17 May - World Telecommunication Day

 

World Telecommunication Day is an annual observance that takes place on May 17th. It is a day designated by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the importance of communication and the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in connecting people across the world.

The day was first celebrated on May 17th, 1969, marking the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the UN responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. The ITU plays a crucial role in the development and coordination of global telecommunications networks and services.

World Telecommunication Day aims to promote the benefits of ICTs in bridging the digital divide, fostering economic and social development, and improving access to information and communication resources. It also highlights the need for equitable and affordable access to telecommunications infrastructure and services, particularly in developing countries.

Each year, the ITU selects a theme for World Telecommunication Day to focus on specific challenges or opportunities related to the telecommunications sector. The chosen theme serves as a focal point for discussions, events, and initiatives organized by governments, industry leaders, organizations, and individuals around the world.

17 May - Odd Hassel birth anniversary

 

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.

16 May - The first Academy Awards in 1929

 

The first Academy Awards, officially known as the 1st Academy Awards, were presented on May 16, 1929, in a private dinner ceremony at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Although the awards ceremony took place on May 16th, the awards recognized films released between August 1, 1927, and August 1, 1928.

The Academy Awards were organized by the newly-formed Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), an organization created to recognize excellence in the film industry. The awards were intended to honor achievements in various categories, including acting, directing, cinematography, and more.

The ceremony itself was relatively low-key compared to modern-day Oscars. The event was not televised, and attendance was limited to around 270 guests. The entire ceremony lasted only 15 minutes, with the winners known in advance. The winners had been announced three months earlier, on February 18, 1929, at a private dinner.

The first Academy Award for Best Picture was presented to the film "Wings," a World War I aviation drama directed by William A. Wellman. The film "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" received the unique award for "Best Unique and Artistic Picture," a category that was only presented in the first year.

Other categories included Best Director, which was won by Frank Borzage for "Seventh Heaven," and Best Actor, which went to Emil Jannings for his performances in both "The Last Command" and "The Way of All Flesh." Janet Gaynor won the first-ever Best Actress award for her performances in three films: "Seventh Heaven," "Street Angel," and "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans."

The Academy Awards have since become an annual tradition and one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the film industry, attracting worldwide attention. The awards have expanded to include numerous categories and have evolved into a highly anticipated televised event

 

16 May - Georg Bednorz birth anniversary

 

He was born on 16 May 1950, in Neuenkirchen, Germany. He received his undergraduate degree in physics from the University of Münster in 1972 and his Ph.D. in 1978 from the University of Heidelberg.

After completing his Ph.D., he worked as a researcher at the IBM Research Laboratory in Ruschlikon, Switzerland. In 1986, he and his colleague, K. Alex Müller, discovered high-temperature superconductivity in a new class of materials called cuprates. This discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of superconductivity, as it allowed for superconductivity to occur at much higher temperatures than previously thought possible.

Since his discovery, Bednorz has continued to work on the development of new materials with novel electronic properties. He has also been involved in the design and fabrication of new devices based on these materials, such as superconducting sensors for medical imaging.

Overall, Georg Bednorz’s work has had a profound impact on the field of materials science and has opened up new avenues for research and development in a wide range of fields.

16 May - Mass Graves Day

 

"Mass Graves Day" may refer to a specific event or commemoration related to the discovery or remembrance of mass graves in Iraq, which has unfortunately experienced significant human rights violations and mass killings in recent history.

Iraq has a tragic history of mass graves resulting from conflicts, genocides, and human rights abuses. During the regime of Saddam Hussein, mass graves containing the remains of thousands of victims were discovered, particularly in the aftermath of the 1991 uprisings and the Anfal campaign against the Kurdish population.

To address these mass grave sites and provide justice to the victims, Iraq established the Mass Graves Directorate (MGD) in 2003. The MGD's mission is to investigate, exhume, identify, and document the victims buried in mass graves, as well as to support legal proceedings and provide support to survivors and their families.

Although there may not be a specific day dedicated to mass graves in Iraq, the country acknowledges the importance of remembering and documenting these atrocities to ensure accountability, justice, and remembrance for the victims.

 

16 May - Charles Perrault death anniversary

 

Charles Perrault (2 January 1628 – 16 May 1703) was an iconic French author and member of the Académie Française. In his 1697 book, Histoires ou contes du temps passé (Stories or Tales from Past Times), he laid the foundation for a new literary genre: the fairy tale. Among his most famous tales are Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (“Little Red Riding Hood”), Cendrillon (“Cinderella”), Le Maître chat ou le Chat botté (“Puss in Boots”), La Belle au bois dormant (“Sleeping Beauty”), and Barbe Bleue (“Bluebeard”).

In addition to his fairy tales, Perrault also wrote poetry, plays, and literary criticism. He was a member of the French court and held various official positions throughout his career, including a post as secretary to the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres. Perrault's work had a significant impact on French literature and helped establish fairy tales as a recognized genre.

Although his stories were initially intended for adult readers, Perrault's fairy tales have become beloved children's classics and have been adapted and retold in numerous forms of media over the centuries. His contributions to the genre have had a lasting influence on storytelling and continue to enchant audiences of all ages

15 May - Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar was born in 1907

 

 

Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar was an Indian freedom fighter who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He was born on May 15, 1907, in Ludhiana, Punjab, which is now part of present-day India.

Sukhdev Thapar was an active member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization led by Chandrashekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh. He was a close associate and friend of Bhagat Singh, and the two of them, along with Rajguru, formed a formidable trio in the fight against British imperialism.

Sukhdev Thapar was involved in several acts of revolutionary activities to protest against British rule and promote the cause of Indian independence. One of the notable acts was the Lahore Conspiracy Case, where they planned the assassination of British police officer James A. Scott, who was responsible for the brutal lathi charge on Lala Lajpat Rai. However, due to a case of mistaken identity, John P. Saunders, an assistant superintendent of police, was assassinated instead.

Sukhdev, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, faced trial for their revolutionary activities. They were charged with murder and conspiracy and were sentenced to death by the British authorities. On 23 March 1931, all three were hanged in Lahore Central Jail. Their sacrifice and martyrdom had a profound impact on the Indian freedom struggle, inspiring countless others to join the movement and fight for independence.

15 May - Walt Disney’s character Mickey Mouse premiered in his first cartoon, "Plane Crazy".

 

On 15 May 1928, Walt Disney’s character Mickey Mouse premiered in his first cartoon, "Plane Crazy".

Mickey Mouse is a funny animal cartoon character and the mascot of The Walt Disney Company. He was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at the Walt Disney Studios in 1928. An anthropomorphic mouse who typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves, Mickey is one of the world's most recognizable characters.

Plane Crazy is an American animated short film directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. The cartoon, released in 1928 by the Walt Disney Studios, was the first creation of the character Mickey Mouse. It was made as a silent film and given a test screening to a theater audience on May 15, 1928, but failed to pick up a distributor. Later that year, Disney released Mickey's first sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie, which was an enormous success. Following this, Plane Crazy was released as a sound cartoon on March 17, 1929. It was the fourth Mickey film to be released after Steamboat Willie, The Gallopin' Gaucho, and The Barn Dance (1928).

15 May - K. M. Cariappa death anniversary

 

Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, popularly known as K. M. Cariappa, was an Indian military officer and the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He was born on January 28, 1899, in Coorg (now Kodagu) in the state of Karnataka, India.

Cariappa had a distinguished career in the military. He joined the British Indian Army in 1919 and served in various positions during his tenure. He was commissioned into the Maratha Light Infantry and later became the first Indian officer to command an infantry battalion.

Cariappa played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. He was part of the Indian National Army (INA) trials in 1945 and served as a witness against General Shah Nawaz Khan and Colonel Prem Sahgal during their trial by the British authorities.

After India gained independence in 1947, Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949. He held this position until he retired on January 14, 1953. As the Commander-in-Chief, Cariappa played a crucial role in shaping the post-independence Indian Army.

K. M. Cariappa was known for his leadership, discipline, and commitment to the welfare of soldiers. He emphasized the importance of high ethical standards and professionalism within the army. His contributions to the Indian Army and the country's defense forces are highly regarded.

After his retirement, Cariappa was appointed as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand. He received several accolades and honors for his service, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1954.

K. M. Cariappa passed away on May 15, 1993, at the age of 94. His legacy as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army continues to inspire generations of military personnel in India.

15 May - The International Day of Families

 

The International Day of Families is observed on May 15th each year to promote awareness and highlight the importance of families in societies worldwide. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 with the aim of promoting the well-being and significance of families as fundamental units of society.

The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of families and the valuable roles they play in nurturing and supporting individuals. It recognizes that families come in various forms, including nuclear families, extended families, single-parent families, adoptive families, and same-sex parent families, among others.

The International Day of Families encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to engage in activities that promote family-oriented policies, strengthen family bonds, and address the challenges faced by families. It serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize the well-being and welfare of families, particularly in terms of education, healthcare, employment, and social integration.

Each year, the United Nations selects a specific theme to focus on for the International Day of Families. Themes in the past have covered various aspects of family life, such as family-friendly policies, work-family balance, youth and family, and families and inclusive societies.

The observance of this day is an opportunity for communities, institutions, and individuals to organize events, discussions, and initiatives that raise awareness about the importance of families, encourage family time, and foster understanding and support for different family structures.