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.

08 May - Red Cross Day

 

Every year, World Red Cross Day is observed on the 8th of May. On this day we celebrate the principles, the history, the values, and the impact of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on the world today. As part of this day, people pay tribute to the members and volunteers of the organization who have contributed to the work of humanitarians.

We celebrate World Red Cross Day with the objective that we will save more lives and keep them healthy, that is the main task of the day. This day was first celebrated in 1948. In 1984, World Red Cross Day was officially approved by the United Nations. Each year since then, World Red Cross Day has been celebrated.

The 189 National Societies of the Movement represent 97 million volunteers. About half of them are youth volunteers.

About 50 percent of the volunteers of the Movement are women.

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, there are 189 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world at present.

The Red Cross is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.

Programs and services from the National Societies address both urgent and long-term needs, including emergency response, disaster preparedness, community-based healthcare, first aid training and activities, restoring communication between family members and disaster victims, and youth and volunteer projects.

Throughout its history, the Red Cross has received the Nobel Peace Prize four times: in 1917, 1944, and 1963, as well as for the award given to Henry Dunant in 1901.

The Canadian Red Cross Society was established by the Canadian government in 1909 when they passed the Canadian Red Cross Society Act

Currently, there are more than 34,000 volunteers working in the Canadian Red Cross. That is amazing.

08 May - In Martinique, Mount Pelée erupts

 

Mount Pelée or Mont Pelée , meaning "bald mountain" or "peeled mountain")is an active volcano at the northern end of Martinique, an island and French overseas department in the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc of the Caribbean. Its volcanic cone is composed of stratified layers of hardened ash and solidified lava.Its most recent eruption was in 1932.

The stratovolcano's 1902 eruption destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre, killing 29,000 to 30,000 people in the space of a few minutes, in the worst volcanic disaster of the 20th century.The main eruption, on 8 May 1902, left only two survivors in the direct path of the blast flow: Ludger Sylbaris survived because he was in a poorly ventilated, dungeon-like jail cell, and Léon Compère-Léandre, living on the edge of the city, escaped with severe burns.

08 May - World Thalassaemia Day

 

World Thalassaemia Day is celebrated every year on May 8th to raise awareness about thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This day is an opportunity to educate people about the disease, its symptoms, prevention, and management.

Thalassemia is a genetic condition that affects the body's ability to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to different parts of the body. People with thalassemia have a lower than normal number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which can cause anemia and other health complications.

There are two types of thalassemia: alpha and beta. Alpha thalassemia occurs when there is a problem with the genes that make alpha globin, while beta thalassemia occurs when there is a problem with the genes that make beta globin. Both types can be mild or severe, depending on the number of genes that are affected.

Thalassemia is most commonly found in people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent, but it can affect anyone regardless of their ethnicity. It is estimated that around 300,000 babies are born with severe thalassemia each year, and many of them do not survive beyond their first few years of life.

There is no cure for thalassemia, but it can be managed with regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow transplants. These treatments can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life for people with thalassemia.

On World Thalassaemia Day, organizations and individuals around the world come together to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. They also work to promote early diagnosis, genetic counseling, and access to treatment and support services.

In addition to raising awareness, World Thalassaemia Day is also a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of people with thalassemia and their families. It is a reminder that, with proper care and support, people with thalassemia can live full and meaningful lives.

In conclusion, World Thalassaemia Day is an important occasion to raise awareness about thalassemia and its impact on individuals and communities worldwide. It is a reminder that we need to work together to improve the lives of people with thalassemia and their families through increased awareness, better treatment, and support services.