10 May - The United States annexes the Kingman Reef

 

Kingman Reef  is a largely submerged, uninhabited, triangle-shaped reef, geologically an atoll, 9.0 nmi (20 km) east-west and 4.5 nmi (8 km) north-south,in the North Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between the Hawaiian Islands and American Samoa.It has an area of 3 hectares (0.03 km2; 7.4 acres) and is one of the unincorporated territories of the United States in Oceania.The reef is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as the Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge. On May 10, 1922, Lorrin A. Thurston became the first person to raise the American flag on the atoll and read a proclamation of annexation.

 

10 May - The Inverted Jenny issued in 1918

 

The Inverted Jenny is one of the most famous and valuable postage stamps in the world. It is a United States postage stamp that was issued in  10 May 1918 , depicting a Curtiss JN-4 biplane, also known as the Jenny, flying upside down. The stamp was printed in blue and red ink and had a face value of 24 cents.

However, due to an error during printing, a small number of stamps were printed with the airplane flying the wrong way up, making them extremely rare and valuable. It is estimated that only 100 of these stamps were ever produced, making them highly sought after by collectors.

The Inverted Jenny stamp is named after its upside-down image of the biplane and has become a symbol of stamp collecting. In 2016, one of the few known Inverted Jenny stamps was sold at auction for over $1.3 million, making it one of the most expensive stamps ever sold.

10 May - The Indian Rebellion of 1857

 

The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or the First War of Indian Independence, was a major uprising against British colonial rule in India. The rebellion began on 10 May 1857 and lasted for about a year, until it was finally suppressed by British forces in July 1858.

The rebellion was sparked by a number of factors, including economic grievances, cultural and religious differences, and political discontent. The British had imposed their rule over India through the East India Company, and they had introduced a number of policies that were deeply unpopular with Indian people, including high taxes, land reforms, and the introduction of new rifles that were considered offensive to Indian religious beliefs.

The rebellion began with a mutiny of Indian soldiers in the town of Meerut, and it quickly spread to other parts of northern India. Indian soldiers, peasants, and other groups rose up against British rule and formed alliances with local rulers to challenge British authority.

The rebellion was marked by several violent battles and atrocities committed by both sides. The British eventually succeeded in suppressing the rebellion with the help of reinforcements from other colonies and by dividing and conquering the rebel forces.

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 had a profound impact on Indian history and led to significant changes in British colonial policy in India. It also marked the beginning of the Indian nationalist movement and inspired other anti-colonial movements around the world.

10 May - Pankaj Mullick birth anniversary

 

Pankaj Mullick was a highly acclaimed Indian music composer, playback singer, and actor, known for his significant contributions to the Indian film industry. Born on 10 May 1905, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Mullick began his musical journey at an early age and went on to become one of the most influential figures in the realm of Indian music.

Mullick's musical talents were diverse, encompassing both classical and modern forms of music. He was proficient in playing several musical instruments, including the piano, harmonium, and tabla. His melodious voice and exceptional skills as a composer earned him widespread recognition and admiration.

Mullick's career in the Indian film industry spanned several decades, during which he composed music for numerous Bengali and Hindi films. He collaborated with renowned directors and lyricists, creating timeless melodies that continue to be cherished by audiences today.

Some of Pankaj Mullick's most memorable compositions include "Bhenge Mor Ghorer Chabi" from the film "Daktar," "Dheere Se Aaja Ri Akhiyan Mein" from "Alibaba and Forty Thieves," and "Chale Pawan Ki Chaal" from "Tansen." His music was characterized by its depth, emotion, and intricate melodies, reflecting his profound understanding of Indian classical music and his innovative approach to composition.

In addition to his work as a composer, Mullick was also a talented playback singer and actor. He lent his voice to many memorable film songs and performed in several films, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Pankaj Mullick's contributions to Indian music and cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry. He was a pioneer whose creativity and artistry continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers. Mullick passed away on 19 February 1978, but his musical legacy lives on through his timeless compositions and melodious voice.

10 May - Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansar death annivesary

 

 Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari (25 December 1880, Ghazipur – Died: 10 May 1936, New Delhi) was a renowned physician, a well-known nationalist Muslim leader who participated in the Indian National Movement and lived in Varanasi (formerly Banaras). Contributed in establishing the Nationalist University Kashi Vidyapeeth and Jamia Millia in Delhi. He was born on 25 December 1880 in Ghazipur.

10 May - The Golden Spike was driven into the ground in 1869

 

The Golden Spike is a ceremonial final spike driven into the ground to mark the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States. The spike was made of 17.6-karat gold and was driven into the ground on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah.

The First Transcontinental Railroad was a monumental achievement in American history. It was built by two railroad companies, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific, over a period of six years. The railroad connected the eastern and western coasts of the United States, greatly reducing travel time and boosting commerce and trade across the country.

The Golden Spike ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, including railroad executives, government officials, and news reporters. The spike was driven into a pre-drilled hole in a polished laurel tie, marking the completion of the railroad. The event was telegraphed to major cities across the country, and it was celebrated as a significant milestone in American history.

Today, the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Utah commemorates the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad and the Golden Spike ceremony. Visitors can see a replica of the Golden Spike and learn about the history of the railroad and the people who built it.

10 May - Mother's Day in Mexico

 

Mother's Day in Mexico, also known as Día de las Madres, is celebrated on May 10th each year. It is a day to honor and show appreciation for mothers and mother figures in Mexico.

Mother's Day celebrations in Mexico often include gift-giving, special meals, and spending time with family. Many people also attend mass or other religious services to give thanks for their mothers.

In Mexico, Mother's Day has a strong cultural and historical significance. The holiday has been celebrated since the early 20th century and was originally promoted by feminist and suffragist activists as a way to honor the sacrifices that mothers make for their families and society as a whole.

On Mother's Day in Mexico, children often present their mothers with flowers, gifts, or handmade cards to show their love and appreciation. It is also common for families to gather for a special meal or to spend time together doing activities that their mother enjoys.

10 May - East Indian arrival in Jamica

 

The arrival of East Indian indentured laborers in Jamaica occurred in two main waves:

1. The first group of East Indian indentured laborers arrived in Jamaica on May 10, 1845.

2. The second wave of East Indian indentured laborers arrived in Jamaica in 1854.

These laborers were brought to Jamaica to work on sugar plantations and in other agricultural sectors, much like in other Caribbean countries. The recruitment of East Indian laborers was part of a broader system of indentured labor migration that took place in the 19th and early 20th centuries, following the abolition of slavery. The laborers were recruited from various regions in India and brought to the Caribbean to address the labor shortages on plantations after the emancipation of enslaved individuals.

While Indian Arrival Day is celebrated in some Caribbean countries to commemorate the arrival of Indian indentured laborers, it is not an official holiday in Jamaica. Nevertheless, the Indian community in Jamaica, although relatively small, continues to celebrate and maintain its cultural heritage through various events, religious celebrations, and community activities. This heritage includes elements of Indian culture, such as food, music, and dance.

 

09 May - Howard Carter British archaeologist and Egyptologist was born in 1874

 

 

Howard Carter was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist who is best known for his discovery of the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922. He was born on May 9, 1874, in Kensington, London.

Carter began his career in archaeology at the age of 17, working as an artist and copyist for the Egypt Exploration Fund. He later joined the British Museum's Egyptian Antiquities Department and worked on numerous excavations in Egypt, including the temple complex of Karnak.

In 1907, Carter was appointed by Lord Carnarvon, an English aristocrat and amateur Egyptologist, to lead an excavation in the Valley of the Kings. For several years, Carter and his team searched the valley for the tomb of Tutankhamun, who had been relatively unknown at the time. However, their efforts were initially unsuccessful, and the project was eventually abandoned due to lack of funding.

In 1922, Carter was able to resume his search for Tutankhamun's tomb with the financial backing of Lord Carnarvon. After several weeks of digging, the team discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, which was filled with treasures and artifacts. The discovery made headlines around the world and is considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century.

After the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, Carter continued to work in Egypt, but his career was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the distribution of the treasures found in the tomb. Carter retired from archaeology in 1935 and died on March 2, 1939, in Kensington, London.

Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb revolutionized the field of Egyptology and provided invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian culture and history. His meticulous record-keeping and documentation of the discovery have also helped archaeologists to understand the excavation process and the context of the artifacts found in the tomb.

 

09 May - J.M. Barrie birth anniversary

 

J.M. Barrie was a Scottish playwright and novelist best known for his creation of the character Peter Pan. He was born on May 9, 1860, in Kirriemuir, Scotland.

Barrie began his career as a journalist, writing for various newspapers in Scotland and England. He later turned his attention to writing novels and plays, achieving great success with his play "The Little Minister" in 1897. However, it was the creation of Peter Pan that would cement his place in literary history.

Barrie first introduced the character of Peter Pan in his 1902 novel "The Little White Bird." He then adapted the character and story into the play "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up," which premiered in 1904. The play was an instant success and has since become a beloved classic, with countless adaptations in various forms of media.

In addition to his work as a writer, Barrie was also known for his philanthropy and charitable work. He was a frequent visitor to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London and bequeathed the rights to Peter Pan to the hospital in his will.

Barrie received numerous honors and awards during his lifetime, including a baronetcy in 1913. He died on June 19, 1937, in London, England, at the age of 77.

Barrie's legacy continues to be celebrated today, with Peter Pan remaining one of the most beloved and enduring characters in literature. His contributions to children's literature and his dedication to charitable causes have earned him a place in literary and cultural history.