09 February - International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome

 

Autism Sunday, also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about autism and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. The day is marked by various activities and initiatives aimed at fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.

Here are some key points about Autism Sunday:

1. Origin: Autism Sunday was first initiated by the United Kingdom's Ivan Corea and his wife Charika in 2002. The event was initially known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism, and it aimed to bring attention to the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families.

2. Date: Autism Sunday is observed on the second Sunday in February each year. The specific date may vary annually.

3. Focus: The primary focus of Autism Sunday is to raise awareness about autism and Asperger's Syndrome, promote understanding, and encourage acceptance and inclusion in communities.

4. Activities: Various activities take place on Autism Sunday, including prayer services, educational events, seminars, and community gatherings. These activities aim to engage the public, educators, and religious communities in discussions about autism.

5. Global Observance: While Autism Sunday originated in the United Kingdom, it has gained international recognition. Many countries around the world participate in the event, organizing their activities to support individuals with autism and their families.

6. Symbolism: Blue is often associated with Autism Sunday, and many events and initiatives encourage people to wear blue on this day as a symbol of solidarity and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

7. Advocacy: Autism Sunday serves as a platform for advocacy and encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with autism.

8. Inclusion of Faith Communities: Given its origins in prayer and faith, Autism Sunday often involves the participation of religious communities, including churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples. It provides an opportunity for religious leaders to address their congregations about autism awareness and acceptance.

Autism Sunday plays a vital role in promoting understanding and acceptance of autism on a global scale. It serves as a reminder to communities to embrace diversity and support individuals with autism and their families.

 

09 February - USS Constellation captured the French frigate Insurgente

 

On 09 February 1799, during the Quasi-War between the United States and France, the USS Constellation, commanded by Captain Thomas Truxtun, captured the French frigate Insurgente in a notable single-ship action. This engagement took place in the Caribbean Sea.

The incident was part of the broader naval conflict known as the Quasi-War, which occurred between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800. During this undeclared war, naval skirmishes and battles took place primarily in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. The USS Constellation's victory over the Insurgente was one of the significant actions during this period and contributed to the reputation of the fledgling United States Navy.

 

09 February - Dennis Gabor death anniversary

 

Dennis Gabor, a Hungarian-British physicist, was born on 05 June 1900, in Budapest, Hungary, and he passed away on 09 February 1979, in London, United Kingdom. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971 for his invention and development of holography, a technique that allows the three-dimensional recording and reconstruction of images.

Dennis Gabor's work on holography had significant implications for various fields, including microscopy, information storage, and art. His contributions have influenced technology and imaging methods in diverse applications. In addition to his work on holography, Gabor made contributions to electron optics, communication theory, and other areas of physics during his career.

09 February - William G. Morgan created a game called Mintonette, which later came to be referred as volleyball.

 

On February 9, 1895, William G. Morgan, a physical education director, did indeed create a game, but it was called "Mintonette" initially. Later on, the name was changed to "volleyball."

William G. Morgan invented volleyball as a less intense and more accessible alternative to basketball, which had been recently invented. The game was first played at the International YMCA Training School in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA. Morgan intended volleyball to be a combination of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball, and he aimed to create a game that could be enjoyed by a wide range of people.

The name "volleyball" was later suggested by an observer, Alfred Halstead, who noticed that the players were volleying the ball back and forth over the net. The name was officially adopted, and the rules of the game were further refined. Volleyball grew in popularity and eventually became an Olympic sport. William G. Morgan's creation has since become one of the most widely played and watched sports globally.

 

09 February - The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was founded in 1863

 

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was founded by Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman and social activist. The organization originated from his experiences during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, which took place in northern Italy during the Second Italian War of Independence.

During the battle, Dunant witnessed the suffering and neglect of wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Appalled by the lack of medical care and the inadequate treatment of the wounded, he organized local civilians to provide assistance to both Austrian and French soldiers, regardless of their nationality.

In 1862, Henry Dunant published a book titled "A Memory of Solferino," where he proposed the establishment of voluntary relief societies to care for the wounded during times of war. He also suggested the creation of an international agreement to protect medical personnel and facilities.

The pivotal moment for the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) came on 09 February 1863 when Dunant, along with Gustave Moynier, a Geneva lawyer, and three other individuals, founded the Committee. The Committee's primary purpose was to provide assistance to the sick and wounded in armed forces and to promote humanitarian principles during armed conflicts.

The first Geneva Convention, which laid the foundation for the protection of wounded soldiers and medical personnel during times of war, was adopted in 1864. The red cross on a white background, chosen as a symbol of neutrality and protection, was also introduced during this time.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has since expanded and evolved, comprising various components, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide. The movement is guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

 

08 February - Bheeshma Ekadashi

 

Bheeshma Ekadashi is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha in the Magha month. It is significant because Bheeshmacharya (Bheeshma Pitamaha), while lying on the bed of arrows (Sharashayya) after the Kurukshetra war, revealed the Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram to the Pandavas and the world.

Significance of Bheeshma Ekadashi:

• Bheeshmacharya, despite being a mighty warrior, chose Uttarayana (the sun's northern course) to leave his mortal body.
• On this day, he imparted the Vishnu Sahasranama, the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu, which is considered one of the most powerful and sacred hymns in Hinduism.
• Reciting or listening to the Vishnu Sahasranama on this day is believed to bring divine blessings, wisdom, and liberation (Moksha).

Bhagavad Gita & Sri Krishna:

Just as Bhagavan Sri Krishna revealed the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in the battlefield to guide him on righteousness (Dharma), Bheeshma Pitamaha shared the Vishnu Sahasranama as the ultimate means to attain divine grace.

People observe this day with:

• Fasting (Upavasam)
• Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana (recitation)
• Listening to stories of Bheeshma and Mahabharata
• Offering prayers to Lord Vishnu

May this Bheeshma Ekadashi bring you prosperity, knowledge, and devotion!

08 February - Execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587

 

Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed on February 8, 1587. She was a controversial and tragic figure in the history of Scotland and England. Mary, a Catholic, became Queen of Scotland in 1542 when she was just six days old. Her tumultuous reign included marriages, political intrigues, and religious conflicts.

Mary's cousin, Elizabeth I of England, viewed her as a threat to the English throne due to her claim as the legitimate heir with a strong Catholic following. Mary's involvement in various plots and conspiracies against Elizabeth led to her imprisonment in England for 19 years.

Eventually, Mary was implicated in the Babington Plot, a Catholic conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary on the English throne. This led to her trial and subsequent execution at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire, England. Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded, and her death marked a significant event in the complex political and religious struggles of 16th-century Europe.

08 February - Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited was estalsihed

 

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is a shipyard located in Mumbai, India. It was established on 08 February 1934. The shipyard has a rich history of constructing various types of vessels, including warships, submarines, and merchant ships.

Mazagon Dock has played a significant role in India's defense and maritime capabilities by delivering a variety of vessels to the Indian Navy and other customers. The shipyard has undergone expansions and modernizations over the years to enhance its capacity and capabilities in shipbuilding.

 

08 February - Laugh and Get Rich Day

 

"Laugh and Get Rich Day" is a lighthearted observance that encourages people to find joy and humor in their lives. The idea is that laughter has positive effects on both mental and physical well-being. While the origin of this day is not entirely clear, it appears to be a day dedicated to promoting the benefits of laughter and the positive impact it can have on one's overall outlook.

On Laugh and Get Rich Day, people are encouraged to take a break from the stresses of life, enjoy a good laugh, and appreciate the humor around them. Laughter is often considered a natural stress-reliever and mood-enhancer, and this day serves as a reminder to incorporate more laughter and joy into our daily lives.

Celebrating this day can involve watching a funny movie, attending a comedy show, sharing jokes with friends and family, or engaging in activities that bring genuine laughter. While not a widely recognized or official holiday, it's a fun and lighthearted occasion to promote positivity and well-being through humor.

 

08 February - Prešeren Day

 

Prešeren Day, also known as Prešeren Day, the Slovene Cultural Holiday, is a national holiday in Slovenia celebrated on February 8th each year. The day commemorates the death of the renowned Slovenian poet France Prešeren, who passed away on February 8, 1849. France Prešeren is considered Slovenia's greatest literary figure and a key cultural icon.

Prešeren Day holds cultural and historical significance, emphasizing the importance of Slovenian culture, language, and identity. It became an official cultural holiday in 1945 and later evolved into a national holiday.

On Prešeren Day, various cultural events take place throughout Slovenia, including literary readings, concerts, exhibitions, and other artistic performances. Schools, cultural institutions, and communities often organize special programs to honor Prešeren's legacy and promote Slovenian cultural heritage.

France Prešeren's most famous work is the poem "Zdravljica" (A Toast), which later became the national anthem of Slovenia. His contributions to Slovenian literature and culture are celebrated on this day, fostering a sense of national pride and cultural unity among the Slovenian people.