12 May - Mother's Day 2024

 

Mother's Day is a special holiday celebrated in many countries around the world to honor and appreciate mothers and mother figures. It is typically observed on the second Sunday of May each year. Mother's Day is a time to express gratitude and love for the maternal figures in our lives, such as our mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and mother-in-laws.

The exact origins of Mother's Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations that honored mother goddesses. However, the modern celebration of Mother's Day began in the early 20th century when Anna Jarvis, an American activist, campaigned for an official holiday to recognize mothers.

On Mother's Day, people often give gifts, flowers, and cards to their mothers or spend quality time together as a way of showing appreciation. Many families also prepare special meals or take their mothers out for a nice dinner. It is a day to celebrate the love, sacrifice, and nurturing that mothers provide.

It's important to note that while Mother's Day is a joyous occasion for many, it can also be a sensitive time for those who have lost their mothers or struggle with the absence of a maternal figure. Therefore, it's crucial to be mindful of the different emotions people may experience on this day and offer support and understanding when needed.

14 May - Kuwait is admitted to the United Nations in 1963

 

Following this recommendation, the General Assembly, at its Fourth Special Session, in its 1203rd plenary meeting on 14th May 1963, adopted resolution 1872 admitting the State of Kuwait to membership in the United Nations. As a result, the State of Kuwait became the 111th member state of the United Nations.

14 May - Delesio Antonio Berni birth anniversary

 

Delesio Antonio Berni was an Argentine painter, printmaker, and muralist, born on 14 May 1905, in Rosario, Argentina. He was one of the most prominent and influential figures in 20th-century Argentine art.

Berni is best known for his socially engaged artwork that depicted the struggles and injustices faced by the working class and marginalized communities in Argentina. He was deeply committed to addressing social and political issues through his art and was associated with the Nuevo Realismo movement, which sought to depict reality in a raw and unfiltered manner.

Throughout his career, Berni experimented with various artistic styles and techniques, including expressionism, surrealism, and social realism. He is particularly renowned for his series of paintings titled "Juanito Laguna," which depicted the life of a fictional boy living in the slums of Buenos Aires and served as a powerful commentary on poverty, inequality, and urbanization in Argentina.

In addition to his paintings, Berni also created numerous prints, collages, and murals that reflected his social and political concerns. He was deeply engaged in leftist politics and was a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights.

Delesio Antonio Berni's legacy extends far beyond his artistic achievements; he is remembered as a champion of the oppressed and downtrodden and as an artist who used his talent to shed light on the struggles of the marginalized in Argentine society. He passed away on 13 October 1981, leaving behind a rich and enduring artistic legacy that continues to inspire artists and activists around the world.

14 May - Paraguay Independence Day

 

 

Paraguay Independence Day starts on May 14 and ends on May 15 every year, and we know what that means — two days off and unlimited fun and feasting for the people of Paraguay. On this day in 1811, Paraguay gained its independence after nearly 300 years of Spanish rule. History books contain several accounts of popular revolutions, but modern discourse barely includes Paraguay. However, it was the second independent nation in the new world after the United States. How did a small country assert its identity against Spanish colonialism? Imagine the resolve of a people determined to fight for their right to self-determination, despite the odds seemingly stacked against them. The road was fraught with uncertainty, but Paraguay prevailed. ¡Feliz día de la independencia, Paraguay

14 May - Sambhaji Bhosale birth anniversary

 

Sambhaji Bhosale was the eldest son of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire in India. He was born on May 14, 1657,Purander Fort, Pune, India, and he succeeded his father as the ruler of the Maratha Empire upon Shivaji's death in 1680.

Sambhaji's reign was marked by both military conflicts and administrative challenges. He faced significant opposition from the Mughal Empire, which sought to expand its territory into the Deccan region of India. Sambhaji engaged in several military campaigns against the Mughals, including the Battle of Burhanpur and the Siege of Raigad, where he successfully defended his kingdom.

However, Sambhaji's reign was also marked by internal strife, including disputes with his nobles and religious conflicts. He faced opposition from some factions within his own court, which led to tensions and challenges to his authority.

In 1689, Sambhaji was captured by the Mughal forces under Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, and subjected to brutal torture and execution. Despite his tragic end, Sambhaji is remembered as a valiant warrior and a significant figure in Maratha history, who defended his kingdom against formidable adversaries and upheld the legacy of his father, Shivaji.

13 May - R.K.Narayan death anniversary

 

R.K. Narayan, whose full name was Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, was a renowned Indian writer known for his novels and short stories written in English. He was born on October 10, 1906, in Madras (now Chennai), India, and passed away on May 13, 2001, in Chennai.

Narayan is best known for his fictional works set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. His writing style often depicted the everyday life of ordinary people in a humorous and insightful manner, capturing the essence of Indian society with wit and compassion.

Some of Narayan's most famous works include:

1. "Swami and Friends" (1935) - Narayan's debut novel, which introduces readers to the fictional town of Malgudi and its colorful characters.

2. "The Bachelor of Arts" (1937) - A coming-of-age story about a young man named Chandran navigating the challenges of love, education, and independence.

3. "The Guide" (1958) - Considered one of Narayan's masterpieces, this novel tells the story of a tour guide named Raju and his transformation from a conman to a spiritual guru.

4. "The Man-Eater of Malgudi" (1961) - A collection of short stories that offers a glimpse into the diverse lives of the inhabitants of Malgudi.

5. "The Vendor of Sweets" (1967) - A novel about a sweet vendor named Jagan and his relationship with his son, set against the backdrop of a changing India.

Narayan's works have been widely praised for their simplicity, humor, and insight into the human condition. He is considered one of the pioneers of Indian literature in English and has left a lasting legacy in the world of literature.He received Sahitya Academy Award, Filmfare Award, and Padma Bhushan.

13 May - Tanjore Balasaraswati birth anniversary

 

Tanjore Balasaraswati,also known as Balasaraswati (13 May 1918 – 09 February 1984), was an Indian dancer, and her rendering of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance style originated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, made this style of dancing well known in different parts of India and many parts of the world.

She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1957and the Padma Vibhushan in 1977, the third and the second highest civilian honours given by the Government of India.In 1981 she was awarded the Sangeetha Kalasikhamani award of The Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai. 

13 May - Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became second President of India in 1962

 

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (5 September 1888 – 17 April 1975), natively Radhakrishnayya, was an Indian philosopher and statesman. He served as the second president of India from 1962 to 1967. He was also the first vice president of India from 1952 to 1962. He was the second ambassador of India to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952. He was also the fourth vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948 and the second vice-chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936.

13 May - Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed birth anniversary

 

 

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1905-1977) was an Indian politician who served as the fifth President of India from 1974 until his death in 1977. He was born on May 13, 1905, in Delhi, India. Ahmed came from a distinguished family, and his father, Colonel Zalnur Ali Ahmed, was a prominent lawyer.

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed completed his education in India and the United Kingdom. He obtained his bachelor's degree from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and then went on to study law at the University of Cambridge. After returning to India, he joined the Bar and began practicing law.

Ahmed was actively involved in the Indian independence movement and was associated with the Indian National Congress. After India gained independence in 1947, he held various positions in the government. He served as the Minister of Revenue and Agriculture in Assam, and later became the Minister of Finance and Revenue in the Central Cabinet.

In 1974, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was elected as the President of India. His tenure as President was marked by political challenges, including the declaration of a state of emergency in 1975. During the emergency period, several civil liberties were suspended, and there were widespread allegations of human rights abuses.

On February 3, 1977, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed passed away while still in office. He was the second President of India to die in office. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed's contributions to the nation and his service as President are remembered in Indian history.

 

13 May - Red Fort construction completed in 1648

 

The construction of the Red Fort in Delhi was completed on 13 May 1648. The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a historic fortification located in Old Delhi, India. It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who is renowned for constructing several iconic structures, including the Taj Mahal.

The Red Fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years, until the capital of the Mughal Empire shifted to Agra. The fort's construction took approximately ten years to complete and involved the efforts of thousands of workers.

The Red Fort is renowned for its stunning architecture, blending Mughal, Persian, and Indian architectural styles. It is made primarily of red sandstone, which gives the fort its distinctive appearance. The complex is surrounded by high walls and encompasses several exquisite structures, including palaces, gardens, audience halls, and mosques.