03 August - Shakeel Badayuni birth anniversary

 

Shakeel Badayuni (1916-1970) was a highly regarded Urdu poet, lyricist, and songwriter in the Indian film industry. He is best known for his profound and poetic lyrics that left a lasting impact on Indian music and cinema during the golden era of Bollywood.

Here are some key highlights about Shakeel Badayuni:

1. Early Life: Shakeel Badayuni was born on 03 August 1916, in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2. Poetry and Literature: He had a deep interest in Urdu poetry from a young age and became known for his poetic talent during his college days. He was influenced by renowned poets like Mir Taqi Mir and Mirza Ghalib.

3. Bollywood Career: Shakeel Badayuni made his debut as a lyricist in the film "Chand" in 1944. However, his real breakthrough came with the film "Mela" (1948), for which he penned the superhit song "Ye Zindagi Ke Mele."

4. Collaboration with Music Directors: He collaborated with some of the finest music directors of his time, including Naushad, Roshan, and S. D. Burman, creating memorable songs that became classics.

5. Notable Works: Some of Shakeel Badayuni's iconic songs include "Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho" from the film "Chaudhvin Ka Chand" (1960), "Husnwale Tera Jawab Nahin" from the film "Gharana" (1961), and "Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhoolegi" from the film "Barsaat Ki Raat" (1960).

6. Awards and Recognition: Shakeel Badayuni received several awards for his contributions to Indian cinema, including the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist.

7. Death: Shakeel Badayuni passed away on 20 April 1970, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetic lyrics that continue to resonate with music lovers.

Shakeel Badayuni's poetry and lyrics are still cherished by music enthusiasts, and his soulful compositions remain an integral part of the Indian musical heritage. He is remembered as one of the most exceptional lyricists in the history of Bollywood.

03 August - Firestone Tire & Rubber Company was established

 

The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company was established and is a well-known American tire manufacturer with a significant history in the automotive industry. The company was founded by Harvey S. Firestone on August 3, 1900.

Harvey S. Firestone was a businessman and entrepreneur who recognized the potential of the growing automobile industry and the need for quality tires. He established the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, which quickly became a leading manufacturer of tires for automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles.

The company's early success was largely attributed to its commitment to producing high-quality tires and its innovative techniques for tire manufacturing. Firestone's reputation for reliable and durable tires made the brand highly sought after by automakers and consumers alike.

Over the years, Firestone expanded its product offerings and became a prominent player in the global tire industry. The company's association with the automotive industry continued to grow, and Firestone tires were used in various motorsports events, further enhancing the brand's reputation.

In 1988, the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company was acquired by the Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone Corporation. Despite the acquisition, the Firestone brand remains a significant part of Bridgestone's tire product line, and Firestone tires continue to be popular choices for many drivers around the world.

 

03 August - Alfred Deakin birth anniversary

 

Alfred Deakin was an influential Australian politician who played a significant role in the early years of Australia's federation and government. He was born on August 3, 1856, in Fitzroy, Victoria, and passed away on October 7, 1919, in South Yarra, Victoria.

Deakin was a prominent figure in the movement for Australian federation, which aimed to unite the separate colonies into a single nation. He was actively involved in drafting the Australian Constitution and played a key role in shaping the country's federal structure.

Throughout his political career, Deakin held various important positions. He was a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1879 to 1901, serving as Attorney-General and Chief Secretary in the Victorian government. He also represented Victoria at the various colonial conferences leading to federation.

As mentioned earlier, Deakin served as the second Prime Minister of Australia on three separate occasions. His terms were from September 1903 to April 1904, July 1905 to November 1908, and June 1909 to April 1910. He was a member of the Protectionist Party and later the Commonwealth Liberal Party.

Deakin's political ideology leaned towards progressive reforms and social justice. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he implemented significant policies, including the establishment of a White Australia policy, which sought to restrict non-European immigration, and the introduction of measures to support workers' rights and welfare.

 

03 August - Maithili Sharan Gupta

 

Maithili Sharan Gupt(3 August 1886 – 12 December 1964) was one of the most important modern Hindi poets.He is considered one among the pioneers of Khari Boli (plain dialect) poetry and wrote in Khari Boli dialect,at a time when most Hindi poets favoured the use of Braj Bhasha dialect.He was a recipient of the third highest (then second highest) Indian civilian honour of Padma Bhushan.For his book Bharat-Bharati (1912),widely quoted during India's freedom struggle, he was given the title of Rashtra Kaviby Mahatma Gandhi.

02 August - Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray birth anniversary

 

Sir Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray (August 2, 1861 – June 16, 1944) was a distinguished Indian chemist, educator, and entrepreneur, widely regarded as the father of modern Indian chemistry. Born in Raruli-Katipara, now in Bangladesh, Ray pursued his higher education at the University of Edinburgh, where he earned his D.Sc. in chemistry. Upon returning to India, he joined the Presidency College in Kolkata as a professor of chemistry, where he made significant contributions to chemical research and education.

Ray is renowned for his discovery of the compound mercurous nitrite and for founding Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, India's first pharmaceutical company. His research work and publications, including the seminal "History of Hindu Chemistry," highlighted the rich scientific heritage of ancient India. A dedicated nationalist and social reformer, Ray actively supported the Swadeshi movement, promoting self-reliance and the use of indigenous products. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and educators, embodying the spirit of scientific inquiry and national pride.

The Royal Society of Chemistry honoured his life and work with the first ever Chemical Landmark Plaque outside Europe. He was the founder of Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, India's first pharmaceutical company. He is the author of A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century (1902). 

02 August - The Clay Street Hill Railroad begin operation in 1873

 

The Clay Street Hill Railroad, which later became known as the San Francisco Cable Car System, began operating the first cable car in San Francisco on August 2, 1873.

The cable car system was developed as a solution to the city's steep hills, which made it difficult for traditional horse-drawn streetcars to operate effectively. Andrew S. Hallidie, an engineer and inventor, designed the system and installed a system of cables beneath the street that would pull the cable cars along the tracks.

The first cable car route ran along Clay Street from Jones Street to Kearny Street in San Francisco. The success of this line led to the rapid expansion of the cable car system throughout the city, providing a reliable and efficient means of transportation for San Francisco residents and visitors.

Today, the San Francisco Cable Car System is not only a vital part of the city's public transportation network but also an iconic symbol of San Francisco. Tourists from around the world come to experience riding the historic cable cars and to enjoy the scenic views of the city's hills and landmarks.

02 August - The Tower Subway opened to the public in 1870

 

The Tower Subway was a short underground tunnel that ran beneath the River Thames in London, England, United Kingdom. It was designed to allow pedestrians to cross the river between Tower Hill on the north bank and Tooley Street on the south bank.

The Tower Subway opened to the public on August 2, 1870. It was an innovative engineering project for its time, using a cylindrical wrought-iron tube that was 7 feet in diameter to carry passengers through the tunnel. However, the project was not financially successful, and it faced various technical issues. As a result, it was later converted to carry water mains, and the pedestrian service was discontinued.

The world's first underground tube railway, commonly known as the London Underground or simply "the Tube," was the Metropolitan Railway, which opened on January 10, 1863. It operated on a steam locomotive system and ran between Paddington and Farringdon stations in London. The success of the Metropolitan Railway laid the groundwork for the development of the extensive London Underground network that exists today.

01 August - World Breastfeeding Week

 

World Breastfeeding Week is an annual global campaign observed from August 1st to August 7th to raise awareness and promote the importance of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. The week is organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a network of individuals and organizations that advocate for breastfeeding worldwide.

Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of maternal and child health, providing numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. Breast milk is a complete and ideal source of nutrition for infants, containing essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support the baby's growth and immune system. It also fosters a unique bond between mother and child.

World Breastfeeding Week aims to highlight the significance of breastfeeding in the early years of a child's life and encourage mothers to initiate and continue breastfeeding for at least the first six months, with the introduction of complementary foods up to two years and beyond.

During this week, various events, seminars, workshops, and campaigns are held globally to educate communities about the benefits of breastfeeding and provide support to breastfeeding mothers. The campaign also addresses the challenges that some women may face in breastfeeding and advocates for policies and programs that protect and support breastfeeding in workplaces, healthcare settings, and public spaces.

Each year, World Breastfeeding Week has a specific theme to guide the campaign's focus and messaging. Themes from previous years have included "Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding," "Sustaining Breastfeeding Together," and "Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life."

Breastfeeding is a critical component of early childhood development and has long-term health benefits for both infants and mothers. World Breastfeeding Week plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about the significance of breastfeeding and encouraging supportive environments that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully.

01 August - Switzerland (Swiss) National Day

 

Switzerland National Day, also known as Swiss National Day, is celebrated annually on August 1st. It is a significant public holiday in Switzerland and holds great importance as it commemorates the foundation of the Swiss Confederation.

On August 1, 1291, the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden came together in a historic alliance known as the Federal Charter of 1291. This alliance laid the foundation for the Swiss Confederation, marking the beginning of Switzerland as a nation.

Swiss National Day is a time for the Swiss people to celebrate their unique cultural heritage, diversity, and unity as a nation. The day is marked by various festivities, parades, fireworks, and traditional activities held throughout the country. People dress in traditional Swiss attire, and communities come together to enjoy music, dances, and local cuisines.

One of the most iconic aspects of the Swiss National Day celebrations is the lighting of bonfires on mountaintops. These bonfires, known as "Swiss bonfires" or "Feu de joie," create a spectacular display of light across the country's landscape, symbolizing the unity and strength of the Swiss people.

Swiss National Day is also an opportunity for Swiss citizens to reflect on their country's democratic values, history of independence, and commitment to neutrality. The day fosters a sense of national pride and camaraderie among the Swiss population.

Throughout the day, official ceremonies are held, and speeches are given by government officials, emphasizing the importance of unity, democracy, and Swiss identity. The Swiss flag, with its distinctive white cross on a red background, is prominently displayed across the nation.

 

01 August - Yorkshire Day

 

Yorkshire Day is an annual celebration that takes place on August 1st to honor the historic county of Yorkshire in England. The day is an opportunity for people from Yorkshire, as well as those with connections to the county, to celebrate its culture, heritage, and achievements.

The origins of Yorkshire Day can be traced back to the 1970s when the Yorkshire Ridings Society, a group dedicated to promoting Yorkshire's identity and history, proposed the idea of having a special day to celebrate the county. The first official Yorkshire Day was celebrated in 1975.

On Yorkshire Day, various events and activities are held throughout the county and in other parts of the world where Yorkshire expatriates reside. These celebrations may include parades, concerts, traditional performances, food festivals, and historical reenactments. It's a time for locals and visitors alike to come together and embrace the distinct Yorkshire identity.

The Yorkshire flag, a white rose on a blue background, is commonly displayed during the festivities, symbolizing the county's association with the historic House of York during the Wars of the Roses.

During Yorkshire Day, you might also hear the traditional Yorkshire anthem "On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at," a folk song that reflects the county's strong musical and cultural heritage.

Overall, Yorkshire Day is a cherished occasion for people to show their pride in being part of Yorkshire and to celebrate all the things that make the county unique and special.