10 April - James V, king of Scotland birth anniversary

 

James V was the King of Scotland from 1513 until his death in 1542. He was born on 10 April 1512, to James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII of England, making him the grandson of both James II of Scotland and Henry VII of England.

James V ascended to the throne at just seventeen months old following the death of his father at the Battle of Flodden. During his reign, Scotland experienced internal strife and external threats, including conflicts with England. James V aimed to assert his authority over the Scottish nobility, often with limited success due to their resistance.

One of the significant events during James V's reign was the Rough Wooing, a period of conflict between Scotland and England during the minority of Mary, Queen of Scots, which involved attempts by the English to arrange a marriage between Mary and Henry VIII's son, Edward. However, James V's efforts to strengthen alliances with France, particularly through his marriage to Mary of Guise, complicated these efforts.

James V died on 14 December 1542, just days after the Battle of Solway Moss, which ended in a decisive English victory. His death left his infant daughter, Mary, as Queen of Scots, initiating a tumultuous period in Scottish history.

 

10 April - Siblings Day (International observance)

 

Siblings Day is indeed observed internationally on April 10th each year. This day celebrates the special bond between siblings and honors the relationships and connections shared among brothers and sisters.

Siblings Day provides an opportunity for people to appreciate and acknowledge their siblings, whether through spending time together, exchanging gifts, or simply expressing gratitude for their presence in their lives. It is a time to celebrate the unique bond that siblings share, characterized by love, support, and shared experiences.

While Siblings Day may not be as widely recognized as other holidays, such as Mother's Day or Father's Day, it offers a meaningful occasion for families to come together and celebrate the importance of sibling relationships. It is a day to reminisce about childhood memories, strengthen family ties, and create new traditions and memories with siblings.

Siblings Day was first conceived by Claudia Evart, an American woman who lost her siblings at a young age and wanted to honor their memory. She chose April 10th in honor of her late sister's birthday. Since then, Siblings Day has gained popularity and recognition around the world, with people from various cultures and backgrounds joining in the celebration of siblinghood.

 

10 April - The President of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, dies in a plane crash in 2010

 

On April 10, 2010, the President of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, tragically died in a plane crash near Smolensk, Russia. The plane, a Tupolev Tu-154M, was carrying President Kaczyński, along with his wife Maria Kaczyńska, several senior Polish government officials, military officers, and other dignitaries, as well as the crew.

The delegation was en route to attend a memorial ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre, in which thousands of Polish military officers, policemen, and other officials were executed by the Soviet secret police during World War II.

The plane crashed while attempting to land at the Smolensk North Airport under adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog. All 96 people on board, including President Kaczyński and his wife, were killed in the crash.

The loss of President Kaczyński and other prominent figures in the Polish government and military was a profound tragedy for Poland and led to a period of national mourning. The incident also sparked investigations and inquiries into the causes of the crash, with some controversy and speculation surrounding the circumstances and aftermath.

President Kaczyński was succeeded by Bronisław Komorowski, who served as the acting President of Poland until the presidential election later that year. The crash remains a significant event in Polish history and continues to be remembered as a national tragedy.

 

10 April - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is first published in 1925

 

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald was first published on April 10, 1925. The novel is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of American literature and a classic of the Jazz Age. Set in the summer of 1922, primarily on Long Island's North Shore and in New York City, the novel captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties, a time of economic prosperity, cultural dynamism, and social change in the United States.

"The Great Gatsby" tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and enigmatic millionaire, and his obsession with the beautiful and elusive Daisy Buchanan. Narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest who becomes entangled in the lives of Gatsby and the Buchanans, the novel explores themes of love, wealth, class, and the American Dream.

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its initial publication, "The Great Gatsby" has since gained widespread critical acclaim and has become a staple of high school and college literature curricula. It is celebrated for its vivid prose, compelling characters, and incisive portrayal of the American experience during the 1920s.

Over the years, "The Great Gatsby" has been adapted into several films, stage productions, and even an opera. Its enduring popularity and cultural significance continue to resonate with readers around the world, cementing its status as a literary masterpiece.

10 April - Indian Railways week

 

Indian Railways Week, also known as Railways Week or Rail Week, is an annual event observed by the Indian Railways to commemorate the establishment of the first passenger train service in India. This event typically takes place during the second week of April.

The first passenger train in India ran from Mumbai (then Bombay) to Thane on April 16, 1853. To celebrate this historic occasion and to showcase the achievements and contributions of the Indian Railways, Railways Week is organized with various activities and events.

During Indian Railways Week, exhibitions, cultural programs, seminars, workshops, and other events are organized by different railway zones across the country. These events aim to raise awareness about the importance of railways in India's transportation system, highlight innovations and modernization efforts in the railway sector, and promote railway safety and efficiency.

Indian Railways Week also provides an opportunity for railway employees to be recognized for their dedicated service and contributions to the railway sector. Awards and honors may be presented to outstanding railway personnel for their exceptional performance and achievements.

Overall, Indian Railways Week serves as a platform for celebrating the rich history and ongoing development of the Indian Railways, as well as for fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among railway employees and passengers alike.

10 April - World Homeopathy Day

 

World Homeopathy Day is observed annually on April 10th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. Dr. Hahnemann was born on April 10, 1755, in Germany, and he is credited with developing the principles and practices of homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine based on the concept of "like cures like" and the use of highly diluted substances to stimulate the body's natural healing processes.

On World Homeopathy Day, practitioners and supporters of homeopathy around the world come together to raise awareness about the benefits of homeopathic treatment and to celebrate its contributions to healthcare. Events and activities may include seminars, workshops, lectures, free clinics, and educational campaigns aimed at promoting understanding and acceptance of homeopathy as a complementary and integrative approach to health and wellness.

World Homeopathy Day serves as an opportunity to highlight the principles and efficacy of homeopathy, share success stories, and engage in discussions about its role in modern healthcare. It also provides a platform for homeopathic practitioners to showcase their expertise and for patients to learn more about homeopathic treatments and remedies.

10 April - American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded

 

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded on 10 April 1866. It was established by Henry Bergh, a philanthropist and animal welfare advocate, who was inspired by the successful establishment of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in England.

The ASPCA was the first humane society to be established in North America and played a pioneering role in promoting animal welfare and preventing cruelty to animals. It was founded with the mission to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.

Since its founding, the ASPCA has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at protecting animals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It operates animal shelters, provides veterinary care and rehabilitation services, conducts investigations into cases of animal cruelty, and advocates for stronger animal protection laws and policies.

The ASPCA's work has had a significant impact on improving the welfare of animals in the United States and has inspired the establishment of similar organizations around the world. Today, the ASPCA continues to be a leading voice for animal welfare, working tirelessly to create a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect.

10 April - Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai death anniversary

 

 Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, the esteemed Indian writer, passed away on 10 April 1999. His contributions to Malayalam literature continue to be celebrated, and his works remain influential in Indian literary circles.He was a prominent Indian writer, best known for his contributions to Malayalam literature. He was born on 17 April 1912, in the village of Thakazhi in Alappuzha district, Kerala, India.

Sivasankara Pillai's literary career spanned several decades, during which he wrote prolifically in various genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and plays. He is considered one of the most significant figures in modern Malayalam literature and was associated with the progressive literary movement in Kerala.

One of Sivasankara Pillai's most famous works is the novel "Chemmeen" (The Shrimp), which was published in 1956. The novel, set against the backdrop of the fishing community in Kerala, explores themes of love, sacrifice, and societal norms. "Chemmeen" became a cultural phenomenon and was later adapted into a highly successful Malayalam film, winning the President's Gold Medal for the Best Indian Film in 1965.

Apart from "Chemmeen," Sivasankara Pillai wrote numerous other acclaimed works, including "Thottiyude Makan" (Son of the Soil), "Kayar" (Rope), "Enippadikal" (Bonds), and "Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram" (The Story of Prathapa Mudaliar).

Throughout his career, Sivasankara Pillai received several prestigious awards and honors for his literary achievements, including the Jnanpith Award in 1984, one of India's highest literary honors. He was also honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 1985.

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai's works continue to be widely read and admired for their insightful portrayal of human emotions, social issues, and the cultural landscape of Kerala. He remains a towering figure in Malayalam literature, revered for his contributions to the literary heritage of Kerala and India as a whole.

 

10 April - Birbal Sahni death anniversary

 

Birbal Sahni (1891–1949) was a renowned Indian paleobotanist and geologist who made significant contributions to the study of plant fossils and the understanding of Earth's ancient flora. He is considered one of the pioneers of paleobotany in India and is credited with establishing the discipline in the country.

Born on 14 November 1891, in Bhera, British India (now in Pakistan), Sahni showed an early interest in science and pursued his education in geology and botany. He completed his doctoral studies in paleobotany at the University of London and later returned to India to contribute to scientific research and education.

Throughout his career, Sahni conducted extensive fieldwork across India, collecting plant fossils from various geological formations. His research focused on reconstructing ancient environments, studying the evolution of plant life, and exploring the geological history of the Indian subcontinent.

One of Sahni's most significant discoveries was the identification of the Glossopteris flora in India, a fossil assemblage that provided crucial evidence for the theory of continental drift and the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana.

Sahni played a key role in the establishment of the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in Lucknow, India, which was named in his honor. The institute is dedicated to the study of paleontology, paleobotany, and allied fields and continues to be a leading research institution in India.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Sahni was also a dedicated educator and mentor, training numerous students in the field of paleobotany and inspiring future generations of scientists.

Birbal Sahni's legacy is celebrated not only for his groundbreaking research but also for his passion for science and his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of paleobotany. He remains a revered figure in Indian science, and his contributions continue to influence research in paleontology and geology.

Birbal Sahni, the renowned Indian paleobotanist and geologist, passed away on 10 April 1949. His contributions to the field of paleobotany and geology continue to be remembered and celebrated in India and around the world.

10 April - Ghanshyam Das Birla birth anniversary

 

Ghanshyam Das Birla was an Indian businessman and member of the Birla Family. Ghanshyam Das Birla was born on 10 April 1894 at Pilani town in Jhunjhunu district, in the region known as Rajputana, as a member of the Marwari Maheshwari community. His father was Raja Baldevdas Birla. In 1884 A.D. Baldeo Das Birla went to Bombay in search of new avenues of trade. He established his firm Shiv Narian Baldeo Das in Bombay in 1884 and Baldeo Das Jugal Kishore in 1897 in Calcutta. The firms started business in silver, cotton, grain and other commodities.