential vehicle for the coming World Teacher or Messiah.

However, in 1929, Krishnamurti dissolved the Order of the Star, an organization established around him, and renounced the role that had been predicted for him. He declared that truth is a pathless land and that no organization or person could lead another to truth. From then on, he spent the rest of his life traveling the world, speaking and writing extensively about the nature of the mind and the pursuit of self-discovery.

Krishnamurti's teachings emphasized the importance of individual inquiry, self-awareness, and the need for a radical transformation of the human psyche. He encouraged people to question authority, conditioning, and beliefs, advocating for a direct and unmediated approach to understanding the mind and the nature of reality.

Some key themes in Krishnamurti's teachings include the nature of thought, the role of awareness in understanding oneself, the limitations of organized religions, and the pursuit of a holistic and harmonious way of living. His talks and writings have been influential across various fields, and his legacy continues to inspire individuals interested in philosophy, spirituality, and personal transformation.

10 May - Swami Basaveshwar Jayanti

 

Swami Basaveshwara, also known as Basavanna or Basaveshwara, was a 12th-century saint, philosopher, and social reformer who played a significant role in the development of the Lingayat sect in Karnataka, India. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Basava Jayanti.

Basava Jayanti typically falls on the third day of Vaisakha month (April-May) in the Hindu calendar. However, the exact date may vary each year based on the lunar calendar. During this day, followers of Basavanna commemorate his life, teachings, and contributions to society through various events, including processions, cultural programs, and discussions on his philosophy.

Swami Basaveshwara advocated principles of social equality, devotion to God, and the rejection of caste discrimination. He promoted the idea of "Kayaka" (manual labor) as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the dignity of all professions. Basavanna also established the Anubhava Mantapa, a platform for spiritual and philosophical discussions open to people from all walks of life, regardless of caste or social status.

His teachings, recorded in the Vachana literature, emphasize the importance of individual moral conduct, compassion, and devotion to the divine. Basavanna's legacy continues to inspire millions of people, particularly in Karnataka and among the Lingayat community, where his philosophy remains deeply revered.

10 May - The Incredible Hulk- Marvel Comics published the first issue in 1962

 

On 10 May 1962, Marvel Comics published the first issue of The Incredible Hulk.

The Hulk is a fictional superhero appearing in publications by the American publisher Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of The Incredible Hulk (May 1962). In his comic book appearances, the character is both the Hulk, a green-skinned, hulking and muscular humanoid possessing a vast degree of physical strength, and his alter ego Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, a physically weak, socially withdrawn, and emotionally reserved physicist, the two existing as independent personalities and resenting of the other.