18 May - Haitian Flag Day

 

Haitian Flag Day is observed every year on May 18. It is declared a national holiday in Haiti to commemorate the country’s independence from the French. The flag was hoisted for the first time on this day in 1803, and the people came together to establish the country’s first republic. The flag is a symbol of patriotism and nationalism and was a beacon of hope in Haiti during the colonial era. This day represents liberation and embodies the cultural heritage and resilience of the Haitian people as they reclaimed their land from the hand of oppressors.

18 May - World AIDS Vaccine Day

 

World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, is observed on May 18th each year. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the urgent need for an effective vaccine against HIV/AIDS and to acknowledge the scientific advancements made in HIV vaccine research.

The day was first designated on May 18th, 1998, by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. It serves as an opportunity to recognize and support the efforts of researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals, and volunteers who are working towards developing a safe and effective HIV vaccine.

World AIDS Vaccine Day aims to highlight the importance of vaccine research in combating the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Despite significant progress in prevention, treatment, and care for HIV/AIDS, a vaccine remains the most promising long-term solution to control the spread of the virus and ultimately eradicate it.

The observance of this day encourages individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to:

1. Raise awareness: Promote knowledge and understanding about the need for an HIV vaccine, its potential impact, and the progress made in vaccine research.

2. Support research: Advocate for increased funding and resources for HIV vaccine research, clinical trials, and scientific advancements in developing an effective vaccine.

3. Promote prevention: Emphasize the importance of existing HIV prevention methods, such as condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and education, while underscoring the need for a vaccine as a critical component of comprehensive prevention strategies.

4. Address stigma and discrimination: Combat HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions that hinder efforts in HIV prevention and vaccine research.

5. Engage communities: Encourage community involvement, including participation in clinical trials, promoting HIV testing, and supporting initiatives that provide accurate information and support for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

18 May - Bertrand Russell Birth Anniversary

 

He was born on 18 May 1872, in Trellech, Monmouthshire, Wales. Russell got a scholarship in 1890 to study the Mathematical Tripos at Trinity College. As a result, he got to know Alfred North Whitehead and joined Cambridge Apostles on his recommendation.

Many well-known philosophers were members of The Apostles. Russell became interested in philosophy after listening to their discussions. He graduated with First Class in mathematics as the seventh Wrangler in 1893.

Later in 1894, Russell completed the Moral Sciences Tripos and joined the British embassy in Paris as an attaché. He also started writing a thesis, ‘An Essay on the Foundations of Geometry,’ which earned him a fellowship in 1895.

He wrote his first book, The Principles of Mathematics, in 1903 and developed and extended the mathematical logic of Peano and Frege with his friend Alfred Whitehead.

He studied social democracy for a few more months in Berlin. He wrote two series of books during this time, one on science and philosophy and the other on social and political thinking. Later, he studied philosophy in England.

He became a lecturer at Trinity College in 1910. He became active in the No-Conscription fellowship after the First World War broke out and was fined £100 for writing a leaflet criticizing a sentence of two years for a conscientious objector. He lost his lectureship in 1916.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment in 1918 for writing a pacifist article. In prison, he wrote an Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy (1919). He wrote Analysis of Mind (1921) after giving some lectures in London.

In 1920, Russell spent a short time in Russia studying Bolshevism’s conditions. Later that year, he went to China to teach philosophy at Peking University.

He and his wife started a school for young kids in 1927.

In 1938, he went to the US and taught at many of the country’s best universities.

 He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 for his varied and significant writings about humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought”.

In 1934, he won the Sylvester medal from the Royal Society, and in 1950, the de Morgan medal from the London Mathematical Society.

Bertrand Russell died on 02 February 1970

18 May - Vincent du Vigneaud birth anniversary

 

Vincent du Vigneaud (18 May 1901 – 11 December 1978) was a renowned biochemist and Nobel laureate who made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry.

He was born on 18 May 1901, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1924. He went on to earn a master’s degree in chemistry from the same institution in 1925. He then went to the University of Rochester, where he earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1927.

After completing his Ph.D., he began his career as a biochemist. He worked at several universities and research institutions, including Harvard University, the University of Rochester, and the National Institutes of Health.

His research focused on the structure and function of peptides and proteins. He made several significant discoveries in this field, including the identification of the amino acid cystine and the synthesis of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in childbirth and breastfeeding.

He died on 11 December 1978, in New York, United States.

18 May - International Museum Day

 

International Museum Day is an annual event celebrated on May 18th to raise awareness about the role of museums as important cultural institutions in society. This day provides an opportunity to appreciate the value of museums in preserving and promoting heritage, facilitating education, and fostering cultural exchange.

International Museum Day was established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1977, and it has since gained widespread recognition and participation from museums around the world. Each year, ICOM selects a theme to focus on for the celebrations, encouraging museums to organize special events, exhibitions, and activities related to the chosen theme.

The objectives of International Museum Day include:

1. Promoting museum visits: Encouraging the public to visit museums and explore their collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

2. Advocating for cultural diversity: Highlighting the role of museums in preserving and showcasing diverse cultural heritage and promoting intercultural dialogue.

3. Emphasizing education: Recognizing museums as important educational institutions that offer learning opportunities for people of all ages, including students, researchers, and the general public.

4. Fostering community engagement: Encouraging museums to actively engage with their communities through various outreach programs, collaborations, and initiatives.

5. Addressing social issues: Using museums as platforms to address and raise awareness about social, environmental, and contemporary issues.

On International Museum Day, museums worldwide open their doors to visitors, offer free or discounted admission, organize guided tours, workshops, lectures, and special exhibitions. It is a day to celebrate the cultural richness and diversity represented in museums and to acknowledge the vital role they play in preserving and transmitting heritage, fostering creativity, and promoting understanding among different cultures.

By participating in International Museum Day, individuals can not only enjoy the cultural experiences museums offer but also contribute to the recognition and support of these institutions, helping to ensure their continued relevance and contribution to society

 

17 May - World Information Society Day

 

World Information Society Day, also known as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, is observed annually on May 17th. It is a day designated by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in promoting social and economic development and to address the digital divide.

The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2006 to mark the anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), a two-phase UN conference held in 2003 and 2005. The WSIS aimed to address the challenges and opportunities of the information society, with a focus on harnessing the potential of ICTs to achieve sustainable development goals.

World Information Society Day aims to:

1. Promote inclusive information societies: Highlight the importance of providing equal access to information and communication technologies, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities offered by ICTs.

2. Advocate for ICT development: Raise awareness about the potential of ICTs in promoting economic growth, innovation, social inclusion, and cultural diversity. Encourage governments, organizations, and individuals to invest in the development and deployment of ICT infrastructure and services.

3. Foster digital literacy and skills: Emphasize the importance of digital literacy, education, and capacity-building to enable individuals to effectively and responsibly use ICTs, access information, and participate in the digital society.

 

17 May - World Hypertension Day

 

World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17th to raise awareness about hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, and its impact on public health worldwide. The day aims to promote education, prevention, and control of hypertension and its associated complications.

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood pressure levels. It is a major risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. Hypertension affects a significant portion of the global population and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

World Hypertension Day was first established in 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL), an organization dedicated to promoting awareness, prevention, and control of hypertension. Each year, the WHL, in collaboration with various health organizations and institutions, selects a theme for World Hypertension Day to focus on specific aspects of hypertension management.

World Hypertension Day serves as a platform for various activities and initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, health screenings, educational programs, conferences, and scientific symposiums. These efforts aim to empower individuals to take control of their blood pressure levels, facilitate early detection and management of hypertension, and ultimately reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases.

It is important to note that while World Hypertension Day provides a dedicated focus on hypertension awareness, education, and prevention, these efforts should be part of an ongoing commitment to promote cardiovascular health throughout the year.

17 May - Restrictions on weavers of Bengal's textile industry by The East India Company

 

The East India Company did indeed impose various restrictions on weavers in Bengal, which had a detrimental impact on the region's textile industry. During the 18th century, Bengal was renowned for its high-quality textiles, particularly muslin and silk, which were in great demand in both domestic and international markets.

When the East India Company gained control over Bengal through the Battle of Plassey in 1757, it sought to maximize its profits from the region. The company implemented several policies that undermined the indigenous textile industry and favored British manufacturers.

One of the key measures was the imposition of heavy duties and tariffs on Indian textiles, making them expensive and less competitive compared to British textiles. Additionally, the company discouraged the export of raw materials like silk and imposed strict regulations on their production, which hindered the growth of local industries.

The East India Company also established a system of monopolies and exclusive contracts, forcing weavers to sell their products exclusively to the company at low prices. This deprived the weavers of fair compensation for their labor and undermined their economic sustainability.

Furthermore, the company introduced technological changes that disrupted traditional weaving practices. British machines and power looms were introduced, which could produce textiles more quickly and at a lower cost. This resulted in the decline of handloom weaving and the displacement of thousands of weavers from their traditional occupations.

These policies and restrictions imposed by the East India Company had a devastating impact on Bengal's textile industry. The once-prosperous weaving communities faced impoverishment, loss of livelihoods, and a decline in their traditional craft. The company's actions were primarily driven by its profit-seeking motives, and the consequences for the local economy and society were severe.

It is important to note that the decline of Bengal's textile industry was not solely due to the East India Company's policies. Factors such as changing global market conditions, competition from other regions, and socio-economic changes within Bengal also played a role. However, the East India Company's actions exacerbated and accelerated the decline, leaving a lasting impact on the region's textile heritage.

17 May - World Telecommunication Day

 

World Telecommunication Day is an annual observance that takes place on May 17th. It is a day designated by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the importance of communication and the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in connecting people across the world.

The day was first celebrated on May 17th, 1969, marking the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the UN responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. The ITU plays a crucial role in the development and coordination of global telecommunications networks and services.

World Telecommunication Day aims to promote the benefits of ICTs in bridging the digital divide, fostering economic and social development, and improving access to information and communication resources. It also highlights the need for equitable and affordable access to telecommunications infrastructure and services, particularly in developing countries.

Each year, the ITU selects a theme for World Telecommunication Day to focus on specific challenges or opportunities related to the telecommunications sector. The chosen theme serves as a focal point for discussions, events, and initiatives organized by governments, industry leaders, organizations, and individuals around the world.

17 May - Odd Hassel birth anniversary

 

Odd Hassel (17 May 1897 – 11 May 1981) was a Norwegian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969 for his ground-breaking research on the structure of molecules

After completing his education, he worked as a research assistant at the University of Oslo. He later became an associate professor of physical chemistry at the same institution in 1925. In the 1930s, he began his ground-breaking research on the three-dimensional structure of molecules, which would later earn him the Nobel Prize.

His research involved the use of X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of organic molecules. He discovered that molecules with non-planar structures are more stable than those with planar structures. This discovery became known as the “Hassel Effect” and was a major breakthrough in the field of chemistry.

Hassel also made significant contributions to the study of dipole moments in molecules. His work led to the development of the Hassel-Bjerrum theory, which explains the relationship between the dipole moment of a molecule and its chemical structure.

He continued to work as a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Oslo until his retirement in 1964. He remained active in the scientific community, however, and continued to publish research papers throughout his lifetime.