15 April - Arjan Singh birth anniversary

 

Arjan Singh was born on April 15, 1919, and he passed away on September 16, 2017. was a senior Indian Air Force Air Officer who served at various Key positions. he served as the 3rd Chief of the Air Staff from 1964 to 1969. For his distinguished service in commanding the IAF during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and in 1966 became the first IAF officer to be promoted to Air Chief Marshal

15 April - National American Sign Language Day (United States)

 

National American Sign Language (ASL) Day is celebrated on April 15th each year in the United States. This day serves to raise awareness about ASL and celebrate its significance as a vital means of communication for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

American Sign Language is a visual-gestural language used by millions of Deaf individuals in the United States and Canada. It has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary and is recognized as a distinct language with its own cultural heritage.

National ASL Day provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of ASL in fostering communication, inclusion, and accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. It also highlights the contributions of ASL to the cultural diversity of the United States.

On National ASL Day, various events and activities may be organized to promote awareness and appreciation of ASL, including ASL workshops, performances, educational programs, and social media campaigns. It's a time to celebrate the richness and beauty of ASL and to advocate for its recognition and inclusion in society.

 

15 April - Lawrence School Sanwar was established in 1847

 

On April 15th, the Lawrence School Sanawar was established. This prestigious co-educational boarding school is located in the hill station of Sanawar, in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Founded in 1847 by Sir Henry Lawrence, the school holds the distinction of being one of the oldest boarding schools in Asia.

The Lawrence School Sanawar follows the motto "Never Give In" and has a rich history of providing quality education and fostering holistic development among its students. The school offers a wide range of academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities, emphasizing not only intellectual growth but also character building, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Over the years, the Lawrence School Sanawar has produced many notable alumni who have excelled in various fields, including politics, sports, literature, and the arts. The school's picturesque campus, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, provides a serene and conducive environment for learning and personal growth.

The establishment of the Lawrence School Sanawar on April 15th marks a significant milestone in the field of education in India, reflecting the enduring legacy of Sir Henry Lawrence's vision and commitment to providing quality education to the youth.

 

15 April - Bal Gangadhar Tilak inaugurated the Shivaji Utsav at Raigad Fort.

 

On April 15, 1895, Bal Gangadhar Tilak inaugurated the Shivaji Utsav at Raigad Fort. This event marked the celebration of the birthday anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent Indian nationalist leader, was a fervent advocate for Indian independence from British colonial rule. He saw Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a symbol of resistance against foreign domination and as an icon of Maratha pride and valor.

Tilak believed that celebrating Shivaji's legacy could inspire a sense of unity and patriotism among the Indian people and help foster a spirit of resistance against British rule. The Shivaji Utsav at Raigad Fort became an annual event, attracting people from all walks of life to pay homage to the great Maratha warrior-king.

Tilak's efforts to promote Shivaji's legacy and the Shivaji Utsav played a significant role in the Indian nationalist movement, contributing to the resurgence of pride in Indian culture and history during the struggle for independence. Today, Shivaji Utsav continues to be celebrated in various parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra, as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his contributions to Indian history and identity.

 

15 April - The World Trade Organization is founded

 

On April 15, 1994, the World Trade Organization (WTO) was founded. The WTO is an international organization that regulates and facilitates international trade between nations. It replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) as the principal global institution governing trade agreements and dispute resolution.

The establishment of the WTO marked a significant milestone in the evolution of global trade governance. Its primary objectives include promoting free trade, reducing barriers to trade, and ensuring fair and transparent trade practices among its member countries.

The WTO operates through a set of agreements negotiated and signed by its member countries, covering various aspects of trade such as tariffs, subsidies, intellectual property rights, and trade in services. It provides a forum for member countries to negotiate trade agreements, resolve disputes, and monitor compliance with trade rules.

Since its founding, the WTO has played a central role in shaping the global trade landscape, facilitating the growth of international trade and economic integration. However, it has also faced criticism and controversy, with some arguing that it disproportionately benefits wealthier countries and multinational corporations, while others argue that it does not do enough to address issues such as labor rights and environmental protection.

Overall, the establishment of the WTO reflects the increasing interconnectedness of the global economy and the ongoing efforts to promote a more open, rules-based international trading system.

15 April - Jackie Robinson Day (United States)

 

Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated annually on April 15th in Major League Baseball (MLB) to honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in professional baseball. On April 15, 1947, Robinson made his historic debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American player in the modern era of MLB.

To commemorate this significant moment in baseball and civil rights history, every player and coach in MLB wears Jackie Robinson's iconic number 42 on their jerseys during games played on Jackie Robinson Day. This tradition began in 2004, initiated by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to honor Robinson's enduring impact on the sport and society.

Jackie Robinson Day is not only a celebration of Robinson's athletic achievements but also a recognition of his courage, resilience, and commitment to social justice. It serves as a reminder of the progress made in advancing diversity and inclusion in baseball and beyond, while also highlighting the ongoing work needed to address issues of racial equality.

Beyond the on-field tributes, Jackie Robinson Day often includes various events and initiatives organized by teams, leagues, and community organizations to honor Robinson's legacy and promote his values of equality, respect, and opportunity for all.

 

15 April - Georgy Timofeyevich Beregovoy birth anniversary

 

 

Georgy Timofeyevich Beregovoy, born on 15 April 1921, was a Soviet cosmonaut who commanded the space mission Soyuz 3 in 1968. At the time of his flight, Beregovoy was 47 years of age: he was the earliest-born human to go to orbit, being born three months and three days earlier than the second earliest-born man in orbit – John Glenn, but later than X-15 pilot Joe Walker who made 2 (or 3, according to USAF definition) suborbital space flights

15 April - Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee birth annivesary

 

Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee, born on 15 April 1901, was an Indian independence activist and politician who served three short terms as the fourth and sixth Chief Minister of West Bengal

15 April - Greta Garbo death anniversary

 

Greta Garbo, passed away on 15 April 1990, was a Swedish-American actress. Regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses, she was known for her melancholic, somber persona, her film portrayals of tragic characters, and her subtle and understated performances. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Garbo fifth on its list of the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood cinema

14 April - Vishu Festival

 

Vishu is a significant festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala and by Malayali people around the world. It usually falls in the Malayalam month of Medam, typically in April as per the Gregorian calendar. Vishu marks the beginning of the traditional New Year in the Malayalam calendar.

The festival is characterized by various rituals and customs, with the most prominent being the Vishukkani, which means "the first sight of the year." On Vishu morning, people wake up early to witness the Vishukkani arrangement, which consists of an assortment of auspicious items such as rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, gold ornaments, and coins, all displayed in front of deities in the prayer room. It is believed that seeing this auspicious sight first thing in the morning brings prosperity and good fortune for the rest of the year.

Another essential aspect of Vishu is the Vishukkaineetam, where elders in the family give money or gifts to younger members as a token of blessings and prosperity. Special traditional dishes are prepared for the occasion, such as Vishu Sadhya, a grand feast served on banana leaves, which typically includes various vegetarian dishes like sambar, aviyal, thoran, and payasam.

Fireworks, cultural programs, and other festivities are also part of the Vishu celebrations, bringing together families and communities to rejoice in the spirit of the New Year. Overall, Vishu is a time of joy, renewal, and hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Reference of the Stamp : The blossom of the Indian Laburnum, also known as the Golden Shower tree or Kanikonna (in Malayalam), holds significant cultural and symbolic importance in Kerala and other parts of South India.

During Vishu, the sight of the Golden Shower tree in full bloom adds to the festive ambiance and is considered an auspicious symbol of prosperity and abundance. The bright yellow flowers of the Golden Shower tree are believed to represent the arrival of spring and the promise of a fruitful year ahead.

In many households, it is customary to include branches of the Golden Shower tree in the Vishukkani arrangement, along with other auspicious items. The vibrant yellow blossoms, along with the other elements of the Vishukkani, are meant to invoke blessings for a prosperous and successful year.

Beyond Vishu, the Golden Shower tree holds cultural significance in various other festivals and celebrations in India. Its blooming period often coincides with the onset of spring, and its flowers are used in religious ceremonies, decorations, and cultural events.

Overall, the blossom of the Indian Laburnum plays a symbolic role in Vishu and is cherished for its beauty and association with auspiciousness and prosperity.