12 May - Florence Nightingale birth anniversary

 

Florence Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820, was a pioneering figure in the field of nursing and a significant reformer of healthcare practices during the 19th century. Often hailed as the founder of modern nursing, Nightingale's work revolutionized the profession and set new standards for patient care.

During the Crimean War (1853–1856), Nightingale gained prominence for her efforts to improve the unsanitary conditions at British military hospitals. She and a team of nurses she trained were deployed to the British base hospital in Scutari (modern-day Istanbul), where they implemented strict sanitation practices, leading to a significant reduction in mortality rates among wounded soldiers.

Nightingale's emphasis on hygiene, nutrition, and compassionate care laid the groundwork for modern nursing practices. She is also credited with establishing the world's first secular nursing school, the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, in 1860.

Beyond her contributions to nursing, Nightingale was a prolific writer and statistician. She used her expertise in data analysis to advocate for healthcare reform and improved sanitation standards. Nightingale's writings, including her seminal work "Notes on Nursing," continue to influence healthcare professionals and policymakers to this day.

Throughout her life, Nightingale remained dedicated to the welfare of others, and her legacy as a compassionate caregiver and healthcare reformer endures as an inspiration to nurses and healthcare workers worldwide.

12 May - USA celebrates National Hospital Day

 

National Hospital Day is observed annually on May 12 and aims to educate the public about medical examinations and treatments. Officially declared by former U.S. President Warren G. Harding, the holiday was observed for the first time on May 12, 1921. The idea was conceived by Matthew O. Foley, a Chicago-based editor, as a way to reawaken public trust and confidence in the medical sector in the aftermath of the deadly Spanish Flu, which claimed millions of lives. May 12 was chosen as the date to commemorate the birthday of Florence Nightingale, known as the founder of modern nursing.

12 May - International Nurses Day

 

International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, to honor the contributions and dedication of nurses worldwide. This day provides an opportunity to recognize the vital role that nurses play in providing healthcare and promoting well-being in communities around the globe.

The theme of International Nurses Day varies each year, often highlighting different aspects of nursing practice, education, or advocacy. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing the nursing profession and to advocate for better working conditions, education, and support for nurses.

On International Nurses Day, various events and activities take place to celebrate and appreciate nurses, including award ceremonies, educational workshops, community outreach programs, and social media campaigns. It's a time for healthcare organizations, governments, and the public to express gratitude to nurses for their tireless efforts and compassionate care, especially in times of crisis and emergencies.

Recognizing the critical role that nurses play in healthcare systems is essential not only on International Nurses Day but every day, as they continue to make invaluable contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

12 May - Katharine Hepburn - American stage and film actress was born

 

Katharine Hepburn (12 May 1907 – 29 June 2003).She was a legendary American actress known for her fierce independence, intelligence, and distinctive voice. She had a career spanning over six decades and appeared in more than 60 films. Hepburn won four Academy Awards for Best Actress, a record that still stands, and she was nominated for a total of 12 Oscars.

Hepburn's acting style was characterized by her natural grace, wit, and strength, often portraying strong-willed and independent women. Some of her most famous films include "The Philadelphia Story," "Bringing Up Baby," "The African Queen," and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."

Off-screen, Hepburn was known for her unconventional lifestyle, defying societal norms and expectations, and her long-time relationship with fellow actor Spencer Tracy, despite his marriage to another woman. She was also known for her outspokenness and advocacy for causes such as women's rights and environmental conservation.

Hepburn's legacy extends far beyond her film career; she remains an icon of American cinema and a symbol of strength and resilience for generations of fans.

12 May - Minna Canth death anniversary

 

Minna Canth (19 March 1844 – 12 May 1897) was a Finnish writer and social activist. She is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Finnish literature and is celebrated as a champion of women’s rights and social justice.

Canth was also a prominent social activist, and she used her writing to promote social reform. She was particularly concerned with the rights of women and the poor, and she used her position as a writer to advocate for their rights. She was involved in a number of social organizations, including the Finnish Women’s Association, and she campaigned for better working conditions and improved education for women.

Canth died on 12 May 1897 at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy as one of Finland’s most important writers and social activists. Her work continues to be studied and celebrated today, and she is remembered as a pioneer in the fight for women’s rights and social justice in Finland.

11 May - Minnesota became a state of the United States in 1858

 

Minnesota became a state of the United States on May 11, 1858. Prior to that, it was a territory under the control of the United States government. The United States acquired the area through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and it was initially part of the larger Northwest Territory. Over time, the region was organized into various territories, including the Minnesota Territory, before eventually achieving statehood. The process of becoming a state involved the drafting of a state constitution and approval by the U.S. Congress. Minnesota's admission as the 32nd state of the United States marked its formal incorporation into the Union.

11 May - Saadat Hasan Manto birth anniversary

 

Saadat Hasan Manto (11 May 1912 – 18 January 1955) was a Pakistani writer, playwright and author born in Ludhiana, who was active in British India and later, after the 1947 partition of India, in Pakistan. Known for his candid and often provocative narratives, Manto has been widely credited as one of South Asia’s most accomplished modernist fiction writers.

11 May - Asaf Ali birth anniversary

 

Asaf Ali (11 May 1888 – 02 April 1953), an Indian independence fighter and noted Indian lawyer, and the first Indian Ambassador to the United States. He was appointed governor of Odisha for two terms and later, Indian Ambassador to Switzerland. Ali was born on 11 May 1888 in Seohara, North-Western Provinces, British India.

11 May - Odd Hassel Norwegian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969

 

Odd Hassel (17 May 1897 – 11 May 1981) was a Norwegian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969 for his ground-breaking research on the structure of molecules

After completing his education, he worked as a research assistant at the University of Oslo. He later became an associate professor of physical chemistry at the same institution in 1925. In the 1930s, he began his ground-breaking research on the three-dimensional structure of molecules, which would later earn him the Nobel Prize.

His research involved the use of X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of organic molecules. He discovered that molecules with non-planar structures are more stable than those with planar structures. This discovery became known as the “Hassel Effect” and was a major breakthrough in the field of chemistry.

Hassel also made significant contributions to the study of dipole moments in molecules. His work led to the development of the Hassel-Bjerrum theory, which explains the relationship between the dipole moment of a molecule and its chemical structure.

He continued to work as a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Oslo until his retirement in 1964. He remained active in the scientific community, however, and continued to publish research papers throughout his lifetime.

He died on 11 May 1981, in Oslo, Norway.

11 May - National Technology Day

 

 

National Technology Day is an observance celebrated in several countries to commemorate and appreciate the achievements and contributions made by scientists, engineers, and technologists in the field of technology. While different countries may have their own designated dates, the most commonly known National Technology Day is celebrated in India on May 11th each year.

In India, National Technology Day is celebrated to honor the successful nuclear tests carried out on May 11th, 1998, at Pokhran, Rajasthan. These tests, codenamed Pokhran-II, demonstrated India's nuclear capabilities and marked a significant milestone in the country's technological advancements. The day serves as a reminder of the nation's achievements in science and technology and highlights the importance of technological innovation for national development.

On National Technology Day in India, various events and activities are organized to showcase technological advancements across different sectors. These may include exhibitions, seminars, conferences, panel discussions, workshops, and award ceremonies. The day also provides an opportunity for scientists, engineers, and technologists to interact with students, educators, and the general public, fostering an appreciation for science and technology.

Apart from India, other countries also celebrate their own versions of National Technology Day to acknowledge and promote technological progress, innovation, and the impact of technology on society. The specific dates and celebrations may vary depending on the country.