19 April - Lord George Gordon Byron death anniversary

 

Lord George Gordon Byron, commonly known as Lord Byron, was a prominent English poet and a leading figure in the Romantic movement. He was born on 22 January 1788, in London, England, and died on 19 April 1824, in Missolonghi, Greece, at the age of 36. Byron's life was as captivating as his poetry.

He was known for his flamboyant lifestyle, his many love affairs, and his adventurous spirit. Byron's works often explored themes of love, nature, and the individual's struggle against societal norms. Some of his most famous works include the epic poem "Don Juan," "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage," and "She Walks in Beauty."

Byron's personal life was tumultuous, marked by scandal and controversy. He famously had an affair with Lady Caroline Lamb and later married Annabella Milbanke, with whom he had a daughter named Ada Lovelace, who would later become a pioneer in computing.

In addition to his literary achievements, Byron was also known for his involvement in politics and his support for various revolutionary movements, particularly in Greece, where he ultimately died while fighting for Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. Byron's legacy endures not only through his poetry but also through the romanticized image of the brooding, rebellious poet that he helped to popularize.

 

19 April - 2024 Indian General Election

 

General election is to be held in India from 19 April 2024 to 1 June 2024 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha, in seven phases. The results will be announced on 4 June 2024. This is the largest-ever election in history, surpassing the 2019 Indian general election, and lasts 44 days, second only to the 1951–52 Indian general election. The incumbent prime minister Narendra Modi, who completed a second term, is running for a third consecutive term.Approximately 970 million people out of a population of 1.44 billion people are eligible to vote

Polling Dates
1st Phase, No. of PCs are 102, No. of States 21, Poll Date 19-04-2024.
2nd Phase, No. of PCs are 89, No. of States 13, Poll Date 26-04-2024.
3rd Phase, No. of PCs are 94, No. of States 12, Poll Date 07-05-2024.
4th Phase, No. of PCs are 96, No. of States 10, Poll Date 13-05-2024.
5th Phase, No. of PCs are 49, No. of States 08, Poll Date 20-05-2024.
6th Phase, No. of PCs are 57, No. of States 07, Poll Date 25-05-2024.
7th Phase, No. of PCs are 57, No. of States 08, Poll Date 01-06-2024.

Welcome to the Festival of Democracy, Vote for Nation.

19 April - National Garlic Day in the United States

 

National Garlic Day is celebrated on April 19th in the United States. It's a day dedicated to honoring the versatile and flavorful herb that is widely used in cuisines around the world. Garlic has a long history of culinary and medicinal uses and is cherished for its distinctive taste and aroma.

On National Garlic Day, people across the United States celebrate by incorporating garlic into their meals in various creative ways. Whether it's adding garlic to pasta sauces, roasting whole cloves to spread on bread, or using garlic in marinades and dressings, there are countless ways to enjoy its savory goodness.

In addition to its culinary appeal, National Garlic Day also serves as an opportunity to recognize the health benefits of garlic. It is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Throughout the day, restaurants, food bloggers, and home cooks may share garlic-inspired recipes, tips for cooking with garlic, and fun facts about this aromatic herb. It's a day for garlic lovers to come together and celebrate the culinary magic of this humble yet extraordinary ingredient.

 

19 April - National Hanging Out Day USA

 

National Hanging Out Day, observed on April 19th, is a day dedicated to promoting the use of clotheslines and other environmentally friendly methods for drying laundry. It encourages individuals to take advantage of the natural energy of the sun and wind to dry their clothes, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with electric or gas dryers.

This observance serves as a reminder of the environmental and economic benefits of line-drying clothes, including saving energy, reducing utility bills, and minimizing wear and tear on clothing. It also celebrates the simplicity and nostalgia of hanging out laundry, harkening back to a time when it was a common household chore.

On National Hanging Out Day, communities and organizations may host events or campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable laundry practices and provide tips and resources for incorporating line-drying into daily routines. It's an opportunity for individuals to make a positive impact on the environment while embracing a timeless tradition.

19 April - Wedding anniversary of Actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco 1956

 

April 19th marks the wedding anniversary of actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The couple's fairytale wedding took place on April 19, 1956, in Monaco, and it captured the imagination of people around the world.

Grace Kelly, a renowned American actress, met Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1955 during the Cannes Film Festival. Their romance blossomed quickly, leading to their engagement and marriage the following year.

The wedding ceremony was a lavish affair, attended by numerous dignitaries, celebrities, and royalty from around the world. Grace Kelly wore a stunning gown designed by Helen Rose, which has since become an iconic symbol of elegance and sophistication.

Following their marriage, Grace Kelly became known as Princess Grace of Monaco, and the couple went on to have three children together: Princess Caroline, Prince Albert, and Princess Stéphanie.

Although Grace Kelly's life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 1982, her legacy as a Hollywood icon and a beloved princess endures to this day. The marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III remains a celebrated moment in history, symbolizing the union of Hollywood glamour with European royalty.

 

19 April - Saint Ursmar feast day

 

Ursmar of Lobbes, also known as Saint Ursmar, was a Benedictine monk and missionary who lived during the 7th and 8th centuries. He was born in the region of present-day Belgium and is remembered for his contributions to Christianity in the Frankish territories.

Ursmar was known for his piety and dedication to the Christian faith from a young age. He entered the Benedictine monastery of Solignac in France, where he received his education and training as a monk. Later, he was appointed as the abbot of the monastery of Lobbes in modern-day Belgium.

As abbot, Ursmar played a crucial role in spreading Christianity and establishing monastic communities in the region. He was known for his efforts to promote education, literacy, and religious devotion among the local populace.

Ursmar's legacy endured long after his death, with Lobbes Abbey becoming a center of learning and spirituality in medieval Europe. He was venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on April 19th.

Saint Ursmar's life exemplifies the missionary zeal and commitment to spiritual renewal that characterized many Christian saints of the early medieval period.

The stamp is of Saint Ursmar Church Lobbes

 

19 April - Maria Sharapova (Tennis player) birthday

 

Maria Sharapova, the renowned Russian tennis player, celebrates her birth anniversary on April 19th. Born in 1987 in Nyagan, Russia, Sharapova rose to prominence in the world of tennis at a young age and became one of the most recognizable and successful athletes in the sport.

Sharapova's impressive career includes numerous achievements, including winning five Grand Slam singles titles, including Wimbledon (2004), the US Open (2006), the Australian Open (2008), and the French Open (2012, 2014). She was known for her powerful serve, fierce competitive spirit, and mental toughness on the court.

Off the court, Sharapova became a global icon, admired for her style, grace, and business acumen. She ventured into entrepreneurship, launching her own line of candy, Sugarpova, and becoming involved in various philanthropic endeavors.

While her professional career faced challenges, including injuries and a suspension for a doping violation, Sharapova's impact on the sport of tennis and her lasting legacy as one of its greatest champions remain undeniable.

 

19 April - Edward James Corbett death anniversary

 

Edward James Corbett (25 July 1875 – 19 April 1955) was an Indian-born British hunter, tracker, naturalist, and author who hunted a number of man-eating tigers and leopards in the Indian subcontinent. He held the rank of colonel in the British Indian Army and was frequently called upon by the Government of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, now the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, to kill man-eating tigers and leopards that were preying on people in the nearby villages of the Kumaon-Garhwal Regions.

He authored Man-Eaters of Kumaon, Jungle Lore, and other books recounting his hunts and experiences, which enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success. He became an avid photographer and spoke out for the need to protect India's wildlife from extermination.

The Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, India was renamed in his honour in 1957. He had played a key role in establishing this protected area in the 1930s. 

 

18 April - Antero de Quental birth anniversary

 

Antero de Quental (1842–1891) was a Portuguese poet, philosopher, and writer, notable for his contributions to Portuguese literature and intellectual thought during the 19th century. He was born on  18 April 1842, in Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal.

Quental was a key figure in the Portuguese literary movement known as the "Generation of 70" or the "Coimbra Generation." This movement sought to bring about cultural and social change in Portugal, advocating for a more progressive and modern society. Quental and his contemporaries were influenced by European Romanticism, as well as by philosophical and political ideas of their time.

Some of his major works include poetry collections such as "Sonetos Completos" (Complete Sonnets) and "Prosas e Versos" (Prose and Verses). His poetry often reflects a sense of melancholy, existential questioning, and a search for meaning in life. Quental's writings also express his concerns about societal issues and his desire for social reform.

Apart from his literary contributions, Quental was deeply involved in philosophical discussions and was influenced by thinkers like Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer. He grappled with questions about the purpose of life, the role of science and religion, and the nature of progress. His philosophical writings include works like "Tendências Gerais da Filosofia na Segunda Metade do Século XIX" (General Trends in Philosophy in the Second Half of the 19th Century).

Tragically, Antero de Quental struggled with mental health issues throughout his life, and he ultimately took his own life on  11 September 1891, in Ponta Delgada. Despite his relatively short life, Quental's impact on Portuguese literature and thought remains significant, and he is remembered as a key figure in the intellectual and cultural history of Portugal.

 

18 April - Malcolm Denzil Marshall birth anniversary in 1958

 

 Malcolm Denzil Marshall, born on 18 April 1958, was a West Indian cricketer. Primarily a fast bowler, Marshall is regarded as one of the finest and fastest pacemen ever to have played Test cricket. His Test bowling average of 20.94 is the best of anyone who has taken 200 or more wickets. He achieved his bowling success despite being, by the standards of other fast bowlers, a short man – he stood at 5 feet 11 inches, while most of the great quicks have been well above 6 feet, and many great West Indian fast bowlers, such as Joel Garner, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, were 6 feet 6 inches or above. He generated fearsome pace from his bowling action, with a dangerous bouncer. Marshall was also a very dangerous lower middle-order batsman with ten Test fifties and seven first-class centuries.