27 August - Sir Rowland Hill death anniversary

 

Sir Rowland Hill," he was a notable British educator, postal reformer, and inventor. Here's a brief overview of his life and contributions:

Sir Rowland Hill (3 December 1795 – 27 August 1879) was a British reformer and innovator best known for his significant contributions to the postal system. His ideas revolutionized the way postage was calculated and paid, leading to the introduction of the postage stamp, commonly known as the "Penny Black."

Key points about Sir Rowland Hill:

1. Postal Reforms: Hill recognized the inefficiencies and complexities of the existing postal system, which relied on high rates and complicated fee structures. In 1837, he proposed a comprehensive plan for postal reform based on the concept of uniform postage regardless of distance.

2. Uniform Penny Post: Hill's most groundbreaking idea was the concept of the "Uniform Penny Post," where a standard postage rate of one penny would be charged for letters weighing up to half an ounce, regardless of the distance they traveled. This proposal aimed to make mail delivery more accessible and affordable for everyone.

3. Penny Black: To implement his plan, Hill suggested the use of adhesive postage stamps to indicate that postage had been prepaid. The "Penny Black," issued in 1840, was the world's first adhesive postage stamp. It depicted a portrait of Queen Victoria.

4. Postal Efficiency: Hill's reforms led to increased mail usage, improved postal efficiency, and reduced instances of mail tampering and fraud. His ideas were not only adopted in Britain but also influenced postal systems around the world.

5. Later Contributions: Hill's work extended beyond postal reforms. He was involved in educational and financial reforms as well. He played a role in the establishment of a new educational system in Britain and also contributed to discussions on other public policy issues.

Sir Rowland Hill's innovative ideas and persistence in postal reform left a lasting impact on the way mail is sent and delivered. His contributions are celebrated as a crucial step in the evolution of modern postal systems worldwide.

 

27 August - Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas Mountbatten death anniversary

 

Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (born Prince Louis of Battenberg; 25 June 1900 – 27 August 1979), was a British Royal Navy officer and statesman, an uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and second cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II. During the Second World War, he was Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia Command (1943–1946). He was the last Viceroy of India (1947) and the first governor-general of independent India (1947–1948).

From 1954 to 1959, Mountbatten was First Sea Lord, a position that had been held by his father, Prince Louis of Battenberg, some forty years earlier. Thereafter he served as chief of the Defence Staff until 1965, making him the longest-serving professional head of the British Armed Forces to date. During this period Mountbatten also served as chairman of the NATO Military Committee for a year.

In August 1979, Mountbatten was assassinated by a bomb that was hidden aboard his fishing boat in Mullaghmore, County Sligo, Ireland, by members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army.

27 August - Go Topless Day

 

"Go Topless Day" is an annual event that advocates for gender equality and the right for women to go topless in public, just as men can, without facing legal or social consequences. This event is often associated with promoting body positivity and challenging societal norms regarding women's bodies.

In the United States, Go Topless Day is typically observed on the Sunday closest to August 26th, which is Women's Equality Day. Women's Equality Day commemorates the passing of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which granted women the right to vote.

It's important to note that while Go Topless Day aims to raise awareness about gender equality and body acceptance, local laws and regulations vary across states and municipalities in the U.S. Some places may have laws that prohibit public toplessness, while others allow it.

The observance of Go Topless Day has gained attention and participation in various cities across the United States, with individuals participating in demonstrations, parades, and public discussions about body image, freedom of expression, and gender equality.

 

27 August - National Petroleum Day

 

At the end of the summer on August 27th, Americans celebrate National Petroleum Day.

The day is celebrated by many working in the oil and gas industries, and used as a platform to gather and discuss the may issues that face the industry. Crude oil and other liquids produced from fossil fuels are refined into petroleum products that people use for many different purposes. Biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are also used as petroleum products, mainly in mixtures with gasoline and diesel fuel

Petroleum was discovered by Edwin L. Drake on August 27, 1858 in Titusville, Pennsylvania. He struck oil 70 feet beneath the surface in Titusville, thus launching the modern-day petroleum industry in the USA. This event is very important for the history of Titusville, because since the discovery of crude oil the region became prosperous.

 

27 August - Moldova Independence Day

 

Moldova Independence Day is celebrated on August 27th each year to commemorate the country's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. On this day in 1991, the Parliament of Moldova adopted the Declaration of Independence, officially asserting the country's sovereignty and breaking away from the Soviet Union.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Moldova emerged as an independent nation. The declaration of independence marked a significant milestone in Moldova's history and paved the way for the establishment of its own government, constitution, and foreign relations.

Independence Day in Moldova is celebrated with various events, ceremonies, and festivities across the country. The day is an opportunity for Moldovans to reflect on their history, culture, and national identity, as well as to celebrate the progress and achievements the country has made since gaining independence.

During the celebrations, you can expect to see patriotic displays, concerts, cultural performances, and traditional activities. The national flag of Moldova, with its blue, yellow, and red stripes, is often prominently displayed during these festivities.

27 August - Sir Donald George Bradman born in 1908

 

 

Sir Donald George Bradman, AC (27 August 1908 – 25 February 2001), nicknamed "The Don", was an Australian international cricketer, widely acknowledged as the greatest batsman of all time.Bradman's career Test batting average of 99.94 has been claimed by Brett Hutchins to be the greatest achievement by a sportsman in a major sport.

A complex and highly driven man, not given to close personal relationships,Bradman retained a pre-eminent position in the game by acting as an administrator, selector and writer for three decades following his retirement. Even after he became reclusive in his declining years, Bradman's opinion was highly sought, and his status as a national icon was still recognised. Almost fifty years after his retirement as a Test player, in 1997, Prime Minister John Howard called him the "greatest living Australian"

26 August - Albert Bruce Sabin birth anniversary

 

Albert Bruce Sabin (August 26, 1906 – March 3, 1993) was a Polish-American medical researcher who is best known for developing the oral polio vaccine (OPV) that played a crucial role in the global effort to eradicate polio. His work significantly contributed to the reduction of polio cases worldwide and is considered one of the greatest achievements in the history of medicine.

Sabin's oral polio vaccine was a groundbreaking innovation because it used a weakened live virus that could be ingested orally, rather than an injected vaccine using a killed virus like the one developed by Jonas Salk. This made it easier to administer and distribute, especially in areas with limited medical resources.

Sabin's vaccine was extensively tested and proved to be highly effective in preventing polio. It was a pivotal tool in the successful effort to eradicate the disease from many parts of the world. Today, thanks in large part to Sabin's vaccine, polio remains endemic in only a few countries, and global efforts continue to strive for its complete eradication.

Apart from his work on polio, Sabin made significant contributions to the understanding of various viral diseases and vaccines. He dedicated his life to medical research and was a prominent figure in the field of virology and immunology.

Albert Sabin's legacy continues through his contributions to public health and his role in shaping the landscape of vaccine development and disease prevention.

26 August - USA celebrates National Toilet Paper Day

 

National Toilet Paper Day is observed on August 26th each year. It's a lighthearted day that acknowledges the importance of toilet paper in our daily lives and its significant role in maintaining sanitation and personal hygiene. Toilet paper is a widely used product that is often taken for granted, but its availability has a profound impact on public health and comfort.

This day is a reminder of the advancements in hygiene and sanitation that toilet paper represents, and it's also an opportunity to reflect on the history and evolution of this product. It's worth noting that toilet paper has a long history, with various civilizations and cultures using different materials for personal hygiene over the centuries.

While National Toilet Paper Day might seem like a humorous or quirky observance, it does highlight the significance of proper sanitation facilities and practices in modern society. It's also a reminder to be grateful for the everyday conveniences that contribute to our well-being.

This essential item is used most by Americans followed by other countries across the globe.

Austria produced the stamp made out of toilet paper. The stamp was inspired by the panic-buying of toilet paper when COVID-19 first hit Europe in the spring. It shows a baby elephant, a symbol which has encouraged citizens to keep their distance during the pandemic.

26 August - Om Prakash Munjal birth anniversary

 

Om Prakash Munjal (26 August 1928 – 13 August 2015) was an Indian entrepreneur and the founder of Hero Cycles, one of the world's largest manufacturers of bicycles. He played a pivotal role in transforming Hero Cycles from a small business into a globally recognized brand.

Om Prakash Munjal, along with his brothers, founded Hero Cycles in 1956 in Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Under his leadership, the company grew exponentially and became a major player in the bicycle manufacturing industry. Hero Cycles is known for producing affordable and high-quality bicycles, and it has played a significant role in promoting cycling as a mode of transportation and recreation in India.

Munjal's vision and dedication to excellence led to the expansion of the Hero Group beyond bicycles into other sectors such as automotive components, motorcycles, and more. The Hero Group is now one of India's largest business conglomerates.

His contributions to the Indian business landscape and his efforts in promoting cycling and healthy living were widely acknowledged. He received several awards and honors for his achievements, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 2011.

Om Prakash Munjal's legacy continues through Hero Cycles and the broader Hero Group, which remain influential entities in India's industrial and corporate sectors.

 

26 August - T.V. Kalyanasundaram birth anniversary

 

Thiruvarur Viruttachala Kalyanasundaram, born on 26 August 1883 ,better known by his Tamil initials Thiru. Vi. Ka, was a Tamil scholar, essayist and activist. The analytical depth of his commentaries on classical Tamil literature and philosophy, and the clear, fluid style of his prose. His works, along with those of V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, Maraimalai Adigal, and Arumuga Navalar, are considered to have defined the style of modern Tamil prose