09 February - A set of six stamps were released during the inauguration of New Delhi as the capital of India in 1931

 

On 9 February 1931, A set of six stamps were released during the inauguration of New Delhi as the capital of India. It was shifted from Calcutta.

The 1931 postage stamp series celebrated the inauguration of New Delhi as the seat of government. The one rupee stamp shows George V with the "Secretariat Building" and Dominion Columns.

Until December 1911 Calcutta was the capital of India during the British Rule. However, it had become the centre of the nationalist movements since the late nineteenth century, which led to the Partition of Bengal by Viceroy Lord Curzon. This created massive political and religious upsurge including political assassinations of British officials in Calcutta. The anti-colonial sentiments amongst the public led to a complete boycott of British goods, which forced the colonial government to reunite Bengal and immediately shift the capital to New Delhi.

Old Delhi had served as the political and financial centre of several empires of ancient India and the Delhi Sultanate, most notably of the Mughal Empire from 1649 to 1857. During the early 1900s, a proposal was made to the British administration to shift the capital of the British Indian Empire, as India was officially named, from Calcutta on the east coast, to Delhi. The Government of British India felt that it would be logistically easier to administer India from Delhi, which is in the centre of northern India. The land for building the new city of Delhi was acquired under the Land Acquisition Act 1894.

During the Delhi Durbar on 12 December 1911, George V, Emperor of India, while laying the foundation stone for the viceroy's residence in the Coronation Park, Kingsway Camp, declared that the capital of the Raj would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. Three days later, George V and his consort, Queen Mary, laid the foundation stone of New Delhi at Kingsway Camp. Large parts of New Delhi were planned by Edwin Lutyens, who first visited Delhi in 1912, and Herbert Baker, both leading 20th-century British architects. The contract was given to Sobha Singh. The original plan called for its construction in Tughlaqabad, inside the Tughlaqabad Fort, but this was given up because of the Delhi-Calcutta trunk line that passed through the fort. Construction really began after World War I and was completed by 1931. The gardening and planning of plantations was led by A.E.P. Griessen, and later William Mustoe. The city that was later dubbed "Lutyens' Delhi" was inaugurated in ceremonies beginning on 10 February 1931 by Viceroy Lord Irwin. Lutyens designed the central administrative area of the city as a testament to Britain's imperial aspirations

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.