21 August - Ustad "Bismillah" Khan remembered

 

Ustad Qamruddin "Bismillah" Khan (21 March 1916 – 21 August 2006) (born as Qamaruddin Khan) was dedicated shehnai maestro from India. The much-celebrated musician was born into the family of musicians on March 21, 1916. Ustad Bismillah won prestigious awards, such as the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan and was a popular name all over the world. He mastered the art of playing the shehnai and also had the honour of playing on the eve of Indian's independence in 1947. Even today, the annual Republic Day celebrations broadcast to the opening notes of Ustad Bismillah's music.In August 2006, Khan's health deteriorated and he was admitted to the Hospital in Varanasi. He bid adieu to the world on August 21, 2006, due to a cardiac arrest.

21 August - Conquest of Ceuta by the Portuguese in 1415

Battle of Ceuta and the conquest of Ceuta by the Portuguese on 21 August 1415 marks an important step in the beginning of the Portuguese Empire in Africa.

The battle itself was almost anti-climactic, because the 45,000 men who traveled on 200 Portuguese ships caught the defenders of Ceuta off guard. An attack that commenced on the morning of August 14, 1415 ended with the capture of the town by nightfall. Henry distinguished himself in the battle, being wounded during the conquest of the city that was known as the “Key to the Mediterranean.”

Thus, one of the major northern trade centers of the Islamic world was now in the possession of Portugal. This African conquest was the first significant ripple of a wave of European expansion that would reach every continent on the globe.

Henry the Navigator : Born in 1394, Henry was the third son of King John I, a monarch from the House of Aviz, and his queen Philippa. He and his brothers lived in an era where honour was as much earned as inherited; the medieval concept of chivalry still held sway in European courts. Given this worldview, it is not surprising that John I led his sons and their assembled forces in an attack on the Moroccan stronghold of Ceuta in 1415.

21 August - Usain Bolt birthday

Usain St Leo Bolt,born 21 August 1986 is a Jamaican former sprinter and widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time. He is a world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 × 100 metres relay.

An eight-time Olympic gold medallist, Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012 and 2016). He also won two 4 × 100 relay gold medals. He gained worldwide fame for his double sprint victory in world record times at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which made him the first person to hold both records since fully automatic time became mandatory.

An eleven-time World Champion, he won consecutive World Championship 100 m, 200 m and 4 × 100 metres relay gold medals from 2009 to 2015, with the exception of a 100 m false start in 2011. He is the most successful athlete of the World Championships. Bolt is the first athlete to win four World Championship titles in the 200 m and is one of the most successful in the 100 m with three titles.

20 August - Rajiv Ratna Gandhi birth anniversary

Rajiv Ratna Gandhi (20 August 1944 – 21 May 1991) was an Indian politician who served as the 6th Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. He took office after the 1984 assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to become the youngest Indian Prime Minister at the age of 40.

Gandhi remained Congress President until the elections in 1991. While campaigning for the elections, he was assassinated by a suicide bomber from the LTTE. His widow Sonia became the president of the Congress party in 1998 and led the party to victory in the 2004 and 2009 parliamentary elections. His son Rahul Gandhi is a Member of Parliament and was the President of the Indian National Congress till 2019. In 1991, the Indian government posthumously awarded Gandhi the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award. At the India Leadership Conclave in 2009, the Revolutionary Leader of Modern India award was conferred posthumously on Gandhi.

#RememberingRajivGandhi

#RajivGandhi

#RajivSadbhavnaDivas 

#RajivGandhiAt76

Famous Quotes on Stamps and Stamp Collecting

Famous Quotes on Stamps and Stamp Collecting

Much of the fun of stamp collecting is knowing from what countries stamps come, when they were printed, and what events they commemorate.

DANIEL FOX, Arrowheads of the Central Great Plains

Collecting, especially of the classifying sort epitomized by stamp collecting, offered a means to seem to gain control of the world and of the past.

RUSSELL W. BELK, Collecting in a Consumer Society

In their stamp collecting, boys ... played within the discourse of commerce and nationalism and learned its language, learning to put the rest of the world literally under their thumbs.

LEAH DILWORTH, Acts of Possession

"The collecting of stamps brings untold millions of people of all nations into greater understandings of their world neighbours"

- Francis Cardinal Spellman of America while laying the foundation stone of Cardinal Spellman Museum at Weston on July 27, 1972.

"Consider the postage stamp, its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there"

- American humorist John Billings.  

"The philatelist will tell you that stamps are educational, that they are valuable, that they are beautiful. This is only part of the truth. My notation is that the collection is a hedge, a comfort, a shelter into which the sorely beset mind can withdraw. It is orderly, it grows towards completion, it is something that can't be taken away from us"

- Clifton Fadiman in Any Number Can Play.

 

"All science is either Physics or stamp collecting." 

- Erenst Rutherford physicist and Noble Laureate. 

"What should I do? I think the best thing is to order a stamp with my face on it." 

- Charles, Emperor of Austria 1882-1922 on learning of his accession to the throne.

Stamp Collecting dispels boredom, enlarges our vision, broadens our knowledge, makes us better citizens and in innumerable ways, enriches our lives" 

- President Roosevelt

Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there.

-Josh Billings

It would be hard to conceive of any activity more useless than stamp collecting. 

- DAVE BARRY, Dave Barry's Bad Habits

19 August - World Photography Day

 

World Photography Day seeks to celebrate the artistic craft, science, and history of photography. Photography captures the precise elements of the present which in the future can be an insightful artifact of the past. Many organization sponsor photography related contests on this day.

Many website online photography workshop has been organised on this day also many of them have contest of the best photos

#WorldPhotographyDay 

18 August - Subhas Chandra Bose death anniversary

 

A national hero, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's dedication towards our Nation has been a source of inspiration for millions of Indians. Lets pay our heartfelt tributes to him today, on his death anniversary, for fighting for a free, united and prosperous India.

Subhas Chandra Bose(23 January 1897 – 18 August 1945) was an Indian freedom fighter and one of the causes to Indian freedom. He was known as Netaji. He was the President of Indian National Congress (INC) from 1938 to 1939. He attempted to get rid of British rule in India during World War II with the help of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

On his death anniversary let us remember Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the enduring legend who not only gave the leadership to the Azad Hind Fauj, the Liberation Army of India - which fought the final war of Independence, but also protected the inclusive identity and the 'Concept of Bharat'!

#SubhashChandraBose #Netaji #SubhaschandraBose

17 August - San Martin Day Argentina

 

Celebrated on the third Monday in August, this national holiday in Argentina commemorates the death of José de San Martín

San Martin is regarded as the most important Argentinian founding father, who liberated not only a part of Argentina but also helped liberate Chile and Peru along with O'Higgins and Bolívar.

16 August - National Airborne Day

 

National Airborne Day is observed annually in the United States on August 16th to honor the airborne divisions of the U.S. military and their contributions to the defense of the nation. Established by President George W. Bush in 2002, the day commemorates the achievements and sacrifices of airborne forces, who are specially trained to carry out parachute assaults, air assaults, and other air-deployed operations.

Historical Background

• Formation of Airborne Forces: The first official U.S. Army parachute jump took place on 16 August 1940, by members of the Parachute Test Platoon. This event marked the beginning of airborne operations in the U.S. military. The success of these early tests led to the formation of the first airborne units, including the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, which became legendary during World War II.

• World War II and Beyond: During World War II, airborne forces played crucial roles in major operations such as the D-Day invasion of Normandy, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. The bravery and effectiveness of these units cemented their place in military history. Airborne forces have since participated in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and more recent engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Significance of National Airborne Day

• Honoring Service and Sacrifice: National Airborne Day is a time to recognize the courage, skill, and dedication of those who serve in airborne units. These soldiers undergo rigorous training and are often deployed in some of the most dangerous and challenging missions.

• Legacy of Excellence: The day also highlights the legacy of airborne operations and the ongoing importance of airborne forces in modern military strategy. The training and tactics developed by airborne units have evolved over the years, but their core mission remains the same: to provide rapid, flexible, and effective response to threats.

• Public Recognition: The day serves as an opportunity for the public to learn more about the history and contributions of airborne forces. Ceremonies, events, and educational activities are often held to celebrate the day, including parachute demonstrations, memorial services, and military displays.

Observance and Activities

• Military Events: On National Airborne Day, various military bases and airborne units may hold ceremonies, reenactments, and parachute jumps to honor their heritage. Veterans and active-duty airborne soldiers often participate in these events.

• Public Awareness: The day also encourages citizens to acknowledge the importance of airborne forces in protecting national security. It is a time for reflection on the sacrifices made by those who serve in these specialized units.

National Airborne Day is a reminder of the valor and dedication of airborne soldiers and their vital role in the U.S. military's ability to respond to global challenges. It is a day of pride for those who have worn the airborne insignia and for the nation they serve.

15 August - MS Dhoni retires from international cricket in 2020

 

Former Team India captian MS Dhoni retires from international cricket on 15 August 2020, wishing him the very best and thank him for the wonderful memories.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (born 7 July 1981), is an Indian former international cricketer who captained the Indian national team in limited-overs formats from 2007 to 2016 and in Test cricket from 2008 to 2014. Under his captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. A right-handed middle-order batsman and wicket-keeper, Dhoni is one of the highest run scorers in One Day Internationals (ODIs) with more than 10,000 runs scored and is considered an effective "finisher" in limited-overs formats. He is also regarded by some as one of the best wicket-keepers and captains in modern limited-overs international cricket.

Find the cricket stats of MS Dhoni:

https://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/28081.html

#ThankYouMSDhoni #TeamIndia  @msdhoni #DhoniRetires #dhonifinishesoffinstyle