30 July - USA celebrates Share a Hug Day

 

Share a Hug Day is celebrated every year in the United States on July 30. The idea behind it is to let the people close to you know that you love and appreciate them by hugging them. Hugs are especially beneficial for people that are feeling down, as being surrounded by the arms of another person and the warmth of their body, communicates a sense of empathy, security, and solidarity. Anytime is a great time to share a hug with someone willing to receive or give one.

The creator of Share a Hug Day was Mike Brundritt. He used to be married to a woman he had been in a relationship with for 19 years, and they had two sons. On the afternoon of July 30, 2017, they were returning home from a camping trip. A transport truck hit them from behind while they were traveling. Brundritt and his youngest son survived the tragedy, but his wife and oldest son died instantly.

Since then, Brundritt and his son have had mental issues, and he is still recovering from back injuries. One year later, a few days before the first anniversary of the accident, he started thinking about ways to honor and remember his wife and son. He remembered how often he and his family would share hugs, as a greeting, as a goodbye, or just to show their love. He also remembered the many hugs shared with his friends after the accident. Thus, he decided to start a hug day to honor their lives.

On July 30, 2018, he wrote a post on his Facebook profile: “We have days of the year designated for different things: National Coffee Day, National Ice Cream Day, etc. I would like your help in starting National Share a Hug Day. July 30th is the anniversary of the loss of my son and wife and I want to try to honor the love that we shared by starting something special. I am not sure how to get this going, but for now, I think word of mouth will work. Please go and hug someone today to help get this movement started.”

30 July - International Friendship Day

International Friendship Day is a day to appreciate and promote friendships. One goal of this observance is to bridge the gaps between race, color, religion and other factors which keep humans from fostering friendship with one another. According to the UN, one purpose of this observance is to promote the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

International Day of Friendship was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2011 with the intent of building communities and helping move towards world peace. The United Nations encourages governments, groups and organizations to host activities and events that promote dialogue, acceptance and understanding between people of different backgrounds. This day is promoted by the UN as being observed July 30th, but is also observed on the first Sunday of August in many countries.

30 July - Independence Day Vanatu

 

Vanuatu celebrates its Independence Day on July 30th. Vanuatu, officially known as the Republic of Vanuatu, is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It gained independence from joint British-French colonial rule on July 30, 1980. Independence Day is a national holiday in Vanuatu and is celebrated with various events, including parades, cultural performances, flag-raising ceremonies, and speeches by government officials. It is a day to commemorate the country's independence and to honor its history, culture, and achievements.

29 July - VIDYASAGAR COLLEGE, CALCUTTA postage stamp issued in 1998

 

Postage stamp issued in 1998 on occasion of 125 Years of Vidyasagar College, Calcutta

Vidyasagar College is a renowned educational institution located in Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), West Bengal, India. It is named after the great social reformer, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who played a pivotal role in the field of education and social upliftment during the 19th century.

The college was established in 1872 by Pandit Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay, a distinguished educator and philanthropist. Initially, it was known as Metropolitan Institution, and later in 1917, it was renamed Vidyasagar College in honor of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

Vidyasagar College is affiliated with the University of Calcutta and offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts, science, and commerce. It is recognized for its academic excellence, providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds.

The college campus houses modern facilities, libraries, laboratories, and other resources to support the academic and extracurricular pursuits of its students.

Vidyasagar College has a rich legacy of producing numerous eminent alumni who have excelled in various fields, including academics, literature, arts, politics, and social work.

The college emphasizes holistic education, fostering critical thinking, and promoting a spirit of social responsibility among its students. It encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, cultural events, and community service to develop their overall personality.

 

 

29 July - Vincent van Gogh death anniversary

 

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter and one of the most renowned and influential artists in the history of Western art. He was born on March 30, 1853, in Groot-Zundert, a village in the Netherlands.

Van Gogh's early life was marked by struggles and challenges. He worked as an art dealer and teacher before dedicating himself entirely to art in his late twenties. Throughout his career, he created around 2,100 artworks, including paintings, drawings, and sketches. However, he only achieved fame posthumously.

Van Gogh's artistic style evolved over the years, influenced by various movements, including realism and impressionism. His most distinctive style is characterized by bold and vibrant colors, dramatic brushwork, and emotional intensity. Some of his most famous works include "Starry Night," "Sunflowers," "Irises," and his self-portraits.

Despite his immense talent, Van Gogh's life was plagued by mental health issues, which resulted in frequent bouts of depression and anxiety. He famously cut off part of his ear during a mental breakdown. On 29 July 1890, at the age of 37, Van Gogh died by suicide.

Though he struggled during his lifetime, Van Gogh's work gained recognition and appreciation after his death. Today, he is considered a pivotal figure in the development of modern art, and his paintings are among the most expensive and coveted in the world. His tragic life and the emotional depth of his art continue to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts and artists alike.

29 July - Cingireddi Narayana Reddy birth annivesary

 

Cingireddi Narayana Reddy (1931-2017) was a prominent Indian poet and writer who primarily wrote in the Telugu language. He was also known as CiNaRe in literary circles. He was born on July 29, 1931, in a small village called Hanumajipet in Karimnagar district, Telangana, India.

CiNaRe was widely regarded as a prolific and versatile poet who enriched Telugu literature with his remarkable contributions. His poetry encompassed various themes such as patriotism, social issues, nature, and love. He was celebrated for his evocative and soul-stirring poetry that resonated with people from different walks of life.

In addition to poetry, Cingireddi Narayana Reddy also dabbled in writing essays and song lyrics. He was a respected academician and served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Kakatiya University. His literary work earned him several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Jnanpith Award, which he received in 1988 for his remarkable contributions to Indian literature.

CiNaRe's poems and writings continue to be cherished and admired by Telugu-speaking people around the world. His literary legacy remains an integral part of Telugu literature, inspiring generations of writers and poets to come.

29 July - Magnus Ladulås crowned King of Sweden in 1275

 

Magnus Ladulås, also known as Magnus III, was indeed crowned King of Sweden. He ascended to the throne on July 29, 1275. Magnus Ladulås belonged to the House of Bjelbo, a powerful Swedish noble family that played a significant role in Swedish politics during the medieval period.

Magnus Ladulås' reign as king lasted until his death on December 18, 1290. His nickname "Ladulås" translates to "Barnlock" or "Lock with the Barn," which is attributed to a legendary incident involving Magnus and a locked barn during a time of famine. According to the legend, Magnus stored grain in a barn during a crop failure and locked it to prevent hoarding and price manipulation.

During his reign, Magnus Ladulås worked to strengthen the royal authority and consolidate power. He initiated various reforms, including the codification of Swedish law and the establishment of the Riksdag (the Swedish parliament). He also focused on expanding trade and improving infrastructure, particularly in Stockholm, which he selected as the capital of Sweden.

Magnus Ladulås' reign marked a transition period in Swedish history. It followed the turbulent time of the Folkung dynasty and set the stage for the subsequent rule of his son, Birger Magnusson, and the consolidation of royal power in Sweden.

The coronation of Magnus Ladulås as King of Sweden was a significant event in the country's history, solidifying his authority and providing a foundation for his subsequent actions and reforms as king.

28 July - Independence Day Peru

 

Independence Day in Peru, known as "Fiestas Patrias," is celebrated on July 28th and 29th each year. It is the most significant national holiday in the country, commemorating Peru's declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule.

On July 28, 1821, General José de San Martín, a key figure in South America's struggle for independence, proclaimed Peru's independence in Lima. This event marked the beginning of the country's path towards sovereignty.

The celebration of Independence Day in Peru includes various festivities, events, and ceremonies held throughout the country. Some of the typical activities and traditions during Fiestas Patrias include:

1. Presidential Address: The President of Peru delivers an annual address to the nation on the evening of July 28th, highlighting the country's achievements and addressing its challenges.

2. Military Parade: A grand military parade takes place in Lima, showcasing the country's armed forces and other national organizations. It is held on July 29th and attended by government officials and the public.

3. Civic and Cultural Events: Different cities and towns organize civic ceremonies, cultural performances, traditional dances, music, and art exhibitions to celebrate the nation's history and culture.

4. Peruvian Cuisine: Food plays an essential role in the celebrations, and people indulge in traditional Peruvian dishes and delicacies during the holiday.

5. Fireworks: Colorful fireworks displays light up the skies on the night of July 28th, adding to the festive atmosphere.

6. Flag Hoisting: Throughout the country, the national flag is prominently displayed on buildings and homes as a symbol of national pride.

Peruvians take great pride in their history and culture during Independence Day celebrations. It is a time for national unity, reflection, and commemoration of the country's struggle for freedom and independence.

28 July - USA celebrates National Soccer Day

 

National Soccer Day is annually celebrated on July 28. It honors and celebrates soccer — one of the world’s most competitive and popular sports. Every year, more than 17 million (around 5%) Americans watch soccer matches during the National Football League (N.F.L.).
 

28 July - Garry Sobers born in 1936

 

Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, AO, OCC, NH (born 28 July 1936), also known as Sir Gary or Sir Garry Sobers, is a former cricketer who played for the West Indies between 1954 and 1974. A highly skilled bowler, an aggressive batsman and an excellent fielder, he is widely considered to be cricket's greatest ever all-rounder and one of the greatest cricketers of all time.