12 June - Gopinath Kaviraj death anniversary

 

Gopinath Kaviraj, also known as Pandit Gopinath Kaviraj (7 September 1887 – 12 June 1976), was a renowned Indian scholar, philosopher, and linguist. He made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, Ayurveda, and Indology.

Born in the village of Bajitpur in present-day Bangladesh, Gopinath Kaviraj showed a keen interest in languages and literature from a young age. He studied Sanskrit and various philosophical texts, delving into ancient Indian wisdom and spiritual traditions.

Kaviraj's expertise extended across multiple disciplines. He was well-versed in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, and authored several books on the subject. He delved into the study of classical texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and various philosophical treatises.

As a linguist, Kaviraj contributed to the understanding and preservation of regional languages in India. He conducted extensive research on the languages and dialects of Bengal, and his work played a crucial role in their documentation and standardization.

One of Gopinath Kaviraj's notable achievements was his decipherment of the ancient Indus script. He proposed a phonetic theory for interpreting the script, suggesting that it belonged to an ancient Dravidian language. While his theory has not been universally accepted, his pioneering efforts opened up new avenues for studying the Indus Valley Civilization.

Kaviraj was deeply influenced by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and other spiritual luminaries of his time. He combined his scholarly pursuits with a deep spiritual understanding, emphasizing the unity of all religions and the importance of self-realization.

Throughout his life, Gopinath Kaviraj actively participated in academic and intellectual circles. He served as the principal of Government Sanskrit College in Kolkata (Calcutta) and contributed to various scholarly journals. He received several awards and honors for his exceptional contributions to Indian philosophy and linguistics.

Gopinath Kaviraj's work continues to inspire scholars and researchers in the fields of philosophy, Ayurveda, and linguistics. His profound understanding of ancient Indian wisdom, combined with his linguistic expertise, has left a lasting impact on the study of Indian culture and heritage. He is revered as one of the stalwarts of Indian scholarship and a champion of indigenous knowledge systems.

12 June - George Herbert Walker Bush birth anniversary

 

George Herbert Walker Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018) was an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. He was born in Milton, Massachusetts, and came from a prominent political family. His father, Prescott Bush, was a U.S. Senator from Connecticut.

Before becoming president, George H. W. Bush had an extensive career in public service. He graduated from Yale University and served as a Navy pilot during World War II. After the war, he ventured into the oil industry and achieved success as an entrepreneur.

Bush entered politics in the 1960s and held various government positions. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas's 7th congressional district, from 1967 to 1971. He later held important positions such as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1971–1973), Chairman of the Republican National Committee (1973–1974), and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (1976–1977).

12 June - World Day Against Child Labour

 

World Day Against Child Labour is observed on June 12th each year. It is a global awareness campaign led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to raise awareness and take action against child labor. The purpose of this day is to highlight the plight of child laborers worldwide and to promote efforts to eliminate child labor in all its forms.

Child labor refers to the employment of children in work that is harmful to their physical and mental development. It deprives children of their childhood, disrupts their education, and exposes them to exploitation and hazardous conditions. Child labor is a violation of children's rights and is considered a form of modern slavery.

The World Day Against Child Labour aims to create awareness about the extent and consequences of child labor and mobilize support for its eradication. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), trade unions, and other stakeholders join hands on this day to advocate for policies and programs that protect children from exploitation and provide them with access to education, healthcare, and social services.

The theme of World Day Against Child Labour varies each year, focusing on different aspects of child labor. It may address issues such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child labor, the importance of quality education, the role of businesses in eliminating child labor from supply chains, and the need for legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to combat child labor.

On this day, various events, campaigns, and activities are organized worldwide, including conferences, workshops, rallies, and media campaigns. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and encourage collective action to tackle child labor effectively. Individuals are also encouraged to participate by spreading awareness, supporting organizations working against child labor, and advocating for policies that protect children's rights.

World Day Against Child Labour plays a crucial role in generating global attention and mobilizing efforts to eliminate child labor. It reinforces the commitment of the international community to protect children's rights and ensure their well-being, allowing them to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

11 June - King Kamehameha I Day

 

King Kamehameha I Day is observed in the U.S. state of Hawaii on June 11th each year. It honors King Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, who was a significant figure in Hawaiian history.

King Kamehameha I was a Hawaiian warrior-chief who unified the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in the late 18th century. He established the Kingdom of Hawaii and became its first monarch. King Kamehameha I is revered for his leadership, strategic abilities, and efforts to bring stability and unity to the islands.

King Kamehameha I Day is celebrated with various events and festivities throughout Hawaii. The main celebration takes place in the capital city of Honolulu, where a grand floral parade called the Kamehameha Day Floral Parade is held. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, hula dancers, and riders dressed in traditional Hawaiian attire. The highlight of the parade is the floral float carrying the statue of King Kamehameha I.

Other activities on King Kamehameha I Day include cultural demonstrations, lei-making contests, Hawaiian music and dance performances, and the display of traditional arts and crafts. The day serves as an opportunity to honor and remember the legacy of King Kamehameha I, his contributions to Hawaiian society, and the cultural heritage of the islands.

It's worth noting that King Kamehameha I Day is a state holiday specific to Hawaii and is not widely observed outside of the state.

 

11 June - Captain James Cook and his crew aboard HMS Endeavour encountered the Great Barrier Reef

 

During his first voyage in 1770, Captain James Cook and his crew aboard HMS Endeavour encountered the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of what is now Queensland, Australia. On June 11, 1770, the ship struck a coral outcrop known as the Endeavour Reef, causing damage to the vessel's hull. This incident occurred near the present-day location of Cooktown.

To prevent the ship from sinking, Cook and his crew made temporary repairs by careening the ship (tilting it on its side) in a nearby river while they made further repairs. This allowed them to remove the damaged portion of the ship's structure and patch it up.

Following the incident, Cook and his crew continued their exploration of the east coast of Australia, mapping and charting the coastline. Cook named the area "The Barrier Reef" due to the navigational challenges and hazards it posed to ships.

Although the Endeavour's encounter with the Great Barrier Reef was a significant event during Cook's voyages, it's important to note that Cook himself did not personally run aground on the reef. The ship struck a coral outcrop, and the crew took necessary measures to address the damage and continue their exploration.

 

10 June - National Ballpoint Pen Day USA

 

 

National Ballpoint Pen Day is an observance that celebrates the invention and significance of the ballpoint pen. It is typically observed on June 10th each year.

The ballpoint pen, also known as a biro, is a writing instrument that uses a small rotating ball at its tip to distribute ink onto paper. It was invented by Hungarian-Argentinian journalist Laszlo Biro in 1938. Biro's invention revolutionized the world of writing instruments, as ballpoint pens offered a more reliable and convenient alternative to fountain pens.

On National Ballpoint Pen Day, people acknowledge the impact of the ballpoint pen on daily life and its contribution to improving the writing experience. It is a day to appreciate the practicality, durability, and accessibility of ballpoint pens, which have become widely used in offices, schools, and households around the world.

To celebrate the day, individuals may reflect on the history of ballpoint pens, share interesting facts about them on social media, or engage in activities related to writing and creativity. It can also be an opportunity to explore different types and styles of ballpoint pens, including collectible or specialty pens.

10 June - Portugal Day

 

Portugal Day is the official national holiday of Portugal, and it is observed on June 10 each year. In Portugal, this day is usually called ‘Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas,’ which translates to ‘Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities.’
The day is intended to remember the death of Luís de Camões, who is recognized as the country’s greatest national icon. He is most known for his poem, which narrates the story of Portuguese explorations in the 15th century and has since been accepted as a national poem in Portugal. However, because his birth date is uncertain, his death date, June 10, 1580, is commemorated as Portugal’s National Day.

10 June - Sigrid Undset death anniversary

 

Sigrid Undset (20 May 1882 – 10 June 1949) was a Norwegian novelist and essayist. She is best known for her historical fiction, particularly her trilogy “Kristin Lavransdatter,” which earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1928.

She was born on 20 May 1882, in Kalundborg, Denmark. She attended school there and later studied at the University of Oslo, where she specialized in medieval history and literature.

She began her writing career as a journalist and literary critic. She published her first novel, “Fru Marta Oulie,” in 1907, which caused controversy for its frank portrayal of a woman’s adultery. She continued to write novels, essays, and plays, often drawing on her interest in history and her Catholic faith. Her most famous work, the trilogy “Kristin Lavransdatter,” was published between 1920 and 1922 and tells the story of a woman’s life in medieval Norway.

Her later works explored religious themes and reflected her Catholic faith, such as “The Burning Bush” (1930) and “The Unknown Sigrid Undset” (1932).

She was also politically active and opposed the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War II. She fled to the United States in 1940 and remained there until the end of the war.

She died on 10 June 1949, in Lillehammer, Norway.

09 June - N. G. Ranga death anniversary

 

N. G. Ranga, whose full name was Nadimpalli Gopal Krishna Ranga, was a prominent Indian politician and agriculturist. He was born on  07November 1900, in Nidubrolu, Andhra Pradesh, India, and passed away on 09 June 1995.

Ranga played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement and dedicated his life to the welfare of farmers and rural communities. He was a strong advocate for agrarian reforms and worked towards improving the conditions of farmers in India.

Ranga was a member of the Indian National Congress party and actively participated in the freedom struggle. He was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1930 and later became a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, which played a significant role in drafting India's constitution.

One of Ranga's notable contributions was his involvement in the formation of the Farmers' Commission, which aimed to address the concerns of farmers and promote their interests. He also served as the President of the All India Kisan Sabha, a prominent farmers' organization.

Throughout his political career, Ranga worked tirelessly to fight for the rights of farmers, championing issues such as land reforms, fair prices for agricultural produce, and better living conditions in rural areas. He played a crucial role in shaping agricultural policies in independent India and was often referred to as the "Kisan Leader."

N. G. Ranga's contributions to Indian agriculture and his relentless efforts to uplift farmers earned him great respect and admiration. He was a strong voice for the rural population and remains an influential figure in the history of Indian politics and agrarian reform.

09 June - Raj Khosla death anniversary

 

Raj Khosla (31 May 1925 – 9 June 1991) was an Indian film director and producer known for his contributions to the Hindi film industry. He was born in Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan), and started his career in the film industry as an assistant director.

Khosla made his directorial debut with the film "Milap" in 1955. He gained recognition for his work in crime thriller and suspense genres. Some of his notable films include "C.I.D." (1956), "Kalapani" (1958), "Bombai Ka Babu" (1960), "Woh Kaun Thi?" (1964), "Mera Saaya" (1966), and "Do Badan" (1966). These films often featured popular actors of that era, such as Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, Sadhana, and Asha Parekh.

Khosla's films were known for their gripping storytelling, strong characterization, and memorable music. He collaborated with music directors like Madan Mohan and Ravi, and many of his films had hit songs that became classics.

Raj Khosla received several awards and accolades for his work, including the Filmfare Award for Best Director for the film "Do Badan" in 1967. He continued to direct films successfully through the 1970s and 1980s.

Sadly, Raj Khosla passed away on June 9, 1991, leaving behind a significant body of work that contributed to the golden era of Hindi cinema. His films continue to be appreciated for their engaging narratives and timeless songs.