30 April - Nizar Qabbani death aniversary

 

Nizar Qabbani (21 March 1923 – 30 April 1998) was a Syrian diplomat, poet, and writer. He is considered to be Syria’s National Poet.

He was born on 21 March 1923, in Damascus, Syria. He is widely considered as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century in the Arabic language. He is known for his romantic and political poetry that reflected the realities of the Arab world, especially his critiques of Arab society’s conservatism and oppressive traditions. Nizar Qabbani was born to a middle-class family in Damascus. His father was a wealthy businessman, and his mother was a homemaker. He was raised in a conservative Muslim family that valued education and culture. Nizar Qabbani received his primary and secondary education in Damascus, and later he went to Cairo, Egypt, to study Law and Literature at Cairo University.

In 1945, Nizar Qabbani began his diplomatic career, working as an attaché at the Syrian embassy in Cairo, Egypt. Later, he held diplomatic posts in several other countries, including Turkey, Lebanon, and the United Kingdom. Despite his busy diplomatic career, he continued to write poetry and published his first collection of poems, “The Brunette Told Me,” in 1948.

Qabbani’s poetry was controversial because of its frank treatment of sexuality and its critique of social norms and religious traditions. His poems often celebrated the beauty of women and love, but they also condemned the patriarchy and advocated for women’s rights. He was also a vocal critic of Arab governments and their policies, particularly towards Israel and the Palestinians.

In 1956, Qabbani resigned from his diplomatic career to devote himself entirely to writing. He moved to Beirut, Lebanon, where he published several collections of poetry that received critical acclaim. He also founded the cultural magazine, “Shi’r” (Poetry), which played a significant role in shaping Arabic poetry in the 1960s and 1970s.

In addition to his poetry, Nizar Qabbani also wrote plays, essays, and children’s books. He also worked as a journalist and wrote articles on politics, culture, and social.

At the age of 75, Nizar Qabbani died in London on 30 April 1998 of a heart attack.

30 April- "Casey" Jones death on 1900

 

John Luther "Casey" Jones (March 14, 1863 – April 30, 1900) was an American railroader who was killed when his passenger train collided with a stalled freight train at Vaughan, Mississippi.

Jones was a locomotive engineer for the Illinois Central Railroad, based in Memphis, Tennessee, and Jackson, Mississippi. He was noted for his exceptionally punctual schedules, which sometimes required a degree of risk, though this was not a factor on his fatal last journey. However, there is some disagreement about the sequence of events on that night, April 29–30, 1900.

He was due to run the southbound passenger service from Memphis to Canton, Mississippi, departing 11:35pm. Owing to the absence of another engineer, he had to take over another service through the day, which may have deprived him of sleep. He eventually departed 75 minutes late, but was confident of making up the time, with the powerful ten-wheeler Engine No. 382, known as "Cannonball".

Approaching Vaughan at high speed, he was unaware that three trains were occupying the station, one of them broken down and directly on his line. Some claim that he ignored a flagman signalling to him, though this person may have been out of sight on a tight bend, or obscured by fog. All are agreed, however, that Jones managed to avert a potentially disastrous crash through his exceptional skill at slowing the engine and saving the lives of the passengers at the cost of his own. For this, he was immortalized in a traditional song, "The Ballad of Casey Jones". 

29 April - Bharathidasan birth anniversary

 

Bharathidasan, born as Kanakasabai Subburathinam, was a prominent Tamil poet, playwright, and social reformer from Tamil Nadu, India. He was born on 29 April 1891, in Pondicherry, which was then part of French India, and he passed away on 21 April 1964.

Bharathidasan was known for his progressive and socially conscious writings that addressed a wide range of issues, including social injustice, inequality, and the struggles of the common people. He played a significant role in the Dravidian movement and was associated with the Self-Respect Movement led by E. V. Ramasamy (Periyar).

Throughout his literary career, Bharathidasan wrote numerous poems, essays, and plays in Tamil, advocating for social reform and cultural revival. He used his writings to challenge traditional norms and to promote rationalism, humanism, and social equality.

Some of Bharathidasan's most notable works include the poetry collections "Kuyil Pattu" (Song of the Koel) and "Panchali Sabatham" (Panchali's Vow), as well as the plays "Thunbam Nergaiyil" (In the Midst of Sorrow) and "Manohara." His poetry is characterized by its simplicity, lyricism, and emotional depth, and it continues to resonate with readers across generations.

Bharathidasan's contributions to Tamil literature and his advocacy for social justice have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition. He is remembered as one of the most influential poets and intellectuals of modern Tamil Nadu, whose writings continue to inspire and provoke thought. His legacy remains celebrated in Tamil literature and culture.

29 April - Alfred Hitchcock death anniversary

 

Alfred Hitchcock, passed away on 29 April 1980, was an English filmmaker. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. In a career spanning six decades, he directed over 50 feature films, many of which are still widely watched and studied today. Known as the "Master of Suspense", he became as well known as any of his actors thanks to his many interviews, his cameo roles in most of his films, and his hosting and producing the television anthology Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–65). His films garnered 46 Academy Award nominations, including six wins, although he never won the award for Best Director despite five nominations.

29 April - Shōwa Day in Japan

 

 

Shōwa Day is a public holiday in Japan held on April 29. It honors the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), the reigning emperor from 1926 to 1989.Shō means “shining” or “bright”, and wa (和) means “peace”, signifying the "enlightened peace" that citizens receive. According to the now defunct Democratic Party of Japan, the purpose of the holiday is to encourage public reflection on the turbulent 63 years of Hirohito's reign, ranging from totalitarianism to the post-war reconstruction and transition into a democratic state.
A protest against Shōwa Day, 2016

Coincidentally, Shōwa Day happens on the same date that in 1948 the Allies' International Military Tribunal for the Far East condemned key officials of the Imperial government during World War II to death, including former Prime Minister Hideki Tojo. 

29 April - Bose resigning in 1939 as congress president

 

Subhas Chandra Bose (23 January 1897 – 18 August 1945) was an Indian nationalist whose defiance of British authority in India made him a hero among many Indians, but his wartime alliances with Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan left a legacy vexed by authoritarianism, anti-Semitism, and military failure. The honorific Netaji (Hindi: "Respected Leader") was first applied to Bose in Germany in early 1942—by the Indian soldiers of the Indische Legion and by the German and Indian officials in the Special Bureau for India in Berlin. It is now used throughout India.

Subhas Bose was born into wealth and privilege in a large Bengali family in Orissa during the British Raj. The early recipient of an Anglocentric education, he was sent after college to England to take the Indian Civil Service examination. He succeeded with distinction in the vital first exam but demurred at taking the routine final exam, citing nationalism to be a higher calling. Returning to India in 1921, Bose joined the nationalist movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. He followed Jawaharlal Nehru to leadership in a group within the Congress which was less keen on constitutional reform and more open to socialism.Bose became Congress president in 1938. After reelection in 1939, differences arose between him and the Congress leaders, including Gandhi, over the future federation of British India and princely states, but also because discomfort had grown among the Congress leadership over Bose's negotiable attitude to non-violence, and his plans for greater powers for himself. After the large majority of the Congress Working Committee members resigned in protest. Bose resigning on 29 April 1939. Dr Rajendra Prasad was elected as the next President of the Congress.

29 April - World Veterinary Day 2023

 

World Veterinary Day is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of April, and it is an opportunity to recognize the critical role that veterinarians play in promoting animal health, welfare, and public health. This day also aims to increase public awareness about the importance of veterinary medicine and the many challenges that veterinarians face.

Veterinarians are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries in animals. They work with a wide variety of animals, from domestic pets and livestock to wildlife and zoo animals. Their work involves not only treating sick and injured animals but also preventing the spread of diseases that can affect both animals and humans.

The theme of World Veterinary Day changes every year, and it focuses on different issues that are relevant to veterinary medicine. For example, in 2021, the theme was "The Veterinarian Response to the Covid-19 Crisis," which highlighted the vital role that veterinarians played in responding to the pandemic, from testing animals to providing support to human healthcare workers.

On World Veterinary Day, veterinary organizations and professionals come together to organize various events and activities to promote animal health and welfare. These events may include free pet health check-ups, educational programs for pet owners, and workshops for veterinary students and professionals.

In addition to celebrating the contributions of veterinarians, World Veterinary Day also serves as a reminder of the many challenges that the veterinary profession faces. These challenges include animal welfare issues, the emergence of new diseases, and the need to promote responsible animal ownership.

By recognizing the importance of veterinary medicine and the dedicated work of veterinarians, we can help to ensure that animals receive the care they need, and that public health is protected. So on World Veterinary Day, let us take a moment to appreciate and support the work of these essential healthcare professionals.

 

29 April - Raja Ravi Varma birth anniversary

 

Raja Ravi Varma, born on April 29, 1848, in Kilimanoor, Travancore (now in Kerala, India), was a celebrated Indian painter who is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Indian Art." He is renowned for his pioneering contributions to Indian art, particularly in the realm of portraiture and the depiction of Indian mythology and legends.

Raja Ravi Varma is best known for his ability to blend European techniques of oil painting with traditional Indian aesthetics. His works introduced a new dimension to Indian art by capturing the beauty and grandeur of Indian culture, heritage, and mythology. His paintings of Hindu gods, goddesses, and mythological characters are iconic and have left an indelible mark on Indian art.

He received several accolades and awards for his artistic achievements, including being awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal by the British government. His artistic legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts in India and around the world.

Raja Ravi Varma passed away on October 2, 1906, in Attingal, Travancore, but his artistic contributions continue to be celebrated and admired, making him an enduring figure in the world of Indian art.

29 April - International Dance Day

 

International Dance Day is celebrated annually on April 29th. It was first established by the International Dance Council (CID) in 1982 to commemorate the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, the founder of modern ballet.

Dance is a universal language that transcends cultures and brings people together. It is an art form that expresses emotions, tells stories, and reflects the diverse cultures and traditions of the world. International Dance Day is a day to celebrate the power of dance and its ability to inspire, connect, and transform.

On this day, dance companies, schools, and organizations from around the world come together to host events, performances, and workshops. These events showcase a wide variety of dance styles, from traditional folk dances to contemporary and modern dance forms.

International Dance Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of dance in society. It promotes the idea that dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a valuable tool for promoting social cohesion, physical fitness, and mental wellbeing.

The theme for International Dance Day changes every year, with each theme reflecting a different aspect of dance and its role in society. Some of the past themes have included "Dance and Spirituality," "Dance and the City," and "Dance and Nature."

In conclusion, International Dance Day is an important celebration of dance and its significance in our lives. It provides a platform for dancers, choreographers, and dance enthusiasts to come together and share their love for this art form. As we celebrate this day, let us appreciate the beauty of dance and the joy it brings to our lives.

 

28 April - Vinayak Krishna Gokak death anniversary

 

Vinayak Krishna Gokak was an eminent Indian writer, scholar, and academic who made significant contributions to Kannada literature and Indian literature in general. Born on 09 August 1909, Gokak's literary career spanned several decades, during which he produced an extensive body of work encompassing poetry, novels, essays, and literary criticism.

Gokak is particularly renowned for his contributions to modern Kannada poetry. He was instrumental in bringing about a modernist movement in Kannada literature, introducing new themes, styles, and forms. His poetry often explored existential themes, human emotions, and the complexities of the modern world.

Apart from his literary pursuits, Gokak also had a distinguished academic career. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University and later as the Chairman of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Gokak's scholarly endeavors extended to areas such as linguistics, philosophy, and education, reflecting his multidisciplinary interests.

One of Gokak's most notable achievements was his recognition as the recipient of the Jnanpith Award, one of the highest literary honors in India, for his contributions to literature. His notable works include "Bhoomi Geeta," "Mandara Kavya," and "Kanaka Purandara," among others.

Vinayak Krishna Gokak passed away on 28 April 1992, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire readers and scholars alike.