29 July - VIDYASAGAR COLLEGE, CALCUTTA postage stamp issued in 1998

 

Postage stamp issued in 1998 on occasion of 125 Years of Vidyasagar College, Calcutta

Vidyasagar College is a renowned educational institution located in Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), West Bengal, India. It is named after the great social reformer, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who played a pivotal role in the field of education and social upliftment during the 19th century.

The college was established in 1872 by Pandit Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay, a distinguished educator and philanthropist. Initially, it was known as Metropolitan Institution, and later in 1917, it was renamed Vidyasagar College in honor of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

Vidyasagar College is affiliated with the University of Calcutta and offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts, science, and commerce. It is recognized for its academic excellence, providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds.

The college campus houses modern facilities, libraries, laboratories, and other resources to support the academic and extracurricular pursuits of its students.

Vidyasagar College has a rich legacy of producing numerous eminent alumni who have excelled in various fields, including academics, literature, arts, politics, and social work.

The college emphasizes holistic education, fostering critical thinking, and promoting a spirit of social responsibility among its students. It encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, cultural events, and community service to develop their overall personality.

 

 

29 July - Vincent van Gogh death anniversary

 

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter and one of the most renowned and influential artists in the history of Western art. He was born on March 30, 1853, in Groot-Zundert, a village in the Netherlands.

Van Gogh's early life was marked by struggles and challenges. He worked as an art dealer and teacher before dedicating himself entirely to art in his late twenties. Throughout his career, he created around 2,100 artworks, including paintings, drawings, and sketches. However, he only achieved fame posthumously.

Van Gogh's artistic style evolved over the years, influenced by various movements, including realism and impressionism. His most distinctive style is characterized by bold and vibrant colors, dramatic brushwork, and emotional intensity. Some of his most famous works include "Starry Night," "Sunflowers," "Irises," and his self-portraits.

Despite his immense talent, Van Gogh's life was plagued by mental health issues, which resulted in frequent bouts of depression and anxiety. He famously cut off part of his ear during a mental breakdown. On 29 July 1890, at the age of 37, Van Gogh died by suicide.

Though he struggled during his lifetime, Van Gogh's work gained recognition and appreciation after his death. Today, he is considered a pivotal figure in the development of modern art, and his paintings are among the most expensive and coveted in the world. His tragic life and the emotional depth of his art continue to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts and artists alike.

29 July - Cingireddi Narayana Reddy birth annivesary

 

Cingireddi Narayana Reddy (1931-2017) was a prominent Indian poet and writer who primarily wrote in the Telugu language. He was also known as CiNaRe in literary circles. He was born on July 29, 1931, in a small village called Hanumajipet in Karimnagar district, Telangana, India.

CiNaRe was widely regarded as a prolific and versatile poet who enriched Telugu literature with his remarkable contributions. His poetry encompassed various themes such as patriotism, social issues, nature, and love. He was celebrated for his evocative and soul-stirring poetry that resonated with people from different walks of life.

In addition to poetry, Cingireddi Narayana Reddy also dabbled in writing essays and song lyrics. He was a respected academician and served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Kakatiya University. His literary work earned him several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Jnanpith Award, which he received in 1988 for his remarkable contributions to Indian literature.

CiNaRe's poems and writings continue to be cherished and admired by Telugu-speaking people around the world. His literary legacy remains an integral part of Telugu literature, inspiring generations of writers and poets to come.

29 July - Magnus Ladulås crowned King of Sweden in 1275

 

Magnus Ladulås, also known as Magnus III, was indeed crowned King of Sweden. He ascended to the throne on July 29, 1275. Magnus Ladulås belonged to the House of Bjelbo, a powerful Swedish noble family that played a significant role in Swedish politics during the medieval period.

Magnus Ladulås' reign as king lasted until his death on December 18, 1290. His nickname "Ladulås" translates to "Barnlock" or "Lock with the Barn," which is attributed to a legendary incident involving Magnus and a locked barn during a time of famine. According to the legend, Magnus stored grain in a barn during a crop failure and locked it to prevent hoarding and price manipulation.

During his reign, Magnus Ladulås worked to strengthen the royal authority and consolidate power. He initiated various reforms, including the codification of Swedish law and the establishment of the Riksdag (the Swedish parliament). He also focused on expanding trade and improving infrastructure, particularly in Stockholm, which he selected as the capital of Sweden.

Magnus Ladulås' reign marked a transition period in Swedish history. It followed the turbulent time of the Folkung dynasty and set the stage for the subsequent rule of his son, Birger Magnusson, and the consolidation of royal power in Sweden.

The coronation of Magnus Ladulås as King of Sweden was a significant event in the country's history, solidifying his authority and providing a foundation for his subsequent actions and reforms as king.

28 July - Independence Day Peru

 

Independence Day in Peru, known as "Fiestas Patrias," is celebrated on July 28th and 29th each year. It is the most significant national holiday in the country, commemorating Peru's declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule.

On July 28, 1821, General José de San Martín, a key figure in South America's struggle for independence, proclaimed Peru's independence in Lima. This event marked the beginning of the country's path towards sovereignty.

The celebration of Independence Day in Peru includes various festivities, events, and ceremonies held throughout the country. Some of the typical activities and traditions during Fiestas Patrias include:

1. Presidential Address: The President of Peru delivers an annual address to the nation on the evening of July 28th, highlighting the country's achievements and addressing its challenges.

2. Military Parade: A grand military parade takes place in Lima, showcasing the country's armed forces and other national organizations. It is held on July 29th and attended by government officials and the public.

3. Civic and Cultural Events: Different cities and towns organize civic ceremonies, cultural performances, traditional dances, music, and art exhibitions to celebrate the nation's history and culture.

4. Peruvian Cuisine: Food plays an essential role in the celebrations, and people indulge in traditional Peruvian dishes and delicacies during the holiday.

5. Fireworks: Colorful fireworks displays light up the skies on the night of July 28th, adding to the festive atmosphere.

6. Flag Hoisting: Throughout the country, the national flag is prominently displayed on buildings and homes as a symbol of national pride.

Peruvians take great pride in their history and culture during Independence Day celebrations. It is a time for national unity, reflection, and commemoration of the country's struggle for freedom and independence.

28 July - USA celebrates National Soccer Day

 

National Soccer Day is annually celebrated on July 28. It honors and celebrates soccer — one of the world’s most competitive and popular sports. Every year, more than 17 million (around 5%) Americans watch soccer matches during the National Football League (N.F.L.).
 

28 July - Garry Sobers born in 1936

 

Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, AO, OCC, NH (born 28 July 1936), also known as Sir Gary or Sir Garry Sobers, is a former cricketer who played for the West Indies between 1954 and 1974. A highly skilled bowler, an aggressive batsman and an excellent fielder, he is widely considered to be cricket's greatest ever all-rounder and one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

27 July - António José de Almeida birth anniversary

 

António José de Almeida was a prominent Portuguese politician and statesman who served as the sixth President of Portugal. He was born on July 27, 1866, in Penacova, Portugal, and passed away on October 31, 1929, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Almeida was a medical doctor by profession and initially practiced medicine before entering politics. He became involved in the Republican movement in Portugal and was known for his strong advocacy for democratic principles and republican ideals.

In the aftermath of the Portuguese Republican Revolution of 1910, which led to the establishment of the Portuguese First Republic and the end of the monarchy, António José de Almeida emerged as a prominent political figure. He was one of the founding members of the Portuguese Republican Party and played a significant role in shaping the early years of the First Republic.

Throughout his political career, Almeida held various important positions, including Minister of the Interior and Minister of Finance. His leadership and contributions were highly regarded, and he was known for his efforts to promote social and economic reforms in Portugal.

In 1919, António José de Almeida was elected as the President of Portugal, becoming the first civilian to hold this office. During his presidency, he sought to stabilize the political situation and implement policies to improve the country's economic conditions.

After his term as President, Almeida continued to be active in politics and remained a respected figure in Portuguese society until his passing in 1929.

António José de Almeida's contributions to Portuguese politics and his dedication to democratic values have left a lasting impact on the country's history and political development. He is remembered as a significant figure in the early years of the Portuguese Republic.

 

27 July - Geoffrey de Havilland birth anniversary

 

Geoffrey de Havilland (1882-1965) was a pioneering British aviation engineer and aircraft designer. He is best known for founding the de Havilland Aircraft Company, which played a significant role in the development of aviation during the early and mid-20th century

Geoffrey de Havilland was born on July 27, 1882, in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. He developed an early interest in engineering and mechanics, and he attended the Crystal Palace School of Engineering in London.After completing his education, de Havilland worked for several aviation-related companies, gaining experience in designing and building aircraft. In 1909, he joined the Aircraft Manufacturing Company (Airco) and designed his first aircraft, the Airco DH.1.

In 1920, Geoffrey de Havilland established his own company, the de Havilland Aircraft Company, in Stag Lane, London. The company quickly became a major player in the aviation industry, producing a series of successful and innovative aircraft.One of de Havilland's most significant contributions to aviation was the development of wooden aircraft construction techniques. His aircraft designs, like the de Havilland DH.60 Moth, DH.82 Tiger Moth, and DH.88 Comet, were instrumental in advancing aviation technology and played crucial roles in the growth of civil and military aviation.

The de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth, introduced in the 1930s, became an iconic training aircraft for pilots in the British Commonwealth. The DH.88 Comet, a long-range racing aircraft, won the prestigious MacRobertson Air Race from London to Melbourne in 1934.

During World War II, the de Havilland Aircraft Company contributed significantly to the war effort by producing military aircraft, including the versatile de Havilland Mosquito. The Mosquito, made primarily of wood, was an exceptional multi-role aircraft used for reconnaissance, bombing, and night-fighter operations.After the war, de Havilland continued to innovate, and the company produced various successful designs, such as the de Havilland Dove and the de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial jet airliner.

Geoffrey de Havilland received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to aviation, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society.Geoffrey de Havilland's legacy continues through the influence of the de Havilland Aircraft Company, which later became part of various mergers and acquisitions but left an indelible mark on the history of aviation.

27 July - Bagpipe Appreciation Day

 

Bagpipe Appreciation Day is an annual holiday celebrated on July 27. This day celebrates an ancient musical instrument known as the bagpipe. These musical instruments date back thousands of years and have become a part of the Scottish tradition. They have been used during battles, funerals, parades, weddings, and royal occasions.

Although bagpipes are central to Scottish identity, like kilts, haggis, and whiskey, bagpipes did not originate from Scotland. Bagpipes have an ancient history that traces back to Mesopotamia, a region in the Middle East, where shepherds were said to play them for leisure. There are speculations the pipes were in ancient Egypt, but no supporting evidence can prove this fact.

A Hittite wall carving from around 1000 B.C. displays a bagpipe and suggests that bagpipes were used in western Asia too. The Hittites traded with Egypt so the instrument could have been passed on to them from the Egyptians. That leaves the Egyptians and the Hittites as the two possible inventors of the bagpipe.

The instruments were later introduced to the Greeks who adopted them from the Romans when they conquered Greece. The Roman Emperor Nero was fond of playing the bagpipe. The English admired the instrument greatly and so they, too, adopted them. The bagpipes became popular in Britain after the Roman invasion in the 5th century. The instruments became more popular in England than in any other part of the world.

Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Lancashire produced noteworthy pipers, and areas such as Cornwall, Northumberland, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire made their own types of bagpipes. The first reference to the Scottish Highland bagpipes is from French history that mentions their use at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. By the 18th century, they had become an icon of Scottish national identity. The military began using the instrument and accompanied it with drums. Bagpipes were for communication during battles to signal movements, attacks, and retreats. They were also played before a battle to inspire the army.

When the Scottish uprising of 1745 failed, military training was banned, and bagpipes were no longer used for war. However, they were kept for other uses. There are many types of bagpipes today. The most popular bagpipe is Scotland’s Great Highland bagpipe. On Bagpipe Appreciation Day, we celebrate all variations of bagpipes and their contribution to culture and music.