23 June - Public Service Day

 

Public Service Day is observed annually on June 23rd. It is a United Nations designated day that aims to highlight the value and virtue of public service to the community and recognize the contributions of public servants to the development and well-being of society.

Public Service Day provides an opportunity to promote the importance of public service in the delivery of services, policy implementation, and fostering social progress. It encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to celebrate and appreciate the work done by public servants and to inspire others to pursue careers in public service.

Various events and activities are organized on Public Service Day to recognize the efforts and achievements of public servants. These may include award ceremonies, conferences, seminars, and public outreach programs. The day also serves as a platform to discuss challenges, innovations, and best practices in public service.

Public Service Day aims to enhance public trust, transparency, and accountability in governance and to promote the value of public service as a vital component of sustainable development and good governance.

23 June - Gujarat’s ‘Rani Ki Vav’ and Himachal’s ‘Great Himalayan National Park’ were included in the World Heritage List.

 

Rani Ki Vav, also known as the Queen's Stepwell, is a magnificent stepwell located in the town of Patan in Gujarat, India. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on June 23, 2014. Rani Ki Vav is renowned for its intricate and elaborate architecture, which features intricate carvings depicting mythological scenes, deities, and other cultural motifs. It is considered a significant cultural and architectural marvel in India.

 

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is a national park in India, located in Kullu region in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The park was established in 1984 and is spread over an area of 1171 km2; elevations within the park range between 1500 and 6000 m. The Great Himalayan National Park is a habitat to numerous flora and more than 375 fauna species, including approximately 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects. They are protected under the strict guidelines of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972; hence any sort of hunting is not permitted.

In June 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites,under the criterion of "outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation".

22 June - World Rainforest Day

 

World Rainforest Day is an annual event held on June 22nd to raise awareness about the importance of rainforests and promote efforts for their conservation and sustainable management. Rainforests are incredibly diverse and complex ecosystems that are home to millions of species and provide numerous benefits to the planet and its inhabitants.

The day serves as an opportunity to educate people about the critical role rainforests play in maintaining the Earth's biodiversity, regulating the climate, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Rainforests are often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" due to their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thereby mitigating climate change.

World Rainforest Day aims to foster a sense of appreciation for rainforests and inspire action to protect these precious ecosystems. Activities and initiatives on this day include educational campaigns, tree planting drives, conservation projects, fundraising efforts, and awareness-raising events. Organizations, communities, and individuals come together to highlight the importance of rainforest preservation and advocate for sustainable practices.

Key issues addressed on World Rainforest Day include deforestation, illegal logging, habitat destruction, unsustainable agriculture, and the protection of indigenous rights. These issues pose significant threats to rainforests and their invaluable resources. The day serves as a platform to mobilize support and encourage individuals and governments to take action in preserving rainforest ecosystems.

By celebrating World Rainforest Day, people can become more informed about the challenges facing rainforests and the urgent need to protect them. It provides an opportunity for individuals to make a positive impact through personal choices, supporting conservation organizations, and engaging in advocacy efforts that contribute to the long-term preservation of these vital ecosystems.

22 June - Survey of India stamps issued in 2017

 

Survey of India: 250th Anniversary Celebrations: Two Commemorative Postage stamps brought out by India Post on 22.06.2017

Survey of India is the national mapping agency of India. It is the oldest scientific department in India and is responsible for conducting surveys, mapping, and providing geospatial information to support various developmental activities in the country. Here are some key details about the Survey of India:

Establishment: The Survey of India was established in 1767 and has a rich history of over 250 years. It is one of the oldest survey and mapping organizations in the world.

Headquarters: The headquarters of the Survey of India is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of the Survey of India is to provide accurate and reliable geospatial data, maps, and topographic information for the entire country. It conducts surveys and mapping exercises to support infrastructure development, defense and security planning, resource management, urban planning, and various other applications.

Mapping Activities: The Survey of India undertakes various mapping activities, including large-scale topographic mapping, cadastral mapping, geodetic surveys, aerial surveys, and satellite imagery analysis. It uses advanced surveying and mapping technologies to create and update the national geospatial database.

National Map Policy: The Survey of India formulates and implements the National Map Policy, which governs the creation, dissemination, and use of maps and geospatial data in India. This policy ensures that geospatial information is utilized effectively while addressing security concerns and protecting national interests.

Map Products: The Survey of India publishes a wide range of map products, including topographic maps, thematic maps, cadastral maps, and digital maps. These maps are used by government agencies, researchers, industries, and the general public for various purposes, such as planning infrastructure projects, conducting research, and navigation.

Geodetic Control Network: The Survey of India maintains a precise geodetic control network across the country. This network consists of control points with known coordinates that serve as reference points for accurate positioning and mapping activities.

Collaboration: The Survey of India collaborates with other national and international mapping agencies, research organizations, and academic institutions to exchange knowledge, data, and expertise in the field of surveying and mapping.

Modernization Efforts: The Survey of India has been actively modernizing its operations by adopting advanced technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) for efficient data collection, analysis, and mapping.

Open Data Policy: The Survey of India has been working towards promoting the use of geospatial data by adopting an open data policy. This policy aims to make geospatial information more accessible to the public, researchers, and industries to foster innovation and development.

The Survey of India plays a crucial role in providing accurate and up-to-date geospatial information for the sustainable development of India. Its mapping activities contribute to various sectors and enable informed decision-making at different levels

22 June - Ilya Frank death anniversary

 

Ilya Frank (23 October 1908 – 22 June 1990) was a distinguished physicist. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958.
He was born on 23 October 1908 in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire. He pursued his education at Leningrad State University, where he studied physics under renowned professors.

After completing his studies, Frank embarked on his scientific career as a research assistant at the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow. During this time, he collaborated with fellow scientists and conducted groundbreaking experiments in the field of nuclear physics. His exceptional skills and passion for research quickly gained recognition within the scientific community.

His most significant contribution to physics came in collaboration with Igor Tamm and Pavel Cherenkov. Together, they formulated the theory of Cherenkov radiation, which explains the emission of electromagnetic radiation when a charged particle passes through a dielectric medium at a speed exceeding the phase velocity of light in that medium. Their work revolutionized the understanding of electromagnetic radiation and laid the foundation for further advancements in the field.

He continued to make significant contributions to various branches of physics. He expanded his research interests to include quantum mechanics, particle physics, and astrophysics. Frank’s expertise and passion for exploration led him to collaborate with scientists from around the world, further advancing the understanding of complex phenomena.

He died on 22 June 1990 in Moscow, Russia.

22 June - World Camel Day

 

World Camel Day is an annual observance that celebrates the importance of camels and raises awareness about their significance in various cultures and ecosystems. It is typically celebrated on June 22nd every year.

Camels have played a vital role in the lives of humans for thousands of years, particularly in arid regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. They are known for their ability to survive in harsh desert conditions, making them valuable companions and working animals for nomadic communities.

World Camel Day aims to highlight the contributions of camels to human societies. These animals are not only used for transportation across difficult terrains but also provide milk, meat, and wool for their owners. Additionally, camels have cultural and historical importance, symbolizing resilience, adaptation, and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.

The day is also an opportunity to address the conservation and protection of camel populations worldwide. Camels face various threats, including habitat loss, overgrazing, climate change, and hunting. World Camel Day encourages efforts to safeguard these magnificent creatures and their habitats, as well as promote sustainable practices for their utilization.

Celebrations on World Camel Day may include educational programs, seminars, exhibitions, and cultural events that showcase the significance of camels. It is a chance for communities to appreciate and recognize the integral role that these animals have played and continue to play in their lives.

16 June - Stan Laurel birth anniversary

 

Stan Laurel (born Arthur Stanley Jefferson; 16 June 1890 – 23 February 1965) was an English comic actor, writer, and film director who was one half of the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.He appeared with his comedy partner Oliver Hardy in 107 short films, feature films, and cameo roles.

Laurel began his career in music hall, where he developed a number of his standard comic devices, including the bowler hat, the deep comic gravity, and the nonsensical understatement. His performances polished his skills at pantomime and music hall sketches. He was a member of "Fred Karno's Army", where he was Charlie Chaplin's understudy.He and Chaplin arrived in the United States on the same ship from the United Kingdom with the Karno troupe.Laurel began his film career in 1917 and made his final appearance in 1951. He appeared with his comic partner Oliver Hardy in the film short The Lucky Dog in 1921, although they did not become an official team until late 1927. He then appeared exclusively with Hardy until retiring after his comedy partner's death in 1957.

In April 1961, at the 33rd Academy Awards, Laurel was given an Academy Honorary Award for his pioneering work in comedy, and he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard. Laurel and Hardy were ranked top among best double acts and seventh overall in a 2005 UK poll to find the Comedians' Comedian.In 2019, Laurel topped a list of the greatest British comedians compiled by a panel on the television channel Gold.In 2009, a bronze statue of the duo was unveiled in Laurel's hometown of Ulverston.

16 June - Bethune College foundation day

 

Bethune College, a centre for academic excellence and achievement, started its journey in 1879. Being the first women's college in India as well as in Asia, Bethune College produced the first two female graduates of the entire British colonial Empire who made their mark, left significant contributions and inspired generations to come. Since its establishment, Bethune College has helped in enlightening women's lives by playing a pivotal role in women's education and emancipation.

The journey of Bethune College began on 16th June, 1879. The Calcutta Gazette published the news of appointment of Baboo Sosi Bhusan Dutt, (Lecturer of Ravenshaw College, Cuttack) on 16th June, 1879 as the First Lecturer of the College Department of Bethune School. Therefore, 16th June, 1879 has been accepted as the foundation day of Bethune College.

15 June - Suraiya Jamal Sheikh birth anniversary

Suraiya Jamal Sheikh (15 June 1929 – 31 January 2004), popularly known by the mononym Suraiya, was a popular actress and playback singer in India's Hindi-language films. She was active from 1936 to 1963, and was the most celebrated actress between the mid- to late 1940s,before she was surpassed in fame by Madhubala and Nargis.

In a career spanning from 1936 to 1963, Suraiya acted in 67 films and sang 338 songs. She was one of the greatest actresses of the Hindi cinema and a leading lady in Hindi language films in the 1940s and 1950s.She was also a renowned playback singer, who mostly sang for herself, starting from a song in Nai Duniya (1942) when she was only 12 years old.

She was known for her North Indian Muslim feudal style acting or adakari in many of her films.Suraiya made her first appearance as a child artist with the film Madame Fashion (1936), directed by Jaddan Bai. She made her acting debut with the film Taj Mahal in which she played the role of Mumtaz Mahal. In her heyday, she was known as Malika-e-Husn (queen of beauty), Malika-e-Tarannum (queen of melody) and Malika-e-Adakari (queen of acting). 

12 June - Purushottam Laxman Deshpande birth anniversary

 

Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, popularly known as Pu La Deshpande, was a highly respected and influential figure in Marathi literature, humor, and performing arts. He was born on November 8, 1919, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, and passed away on June 12, 2000, in Pune, Maharashtra.

Pu La Deshpande was known for his multifaceted talents as a writer, playwright, humorist, and actor. He began his career as a professor of Marathi literature but soon found his true calling as a writer and performer. Deshpande's works were known for their wit, humor, and deep insights into human nature.

His literary contributions encompassed various genres, including short stories, essays, novels, and plays. Some of his notable works include "Vyakti Ani Valli," "Asa Mi Asami," "Batatyachi Chal," "Apurva Rituraj," and "Mhais." His writings often reflected on the common man's experiences, societal issues, and the essence of life with a blend of humor and satire.

Apart from his literary pursuits, Pu La Deshpande was also renowned for his talent as an actor and performer. He was known for his memorable stage performances, one-man shows, and monologues that showcased his exceptional comic timing and captivating storytelling abilities. His live performances, filled with laughter and warmth, earned him immense popularity and a dedicated fan following.

Deshpande's contributions to Marathi literature and performing arts were widely recognized and honored. He received several prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar, and Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards.

Pu La Deshpande's work continues to be celebrated and cherished by Marathi-speaking audiences and literature enthusiasts. His unique style, wit, and ability to connect with people through his writings and performances have left an indelible mark on Marathi culture and entertainment. He is fondly remembered as a beloved figure who brought joy, laughter, and thought-provoking insights into the lives of his audience.