04 may - International Firefighters Day

 

International Firefighters Day is observed every year on May 4th to honor the brave men and women who risk their lives to save others from the dangers of fire. This day is a global observance that recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of firefighters who work tirelessly to protect their communities.

The origins of International Firefighters Day can be traced back to 1998, when a tragic wildfire in Linton, Victoria, Australia, claimed the lives of five firefighters. In response to this tragedy, a group of firefighters from the neighboring town of Heyfield organized a remembrance service for the fallen heroes. This service was so moving that it inspired the creation of International Firefighters Day.

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the dangers that firefighters face on a daily basis and to acknowledge their bravery, dedication, and commitment to serving their communities. It is also an opportunity to express gratitude to firefighters for their heroic efforts in protecting lives and property.

International Firefighters Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world. Some communities hold ceremonies to honor their local firefighters, while others organize events and fundraisers to support the firefighting profession. Many people also take the time to thank firefighters in their communities for their service and sacrifice.

The theme for International Firefighters Day 2023 is "Supporting Our Firefighters". This theme highlights the need to provide support and resources to firefighters to help them carry out their duties safely and effectively. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the mental and emotional toll that firefighting can take on firefighters, and the need to provide them with the resources they need to maintain their well-being.

In conclusion, International Firefighters Day is an important day of recognition for the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect their communities from the dangers of fire. It is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for their service, and to raise awareness of the important work that firefighters do around the world.

04 May - Chhatrasal Bundela birth anniversary

 

Chhatrasal Bundela was a prominent figure in Indian history, particularly known for his role in resisting Mughal expansion in central India during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was born on May 04, 1649, and he died on December 20, 1731.

Chhatrasal was the founder of the Bundela Rajput kingdom in Bundelkhand region, which is present-day Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh states of India. He initially served as a noble under the Mughal Empire but later rebelled against Mughal authority and established his own independent kingdom.

Chhatrasal formed alliances with various regional powers, including the Marathas and the Sikhs, to resist Mughal dominance. He played a crucial role in checking the expansion of the Mughal Empire into central India and preserving the autonomy of his kingdom.

Chhatrasal was also known for his patronage of arts and culture, and he supported scholars, poets, and artists during his reign. His legacy is celebrated in Indian history as a courageous warrior and a symbol of resistance against foreign domination.

04 May - Anti-Bullying Day

 

Anti-Bullying Day is observed annually every May 4. It is a day when the world pledges to end bullying in schools. Bullying is as old as human society. Sometimes, the signs are apparent and wilful. Other times, it is insidious and may exist where we least expect it — family, friends, or others close to the victim. But mostly, children are at higher risk since bullies prey on the most vulnerable. Every child has the right to grow up without experiencing abuse, especially in places of learning designed to be safe spaces. Anti-Bullying Day raises awareness about bullying and how to support children who may be silently suffering from it.

04 May - Tipu Sultan death anniversary

 

Tipu Sultan, also known as Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu, was a ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. He was born on 20 November 1750, and he ruled Mysore from 1782 until his death on 04 May 1799.

Tipu Sultan is remembered for his resistance against British colonial expansion in India. He was a skilled military strategist and innovator, known for his use of rocket technology in warfare. He fought a series of wars against the British East India Company, notably the Anglo-Mysore Wars, in which he sought to defend Mysore's sovereignty and independence.

However, Tipu Sultan's rule was also marked by controversy and criticism, particularly regarding his treatment of non-Muslim communities, such as Hindus and Christians, within his kingdom. His policies towards these communities have been the subject of historical debate.

Tipu Sultan's legacy remains complex and contested. While he is celebrated by some as a symbol of resistance against colonialism and imperialism, others view him through a more critical lens, considering the impact of his rule on various communities within Mysore.

04 May - Tyagaraja birth anniversary

 

Tyagaraja, also known as Saint Tyagaraja, was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music, a classical music tradition of South India. He was born on May 4, 1767, in Tiruvarur, present-day Tamil Nadu, India, and lived until January 6, 1847. Tyagaraja is celebrated for his immense contributions to Carnatic music through his compositions, which are revered for their depth of emotion, spiritual essence, and musical brilliance.

Tyagaraja's compositions, known as kritis, are characterized by their devotional themes, particularly his adoration of Lord Rama. His compositions often reflect his deep spiritual beliefs and devotion to Lord Rama, whom he considered his divine inspiration.

Tyagaraja's musical genius and his devotion to Lord Rama continue to inspire musicians and devotees of Carnatic music to this day. His compositions remain an integral part of the Carnatic music repertoire and are cherished by music enthusiasts worldwide.

03 May - V.K. Krishna Menon birth anniversary

 

Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon, commonly known as V.K. Krishna Menon, was a prominent Indian diplomat, politician, and statesman. He was born on 03 May 1896, in Calicut, British India (now Kozhikode, Kerala), and passed away on 06 October 1974.

Krishna Menon played a significant role in India's struggle for independence and later in shaping the country's foreign policy and international relations. He was a close associate of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, and served as India's first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1947 to 1952.

One of Krishna Menon's most notable contributions was his role as India's representative to the United Nations. He served as India's Permanent Representative to the UN from 1952 to 1962 and played a key role in advocating for decolonization, anti-imperialism, and the rights of newly independent nations. He is remembered for his impassioned speeches and advocacy on various global issues, including the Kashmir dispute and nuclear disarmament.

Krishna Menon's political career in India was marked by his association with the Indian National Congress party and his tenure as India's Defense Minister from 1957 to 1962. He was also a Member of Parliament and held various ministerial positions in the Indian government.

While Krishna Menon was a polarizing figure in Indian politics, he left a lasting impact on India's foreign policy and diplomatic relations. He is remembered as a passionate advocate for India's interests on the world stage and as one of the key architects of India's foreign policy in the early years of independence.

03 May - Bhalji Pendharkar birth anniversary

 

Bhalji Pendharkar was a pioneering figure in the Indian film industry, particularly in the Marathi film industry. He was born on 03 May 1897, in Maharashtra, India, and passed away on 28 November 1994. Pendharkar is remembered as a filmmaker, director, producer, and screenwriter who made significant contributions to Marathi and Hindi cinema.

Pendharkar began his career in the silent film era and later transitioned into talking films. He directed and produced several successful Marathi films, including classics like "Raja Harishchandra" (1932), which is considered one of the earliest Marathi talkies. Pendharkar was known for his devotion to Indian mythology and historical subjects, and many of his films were based on these themes.

Apart from filmmaking, Pendharkar was also involved in theater and journalism. He founded the Maharashtra Film Company and was instrumental in establishing the Prabhat Film Company, one of the pioneering film production companies in India.

Throughout his career, Pendharkar received several accolades and honors for his contributions to Indian cinema. He played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the Marathi film industry and is remembered as a visionary filmmaker who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

03 May - Dalida death anniversary

 

Dalida (17 January 1933 – 3 May 1987), also known as Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti, was an Italian-French singer and actress. She sang in eleven languages and sold millions of records internationally. Her best-known songs are “Bambino”, “Gondolier”, “Les enfants du Pirée”, “Le temps des fleurs”, “Darla dirladada”, “J’attendrai”, and “Paroles, paroles” featuring spoken word by Alain Delon.

She was born on 17 January 1933 in in Cairo, Kingdom of Egypt. She began her career in the 1950s as a singer in France. She had a successful career spanning several decades and recorded many hits in multiple languages, including French, Italian, German, Arabic, and English. She sold over 170 million records worldwide and received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Dalida was known for her powerful voice and emotive performances. She also acted in several films, including “La Fille de l’Eau” (1956) and “La vie continue” (1958). In 1987, Dalida committed suicide on  03 May 1987 the age of 54 due to personal issues. Despite her tragic death, her legacy continues to live on through her music and cultural impact.

03 May - Nargis Dutt death anniversary

 

Nargis Dutt, born Fatima Rashid, was a legendary Indian actress who achieved iconic status in the Hindi film industry. She was born on 01 June 1929, in Calcutta, British India (now Kolkata, India), and passed away on 03 May 1981.

Nargis made her acting debut as a child artist in the 1935 film "Talashe Haq" and later appeared in several films in the 1940s before gaining widespread recognition for her role in "Barsaat" (1949). She went on to star in numerous successful films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Awara" (1951), "Shree 420" (1955), "Mother India" (1957), and "Raat Aur Din" (1967), for which she won the National Film Award for Best Actress.

One of Nargis's most acclaimed performances came in the film "Mother India," where she portrayed the role of Radha, a resilient and courageous village woman. The film is considered a landmark in Indian cinema and earned Nargis international recognition, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Off-screen, Nargis was known for her philanthropic work and social activism. She was married to actor Sunil Dutt, and together they had three children, including actor Sanjay Dutt and politician Priya Dutt.

Nargis Dutt's legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers in India and beyond. She remains an enduring icon of Indian cinema, remembered for her talent, grace, and contributions to the arts and society.

03 May - University of Athens established in 1837

 

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, usually referred to simply as the University of Athens (UoA), is a public university in Athens, Greece.

It has been in continuous operation since its establishment in 1837 and is the oldest higher education institution of the modern Greek state and the first contemporary university in both the Balkan Peninsula and the Eastern Mediterranean.Today it is one of the largest universities by enrollment in Europe, with over 69,000 registered students.

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is an integral part of the modern Greek academic and intellectual tradition.