10 May - The Golden Spike was driven into the ground in 1869

 

The Golden Spike is a ceremonial final spike driven into the ground to mark the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States. The spike was made of 17.6-karat gold and was driven into the ground on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah.

The First Transcontinental Railroad was a monumental achievement in American history. It was built by two railroad companies, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific, over a period of six years. The railroad connected the eastern and western coasts of the United States, greatly reducing travel time and boosting commerce and trade across the country.

The Golden Spike ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, including railroad executives, government officials, and news reporters. The spike was driven into a pre-drilled hole in a polished laurel tie, marking the completion of the railroad. The event was telegraphed to major cities across the country, and it was celebrated as a significant milestone in American history.

Today, the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Utah commemorates the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad and the Golden Spike ceremony. Visitors can see a replica of the Golden Spike and learn about the history of the railroad and the people who built it.

10 May - Mother's Day in Mexico

 

Mother's Day in Mexico, also known as Día de las Madres, is celebrated on May 10th each year. It is a day to honor and show appreciation for mothers and mother figures in Mexico.

Mother's Day celebrations in Mexico often include gift-giving, special meals, and spending time with family. Many people also attend mass or other religious services to give thanks for their mothers.

In Mexico, Mother's Day has a strong cultural and historical significance. The holiday has been celebrated since the early 20th century and was originally promoted by feminist and suffragist activists as a way to honor the sacrifices that mothers make for their families and society as a whole.

On Mother's Day in Mexico, children often present their mothers with flowers, gifts, or handmade cards to show their love and appreciation. It is also common for families to gather for a special meal or to spend time together doing activities that their mother enjoys.

10 May - East Indian arrival in Jamica

 

The arrival of East Indian indentured laborers in Jamaica occurred in two main waves:

1. The first group of East Indian indentured laborers arrived in Jamaica on May 10, 1845.

2. The second wave of East Indian indentured laborers arrived in Jamaica in 1854.

These laborers were brought to Jamaica to work on sugar plantations and in other agricultural sectors, much like in other Caribbean countries. The recruitment of East Indian laborers was part of a broader system of indentured labor migration that took place in the 19th and early 20th centuries, following the abolition of slavery. The laborers were recruited from various regions in India and brought to the Caribbean to address the labor shortages on plantations after the emancipation of enslaved individuals.

While Indian Arrival Day is celebrated in some Caribbean countries to commemorate the arrival of Indian indentured laborers, it is not an official holiday in Jamaica. Nevertheless, the Indian community in Jamaica, although relatively small, continues to celebrate and maintain its cultural heritage through various events, religious celebrations, and community activities. This heritage includes elements of Indian culture, such as food, music, and dance.

 

09 May - Howard Carter British archaeologist and Egyptologist was born in 1874

 

 

Howard Carter was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist who is best known for his discovery of the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922. He was born on May 9, 1874, in Kensington, London.

Carter began his career in archaeology at the age of 17, working as an artist and copyist for the Egypt Exploration Fund. He later joined the British Museum's Egyptian Antiquities Department and worked on numerous excavations in Egypt, including the temple complex of Karnak.

In 1907, Carter was appointed by Lord Carnarvon, an English aristocrat and amateur Egyptologist, to lead an excavation in the Valley of the Kings. For several years, Carter and his team searched the valley for the tomb of Tutankhamun, who had been relatively unknown at the time. However, their efforts were initially unsuccessful, and the project was eventually abandoned due to lack of funding.

In 1922, Carter was able to resume his search for Tutankhamun's tomb with the financial backing of Lord Carnarvon. After several weeks of digging, the team discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, which was filled with treasures and artifacts. The discovery made headlines around the world and is considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century.

After the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, Carter continued to work in Egypt, but his career was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the distribution of the treasures found in the tomb. Carter retired from archaeology in 1935 and died on March 2, 1939, in Kensington, London.

Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb revolutionized the field of Egyptology and provided invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian culture and history. His meticulous record-keeping and documentation of the discovery have also helped archaeologists to understand the excavation process and the context of the artifacts found in the tomb.

 

09 May - J.M. Barrie birth anniversary

 

J.M. Barrie was a Scottish playwright and novelist best known for his creation of the character Peter Pan. He was born on May 9, 1860, in Kirriemuir, Scotland.

Barrie began his career as a journalist, writing for various newspapers in Scotland and England. He later turned his attention to writing novels and plays, achieving great success with his play "The Little Minister" in 1897. However, it was the creation of Peter Pan that would cement his place in literary history.

Barrie first introduced the character of Peter Pan in his 1902 novel "The Little White Bird." He then adapted the character and story into the play "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up," which premiered in 1904. The play was an instant success and has since become a beloved classic, with countless adaptations in various forms of media.

In addition to his work as a writer, Barrie was also known for his philanthropy and charitable work. He was a frequent visitor to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London and bequeathed the rights to Peter Pan to the hospital in his will.

Barrie received numerous honors and awards during his lifetime, including a baronetcy in 1913. He died on June 19, 1937, in London, England, at the age of 77.

Barrie's legacy continues to be celebrated today, with Peter Pan remaining one of the most beloved and enduring characters in literature. His contributions to children's literature and his dedication to charitable causes have earned him a place in literary and cultural history.

09 May - Gustaf de Laval Swedish engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur was born

 

Gustaf de Laval was a Swedish engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the fields of engineering and thermodynamics. He was born on 09 May 1845, in Orsa, Sweden, and was the son of a wealthy landowner.

Laval's most significant invention was the centrifugal separator, which he developed in the 1870s. The centrifugal separator was a device that separated cream from milk, which made it possible to produce butter on a large scale. The separator was a major breakthrough in the dairy industry and revolutionized the production of butter and cheese.

In addition to his work on the centrifugal separator, Laval also made significant contributions to the field of thermodynamics. He developed the Laval nozzle, which is a device used to accelerate a gas or liquid to supersonic speeds. The Laval nozzle is still used in modern jet engines and rocket propulsion systems.

Laval was also a successful entrepreneur and founded several companies, including the Alfa Laval company, which is still in operation today. The company initially focused on the production of centrifugal separators but later expanded into other areas, such as heat exchangers and fluid handling equipment.

In recognition of his contributions to the fields of engineering and thermodynamics, Laval was awarded numerous honors and awards during his lifetime. He was elected a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1891 and was awarded the John Ericsson Medal in 1917.

Laval died on 02 February 1913, in Stockholm, Sweden, at the age of 67. His legacy continues to be celebrated in Sweden and around the world, and his contributions to the fields of engineering and thermodynamics are still widely recognized and studied today.

09 May - Talat Mahmood death annivesary

 

Talat Mahmood was a renowned Indian playback singer and actor, celebrated for his distinctive voice and emotive singing style. Born on 24 February 1924, in Lucknow, India, Mahmood began his singing career at a young age, drawing inspiration from his father who was a classical musician.

Mahmood's melodious voice and mastery of classical singing techniques made him a popular choice for playback singing in Indian cinema, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. He lent his voice to numerous film songs, many of which became timeless classics and earned him a dedicated fan following.

Some of Mahmood's most memorable songs include "Jalte Hain Jiske Liye" from the film "Sujata," "Ae Mere Dil Kahin Aur Chal" from "Daag," and "Ae Mere Pyare Watan" from "Kabuliwala." His soulful renditions and ability to convey complex emotions through his singing endeared him to audiences across generations.

Apart from playback singing, Mahmood also acted in a few films, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He appeared in movies like "Baradari" and "Lala Rukh," leaving an indelible mark with his performances.

Talat Mahmood's contributions to Indian music and cinema have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered as one of the most iconic playback singers of his time. He passed away on 09 May 1998, but his timeless melodies continue to resonate with music lovers worldwide.

09 May - Bhaurao Patil death anniversary

 

Bhaurao Patil was a prominent social reformer, educationist, and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities in India. Born on 22 September 1887, in the village of Kumbhoj in Maharashtra, Patil dedicated his life to promoting education and social equality, particularly among the Dalit and lower-caste communities.

Patil's early experiences of caste discrimination and social injustice fueled his commitment to social reform. He believed that education was the key to empowering marginalized communities and breaking the cycle of oppression and inequality.

In 1907, Patil founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, a social reform organization inspired by the ideals of Jyotirao Phule, aimed at challenging caste-based discrimination and promoting social equality. Through the Satyashodhak Samaj, Patil worked tirelessly to uplift the oppressed and marginalized sections of society.

One of Patil's most significant contributions was in the field of education. He believed that education should be accessible to all, regardless of caste or social status. In pursuit of this vision, he established the Rayat Education Society in 1919, which played a pivotal role in providing quality education to students from marginalized communities.

Under Patil's leadership, the Rayat Education Society established schools, colleges, and other educational institutions across Maharashtra, offering opportunities for thousands of students to receive a quality education. His efforts helped to empower generations of students and foster social mobility.

Bhaurao Patil's commitment to social justice and education earned him widespread respect and admiration. He dedicated his life to the service of humanity, advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of caste or creed. Patil passed away on 09 May 1959, but his legacy continues to inspire social reformers and educators to this day.He also got Padma Bhushan in 1959 for his works.

09 May - Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born in 1866

 

Gopal Krishna Gokhale (9 May 1866 – 19 February 1915), an Indian liberal political leader and a social reformer during the Indian Independence Movement. Gokhale was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and the founder of the Servants of India Society. He was also a writer, economist, revolutionary, and philosopher. Along with other contemporary leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dadabhai Naoroji, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Annie Besant, Gokhale fought for decades to obtain greater political representation and power over public affairs for common Indians. Gokhale was moderate and is the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi.  He was born on 9 May 1866 in Kotluk, Dist. Ratnagiri, Bombay Presidency, British India.

09 May - Maharana Pratap birth anniversary

 

Maharana Pratap, also known as Pratap Singh, was a legendary Rajput warrior and king who ruled the kingdom of Mewar in Rajasthan, India, during the 16th century. He was the 13th king of the Sisodiya Rajput dynasty and is widely regarded as a symbol of Rajput valor and resistance against foreign rule.

Maharana Pratap was born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, to Maharana Udai Singh II and Rani Jeevant Kanwar. He received training in martial arts and warfare from an early age and became an accomplished warrior and horse rider.

Maharana Pratap ascended to the throne of Mewar in 1572 after the death of his father, Maharana Udai Singh II. However, his reign was marked by constant warfare with the Mughal Empire, which was then expanding its control over northern India. The Mughals, under the leadership of Akbar, attempted to subjugate Mewar and bring it under their rule, but Maharana Pratap fiercely resisted their advances.

One of the most famous battles of Maharana Pratap's reign was the Battle of Haldighati, fought in 1576 against the Mughals. Though he was outnumbered and outgunned, Maharana Pratap led his army with great courage and skill, and fought fiercely against the Mughals. Though he ultimately lost the battle, he managed to escape and continued to resist Mughal rule.

Maharana Pratap's reign was also marked by his strong sense of honor and justice. He refused to surrender to the Mughals, even when offered favorable terms, because he believed that it was his duty to protect his kingdom and people from foreign rule. He also opposed the idea of marriage alliances with the Mughals, even though it was a common practice among the Rajput kings of the time.

Maharana Pratap died on January 29, 1597, after a long and eventful reign. His legacy as a brave and virtuous king who fought for the freedom and independence of his people continues to inspire generations of Indians to this day. He is remembered as a true symbol of Rajput valor and resistance against foreign rule. His life and achievements have been celebrated in literature, folklore, and popular culture, and his memory remains a source of inspiration for many.