13 April - Israel issued a stamp of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem

 

On April 13th, 1957, Israel issued a stamp commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

This stamp was part of a series of postage stamps released by Israel to mark significant events, milestones, and cultural achievements. The Hebrew University, founded in 1918 and officially opened in 1925, is one of Israel's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning. It has played a vital role in the development of academic research and education in Israel and has contributed to the advancement of knowledge in various fields.

The stamp issued on April 13th, 1957, featured an illustration of the university's iconic Mount Scopus campus, along with the dates "1925-1955" to commemorate the university's first 30 years. The stamp's design symbolized the importance of education and intellectual pursuits in the young nation of Israel and honored the Hebrew University's contributions to scholarship and research.


#Israel #IStandWithIsrael #Isreal

13 April - Australia issued a stamp known as the "Basel Dove"

 

On 13 April  1979, Australia issued a significant stamp known as the "Basel Dove" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the world's first adhesive postage stamp.

The "Basel Dove" stamp was originally issued in 1845 in the Swiss city of Basel. It is renowned as one of the world's most iconic and sought-after stamps, featuring a white dove with an olive branch in its beak against a blue background. The stamp's design symbolizes peace and communication, reflecting the purpose of postage stamps to facilitate the exchange of mail.

Australia's issuance of the Basel Dove stamp in 1979 paid tribute to the historical significance of the world's first adhesive postage stamp and acknowledged its enduring legacy in the field of philately. The stamp featured a reproduction of the original Basel Dove design along with the inscription "1845 Basel 1979 Australia" to commemorate the centenary of the Basel Dove's issuance.

This commemorative stamp holds significance for collectors and enthusiasts of philately, marking an important moment in the history of postage stamps both globally and within Australia.

 #Australia #Sydney

13 April - National Borinqueneers Day USA

 

National Borinqueneers Day is a special observance in the United States dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifices of the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the Borinqueneers. The regiment was composed primarily of soldiers from Puerto Rico and was the only segregated Latino unit in the history of the U.S. Army.

The Borinqueneers served with distinction in various conflicts, including World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, they demonstrated exceptional bravery and valor on the battlefield, earning numerous awards and commendations for their service.

In 2016, the U.S. Congress authorized National Borinqueneers Day to be observed annually on April 13th, commemorating the day in 1951 when the 65th Infantry Regiment earned the Presidential Unit Citation for its heroic actions during the Korean War.

This day serves as a reminder of the contributions of Puerto Rican soldiers to the defense of the United States and highlights the importance of recognizing the diversity and inclusivity of the American military. It's an opportunity to honor the legacy of the Borinqueneers and to express gratitude for their courage, patriotism, and dedication to duty.

 

13 April - International Special Librarians Day

 

Special Librarians Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate the legacy of S. R. Ranganathan, often regarded as the father of library science in India. Ranganathan was a pioneering figure whose work and ideas revolutionized the field of library science worldwide.

Born on August 9, 1892, Ranganathan made significant contributions to library classification, cataloging, and information retrieval systems. He developed the Five Laws of Library Science, which are fundamental principles guiding the organization and management of libraries. These laws emphasize the importance of user access, resource organization, and library efficiency.

Ranganathan's influence extended far beyond India; his innovative approaches to library management and information organization have had a lasting impact on libraries worldwide. Special Librarians Day provides an opportunity to recognize and honor Ranganathan's contributions to the field and to reflect on how his ideas continue to shape modern library practices and principles.

13 April - Plant Appreciation Day

 

Plant Appreciation Day is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude for the myriad ways in which plants enrich our lives. From providing us with oxygen and food to beautifying our surroundings and contributing to our physical and mental well-being, plants play an essential role in sustaining life on Earth.

On this day, people can celebrate by taking part in various activities such as gardening, planting trees, visiting botanical gardens, or simply spending time in nature appreciating the beauty and diversity of plant life. It's also a great opportunity to learn more about the importance of plants and their conservation, as well as to reflect on ways we can all contribute to protecting and preserving our natural environment.

So let's take a moment to pause and appreciate the wonders of the plant world and the countless ways in which plants enhance our lives and our planet!

 

13 April - Semper Opera House was inaugurated 1841

 

The Semper Opera House, located in Dresden, Germany, was  inaugurated on 13 April 1841. Designed by the architect Gottfried Semper, it is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Despite being damaged during World War II, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1985, and it continues to be a cultural landmark and a venue for world-class opera performances.

13 April - Water-Sprinkling Festival Thailand

 

 The Water-Sprinkling Festival in Thailand, known locally as "Songkran," is one of the country's most important and popular celebrations. It marks the traditional Thai New Year and usually takes place from April 13 to 15. During Songkran, people engage in joyful water fights, where they splash water on each other as a way to cleanse and purify themselves, symbolizing the washing away of sins and bad luck from the previous year. It's a time for family gatherings, temple visits, merit-making, and paying respect to elders. Songkran is not only celebrated in Thailand but also in neighboring countries with significant Thai communities, such as Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

13 April - Brian Lara played a historic inning of 400 runs while playing against England in Antigua in 2004

 

On April 13, 2004, the legendary cricketer Brian Lara achieved a historic milestone by scoring 400 runs in a single Test innings. This remarkable feat occurred during a match between the West Indies and England at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John's, Antigua. Lara's innings of 400 not out remains the highest individual score in Test cricket history, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

13 April - Thomas Jefferson birth anniversary

 

Thomas Jefferson (13 April 1743 – 04 July 1826) was an American Founding Father, third President of the United States, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the most influential figures in early American history. Here are some key aspects of Thomas Jefferson's life and legacy:

1. Declaration of Independence: Thomas Jefferson is best known for drafting the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776. The document declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule and asserted the inherent rights of individuals.

2. Founding Father: Jefferson was a prominent Founding Father and played a crucial role in the early development of the United States. He was involved in the Continental Congress and contributed to the drafting of the Articles of Confederation.

3. Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom: Jefferson authored the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1777, which became a model for the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. It emphasized the separation of church and state and the freedom of religion.

4. Governor of Virginia: Jefferson served as the second Governor of Virginia from 1779 to 1781 during the American Revolutionary War. His term faced challenges, including the British invasion of Virginia.

5. Minister to France: Jefferson served as the United States Minister to France from 1785 to 1789, playing a role in diplomatic efforts and witnessing the early stages of the French Revolution.

6. Secretary of State: He served as the first Secretary of State under President George Washington from 1790 to 1793. His differences with Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton over issues like the national debt and the role of the federal government led to the formation of the first political parties in the United States.

7. Third President of the United States: Jefferson served as the third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809. His presidency is often associated with the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which explored the newly acquired territory.

8. Monticello: Jefferson's estate, Monticello, located near Charlottesville, Virginia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It reflects his architectural interests, intellectual pursuits, and agricultural innovations.

9. University of Virginia: Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819, and he is considered the university's principal architect. He believed in the importance of education and promoted the idea of a secular university.

10. Legacy and Contradictions: Thomas Jefferson is celebrated for his contributions to American democracy, but his legacy is also complicated by contradictions, including his ownership of slaves while advocating for human rights.

Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. His contributions to American political philosophy, governance, and culture have left an indelible mark on the nation's history.

 

13 April - Balraj Sahni death anniversary

 

On 13 April 1973, Balraj Sahni, Indian film and theater actor, died.

Balraj Sahni, one of the finest actors to have graced the Hindi film screen, was born Yudhisthir Sahni on 1 May 1913 in Rawalpindi (now part of Pakistan) to a Punjabi family. He died on 13 April 1973.

As a youngster he studied Hindi and English literature in university, and worked as a teacher at Shantiniketan (Bengal) and for the BBC radio’s Hindi service in Britain. One of the pioneering members of the Indian People’s Theater Association, he acted in plays like Zubeida and The Inspector General. Though Sahni is best remembered as a film actor, his colleagues in theater had fond memories of the time he spent with them.

In his memoirs, Habib Tanvir, one of the leading names in Indian theatre after Independence, wrote: “For all his work in films, cinema wasted his (Sahni’s) talent. He was such a brilliant comedian, he was so effective in Jadu ki Kursi that his performance was unforgettable. I have seen many of his films too; he always acted with great control and subtlety but he was never given a comic role.”

Sahni’s debut Hindi film was Insaaf. This was followed by films like Dharti Ke Lal (based on the 1943 Bengal famine) and Door Chalein. In 1951, he worked with actors Dilip Kumar and Nargis in Hulchul. In between the film’s shooting, Sahni was arrested for being a communist sympathiser, and the film director K. Asif took special court permission to allow Sahni to shoot.

It was, however, in 1953 that Sahni’s acting prowess was widely recognised after the release of Bimal Roy’s Do Bigha Zameen, which won a prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France. In it he played the role of Shambhu, a farmer trying to save his small plot of land from an unscrupulous landlord. Unable to pay a loan, he goes to Calcutta where he pulls a rickshaw to earn a meagre income.

Another famous film of Sahni was Kabuliwala (1961), based on a story by Rabindranath Tagore. Sahni effectively portrayed the character of a dry-fruit seller who comes from Afghanistan to sell his goods in Calcutta.

His other films include Lajwanti, Kathputli, Seema, Pavitra Paapi and—more famously—Garm Hava, Haqeeqat and Waqt. In Haqeeqat, one of India’s best war films (based on the disastrous 1962 war with China), Sahni played the role of an Indian army officer.

Garam Hawa, directed by M.S. Sathyu, was a story about Partition and its effects on individuals. Sahni depicts the inner turmoil of a Muslim businessman from Agra who refuses to leave everything behind and go to the newly created Pakistan.