17 June - Homage to Jijabai

Jijabai, also known as Rajmata Jijabai, was the mother of the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Her full name was Jijabai Shahaji Bhosale. She played a crucial role in the upbringing and early education of Shivaji, who later went on to establish the Maratha Empire in western India.

Here are some key points about Jijabai:

1. Background: Jijabai was born on 12 January 1598, in Sindkhed, a town in present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India.

2. Marriage to Shahaji Bhosale: Jijabai was married to Shahaji Bhosale, a military officer and the founder of the Bhosale dynasty. Shahaji served under various Deccan Sultanates before eventually aligning with the Adil Shahi sultans of Bijapur.

3. Early Life of Shivaji: Jijabai played a significant role in shaping the character and values of Shivaji. She instilled in him a sense of pride in his Maratha heritage and the importance of upholding dharma (righteousness).

4. Religious Influence: Jijabai was known for her deep religious faith, and she had a strong influence on Shivaji's religious beliefs. She was a devout follower of the Hindu god, Lord Rama, and her teachings had a lasting impact on Shivaji's commitment to Hindavi Swarajya (Hindu self-rule).

5. Fort Raigad: After Shivaji established the Maratha Kingdom, he built the fort of Raigad as his capital. Jijabai lived in the Raigad fort during Shivaji's reign and continued to play a supportive role in his administration.

6. Legacy: Jijabai's legacy lies in her contributions to Shivaji's upbringing and the values she instilled in him. Her role as a mother and mentor to one of the most celebrated warrior kings in Indian history is highly regarded.

   When Jijabai's husband Shahaji Raje died, she decided to sacrifice herself according to the Sati tradition, but Shivaji Maharaj opposed it and prevented her from performing sati. She died on 17 June 1674 at Pachad village near Raigad Fort. At that time it was only twelve days since the coronation of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
   

Rajmata Jijabai's influence on Shivaji's early life and her commitment to the Maratha cause have made her an important historical figure in Indian history. She is remembered as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and maternal guidance in the establishment of the Maratha Empire.17 June 1674

12 June - Anne Frank Born in 1929

Annelies Marie "Anne" Frank 12 June 1929 – February or March 1945) was a German-Dutch diarist of Jewish origin. One of the most discussed Jewish victims of the Holocaust, she gained fame posthumously with the publication of The Diary of a Young Girl (originally Het Achterhuis in Dutch; English: The Secret Annex), in which she documents her life in hiding from 1942 to 1944, during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. It is one of the world's best known books and has been the basis for several plays and films.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, she lived most of her life in or near Amsterdam, Netherlands, having moved there with her family at the age of four and a half when the Nazis gained control over Germany. Born a German national, she lost her citizenship in 1941 and thus became stateless. By May 1940, the Franks were trapped in Amsterdam by the German occupation of the Netherlands. As persecutions of the Jewish population increased in July 1942, the Franks went into hiding in some concealed rooms behind a bookcase in the building where Anne's father, Otto Frank, worked. From then until the family's arrest by the Gestapo in August 1944, she kept a diary she had received as a birthday present, and wrote in it regularly. Following their arrest, the Franks were transported to concentration camps. In October or November 1944, Anne and her sister, Margot, were transferred from Auschwitz to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they died (probably of typhus) a few months later. They were originally estimated by the Red Cross to have died in March, with Dutch authorities setting 31 March as their official date of death, but research by the Anne Frank House in 2015 suggests it is more likely that they died in February.

09 June - National Donald Duck Day USA

Donald Duck,an American cartoon character from The Walt Disney Company, was "born" on 9 June.

Donald Fauntleroy Duck is a cartoon character created in 1934 at Walt Disney Productions. Donald is an anthropomorphic white duck with a yellow-orange bill, legs, and feet. He typically wears a sailor shirt and cap with a bow tie. Donald is known for his semi-intelligible speech and his mischievous and temperamental personality. Along with his friend Mickey Mouse, Donald was included in TV Guide's list of the 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time in 2002. He has appeared in more films than any other Disney character,and is the most published comic book character in the world outside of the superhero genre.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (शिवाजी महाराज)

Shivaji Bhonsale I, also referred to as Chhatrapati Shivaji, was an Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan. Shivaji carved out an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire.

03 June - World Bicycle Day

In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as International World Bicycle Day.The resolution for World Bicycle Day recognizes "the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the Bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport.

World Bicycle Day is a global holiday meant to be enjoyed by all people regardless of any characteristic. The bicycle as a symbol of human progress and advancement "[promotes] tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and [facilitates] social inclusion and a culture of peace." The bicycle further is a "symbol of sustainable transport and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.

World Bicycle Day is now being associated with promoting a healthy lifestyle for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

01 June - World Milk Day

World Milk Day is an international day established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to celebrate the importance of milk as a global food. Observed annually on June 1st, this day highlights the significant contributions of the dairy sector to sustainability, economic development, livelihoods, and nutrition. The initiative was launched in 2001 to provide an opportunity to focus attention on milk and to publicize activities connected with the dairy industry. World Milk Day serves to educate people about the health benefits of milk and dairy products, emphasizing their role in a balanced diet. It also aims to acknowledge the efforts of dairy farmers and workers worldwide who contribute to producing and supplying this essential commodity. Events and activities on World Milk Day range from educational programs and media campaigns to community events and farm visits, all designed to raise awareness about the value of milk in our diets and its importance in global food systems.

31 May - Ahilyabai Holkar born in 1725

Ahilyabai Holkar, also known as Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, was a remarkable queen and ruler of the Malwa kingdom in India. She was born on May 31, 1725, in the village of Chondi in present-day Maharashtra, India, and she ruled from 1767 until her death in 1795. Ahilyabai is remembered as one of the most exceptional women in Indian history and is celebrated for her administrative acumen, benevolence, and dedication to the welfare of her people.

Ahilyabai's husband, Khanderao Holkar, was the ruler of the Malwa kingdom. After his death, she took charge as the queen regent when her father-in-law also passed away, becoming the ruler of the Holkar dynasty. During her reign, she was known for her just and efficient governance, which earned her the admiration of her subjects and ministers.

She is most famous for her contributions to temple construction and restoration. Ahilyabai Holkar was a devout Hindu and a patron of the arts, culture, and religion. She commissioned the construction and renovation of numerous temples, ghats (stepped embankments along rivers), wells, and other public works projects, many of which still stand today as a testament to her legacy.

One of her most significant projects was the restoration and expansion of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. She also commissioned the construction of the famous Maheshwar Fort and the Rajwada Palace in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, which served as her capital.

Ahilyabai's rule was marked by her commitment to the welfare of her people, regardless of their social background or caste. She was known for her sense of justice and compassion, and she actively worked to promote trade, agriculture, and infrastructure development in her kingdom.

Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy continues to be celebrated in India, and she remains an inspiration for her strong leadership, compassion, and devotion to her people. Her contributions to architecture, especially in the form of temples and monuments, have left an indelible mark on Indian history and cultural heritage.

31 May - Lala Jagat Narain born in 1899

Lala Jagat Narain was a prominent Indian journalist, freedom fighter, and politician. Born on 31 May 1899, in Wazirabad, Punjab (now in Pakistan), he played a significant role in India's struggle for independence and later in the political landscape of post-independence India. Here are some key points about his life and contributions:

Early Life and Freedom Struggle

• Education and Early Career: Lala Jagat Narain completed his education at D.A.V. College in Lahore and later joined the freedom movement. He was deeply influenced by the Arya Samaj, a reformist movement within Hinduism.
• Freedom Fighter: He was actively involved in the Indian independence movement. He participated in various agitations against British rule and was imprisoned several times for his activities.

Journalism

• Founding Newspapers: Lala Jagat Narain founded the Urdu daily newspaper Pratap in 1946, which became a significant voice against British colonial rule and later a strong advocate for social reforms and Indian unity.
• Punjab Kesari: In 1965, he established the Hindi daily Punjab Kesari, which became one of the leading newspapers in northern India. His journalism was characterized by a strong stance against corruption, social injustices, and separatist movements.

Political Career

• Political Involvement: Lala Jagat Narain was actively involved in politics as a member of the Indian National Congress. He served as a member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly and held various important positions.
• Parliamentary Role: He was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament, where he continued to champion causes related to national integration and communal harmony.

Assassination and Legacy

• Assassination: Lala Jagat Narain was assassinated on  09 September  1981, by militants belonging to the Khalistan movement, which sought an independent Sikh homeland. His assassination was a significant event during the turbulent period of Punjab in the 1980s.
• Legacy: His legacy lives on through the continued publication of Punjab Kesari and through various memorials and institutions named in his honor. He is remembered for his courage, dedication to journalism, and his efforts to promote national unity.

Lala Jagat Narain's life and work left a lasting impact on Indian journalism and politics, particularly in the Punjab region. His commitment to truth, justice, and the national cause continues to inspire many in India.

22 May - Tallapaka Annamacharya birth anniversary

Tallapaka Annamacharya (also popularly known as Annamayya)(22 May 1408 – 4 April 1503) was a 15th-century Hindu saint and the earliest known Indian musician to compose songs called sankirtanas in praise of the Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu.He is the first known composer in carnatic music. The most famous composers of Carnatic music like Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa also came after him. The musical form of the keertana songs that he composed, which are still popular among Carnatic music concert artists,have strongly influenced the structure of Carnatic music compositions.Annamacharya is remembered for his saintly life, and is honoured as a great devotee of Vishnu by devotees and saintly singers.

He is believed to have been the creator avatar of Nandaka, the sword of Vishnu. He is widely regarded as the Andhra Pada kavitā Pitāmaha (Grandfather of Telugu song-writing).

USA Mailbox Improvement Week, May 21–27

Each year, the Postal Service™ designates the third full week of May as Mailbox Improvement Week to encourage customers on city motorized, rural, or contract delivery service routes (formerly highway contract box delivery routes) to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes. Neat, attractive mail­boxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and streets in suburban areas. Mailbox Improvement Week, May 21-27, calls attention to the need for providing mailboxes that are:

1. Approved by the Postmaster General.

2. Designed to protect the mail from weather.

3. Safe to use.

4. Conveniently located.

5. Neat in appearance.