22 April - School Bus Drivers’ Day

 

School Bus Drivers’ Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in April. This year it falls on April 22. School Bus Drivers’ Day originated in California. After it had been celebrated there informally for a while, the California legislature declared the day official. In 2009, they created the day to draw special public attention to school bus drivers in California for their enduring and exceptional contributions to students. The holiday seems to have spread after being established in the state to be commemorated casually.

21 April - Farakka Barrage dedicated to nation

 

The Farakka Barrage, a crucial hydraulic engineering structure in India, was dedicated to the nation on April 21, 1975. Located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, the Farakka Barrage was constructed across the Ganges River as part of the Farakka Project.

The primary purpose of the Farakka Barrage is to divert water from the Ganges River into the Hooghly River, which flows through the city of Kolkata (Calcutta), to maintain navigability during the dry season and prevent salinity ingress into the Hooghly River. The barrage also serves to regulate water flow in the Ganges and mitigate floods in the surrounding areas.

The dedication of the Farakka Barrage marked a significant milestone in India's efforts to manage water resources and facilitate navigation and irrigation in the region. However, it has also been a subject of controversy and debate due to its environmental and socio-economic impacts on downstream areas, including Bangladesh.

Despite the challenges and criticisms, the Farakka Barrage remains an important infrastructure project in India, playing a key role in water management and river navigation in the Ganges basin.

 

21 April - World Curlew Day

 

World Curlew Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of curlews, a group of wading birds belonging to the family Scolopacidae. These birds are known for their long, curved bills and distinctive calls, and they inhabit a variety of habitats worldwide, including grasslands, wetlands, and coastal areas.

The first World Curlew Day was held on April 21, 2018, initiated by conservation organizations and bird enthusiasts to highlight the plight of curlews and promote efforts to protect their populations. Curlews face numerous threats, including habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, as well as predation and climate change, which have contributed to population declines in many regions.

World Curlew Day typically involves various activities such as birdwatching events, educational programs, fundraising initiatives, and habitat restoration projects aimed at conserving curlew populations and their habitats. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and ecosystems to ensure the survival of these iconic birds and other wildlife species.

20 April - Maulvi Abdul Haq birth anniversary

 

Maulvi Abdul Haq, born on April 20, 1870, in Hapur, a small town in the United Provinces of British India (now Uttar Pradesh, India), was a distinguished scholar, linguist, and writer known as "Baba-e-Urdu" (Father of Urdu). His lifelong dedication to the promotion and preservation of the Urdu language and literature earned him immense respect and recognition. He founded the Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu in 1903 and played a pivotal role in compiling the comprehensive "Lughat-e-Kabeer" Urdu dictionary. After actively participating in the Pakistan Movement, he migrated to Karachi in 1947, where he continued his work to elevate Urdu as a national language. Maulvi Abdul Haq passed away on August 16, 1961, in Karachi, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by Urdu scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.

19 April - Mahatma Hansraj birth anniversary

Mahatma Hansraj, born on 19 April 1864, in Punjab, India, was a prominent Indian educationist and social reformer. He was a key figure in the Arya Samaj movement and played a crucial role in the establishment of Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) schools and colleges across India, aiming to provide a modern education rooted in Vedic principles. Hansraj dedicated his life to the cause of education and social upliftment, serving as the first principal of the DAV College in Lahore for 25 years without drawing any salary. His contributions significantly shaped the educational landscape of India. Mahatma Hansraj passed away on 14 November 1938, leaving behind a legacy of educational reform and social service.

19 April - Maharshi Dayanand University established in 1976

 

Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), located in Rohtak, Haryana, India, was indeed established on April 19, 1976. Named after the great philosopher Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, the university is known for its multidisciplinary approach to education and research.

MDU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various fields including arts, science, commerce, management, law, and technology. Over the years, the university has grown to become a hub of academic excellence in the region, attracting students not only from Haryana but from all over India and abroad.

The university has continually strived to uphold its motto "Knowledge, Wisdom, and Excellence" and has contributed significantly to the educational landscape of Haryana and beyond.

19 April - World's First Postmark Bishop Mark, first used in 1661

 

The world's first postmark, known as the "Bishop Mark," was first used on April 19, 1661. This historic event took place in England during the reign of King Charles II. The Bishop Mark was a type of handstamp introduced to indicate that the postage fee had been paid on a letter or parcel.

The Bishop Mark derived its name from its distinctive design, which often featured the initials or coat of arms of a bishop. Initially, the Bishop Mark was applied by local clergy members who were authorized to act as postmasters in their communities.

The introduction of the Bishop Mark was a significant development in the history of postal services, as it helped to standardize the process of postage payment and mail handling. It also provided a means of tracking the movement of mail and preventing tampering or theft.

Over time, the Bishop Mark evolved into various forms and designs, reflecting the changing postal systems and practices in different countries. Today, postmarks continue to play an essential role in mail processing and are used by postal services worldwide to indicate the date, time, and location of mailing.

 

19 April - Easter Saturday

 

Easter Saturday, also known as Holy Saturday, is the day that falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in the Christian liturgical calendar. It commemorates the day when Jesus Christ's body lay in the tomb after his crucifixion on Good Friday and before his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

For many Christians, especially those in the Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant traditions, Easter Saturday is a day of reflection, mourning, and waiting. It is a time to contemplate the significance of Christ's death and the anticipation of his resurrection.

In some Christian denominations, Easter Saturday is marked with special church services, including the Easter Vigil, which is often held after sundown. The Easter Vigil is a significant liturgical celebration that includes the lighting of the Paschal candle, readings from Scripture recounting salvation history, and the celebration of the Eucharist.

In addition to its religious observance, Easter Saturday is also a day of preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday. It is a time when many families and communities prepare for Easter by decorating eggs, baking traditional Easter treats, and attending church services in anticipation of the resurrection of Christ.

 

18 April - Jan Kaplický birth anniversary

 

Jan Kaplický was a renowned Czech architect known for his innovative and futuristic designs. He was born on 18 April 1937, in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), and he passed away on 14 January 2009 in Prague.

Kaplický studied architecture at the College of Applied Arts in Prague and later at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. He co-founded the avant-garde architectural firm Future Systems in London in 1979, where he served as the principal architect.

Throughout his career, Kaplický was known for pushing the boundaries of traditional architectural forms and materials. He embraced advanced technologies and materials to create striking and unconventional designs. Some of his notable projects include the Selfridges Building in Birmingham, UK, and the Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

One of Kaplický's most famous designs is the futuristic proposal for the Czech National Library in Prague, known as the "blob" or the "octopus." Although the proposal was highly controversial and ultimately not realized, it garnered international attention and solidified Kaplický's reputation as a visionary architect.

Jan Kaplický's work continues to inspire architects and designers around the world, and he is remembered as a pioneer in contemporary architecture.

18 April - Monteiro Lobato birth anniversary

 

Monteiro Lobato was a prominent Brazilian writer best known for his children's literature and his advocacy for Brazilian nationalism. He was born on 18 April  1882, in Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil.

Lobato's works, including the famous "Sítio do Picapau Amarelo" (Yellow Woodpecker Ranch) series, are beloved by generations of Brazilian children and have become classics of Brazilian literature. He infused his stories with elements of Brazilian folklore, culture, and history, contributing to the development of a distinct national identity in Brazilian literature.

Monteiro Lobato passed away on 04 July 1948, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of Brazil's most influential writers and cultural figures. His contributions to literature and his advocacy for education and national pride continue to inspire readers and writers in Brazil and beyond.