23 May - International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

 

The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed on May 23rd each year. Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that affects millions of women and girls in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Arab region.

Obstetric fistula occurs during prolonged or obstructed labor without access to timely and adequate medical care. It results in a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, causing continuous and uncontrollable leakage of urine and/or feces. This condition can lead to severe physical, psychological, and social consequences for the affected women, including chronic infections, social isolation, and stigma.

The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula aims to raise awareness about this preventable and treatable condition and mobilize global efforts to eliminate it. The day serves as a reminder that obstetric fistula is a human rights issue and that every woman and girl has the right to safe and dignified maternal healthcare.

On this day, organizations, governments, and individuals come together to advocate for increased access to quality maternal healthcare services, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care. Efforts are made to strengthen healthcare systems, improve infrastructure, and train healthcare professionals to prevent and treat obstetric fistula.

23 May - Carolus Linnaeus birth anniversary

 

Carolus Linnaeus, also known as Carl Linnaeus, was a Swedish botanist, zoologist, and physician who is considered the father of modern taxonomy. He was born on May 23, 1707, in Råshult, Sweden, and died on January 10, 1778, in Uppsala, Sweden.

Linnaeus made significant contributions to the field of biological classification and developed the binomial nomenclature system, which is still used today to name and categorize organisms. This system assigns each species a unique two-part name consisting of a genus and a species epithet. For example, humans are classified as Homo sapiens, where Homo is the genus and sapiens is the species epithet.

22 May - Article on Inernational Day for Biological Diversity by M R Ramesh Kumar

Article by M R Ramesh Kumar on "Biodiversity in GOA through philately" published in The Herald Newspaper,  Goa Edition on 23 rd May 2023

23 May - Alfred Day Hershey death anniversary

 

Alfred Day Hershey was an American bacteriologist and Nobel laureate who made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. He was born on December 4, 1908, in Owosso, Michigan, United States, and passed away on May 22, 1997, in Syosset, New York, United States.

Hershey is best known for his groundbreaking experiments that helped confirm that DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries genetic information. In the early 1950s, along with his research assistant Martha Chase, he conducted a series of experiments known as the Hershey-Chase experiments.

In these experiments, Hershey and Chase used a bacteriophage (a type of virus that infects bacteria) called T2 to investigate whether DNA or protein was the genetic material that was passed on to offspring during viral replication. They labeled the DNA of the bacteriophage with radioactive phosphorus-32 and labeled the protein coat of the virus with radioactive sulfur-35.

Through their experiments, Hershey and Chase demonstrated that when T2 phages infected bacterial cells, it was the DNA, not the protein, that was passed on to the next generation of viruses. This provided strong evidence that DNA is the genetic material responsible for the transmission of hereditary information.

 

23 May - World Turtle Day

 

World Turtle Day is an annual observance celebrated on May 23rd. It was founded by the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of turtles and tortoises.

The purpose of World Turtle Day is to raise awareness about the importance of turtles and tortoises and to promote their conservation. These reptiles face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change. World Turtle Day aims to educate people about these issues and encourage actions that can help protect these fascinating creatures.

On this day, various events and activities take place around the world. These may include educational programs, workshops, beach cleanups, fundraising events, and rescue efforts. The goal is to inspire individuals and communities to take proactive steps to conserve turtles and their habitats.

World Turtle Day also highlights the role that turtles play in ecosystems. They are essential for maintaining the health of aquatic and terrestrial environments. Turtles help control populations of certain species, disperse seeds, and contribute to nutrient cycling.

If you are interested in participating in World Turtle Day, you can get involved by learning more about turtles, supporting local conservation organizations, volunteering in turtle rescue efforts, or organizing awareness campaigns in your community. Additionally, you can spread the word on social media using the hashtag #WorldTurtleDay to raise awareness and encourage others to take action.

Remember, every small effort counts in protecting these ancient and remarkable creatures and ensuring their survival for future generations.

23 May - Henrik Johan Ibsen death anniversary

 

Henrik Johan Ibsen ( 20 March 1828 – 23 May 1906) was a Norwegian playwright and theatre director. As one of the founders of modernism in theatre, Ibsen is often referred to as "the father of realism" and one of the most influential playwrights of his time. His major works include Brand, Peer Gynt, An Enemy of the People, Emperor and Galilean, A Doll's House, Hedda Gabler, Ghosts, The Wild Duck, When We Dead Awaken, Rosmersholm, and The Master Builder. Ibsen is the most frequently performed dramatist in the world after Shakespeare,and A Doll's House was the world's most performed play in 2006.

On 23 May 1906, Ibsen died in his home at Arbins gade 1 in Kristiania (now Oslo) after a series of strokes in March 1900.

23 May - Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar birth anniversary

 

Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II was born on 23 May 675 AD. His father was Elangovathiaraiyan, alias Maran Parameshwaran.

Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar, also known as Muthuraja Peraraiyan, was a prominent ruler in ancient Tamil history. He belonged to the Mutharaiyar dynasty, which played a significant role in the political landscape of South India during the 9th and 10th centuries.

The Mutharaiyars were a feudal warrior clan and emerged as powerful rulers in the region known as Kongu Nadu, located in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. They established their capital at Kodumbalur (also called Kodumballoor) and controlled a vast territory encompassing parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar is particularly renowned for his military achievements and the expansion of his kingdom. He successfully defended his territories against external invasions and conducted various military campaigns to extend his influence. His valor and military prowess earned him the title "Perarasar," which means "Great King" or "Emperor."

During his reign, Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar patronized literature, arts, and architecture. Several inscriptions from his time provide valuable historical and cultural information about the Mutharaiyar dynasty.

Although the details of his life and accomplishments may vary in different historical accounts, Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar's legacy as a powerful ruler and military leader in Tamil history remains significant. His contributions to the region's political and cultural development are remembered and celebrated.

23 May - Labour Day Jamaica

 

Before 1961, 24 May was celebrated in Jamaica as Empire Day in honour of the birthday of Queen Victoria and her emancipation of slaves in Jamaica.As its name suggests, the day was used to celebrate the British Empire, complete with flag-raising ceremonies and the singing of patriotic songs. In 1961, Jamaican Chief Minister Norman Washington Manley proposed the replacement of Empire Day with Labour Day, a celebration in commemoration of 23 May 1938, when Alexander Bustamante led a labour rebellion leading to Jamaican independence.

In 1972, Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley promoted Labour Day as a showcase for the importance of labour to the development of Jamaica, and a day of voluntary community participation to beneficial projects.Since then, Labour Day has been not only a public holiday, but also a day of mass community involvement around the country. 

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.