23 August - Chandrayaan-3 he lander and rover landed near the lunar south pole region of Moon

 

Chandrayaan-3 is the third Indian lunar exploration mission under the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan programme.It consists of a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan, similar to those of the Chandrayaan-2 mission. The propulsion module carried the lander and rover configuration to lunar orbit in preparation for a powered descent by the lander.

Chandrayaan-3 launched on 14 July 2023,and the lander and rover landed near the lunar south pole region on 23 August 2023 at 6.04 pm IST ,making India the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole, and the fourth country to soft-land on the Moon. 

Special cancellation on occasion of  successful landing on Moon by Mumbai region on 23 August 2023

23 August - Kobe Bryant birth anniversary

 

Kobe Bryant, born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an iconic professional basketball player and one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. He played his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he became known for his remarkable skills, competitiveness, and commitment to excellence.

Bryant entered the NBA directly from high school, following in the footsteps of other talented players of his generation. Over the course of his illustrious career, he achieved numerous accolades and milestones.

Off the court, Bryant was involved in various philanthropic activities and creative projects. He won an Academy Award for his animated short film "Dear Basketball," which was based on a poem he wrote upon announcing his retirement from basketball.

Tragically, Kobe Bryant's life was cut short on January 26, 2020, when he, along with his daughter Gianna and several others, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. His untimely passing sent shockwaves throughout the world and left a profound impact on the sports community, fans, and beyond.

Kobe Bryant's legacy as a basketball legend, a dedicated athlete, and a role model for perseverance continues to inspire countless individuals around the globe. He is remembered not only for his remarkable athletic achievements but also for his passion, determination, and the enduring impact he made on the world of sports and beyond.

23 August - Vallabhbhai Patel became the Deputy Prime Minister of India

 

On August 23, 1947, a historic moment occurred in the newly independent India when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister of the country. This significant appointment came alongside his role as the Minister of Home Affairs in the newly formed Indian government.

Vallabhbhai Patel, often referred to as the "Iron Man of India," played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence and the subsequent process of nation-building. As the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, Patel was entrusted with the challenging task of integrating the princely states into the newly formed Indian Union. His leadership, diplomacy, and persuasive skills were instrumental in convincing many princely states to accede to India, unifying the diverse nation under one flag.

Patel's contributions extended beyond his political roles. He was a staunch advocate for social justice and equality, emphasizing the importance of building a united and inclusive nation. His firm resolve and dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his contemporaries and continue to inspire generations.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's appointment as the Deputy Prime Minister of India marked a critical juncture in the country's history, setting the tone for the challenges and achievements that would shape its future. His legacy as a unifier, leader, and visionary remains deeply ingrained in India's identity and collective memory.

 

23 August - International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade

 

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is observed annually on August 23rd to honor the memory of the millions of Africans who suffered and lost their lives as a result of the transatlantic slave trade. This day also serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and confronting the historical injustices of slavery.

The transatlantic slave trade, which spanned several centuries, was a brutal system that forcibly transported Africans across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the European colonial expansion. Slaves were subjected to inhumane treatment, violence, and dehumanization, enduring immense suffering under the yoke of slavery.

On August 23, 1791, an important event occurred in the fight against slavery: the Haitian Revolution began with a slave uprising in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti). This revolution played a crucial role in challenging the institution of slavery and ultimately led to the establishment of an independent Haiti.

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition encourages reflection on the historical significance of slavery and the importance of eradicating racial discrimination and inequalities that persist today. It also highlights the resilience of those who fought against oppression and the power of collective action to bring about social change.

Through events, education, and cultural initiatives, this day fosters a deeper understanding of the impact of slavery on societies and emphasizes the importance of promoting tolerance, understanding, and justice. By commemorating this day, the international community recognizes the need to confront the painful legacy of the slave trade and to work towards a world where human dignity and equality prevail.

22 August - World Plant Milk Day

 

World Plant Milk Day, celebrated on August 22nd each year, is a global initiative that highlights the growing popularity and importance of plant-based milk alternatives. This day serves as a reminder of the diverse and sustainable options available for those seeking dairy-free alternatives.

As more people become conscious of their dietary choices, plant-based milk has emerged as a nutritional and ethical alternative to traditional dairy milk. Made from sources like soy, almonds, oats, and coconuts, these milk alternatives cater to a variety of dietary needs, including lactose intolerance, allergies, and ethical considerations.

World Plant Milk Day isn't just about providing an alternative; it's also about celebrating the positive impact these choices have on personal health and the environment. Many plant-based milk products are fortified to ensure they match the nutritional benefits of cow's milk while requiring fewer resources to produce. This contributes to a reduced carbon footprint and less strain on land and water resources.

 

22 August - Madras (now Chennai) was founded in 1639

 

On August 22, 1639, a significant event took place in the history of India – the founding of Madras (now known as Chennai). This day marked the establishment of a British settlement on the Coromandel Coast of South India. The settlement was established by the British East India Company and served as a trading post and a strategic base for British colonial activities in the region.

The establishment of Madras was part of the East India Company's efforts to establish a presence along the Indian coastline for trade purposes. The settlement was strategically located between the Portuguese-controlled Goa in the north and the Dutch-controlled Pulicat in the south.

The initial settlement was centered around a fort, Fort St. George, which was constructed to protect the trading interests of the East India Company. Over time, the area around the fort developed into the city of Madras, serving as an important hub for trade, commerce, and colonial administration.

Madras grew and evolved over the centuries, becoming a significant center of British colonial influence in India. It played a vital role during the colonial era, witnessing changes in governance, trade, and culture. The city's architecture, institutions, and cultural diversity reflect its rich historical past and the influences of various civilizations.

Today, Chennai is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and continues to be a major economic, cultural, and educational hub in South India. It is known for its thriving film industry, educational institutions, and IT sector. The founding of Madras on August 22, 1639, remains a significant historical event that shaped the trajectory of the city and its role in India's history.

 

22 August - Deng Xiaoping birth anniversary

 

Deng Xiaoping, born on August 22, 1904, in Guang'an, Sichuan, China, was a transformative political figure and statesman who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern course of China's history. He is celebrated for his pragmatic and innovative policies that modernized China's economy, ushering in an era of reform and openness that changed the trajectory of the nation.

Deng Xiaoping's political career began during the early days of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the struggle against the Nationalist forces. His leadership skills and commitment to the Communist cause led him to various positions within the party hierarchy. However, it was his tenure as the paramount leader of China from the late 1970s until the early 1990s that would leave an indelible mark on the country.

22 August - Denis Papin birth anniversary

 

Denis Papin, born on August 22, 1647, in Chitenay, France, was a remarkable inventor, engineer, and scientist who made significant contributions to various fields during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His pioneering work in steam power and pressure vessels laid the foundation for many crucial technological advancements that followed.

Papin's most notable contribution was his development of the "steam digester," a device that laid the groundwork for the modern pressure cooker. In 1679, he published a paper titled "A New Digester or Engine for Softening Bones," which described a vessel equipped with a tightly fitting lid and a safety valve. This apparatus, based on the principles of increasing pressure to raise the boiling point of water, allowed for the efficient cooking of food, sterilization, and softening of bones for culinary purposes.

Expanding on his work with steam pressure, Papin later invented the "piston steam engine." Although he didn't build a working model of this engine during his lifetime, his ideas and designs were instrumental in the eventual development of steam engines that powered the Industrial Revolution. Papin's concept of using steam to create pressure and movement paved the way for engines that would transform transportation, manufacturing, and various industries.

In addition to his contributions to steam power, Papin made noteworthy advances in other scientific domains. He conducted experiments on air pressure and vacuum, even collaborating with fellow scientists such as Robert Boyle. His experiments with vacuums led to the development of the "Papinian tablet," a precursor to the pressure cooker's safety valve.

Papin's legacy also includes the "Atmospheric Steam Engine," which was built later based on his ideas and designs. It played a pivotal role in shaping the course of the Industrial Revolution, propelling the mechanization of various industries and enabling the creation of efficient transportation systems.

22 August - Richard III death anniversary

 

Richard III (2 October 1452 – 22 August 1485) was King of England and Lord of Ireland from 1483 until his death in 1485. He was the last king of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. His defeat and death at the Battle of Bosworth Field, the last decisive battle of the Wars of the Roses, marked the end of the Middle Ages in England. He is the protagonist of Richard III, one of William Shakespeare's history plays.

22 August - Roger Martin du Gard death anniversary

 

Roger Martin du Gard (23 March 1881 – 22 August 1958) was a French novelist and essayist. He received the 1937 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Trained as a paleographer and archivist, he brought to his works a spirit of objectivity and a scrupulous regard for detail, and because of his concern with documentation and the relationship of social reality to individual development, his fiction has been linked with the realist and naturalist traditions of the 19th century. His sympathy for the humanist socialism and pacifism of Jean Jaurès is evident in his work.[1]

He is best known for The Thibaults, a multi-volume roman fleuve which follows the fortunes of two brothers, Antoine and Jacques Thibault, from their upbringing in a prosperous Catholic bourgeois family to the end of the World War I. Six parts of the novel were published between 1922 and 1929. After abandoning a seventh volume in manuscript, he published two more volumes in 1936 and 1940. Written under the shadow of the darkening international situation in Europe in the 1930s, these last parts, which together are longer than the previous six combined, focus on the political and historical situation leading up to the outbreak of the First World War and bring the story to 1918.

Du Gard wrote several other novels, including Jean Barois, which was set against the historical context of the Dreyfus affair. During World War II, he resided in Nice, where he prepared a novel (Souvenirs du lieutenant-colonel de Maumort) which remained unfinished at his death. It was posthumously published in 1983. His other works include plays and a memoir of André Gide, a longtime friend.

Du Gard died in 1958 and was buried in the Cimiez Monastery Cemetery in Cimiez, a suburb of the city of Nice, France.