03 May - Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia birth anniversary

 

Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was a prominent Sikh leader and warrior who played a significant role in the history of the Sikh Empire. He was born on 03 May 1718, in a village called Ahlu in present-day Amritsar district, Punjab, India. He belonged to the prominent Ahluwalia clan of the Khatri caste.

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia rose to prominence during a tumultuous period in Punjab's history when the Sikh community faced persecution and oppression from various quarters, including the Mughal Empire and other regional powers. He became known for his military prowess and leadership skills.

One of his notable achievements was his role in organizing and leading Sikh forces against the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Durrani during the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Though the Sikhs were defeated in that battle, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia's leadership earned him respect and admiration among the Sikh community.

After the battle, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia played a key role in consolidating Sikh power in the region. He established strongholds and helped in the organization of the Sikh Misls (confederacies), contributing to the foundation of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century.

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia is remembered as a brave and visionary leader who dedicated his life to the service of the Sikh community and played a crucial role in shaping the course of Sikh history during a pivotal period. He passed away on 23 October 1783, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and leadership.

03 May - Narayan Meghaji Lokhande postage stamp issued in 2005

 

A commemorative postage stamp issued on 03 May 2005 of Narayan Meghaji Lokhande a pioneer of Indian labour movement .

Narayan Meghaji Lokhande was a prominent social reformer and labor leader from India, known for his contributions to the labor movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born on December 24, 1856, in a village called Sheri, near Dhule in present-day Maharashtra, India.

Lokhande played a significant role in organizing and advocating for the rights of industrial workers, particularly in the textile mills of Bombay (now Mumbai). He was instrumental in founding the Textile Labour Association (TLA) in 1920, which became one of the most influential labor unions in India.

Under Lokhande's leadership, the TLA campaigned for various workers' rights, including better wages, improved working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining. He also fought against unjust labor practices and exploitation by mill owners.

Apart from his work in the labor movement, Narayan Meghaji Lokhande was also involved in other social causes. He advocated for women's education and played a role in promoting the rights of women workers in the textile industry.

Lokhande's efforts contributed significantly to shaping the labor movement in India and paved the way for better working conditions and labor rights in the country. He passed away on December 31, 1897, but his legacy as a pioneer in the Indian labor movement continues to inspire generations of activists and reformers.

03 May - International Wild Koala Day

 

International Wild Koala Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about koalas and their conservation. Koalas are iconic marsupials native to Australia, known for their adorable appearance and their unique diet of eucalyptus leaves.

The day aims to highlight the threats facing wild koala populations, such as habitat loss, disease, climate change, and human activities. It also encourages people to take action to protect koalas and their habitats, whether through conservation efforts, habitat restoration, or supporting organizations that work to preserve koala populations.

Celebrated on May 3rd each year, International Wild Koala Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and ecosystems, not only for koalas but for all species that share their habitats.

03 May - Constitution Memorial Day (Japan)

 

Constitution Memorial Day is a national holiday in Japan observed annually on May 3rd. It commemorates the promulgation of the post-war Japanese Constitution on 03 May 1947. This constitution, often referred to as the "Postwar Constitution" or the "Peace Constitution," renounces war as a sovereign right of the nation and prohibits Japan from maintaining a military for aggressive warfare.

Constitution Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the principles of democracy, pacifism, and constitutional government that are enshrined in Japan's constitution. It's a day for reflection on the country's history and its commitment to peace and democracy. On this day, various events, ceremonies, and educational programs are held throughout Japan to honor the significance of the constitution and its role in shaping modern Japanese society.

03 May - Constitution Day Poland

 

Constitution Day in Poland, known as Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja in Polish, is celebrated on May 3rd each year. It commemorates the signing of the Constitution of May 3, 1791, which was the first modern constitution in Europe and the second in the world, after the United States Constitution.

The Constitution of May 3rd was a significant milestone in Polish history, as it aimed to reform the political system and strengthen the rights of citizens. It introduced principles of democracy, including the separation of powers, the rights of the individual, and limitations on the power of the monarchy.

Despite its progressive nature, the Constitution of May 3rd faced opposition from neighboring powers and conservative factions within Poland. Its implementation was short-lived, as it was annulled by foreign intervention and Poland lost its independence shortly after. However, the Constitution remained a symbol of Polish national identity and aspirations for freedom and democracy.

Today, Constitution Day is celebrated across Poland with various events, including parades, concerts, and exhibitions, to honor the legacy of the Constitution of May 3rd and reaffirm the values of democracy and freedom. It is a public holiday in Poland, allowing people to reflect on the country's history and the importance of upholding democratic principles.

 

03 May - Christopher Columbus first spots Jamaica.

 

On May 3rd, 1494, Christopher Columbus first spotted the island of Jamaica during his second voyage to the Americas. Columbus initially believed he had arrived at an island near Japan, which he called "San Juan Bautista." However, he soon realized it was a previously undiscovered landmass, and it was subsequently named "Jamaica" by the Spanish. This sighting marked an important moment in the exploration of the Caribbean and the subsequent European colonization of the region.

03 May - International Sun Day

 

International Sun Day is celebrated on May 3rd each year. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the Sun in our lives and the role it plays in sustaining life on Earth. The Sun is not only a source of light and warmth but also crucial for various ecological processes, such as photosynthesis and climate regulation.

On International Sun Day, people may participate in educational activities, such as learning about solar energy, sun safety, and the Sun's impact on the environment. It's also a time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the Sun, whether by observing sunrises and sunsets or engaging in solar-related art and photography. Additionally, International Sun Day serves as a reminder of the need to protect the Earth's atmosphere and environment to ensure the Sun's continued positive influence on our planet.

 

03 May - Raja Harishchandra movie relased in 1913

 

Raja Harishchandra, released on 3 May 1913, is a Indian silent film, directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke. It is often considered the first full-length Indian feature film. Raja Harishchandra features Dattatraya Damodar Dabke, Anna Salunke, Bhalchandra Phalke, and Gajanan Vasudev Sane and is based on the legend of Harishchandra, with Dabke portraying the title character. The film, being silent, had English, Marathi, and Hindi-language intertitles.

Controversy over the ‘first Indian film’ tag

According to official records, Raja Harishchandra, released in May 1913 is considered as the first full-length feature film in India. This statement although was contested in the Bombay High Court by the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association’s Director, Vikas Patil, and Torne’s surviving family members in April 2013. Patil had collected newspaper cuttings of all the news pieces regarding Shree Pundalikat the time of its release. He also produced the film’s review published in the newspaper. This controversy although still continues.

03 May - Zakir Husain death anniversary

 

Zakir Husain was a prominent Indian independence activist, educator, and the third President of India. He was born on  08 February 1897, in Hyderabad, British India (now in Telangana, India), and passed away on 03 May 1969.

Zakir Husain was deeply involved in the Indian independence movement and was associated with leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He played a significant role in promoting education and social reform in India.

Husain was a distinguished educator and served as the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University from 1948 to 1956. He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted the Indian Constitution, and later served as the Governor of Bihar from 1957 to 1962.

In 1962, Zakir Husain was elected as the Vice President of India, serving under President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Following Radhakrishnan's term, Husain was elected as the third President of India in 1967, becoming the first Muslim to hold the office.

As President, Zakir Husain focused on promoting national unity, education, and social justice. He was known for his humility, integrity, and commitment to the welfare of the Indian people.

Zakir Husain's contributions to Indian society, particularly in the fields of education and public service, are widely recognized and celebrated. He remains an inspirational figure in Indian history, known for his dedication to the ideals of democracy, secularism, and social harmony.

03 May - Arvind Mafatlal Indian industrialist birth anniversary

 

Arvind Mafatlal was a prominent Indian industrialist and the scion of the Mafatlal family, a well-known business conglomerate in India. He was born on October 22, 1917, and was a key figure in the Indian textile industry. Under his leadership, the Mafatlal Group expanded its business interests and played a significant role in the development of India's textile sector.

Arvind Mafatlal was not only a successful businessman but also a philanthropist, contributing to various charitable and educational initiatives. He was known for his commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development.

Throughout his life, Arvind Mafatlal remained an influential figure in the world of business and entrepreneurship in India. His contributions to the textile industry and his philanthropic efforts continue to be remembered and respected. He passed away on May 3, 1980, leaving behind a legacy of business acumen and social responsibility.