10 August - Otto Lilienthal death anniversary

 

Otto Lilienthal (1848–1896) was a German aviation pioneer and a key figure in the history of human flight. Born on May 23, 1848, in Anklam, Germany, Lilienthal's fascination with flight led him to conduct extensive research on aerodynamics and glider design.

Lilienthal made significant contributions to aviation by designing and testing a series of successful gliders. He conducted numerous controlled gliding experiments, meticulously recording data and observations of his flights. His research and understanding of aerodynamics greatly influenced future aviation pioneers, including the Wright brothers.

On August 9, 1896, during one of his glider flights in Stölln, Germany, Lilienthal's glider experienced an unexpected stall, leading to a fatal crash. Despite his tragic death, his pioneering work laid the groundwork for the development of powered flight and inspired generations of aviators and engineers.

Otto Lilienthal's legacy lives on as a testament to his determination, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of the dream of human flight. His contributions continue to inspire those who seek to conquer the skies and explore the frontiers of aviation.

10 August - Henri Nestlé birth anniversary

 

Henri Nestlé (August 10, 1814 – July 7, 1890) was a Swiss chemist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who is best known for founding one of the world's largest and most recognizable food and beverage companies, Nestlé.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Nestlé's early life was marked by a passion for science and chemistry. He pursued his studies in various European cities, eventually settling in Switzerland. In 1866, Nestlé developed a breakthrough infant food product, a mixture of cow's milk, wheat flour, and sugar, known as "Farine Lactée" or "Nestlé's Food." This invention proved to be a revolutionary solution to address the high infant mortality rates caused by inadequate nutrition during that era. The success of his product laid the foundation for his company's future endeavors.

Nestlé's commitment to quality and innovation led his company to expand its product offerings beyond infant formula. The Nestlé Company gradually diversified into a wide range of food and beverage products, becoming one of the world's leading multinational corporations.

Henri Nestlé's contributions extended beyond business. He was a pioneer in corporate social responsibility, providing financial support to local communities, schools, and public facilities. His legacy includes not only a successful business empire but also a tradition of philanthropy and a commitment to improving the well-being of people.

Henri Nestlé passed away on July 7, 1890, in Montreux, Switzerland, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of nutrition, business, and philanthropy. The company he founded continues to thrive and is a testament to his vision and innovation.

10 August - Royal Greenwich Observatory foundation stone laid in 1675

 The foundation stone of the Royal Greenwich Observatory was actually laid on August 10, 1675, in Greenwich, London, England. The observatory played a significant role in the development of astronomical and navigational sciences, particularly in the field of timekeeping and the establishment of the Prime Meridian.

The observatory's primary purpose was to aid navigation by accurately determining the positions of celestial bodies, which was crucial for maritime activities. The site also served as the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian, which is the starting point for measuring longitudes around the world.

The Royal Greenwich Observatory has a rich history and has contributed greatly to the advancement of astronomy and navigation. It remains an important landmark and historical site in London.

10 August - Shyamlal Gupta death anniversary

 

Shyamlal Gupta, popularly known by his pen name Parshad, (9 September 1896 – 10 August 1977) was an Indian poet and lyricist. A song written by him which featured in the 1948 Hindi film, Azadi Ki Raah Par, (sung by Sarojini Naidu), has been accepted as the flag song of India and is sung every year during the flag hoisting ceremony at the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.He was the recipient of the fourth highest civilian award (Padma Shri) in 1969. In 1997, the Government of India issued a postage stamp in his honor.

The song was originally written by Gupta in March 1924 as a patriotic poem and was released by Khanna Press in Kanpur, The poem sold over 5000 copies.The Indian National Congress adopted the song as the official flag song in 1924 and it was first sung at the Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs' Day on 13 April 1924 at Phool Bagh in Kanpur, a function attended by Jawaharlal Nehru.In 1938, Sarojini Naidu presented the song at the Haripura Session of the Indian National Congress in the presence of freedom leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Govind Vallabh Pant, Jamnalal Bajaj, Mahadev Desai, and Purushottam Das Tandon.A decade later, the song was featured in the film, Azadi ki Raah Par, released in 1948.The film was directed by Lalit Chandra Mehta,and had Prithviraj Kapoor and Vanamala Pawarin the lead roles.The song, composed by Shekhar Kalyan and sung by Sarojini Naidu,is reported to have instilled a sense of patriotism among Indians during the pre-independence period. It is sung every year during the flag hoisting ceremony at the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.

The song in Hindi:

विजयी विश्व तिरंगा प्यारा, झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा।

सदा शक्ति बरसाने वाला, प्रेम सुधा सरसाने वाला। वीरों को हर्षाने वाला, मातृ भूमि का तन मन सारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

स्वतंत्रता के भीषण रण में, रख कर जोश बढ़े क्षण-क्षण में। काँपे शत्रु देखकर मन में, मिट जाये भय संकट सारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

इस झँडे के नीचे निर्भय, हो स्वराज जनता का निश्चय। बोलो भारत माता की जय, स्वतंत्रता ही ध्येय हमारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

आओ प्यारे वीरों आओ, देश धर्म पर बलि-बलि जाओ। एक साथ सब मिल कर गाओ, प्यारा भारत देश हमारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

शान न इसकी जाने पाये, चाहे जान भले ही जाये। विश्व विजयी कर के दिखलाएं, तब हो ये प्रण पूर्ण हमारा।। झण्डा ऊँचा रहे हमारा ...

 

 

10 August - Herbert Clark Hoover birth anniversary

 

Herbert Clark Hoover (August 10, 1874 – October 20, 1964) was the 31st President of the United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. He faced the formidable challenge of the Great Depression, working to address its devastating impact on the American economy and society. Hoover's presidency is characterized by his efforts to navigate the country through this unprecedented crisis. Beyond his time in office, Hoover was a skilled engineer, successful businessman, and dedicated humanitarian. He left a lasting mark on American history, both for his attempts to manage the challenges of his era and for his subsequent contributions to public service and international affairs.

10 August - Musée du Louvre was officially opened in Paris, France

 

The Musée du Louvre was officially opened in Paris, France, on August 10, 1793. The Louvre began as a royal palace and evolved into one of the world's most famous and iconic museums, housing an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. It has a rich history and has played a significant role in the cultural heritage of France and the world.Approximately 38,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century are exhibited over an area of 72,735 square meters (782,910 square feet). In 2019, the Louvre received 9.6 million visitors, making it the most visited museum in the world.

10 August - Ecuador's Independence Day

 

Ecuador's Independence Day, known as "Día de la Independencia" in Spanish, is celebrated on August 10th each year. This day commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1809. The events that led to Ecuador's struggle for independence were part of the broader movement for independence taking place throughout Latin America during the early 19th century.

On August 10, 1809, a group of Ecuadorian patriots in Quito, the capital of the Real Audiencia of Quito (a Spanish colonial administrative district), the city’s criollos called for independence from Spain (first among the peoples of Latin America). They were led by Juan Pío Montúfar, Quiroga, Salinas, and Bishop Cuero y Caicedo. Quito’s nickname, “Luz de América” (“Light of America”), is based on its leading role in trying to secure an independent, local government. Although the new government lasted no more than two months, it had important repercussions and was an inspiration for the independence movement of the rest of Spanish America.

 Ecuador would continue to face struggles and conflicts in the years following the events of 1809, but it eventually gained full independence along with other South American nations. Ecuador, along with Venezuela, Colombia, and Panama, was part of the Republic of Gran Colombia, which was established in 1819 under the leadership of Simón Bolívar. However, Gran Colombia dissolved into separate nations in the early 1830s, leading to the establishment of the modern-day countries of Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.

Ecuador's Independence Day is a national holiday, marked by celebrations, parades, cultural events, and patriotic ceremonies throughout the country. It's a time for Ecuadorians to reflect on their history, honor their national identity, and celebrate their hard-fought independence.

09 August - The Kakori Train Action

 

The Kakori Train Action, also known as the Kakori Conspiracy, was a significant event in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It took place on August 9, 1925, near Kakori, a town located near Lucknow in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.

Led by revolutionaries associated with the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), a group dedicated to achieving India's independence through armed struggle, the Kakori Train Action was a daring attempt to rob a train carrying government funds. The goal was to use the funds for funding the revolutionary activities aimed at overthrowing British rule.

The revolutionaries, including Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and others, intercepted the 8 Down Saharanpur-Lucknow passenger train near Kakori. They overpowered the guards and attempted to seize the cash being transported in the train's guard compartment.

However, the action did not go as planned, and the revolutionaries were unable to secure the funds. The British authorities launched a massive manhunt to apprehend those involved in the Kakori Train Action. Subsequently, many of the conspirators were arrested, tried, and sentenced to imprisonment or execution.

The Kakori Train Action had a significant impact on the Indian freedom movement. It highlighted the growing willingness of some revolutionaries to use armed actions to achieve independence and drew attention to the discontent and resistance against British rule. The trial of the Kakori conspirators received widespread attention, and their courage and determination inspired others to join the struggle for independence.

The legacy of the Kakori Train Action lives on as a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who were willing to risk their lives for the cause of a free and independent India. The event remains an important chapter in India's history of resistance against colonial oppression.

09 August - William Thomas Green Morton birth annivesary

 

William Thomas Green Morton (1819–1868) was an American dentist and a pioneer in the field of medical anesthesia. He was born on August 9, 1819, in Charlton, Massachusetts, USA.

Morton is best known for his role in the first successful public demonstration of surgical anesthesia using ether. On October 16, 1846, in Boston, Massachusetts, Morton administered ether to a patient undergoing surgery to remove a tumor from their neck. The patient, Gilbert Abbott, underwent the procedure without experiencing pain, and this marked a significant milestone in medical history.

The successful use of ether as an anesthetic revolutionized surgery by making it possible for patients to undergo complex and painful procedures without suffering excruciating pain. Morton's demonstration opened the door to safer and more humane surgical practices.

Despite his contributions to medical science, Morton faced challenges in receiving recognition for his discovery and securing a patent for ether anesthesia. His work was initially met with skepticism and legal disputes, but over time, his achievement gained recognition, and he is now celebrated as one of the pioneers of modern anesthesia.

William T. G. Morton passed away on July 15, 1868, in New York City. His legacy lives on in the field of medicine, where his breakthrough in anesthesia has improved the quality of medical care and transformed the surgical experience for countless patients around the world.

09 August - National Book Lovers Day

 

National Book Lovers Day is celebrated annually on August 9th. This day honors and encourages the love of reading and books among people of all ages. It's a time to celebrate the joy, knowledge, and imagination that books bring into our lives.

On National Book Lovers Day, book enthusiasts often engage in activities that celebrate reading, such as:

1. Reading Marathons: People may set aside time to indulge in their favorite books or explore new titles.

2. Book Swaps or Exchanges: Book clubs, libraries, and communities may organize book swaps or exchanges, allowing individuals to trade books and discover new genres.

3. Visiting Bookstores and Libraries: Many book lovers take the opportunity to visit bookstores, libraries, or literary events to discover new authors and immerse themselves in the literary world.

4. Sharing Recommendations: Readers often use social media to share book recommendations, reviews, and their personal reading experiences.

5. Donating Books: Some individuals choose to donate books to schools, libraries, or charitable organizations to promote literacy and access to books.

6. Writing and Creativity: National Book Lovers Day also inspires some to try their hand at writing, whether it's through journaling, short stories, or poetry.

This day serves as a reminder of the timeless pleasure of reading and encourages people to explore new books and engage with the literary community. Whether you're a casual reader or a dedicated bookworm, National Book Lovers Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate the magic of books and the world of stories they offer.