22 May - International Day for Biological Diversity

 

International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on May 22nd each year. It serves as a global reminder of the significance of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect and conserve it. The United Nations declared this day to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, highlight the threats it faces, and promote efforts to safeguard it for present and future generations.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variation within species, and the variety of ecosystems that support life.

The International Day for Biological Diversity aims to increase understanding of the vital role biodiversity plays in sustaining ecosystems, providing ecosystem services, supporting human well-being, and contributing to sustainable development. It recognizes that biodiversity loss poses significant challenges, such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation of natural resources.

Each year, the International Day for Biological Diversity has a specific theme that guides global activities and initiatives. Themes have included issues such as marine biodiversity, sustainable tourism, biodiversity and climate change, and mainstreaming biodiversity. This year the theme is "Be Part of the Plan ""

On this day, various events, campaigns, and educational programs are organized worldwide to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices. These activities engage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals in raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and taking action to protect and restore biodiversity.

By celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity, we can foster a greater understanding of the value and importance of biodiversity and inspire collective action to conserve and sustainably manage the Earth's natural resources.

22 May - The Treaty of Hamburg was signed in 1762

 

The Treaty of Hamburg was signed on 22 May 1762 in the Free City of Hamburg between Sweden and Prussia during the Pomeranian War, a theater of the Seven Years' War.

The treaty came into being after Russia had allied to Prussia on 5 May, making it impossible for Sweden to continue the war which they had entered to regain territories in Pomerania, which they had previously lost. The treaty reaffirmed the pre-war status quo. 

22 May - Harvey Milk Day

 

Harvey Milk Day is observed on May 22nd each year to honor the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, an American politician and LGBTQ+ rights activist. Milk was born on May 22, 1930, and he became the first openly gay elected official in California when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Tragically, Milk's life was cut short when he was assassinated on November 27, 1978.

Harvey Milk was a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and played a crucial role in advocating for equal rights and representation for the LGBTQ+ community. He fought against discrimination, campaigned for gay rights, and worked to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

Milk's contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement and his impact on American politics and society are commemorated on Harvey Milk Day. The day serves as an opportunity to celebrate Milk's activism, remember his advocacy for equality, and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. It is a time to reflect on the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and to continue the fight for equality and acceptance for all.

Harvey Milk Day is observed not only in California but also recognized by individuals and organizations worldwide who support LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. The day often involves events, speeches, film screenings, and other activities that promote awareness, education, and activism in honor of Harvey Milk's legacy.

22 May - Sher Shah Suri death anniversary

 

Sher Shah Suri (1486 – 22 May 1545), the founder of the Suri Empire in India was one such ruler who laid the foundation of the Sur dynasty, whose stories of valor and courage have been written in golden letters in Indian history. On the strength of his valor, Sher Shah Suri sat on the bench of Delhi and made Delhi his capital. In the year 1540, Sher Shah forced the Mughal ruler Humayun to leave the battlefield after defeating him badly in the Battle of Chausa. He died on 22 May 1545 at the age of 59 in Kalinjar, Sur Empire.

22 May - Tallapaka Annamacharya was born 1408

 

Tallapaka Annamacharya (22 May 1408 – 4 April 1503), also popularly known as Annamayya, was a 15th-century Hindu saint and the earliest known Indian musician to compose songs called sankirtanas in praise of the Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu.The musical form of the keertana songs that he composed, which are still popular among Carnatic music concert artists,have strongly influenced the structure of Carnatic music compositions.Annamacharya is remembered for his saintly life, and is honoured as a great devotee of Shree Vishnu by devotees and saintly singers.

He is believed to have been the avatar of Nandaka, the sword of Shree Hari Vishnu. He is widely regarded as the Andhra Pada kavitā Pitāmaha (Grandfather of Telugu song-writing)

22 May - Albert Claude death anniversary

 

Albert Claude was a Belgian biologist and Nobel laureate who made significant contributions to cell biology and cytology. He was born on August 24, 1899, in Longlier, Belgium, and passed away on May 22, 1983.

Albert Claude is best known for his pioneering work on the structure and function of cell organelles, particularly the development and application of techniques for studying the ultrastructure of cells. He played a key role in the development of electron microscopy and its application to biological research.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Albert Claude was also known for his commitment to education and fostering scientific collaboration. He served as a mentor to numerous scientists and played an active role in promoting scientific research and collaboration internationally.

Overall, Albert Claude's work significantly advanced our understanding of cell biology, and his contributions continue to shape the field to this day.

22 May - Raja Ram Mohan Roy birth anniversary

 

Raja Ram Mohan Roy, often referred to as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance," was a prominent social reformer, thinker, and intellectual in 19th-century India. He was born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Bengal Presidency (now in West Bengal, India), and passed away on September 27, 1833.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy played a significant role in advocating for various social and educational reforms in colonial India. He strongly opposed social evils such as sati (the practice of widow burning) and worked towards its abolition. His efforts led to the passing of the Bengal Sati Regulation Act in 1829, which banned the practice of sati in the Bengal Presidency.

Roy's ideas and writings had a profound impact on Indian society and paved the way for future reform movements. He emphasized the importance of reason, modern education, and social justice in bringing about societal progress.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy's contributions to social, religious, and educational reforms have earned him a place of honor in Indian history. 

21 May - FIFA founded in Paris in 1904

 

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded on May 21, 1904. The organization was established in Paris, France, during a meeting held at the headquarters of the Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques (USFSA). The founding members included representatives from France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. From its inception, FIFA aimed to govern and promote the sport of football (soccer) on an international level. Over the years, FIFA has grown into the global governing body for football, organizing international tournaments, setting rules and regulations, and overseeing the development and administration of the sport worldwide.

21 May - Rajiv Gandhi death anniversary

 

Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20, 1944, was an Indian politician who served as the 6th Prime Minister of India. He belonged to the Indian National Congress party and held office from 1984 to 1989. He was the youngest person to become Prime Minister of India, assuming the position after the assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Rajiv Gandhi came from a political family. His grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, was the first Prime Minister of India, and his mother, Indira Gandhi, also served as Prime Minister. Rajiv Gandhi initially had a career as a pilot but entered politics after the death of his younger brother, Sanjay Gandhi.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi focused on various issues, including modernization, technology, and education. He aimed to transform India into a more technologically advanced and globally connected nation. His government introduced several initiatives, such as computerization in government offices, telecommunication reforms, and educational reforms.

However, his time in office was also marked by controversies and challenges. The Bofors scandal, involving alleged corruption in defense deals, tarnished his government's image. Additionally, his handling of the Sri Lankan Civil War and the subsequent assassination of former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa drew criticism.

Tragically, Rajiv Gandhi's life was cut short when he was assassinated on May 21, 1991, during an election rally in Tamil Nadu by a suicide bomber belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a Sri Lankan separatist group.

Despite the controversies and his untimely death, Rajiv Gandhi's contributions to Indian politics, technology, and education are recognized. He played a significant role in shaping the direction of India during his tenure as Prime Minister.

 

21 May - Günter Blobel birth anniversary

 

 Günter Blobel was a German-born American biologist and Nobel laureate. He was born on May 21, 1936, in Waltersdorf, Germany, and passed away on February 18, 2018, in New York, United States.

Blobel was renowned for his groundbreaking research on cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in protein targeting and trafficking within cells. His work focused on understanding how proteins are directed to specific locations within cells, which is essential for their proper functioning. He identified the signal hypothesis, which proposed that proteins possess specific targeting signals that guide them to their correct cellular destinations.

Blobel's research had significant implications in various fields, including cell biology, biochemistry, and medicine. His discoveries helped to unravel the fundamental processes involved in protein synthesis, secretion, and localization within cells, contributing to our understanding of various diseases and cellular functions.

In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions, Günter Blobel was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1999. He was honored for his discoveries concerning the regulation of protein trafficking, which have paved the way for numerous advancements in cell biology and biomedical research.

Günter Blobel's scientific achievements have left a lasting impact on our understanding of cellular processes and have provided critical insights into the mechanisms underlying human health and disease.