16 June - Stan Laurel birth anniversary

 

Stan Laurel (born Arthur Stanley Jefferson; 16 June 1890 – 23 February 1965) was an English comic actor, writer, and film director who was one half of the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.He appeared with his comedy partner Oliver Hardy in 107 short films, feature films, and cameo roles.

Laurel began his career in music hall, where he developed a number of his standard comic devices, including the bowler hat, the deep comic gravity, and the nonsensical understatement. His performances polished his skills at pantomime and music hall sketches. He was a member of "Fred Karno's Army", where he was Charlie Chaplin's understudy.He and Chaplin arrived in the United States on the same ship from the United Kingdom with the Karno troupe.Laurel began his film career in 1917 and made his final appearance in 1951. He appeared with his comic partner Oliver Hardy in the film short The Lucky Dog in 1921, although they did not become an official team until late 1927. He then appeared exclusively with Hardy until retiring after his comedy partner's death in 1957.

In April 1961, at the 33rd Academy Awards, Laurel was given an Academy Honorary Award for his pioneering work in comedy, and he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard. Laurel and Hardy were ranked top among best double acts and seventh overall in a 2005 UK poll to find the Comedians' Comedian.In 2019, Laurel topped a list of the greatest British comedians compiled by a panel on the television channel Gold.In 2009, a bronze statue of the duo was unveiled in Laurel's hometown of Ulverston.

16 June - Bethune College foundation day

 

Bethune College, a centre for academic excellence and achievement, started its journey in 1879. Being the first women's college in India as well as in Asia, Bethune College produced the first two female graduates of the entire British colonial Empire who made their mark, left significant contributions and inspired generations to come. Since its establishment, Bethune College has helped in enlightening women's lives by playing a pivotal role in women's education and emancipation.

The journey of Bethune College began on 16th June, 1879. The Calcutta Gazette published the news of appointment of Baboo Sosi Bhusan Dutt, (Lecturer of Ravenshaw College, Cuttack) on 16th June, 1879 as the First Lecturer of the College Department of Bethune School. Therefore, 16th June, 1879 has been accepted as the foundation day of Bethune College.

15 June - Suraiya Jamal Sheikh birth anniversary

Suraiya Jamal Sheikh (15 June 1929 – 31 January 2004), popularly known by the mononym Suraiya, was a popular actress and playback singer in India's Hindi-language films. She was active from 1936 to 1963, and was the most celebrated actress between the mid- to late 1940s,before she was surpassed in fame by Madhubala and Nargis.

In a career spanning from 1936 to 1963, Suraiya acted in 67 films and sang 338 songs. She was one of the greatest actresses of the Hindi cinema and a leading lady in Hindi language films in the 1940s and 1950s.She was also a renowned playback singer, who mostly sang for herself, starting from a song in Nai Duniya (1942) when she was only 12 years old.

She was known for her North Indian Muslim feudal style acting or adakari in many of her films.Suraiya made her first appearance as a child artist with the film Madame Fashion (1936), directed by Jaddan Bai. She made her acting debut with the film Taj Mahal in which she played the role of Mumtaz Mahal. In her heyday, she was known as Malika-e-Husn (queen of beauty), Malika-e-Tarannum (queen of melody) and Malika-e-Adakari (queen of acting). 

12 June - Purushottam Laxman Deshpande birth anniversary

 

Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, popularly known as Pu La Deshpande, was a highly respected and influential figure in Marathi literature, humor, and performing arts. He was born on November 8, 1919, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, and passed away on June 12, 2000, in Pune, Maharashtra.

Pu La Deshpande was known for his multifaceted talents as a writer, playwright, humorist, and actor. He began his career as a professor of Marathi literature but soon found his true calling as a writer and performer. Deshpande's works were known for their wit, humor, and deep insights into human nature.

His literary contributions encompassed various genres, including short stories, essays, novels, and plays. Some of his notable works include "Vyakti Ani Valli," "Asa Mi Asami," "Batatyachi Chal," "Apurva Rituraj," and "Mhais." His writings often reflected on the common man's experiences, societal issues, and the essence of life with a blend of humor and satire.

Apart from his literary pursuits, Pu La Deshpande was also renowned for his talent as an actor and performer. He was known for his memorable stage performances, one-man shows, and monologues that showcased his exceptional comic timing and captivating storytelling abilities. His live performances, filled with laughter and warmth, earned him immense popularity and a dedicated fan following.

Deshpande's contributions to Marathi literature and performing arts were widely recognized and honored. He received several prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar, and Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards.

Pu La Deshpande's work continues to be celebrated and cherished by Marathi-speaking audiences and literature enthusiasts. His unique style, wit, and ability to connect with people through his writings and performances have left an indelible mark on Marathi culture and entertainment. He is fondly remembered as a beloved figure who brought joy, laughter, and thought-provoking insights into the lives of his audience.

 

12 June - Padmini birth anniversary

 

Padmini, whose full name was Padmini Ramachandran, was a renowned Indian actress. She was born on June 12, 1932, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, and passed away on September 24, 2006. Padmini was primarily active in the South Indian film industry, particularly in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, but she also appeared in a few Hindi films.

Padmini was part of the famous Travancore Sisters trio, which included her sisters Lalitha and Ragini. They were all trained in classical Indian dance forms, and Padmini was especially known for her expertise in Bharatanatyam. Her dancing skills were often showcased in her films, and she earned the reputation of being an exceptional dancer.

She made her acting debut as a child artist in the film "Kalathur Kannamma" (1959), which earned her critical acclaim and a National Film Award for Best Child Artist. Padmini went on to have a successful career, starring in numerous films across different languages. Some of her notable films include "Thillana Mohanambal," "Chemmeen," "Kaattumallika," and "Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai."

Padmini was known for her versatility as an actress and her ability to portray a wide range of characters. She was particularly acclaimed for her performances in dance sequences and her expressive acting skills. Her on-screen chemistry with co-stars like Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan was highly appreciated by audiences.

Apart from her acting career, Padmini was also involved in philanthropic activities and social work. She was honored with several awards and recognitions for her contributions to the film industry, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award.

Padmini's legacy as an actress and dancer continues to be celebrated in the Indian film industry. Her talent, grace, and dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark, making her one of the iconic figures of Indian cinema.

 

12 June - Gopinath Kaviraj death anniversary

 

Gopinath Kaviraj, also known as Pandit Gopinath Kaviraj (7 September 1887 – 12 June 1976), was a renowned Indian scholar, philosopher, and linguist. He made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, Ayurveda, and Indology.

Born in the village of Bajitpur in present-day Bangladesh, Gopinath Kaviraj showed a keen interest in languages and literature from a young age. He studied Sanskrit and various philosophical texts, delving into ancient Indian wisdom and spiritual traditions.

Kaviraj's expertise extended across multiple disciplines. He was well-versed in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, and authored several books on the subject. He delved into the study of classical texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and various philosophical treatises.

As a linguist, Kaviraj contributed to the understanding and preservation of regional languages in India. He conducted extensive research on the languages and dialects of Bengal, and his work played a crucial role in their documentation and standardization.

One of Gopinath Kaviraj's notable achievements was his decipherment of the ancient Indus script. He proposed a phonetic theory for interpreting the script, suggesting that it belonged to an ancient Dravidian language. While his theory has not been universally accepted, his pioneering efforts opened up new avenues for studying the Indus Valley Civilization.

Kaviraj was deeply influenced by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and other spiritual luminaries of his time. He combined his scholarly pursuits with a deep spiritual understanding, emphasizing the unity of all religions and the importance of self-realization.

Throughout his life, Gopinath Kaviraj actively participated in academic and intellectual circles. He served as the principal of Government Sanskrit College in Kolkata (Calcutta) and contributed to various scholarly journals. He received several awards and honors for his exceptional contributions to Indian philosophy and linguistics.

Gopinath Kaviraj's work continues to inspire scholars and researchers in the fields of philosophy, Ayurveda, and linguistics. His profound understanding of ancient Indian wisdom, combined with his linguistic expertise, has left a lasting impact on the study of Indian culture and heritage. He is revered as one of the stalwarts of Indian scholarship and a champion of indigenous knowledge systems.

12 June - George Herbert Walker Bush birth anniversary

 

George Herbert Walker Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018) was an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. He was born in Milton, Massachusetts, and came from a prominent political family. His father, Prescott Bush, was a U.S. Senator from Connecticut.

Before becoming president, George H. W. Bush had an extensive career in public service. He graduated from Yale University and served as a Navy pilot during World War II. After the war, he ventured into the oil industry and achieved success as an entrepreneur.

Bush entered politics in the 1960s and held various government positions. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas's 7th congressional district, from 1967 to 1971. He later held important positions such as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1971–1973), Chairman of the Republican National Committee (1973–1974), and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (1976–1977).

12 June - World Day Against Child Labour

 

World Day Against Child Labour is observed on June 12th each year. It is a global awareness campaign led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to raise awareness and take action against child labor. The purpose of this day is to highlight the plight of child laborers worldwide and to promote efforts to eliminate child labor in all its forms.

Child labor refers to the employment of children in work that is harmful to their physical and mental development. It deprives children of their childhood, disrupts their education, and exposes them to exploitation and hazardous conditions. Child labor is a violation of children's rights and is considered a form of modern slavery.

The World Day Against Child Labour aims to create awareness about the extent and consequences of child labor and mobilize support for its eradication. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), trade unions, and other stakeholders join hands on this day to advocate for policies and programs that protect children from exploitation and provide them with access to education, healthcare, and social services.

The theme of World Day Against Child Labour varies each year, focusing on different aspects of child labor. It may address issues such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child labor, the importance of quality education, the role of businesses in eliminating child labor from supply chains, and the need for legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to combat child labor.

On this day, various events, campaigns, and activities are organized worldwide, including conferences, workshops, rallies, and media campaigns. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and encourage collective action to tackle child labor effectively. Individuals are also encouraged to participate by spreading awareness, supporting organizations working against child labor, and advocating for policies that protect children's rights.

World Day Against Child Labour plays a crucial role in generating global attention and mobilizing efforts to eliminate child labor. It reinforces the commitment of the international community to protect children's rights and ensure their well-being, allowing them to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

11 June - King Kamehameha I Day

 

King Kamehameha I Day is observed in the U.S. state of Hawaii on June 11th each year. It honors King Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, who was a significant figure in Hawaiian history.

King Kamehameha I was a Hawaiian warrior-chief who unified the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in the late 18th century. He established the Kingdom of Hawaii and became its first monarch. King Kamehameha I is revered for his leadership, strategic abilities, and efforts to bring stability and unity to the islands.

King Kamehameha I Day is celebrated with various events and festivities throughout Hawaii. The main celebration takes place in the capital city of Honolulu, where a grand floral parade called the Kamehameha Day Floral Parade is held. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, hula dancers, and riders dressed in traditional Hawaiian attire. The highlight of the parade is the floral float carrying the statue of King Kamehameha I.

Other activities on King Kamehameha I Day include cultural demonstrations, lei-making contests, Hawaiian music and dance performances, and the display of traditional arts and crafts. The day serves as an opportunity to honor and remember the legacy of King Kamehameha I, his contributions to Hawaiian society, and the cultural heritage of the islands.

It's worth noting that King Kamehameha I Day is a state holiday specific to Hawaii and is not widely observed outside of the state.

 

11 June - Captain James Cook and his crew aboard HMS Endeavour encountered the Great Barrier Reef

 

During his first voyage in 1770, Captain James Cook and his crew aboard HMS Endeavour encountered the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of what is now Queensland, Australia. On June 11, 1770, the ship struck a coral outcrop known as the Endeavour Reef, causing damage to the vessel's hull. This incident occurred near the present-day location of Cooktown.

To prevent the ship from sinking, Cook and his crew made temporary repairs by careening the ship (tilting it on its side) in a nearby river while they made further repairs. This allowed them to remove the damaged portion of the ship's structure and patch it up.

Following the incident, Cook and his crew continued their exploration of the east coast of Australia, mapping and charting the coastline. Cook named the area "The Barrier Reef" due to the navigational challenges and hazards it posed to ships.

Although the Endeavour's encounter with the Great Barrier Reef was a significant event during Cook's voyages, it's important to note that Cook himself did not personally run aground on the reef. The ship struck a coral outcrop, and the crew took necessary measures to address the damage and continue their exploration.