04 June - The first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded

 

The first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded on 04 June 1917. Established by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer, a renowned newspaper publisher, the Pulitzer Prizes were created to recognize outstanding achievements in journalism, literature, and music.

In 1917, the inaugural prizes included four journalism awards and four in the arts and letters:

Journalism:

1. Reporting: Herbert Bayard Swope of New York World for an article titled "Inside the German Empire."
2. History: Jean Jules Jusserand for "With Americans of Past and Present Days."
3. Biography or Autobiography: Laura E. Richards and Maud Howe Elliott assisted by Florence Howe Hall for "Julia Ward Howe (Houghton)."
4. Public Service: The New York Times for its public service in publishing in full so many official reports, documents, and speeches by European statesmen relating to the progress and conduct of the war.

Arts and Letters:

1. Novel: No award.
2. Drama: No award.
3. History: "With Americans of Past and Present Days" by Jean Jules Jusserand.
4. Biography or Autobiography: "Julia Ward Howe (Houghton)" by Laura E. Richards and Maud Howe Elliott assisted by Florence Howe Hall.

The Pulitzer Prizes have since evolved, now including a wider range of categories and continuing to honor excellence in journalism and the arts.

04 June - Bhagat Puran Singh birth anniversary

 

Bhagat Puran Singh born on 4 June 1904,  was a prominent social worker, environmentalist, and philanthropist from Punjab, India. He is best known for his dedication and selfless service to the marginalized and underprivileged sections of society, particularly individuals with disabilities.

Born in Rajewal, Punjab, Bhagat Puran Singh experienced a spiritual awakening early in his life, which shaped his commitment to humanitarian work. He founded the Pingalwara charitable organization in 1947, which provided shelter, healthcare, and support to abandoned and destitute individuals, including the elderly, mentally ill, and physically disabled.

Puran Singh's philosophy was centered on the concept of "sewa" or selfless service to humanity. He tirelessly worked to provide a safe and nurturing environment for those in need, regardless of their caste, religion, or social background.

In addition to his efforts at Pingalwara, Bhagat Puran Singh actively campaigned for environmental conservation and the protection of nature. He was an advocate for the preservation of Punjab's ecological heritage, especially its trees and water resources.

Throughout his life, Bhagat Puran Singh was recognized and honored for his remarkable contributions. He received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1979.

Bhagat Puran Singh passed away on 05 August 1992, leaving behind a profound legacy of selfless service and commitment to humanity.His selflessness, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of others have left an indelible mark on society.

03 June - Partition of India was announced at a press conference by Lord Louis Mountbatten

 

On June 3, 1947, the Partition of India was announced at a press conference by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. During this announcement, the date for India's independence, August 15, 1947, was also declared. This historic event marked the end of British colonial rule in India and the division of the country into two separate nations: India and Pakistan. The announcement followed extensive negotiations and consultations with Indian political leaders and was aimed at addressing the growing tensions and demands for separate nations by the Hindu and Muslim communities.

The plan, often referred to as the Mountbatten Plan, outlined the steps for the partition, including the division of assets and territories, and set the stage for the creation of the Dominion of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. The announcement and subsequent partition led to significant upheaval, including mass migrations, communal violence, and a profound impact on the lives of millions of people. Despite the challenges, August 15, 1947, became a day of immense historical significance, marking the birth of two sovereign nations and the beginning of a new era in the subcontinent's history.

03 June - The Great Auks go extinct.

 

The extinction of the Great Auk is a poignant event in the history of biodiversity loss. The Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis) was a large, flightless bird native to the North Atlantic, often compared to a penguin due to its similar appearance and ecological niche.

Extinction Event:

• Date: June 3, 1844.
• Location: Eldey Island, off the coast of Iceland.
• Circumstances: The last known pair of Great Auks were killed by three men, Jón Brandsson, Sigurður Ísleifsson, and Ketill Ketilsson, at the request of a collector. The birds were hunted primarily for their valuable feathers, which were used in the fashion industry, as well as for their eggs and meat. This final act marked the species' extinction.

Factors Leading to Extinction:

1. Overhunting: The primary cause was extensive hunting for their feathers, which were highly prized. Their eggs and meat also contributed to their decline.
2. Habitat Exploitation: Human exploitation of their breeding grounds disrupted their ability to reproduce.
3. Collecting: In the 19th century, the increasing interest in natural history led to many specimens being collected for museums and private collections.

Characteristics of the Great Auk:

• Physical Description: The Great Auk was about 75–85 cm (30–33 in) tall and had a black back and a white belly. Its large, black beak was a distinctive feature.
• Habitat: They primarily lived in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, ranging from Northern Europe to Canada.
• Behavior: Great Auks were excellent swimmers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater while hunting for fish.

Impact of Extinction:

• The extinction of the Great Auk serves as a stark reminder of the impact of human activities on wildlife. It is often cited in discussions about conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species.
• The loss of the Great Auk helped spur early conservation movements, highlighting the need for laws and regulations to protect vulnerable species from similar fates.

Legacy:

• The Great Auk remains a symbol of human-induced extinction, and its story is used to educate and inspire efforts to conserve remaining biodiversity.

 

03 June - Jaishankar birth anniversary

 

Jaishankar, whose full name is Subramaniam Shankar, was a prominent Indian actor known for his work in Tamil cinema. He was a leading actor during the 1960s and 1970s and was popularly referred to as the "James Bond of South India" due to his roles in action and spy thrillers.

Early Life and Career:

• Birth: July 12, 1938, in Thirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Education: Graduated from The New College, Chennai.
• Debut: Made his acting debut in the film "Iravil Oru Pagal" (1965).

Notable Films:

1. Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu (1967) - A significant breakthrough in his career, showcasing his versatility.
2. Kaakum Karangal (1965) - Established him as a leading actor in Tamil cinema.
3. Vallavan Oruvan (1966) - One of his most popular films where he played a detective, leading to his "James Bond" image.
4. CID Shankar (1970) - Reinforced his action hero image in the Tamil film industry.
5. Vairam (1974) - Another hit film that showcased his acting skills.

Legacy:

• Jaishankar's contribution to Tamil cinema is significant, with a career spanning over four decades and featuring in more than 150 films.
• He was known for his charming screen presence, versatility, and his ability to carry both action-packed roles and dramatic performances.
• He passed away on June 3, 2000, but remains a beloved figure in the history of Tamil cinema.

 

03 June - M. Karunanidhi birth anniversary

 

M. Karunanidhi, born on 3 June 1924, was an Indian writer and politician who served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for almost two decades over five terms between 1969 and 2011. He was the longest served Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for over 6,863 days in office. He was also a long-standing leader of the Dravidian movement and ten-time president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam political party. Before entering politics he worked in the Tamil film industry as a screenwriter. He has also made contributions to Tamil literature, having written stories, plays, novels, and a multiple-volume memoir


A black-bordered mourning cover on M Karunanidhi was issued by the Mourning Cover Society of India here on Thursday.

The Day of Death Mourning Cover was made on the evening of August 7 after the announcement about Kalaignar leaving for his heavenly abode and posted the same day. It was cancelled the following day at the Philatelic Bureau at Bhubaneswar GPO and later delivered by Sahid Nagar post office.

The cover was affixed with the recently issued stamp of Biju Patnaik. Karunanidhi and Biju Babu shared a very close and special relation.

Mourning covers are black-edged posted letters used in most countries, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, as harbingers of death and messengers of grief. Mourning covers and stationery are easily identified by their black borders. These death related letters  and covers are characterized by a mourning mark, almost always black, and have been carried in the public mail system of at least 250 different countries.

Mourning covers are issued on the death of statesmen, leaders and famous personalities.  Very few are issued, and the covers are collected by philatelists.

 

03 June - G. Sankara Kurup birth anniversary

 

G. Sankara Kurup, also known as Mahakavi G. Sankara Kurup, was a prominent Indian poet and literary figure. He was born on 03 June 1901, in Nayathode, Kerala, India, and passed away on  02 February 1978. Kurup is considered one of the pioneers of modern Malayalam poetry and is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Malayalam Poetry."

G. Sankara Kurup was highly regarded for his mastery of language and his profound poetic expressions. He played a crucial role in transforming Malayalam poetry by bringing in new themes, innovative techniques, and a modern sensibility. His poetry covered a wide range of subjects, including nature, love, spirituality, and social issues.

Kurup's most celebrated work is his epic poem titled "Odakkuzhal" (The Bamboo Flute), which won him the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 1967, making him the first Malayalam poet to receive this honor. "Odakkuzhal" delves into the complexities of human emotions and experiences, showcasing Kurup's poetic brilliance and depth.

In addition to being a poet, G. Sankara Kurup was also a respected literary critic and essayist. He played an active role in promoting and developing Malayalam literature through his writings and literary pursuits. His contributions to the field of literature and his impact on the Malayalam poetic tradition have earned him a revered place in Indian literary history.

 

03 June - George V birth anniversary

 

George V, whose full name was George Frederick Ernest Albert, was born on June 3, 1865, and passed away on January 20, 1936. He was a British monarch who reigned as the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions from 1910 until his death.

George V ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Edward VII. His reign was marked by significant events, including World War I and the subsequent geopolitical changes in Europe. During the war, George V played a unifying role and supported the British war effort, visiting troops on the front lines and interacting with servicemen and women.

George V witnessed the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations, as many former colonies gained independence or self-governance during his reign. He took a keen interest in strengthening ties within the empire and fostering unity among member nations.

As a constitutional monarch, George V's role was primarily ceremonial and symbolic, with limited political power. Nevertheless, he carried out his duties with dignity and earned the respect and admiration of the British people.

George V was married to Queen Mary, and they had six children, including Edward, who later became King Edward VIII and abdicated the throne, and George VI, who succeeded his brother and became the father of the current Queen Elizabeth II.

George V's reign and his steady leadership during challenging times left a lasting impact on the British monarchy. He is remembered as a symbol of stability and continuity during a period of significant global change.

 

02 June - Thomas Hardy birth anniversary

 

Thomas Hardy, born on 02 June 1840, was an English novelist and poet. A Victorian realist in the tradition of George Eliot, he was influenced both in his novels and in his poetry by Romanticism, especially William Wordsworth. He was highly critical of much in Victorian society, especially on the declining status of rural people in Britain, such as those from his native South West England.

02 June - Kunji Lal Dubey death anniversary

 

Kunji Lal Dubey, passed away on 2 June 1970, was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, educationist and politician from Madhya Pradesh. He was the first vice chancellor of Rani Durgavati University and the chancellor of Nagpur University. He served as the first speaker of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1956, as the Finance Minister of the State in 1967 and was the president of the Inter University Board of India, Burma and Ceylon. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1964, for his contributions to the society.