21 May - World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

 

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed annually on May 21st. Established by the United Nations in 2002, this day aims to promote cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, and understanding among people from different backgrounds.

Cultural diversity refers to the wide range of cultures, traditions, and languages that exist in the world. It is seen as a valuable asset and an essential component of human development and societal progress. The World Day for Cultural Diversity aims to raise awareness about the importance of cultural diversity and encourage dialogue and cooperation among individuals and communities.

On this day, various activities and initiatives are organized worldwide to celebrate cultural diversity and promote dialogue. These activities may include cultural exhibitions, art performances, film screenings, discussions, workshops, and educational programs. The goal is to foster mutual respect, appreciation, and understanding of different cultures, as well as to recognize the role that cultural diversity plays in sustainable development.

By promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, this observance seeks to build bridges between communities, reduce discrimination, and create inclusive societies that value and embrace the richness of cultural differences.

21 May - International Tea Day

 

International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21st. It was established by the United Nations in 2019 to recognize and promote the cultural, economic, and health benefits of tea.

Tea has been enjoyed for centuries and is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. It has cultural significance in many countries and is known for its calming and refreshing properties. International Tea Day aims to highlight the importance of tea in promoting sustainable agriculture, rural development, and supporting small-scale tea growers and workers.

On this day, various events and activities are organized worldwide to celebrate tea and its global impact. These may include tea tasting sessions, tea ceremonies, seminars on the health benefits of tea, cultural performances, and exhibitions showcasing different tea varieties and traditions.

International Tea Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the tea industry's challenges, such as fair trade practices, labor rights, and environmental sustainability. It also encourages individuals to explore and appreciate the diverse flavors and cultural aspects of tea from different regions around the world.

20 May - World Bee Day

 

World Bee Day is an international observance held on May 20th each year. It was designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators for our ecosystems, food production, and biodiversity. The day aims to highlight the critical role bees play in pollinating crops and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

World Bee Day was first celebrated on May 20th, 2018, to commemorate the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer in modern beekeeping. On this day, various events and activities take place globally to promote bee conservation, sustainable beekeeping practices, and the protection of pollinators' habitats. These activities often include educational programs, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and planting initiatives to create bee-friendly environments.

The observance of World Bee Day serves as a reminder of the need to protect bees and pollinators to ensure food security and preserve the balance of nature.

20 May - New UPU Hedquarters commerative stamp issued in 1970

 

A commemorative postage stamp issued on 20 May. 1970 on the New Universal Postal (UPU) Headquarters located in Bern , Switzerland.

UPU, established by the Treaty of Bern of 1874, is a specialized agency of the United Nations  that coordinates postal policies among member nations, in addition to the worldwide postal system. The UPU contains four bodies consisting of the Congress, the Council of Administration, the Postal Operations Council and the International Bureau . It also oversees the Telematics and Express Mail Service cooperatives. Each member agrees to the same terms for conducting international postal duties. The UPU's headquarters are located in Bern, Switzerland.

India had taken active interest in the work of this Union as a member of the two organs, namely, the Executive council and the Management council of the consultative committee for the Postal Studies , India has contributed to the work of the union.The design of the stamp is horizontal and depicts a picture of the new Building of Headquarters of the UPU at Berne (Switzerland) along with the symbol of the U.P.U.

20 May - Malhar Rao Holkar death anniversary

Malhar Rao Holkar (16 March 1694 – 20 May 1766), a noble subedar of the Maratha Empire, in present-day India. He helped in the spread of the Maratha rule to northern states and was given the estate of Indore to rule by the Peshwas, during the reign of the Maratha Emperor Shahu I. He died on 20 May 1766 at the age of 73.

20 May - Bipin Chandra Pal death anniversary

 

Bipin Chandra Pal ( 07 November 1858 – 20 May 1932), an Indian revolutionary, teacher, journalist, and writer. He is one of the great personalities who played a major role in laying the foundation of India’s independence movement. He was part of the famous Lal-Bal-Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Vipin Chandra Pal) trio. This trio shook the cradles of English rule with its sharp attack. Apart from being a nationalist leader. He is also considered the father of revolutionary ideas in India. He died on 20 May 1932 at the age of 73 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), British India.

20 May - Piru Singh Shekhawat birth anniversary

 

Piru Singh Shekhawat (20 May 1918 – 18 July 1948), an Indian Army non-commissioned officer, awarded the Param Vir Chakra. He took part in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, serving with the Indian Army’s 6th Rajputana Rifles. Piru Singh was born on 20 May 1918 in Beri, Rajputana, British India.

20 May - Sumitranandan Pant birth anniversary

 

Sumitranandan Pant (20 May 1900 – 28 December 1977), an Indian poet. The beautiful and lively depiction of nature is rare as found in Pantji’s poem. He was a beautiful poet of nature and was well versed in drawing a lively, beautiful, and captivating picture. The composition of national love is also found abundantly in the poetry of Pant Ji. He was a serious thinker, an excellent poet, and a man of innately skilled craftsman of humanity. Pant received the ‘Gyan Peeth Award’ for his work ‘Chidambra‘. His other compositions are the following – Veena, Granthi, Pallava, Pallvini, Atima, Gunjan, Yuganta, Yugavani Gramya, Swarn Kiran, Swarna Dhuli ‘,’ Uttara ‘,’ Shilpi ‘ and Rashmibandh. Pant became the first Hindi poet to receive the Jnanpith Award in 1969 for a collection of his most famous poems titled Chidambara. He also got Padma Bhushan in 1961 by the Indian Government. He was born on 20 May 1900 in Kausani, North-Western Provinces, British India.

19 May - Hazari Prasad Dwivedi death anniversary

 

Hazari Prasad Dwivedi (1907-1979) was a renowned Hindi writer, critic, and scholar from India. He played a significant role in the development of modern Hindi literature and is considered one of the pioneers of the Hindi literary movement called "Nayi Kahani" (New Story). Dwivedi's works were characterized by their realistic portrayal of social issues and his mastery of the Hindi language.

 Hazari Prasad Dwivedi was also an influential literary critic and commentator. He analyzed and reviewed the works of other writers, helping shape the Hindi literary landscape. His critical works, such as "Sanskriti ke Chaar Adhyay" (Four Chapters of Culture), offer insightful perspectives on literature, culture, and society.

For his immense contribution to Hindi literature, Dwivedi received several accolades and honors, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1973 for his novel "Saraswatichandra." He was also a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1973.

Hazari Prasad Dwivedi passed away on May 19, 1979, leaving behind a rich literary legacy. His writings continue to be celebrated for their literary merit, social consciousness, and significant influence on Hindi literature. Dwivedi's contributions have helped shape the modern Hindi literary movement and have inspired subsequent generations of writers and readers.

 

19 May - Hồ Chí Minh birth anniversary

 

Hồ Chí Minh, born Nguyễn Sinh Cung (1890-1969), was a Vietnamese revolutionary leader and statesman. He played a crucial role in the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) in 1945 and served as its President from 1945 until his death in 1969.

Hồ Chí Minh was born in Nghệ An Province, Vietnam, which was then part of French Indochina. He later adopted the name Hồ Chí Minh, which means "He Who Enlightens." He traveled extensively and lived in various countries, including France, the United States, and China, where he became influenced by socialist and nationalist ideas.

Hồ Chí Minh was a key figure in the struggle for Vietnamese independence from French colonial rule. He co-founded the Indochinese Communist Party in 1930 and led the Viet Minh, a broad-based nationalist and communist organization, during the First Indochina War against French forces. The Viet Minh successfully fought for independence, leading to the Geneva Accords in 1954, which temporarily divided Vietnam into the communist-led North and the anti-communist South.

Following the division of Vietnam, Hồ Chí Minh focused on building a socialist state in North Vietnam and reunifying the country under communist rule. He led the North Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War, which escalated with the involvement of the United States. Hồ Chí Minh's leadership and his ability to rally the Vietnamese people were instrumental in the Vietnamese resistance against the American military.

Hồ Chí Minh's ideology and leadership style were shaped by a combination of communism, nationalism, and guerrilla warfare tactics. He emphasized self-reliance, simplicity, and a dedication to the welfare of the Vietnamese people. His leadership and determination in the face of adversity made him a revered figure in Vietnam and an inspiration to anti-colonial movements around the world.

Hồ Chí Minh passed away on September 2, 1969, but his legacy as a nationalist and communist leader remains influential in Vietnam's history. He is widely regarded as the father of modern Vietnam and is still highly revered by the Vietnamese people. His mausoleum in Hanoi, where his embalmed body is preserved, serves as a popular site of pilgrimage and a symbol of Vietnamese independence and unity.