01 February - Kalpana Chawla died in 2003

On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Among the seven astronauts who lost their lives in the tragedy was Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-American astronaut. Kalpana Chawla had previously been on the Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-107, which aimed to conduct various scientific experiments.

Born on July 1, 1961, in Karnal, Haryana, India, Kalpana Chawla became the first woman of Indian origin in space. She first flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. The loss of the Columbia and its crew was a significant and tragic event in the history of space exploration.

.Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor,and several streets, universities, and institutions have been named in her honor.She is regarded as a role model in India.

01 February - St. Stephen's College was established

 

St. Stephen's College is a prestigious undergraduate college located in Delhi, India. Established in 01 February 1881, it is one of the oldest and most renowned colleges affiliated with the University of Delhi.

St. Stephen's College was founded by the Cambridge Mission to Delhi, a religious organization associated with the Anglican Church. The college follows the traditions of the Church of North India (CNI) and has a Christian identity. However, it admits students from diverse backgrounds and is known for its inclusive environment.

The college offers undergraduate programs in various disciplines, including arts, science, and commerce. It is known for its rigorous academic standards, distinguished faculty members, and a strong emphasis on holistic development.

St. Stephen's College has a beautiful campus with well-maintained buildings, libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and student residences. It provides a vibrant atmosphere for students to engage in academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, and personal growth.

The college has a highly competitive admission process, with admissions based on merit and performance in entrance examinations. St. Stephen's College has a rich history of producing accomplished alumni who have excelled in various fields, including academics, politics, arts, literature, and sports.

Apart from academic excellence, St. Stephen's College is known for its cultural and extracurricular activities. The college organizes various events, festivals, and societies where students can explore their talents and interests, fostering a vibrant and dynamic campus life.

St. Stephen's College holds a prominent position among the top educational institutions in India and is widely recognized for its academic reputation, rich heritage, and commitment to holistic education.

 

01 February - Peacock declared the national bird of India in 1963

 

The Indian Peafowl, commonly known as the Peacock (scientific name: Pavo cristatus), was declared the national bird of India on 01 February 1963. The announcement was made by the Indian government to recognize the symbolic and cultural importance of the Peacock in Indian traditions and to highlight its vibrant beauty.

The Peacock is admired for its colorful plumage and has cultural and religious significance in Indian mythology. It is associated with various deities and is often considered a symbol of grace and beauty.

 

01 February - International Face and Body Art Day

 

Every year, on 1st February , the world celebrates International Face and Body Art Day. This brings people from all around the world to enjoy art that is both beautiful and unique.

What is Face and Body Art?
Face and Body Art is a form of art that is created on the human body. It can be in the form of painting, drawing,  or any other type of artwork that is done on the body. where the artist uses their own body as a medium to create artwork.

Body art has been practiced by cultures all over the world for centuries. It is believed to have started with early man painting to tell stories, and communicate with their gods.

#StampToday
#InternationalFaceandBodyArtDay.

01 February - Saint Brigid's Day / Imbolc

 

Saint Brigid's Day, also known as Brigid's Day or Imbolc, is celebrated on 01 February  every year, marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This day holds cultural and religious significance in different traditions, particularly in Celtic and Gaelic cultures.

1. Celtic and Gaelic Traditions:

   • Imbolc: In Celtic and Gaelic traditions, Imbolc is one of the four seasonal festivals, and it represents the early signs of spring. It is associated with the lactation of ewes, the first signs of new life, and the goddess Brigid (or Saint Brigid).

2. Christian Tradition:

   • Saint Brigid's Day: In the Christian calendar, February 1st is also celebrated as the feast day of Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland's patron saints. Saint Brigid is said to have been an early Irish Christian nun, abbess, and founder of several monastic communities.

3. Cross-Making Tradition:

   • Brigid's Cross: One popular tradition associated with Saint Brigid's Day is the making of Brigid's Cross. This cross is typically woven from rushes or straw and is considered a symbol of protection. It's often hung in homes to ward off evil and bring blessings for the coming year.

4. Seasonal Transition:

   • Midway Point: Imbolc marks the midpoint between the darkness of winter and the promise of spring. It's a time to celebrate the increasing daylight, the early signs of growth in nature, and the anticipation of warmer days.

5. Modern Celebrations:

   • Cultural and Community Events: In modern times, people may celebrate Saint Brigid's Day with cultural events, festivals, and gatherings. Some may participate in traditional activities, like making Brigid's Crosses or lighting candles to symbolize the returning light.

The celebration varies across regions and religious beliefs, but the themes generally revolve around the awakening of the earth and the hope for the coming spring.

 

01 February - National Freedom Day United States

 

National Freedom Day is observed annually on 01 February in the United States. This day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. National Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all citizens.

The 13th Amendment was passed by Congress on 31 January 1865, and ratified on 06 December 1865. It marked a significant milestone in the nation's history by officially abolishing slavery, recognizing that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

National Freedom Day was established to honor the contributions of Abraham Lincoln, who signed the resolution proposing the 13th Amendment, and to celebrate the principles of freedom and equality that are fundamental to the United States. It is a day to reflect on the progress made in the pursuit of civil rights and to promote unity and understanding among all Americans.

01 February - Boris Yeltsin birth anniversary

 

Boris Yeltsin was a prominent Russian politician who played a crucial role in the transformation of Russia during a period of significant political and economic changes. Here are some key points about Boris Yeltsin:

1. Birth: Boris Yeltsin was born on 01 February 1931, in Butka, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Soviet Union.

2. Political Career: Yeltsin began his political career in the Soviet Union and gained prominence as the First Secretary of the Moscow Communist Party. He later became the Mayor of Moscow in 1985.

3. Reformist: Yeltsin was known for his reformist stance and his criticism of the slow pace of reforms under the Soviet system. He played a pivotal role during the attempted coup against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1991.

4. Russian Federation President: After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Yeltsin became the first President of the Russian Federation in 1991. His presidency witnessed significant economic challenges, political turmoil, and the implementation of market-oriented reforms.

5. 1993 Constitutional Crisis: Yeltsin faced a constitutional crisis in 1993 when he dissolved the Russian parliament, leading to clashes between the executive and legislative branches. The crisis resulted in the shelling of the Russian White House (parliament building).

6. Chechen Wars: Yeltsin's presidency saw the outbreak of the First and Second Chechen Wars, which were marked by conflict and human rights abuses.

7. Resignation: Yeltsin's health deteriorated during his second term, and amid growing political and economic challenges, he resigned on December 31, 1999, handing over the presidency to Vladimir Putin.

8. Legacy: Yeltsin's legacy is complex, as he is credited with steering Russia through a tumultuous period of transition but also criticized for the economic hardships and political instability that occurred during his presidency.

Boris Yeltsin passed away on 23 April 2007, in Moscow, Russia.

01 February - The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003

 

The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster occurred on 01 February 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entering Earth's atmosphere. The tragedy resulted in the loss of all seven crew members on board. The shuttle had completed its mission, STS-107, and was returning to Earth when it experienced a catastrophic failure.

During the launch, a piece of foam insulation had struck the left wing of the shuttle, damaging the thermal protection system. However, the severity of the damage wasn't fully recognized during the mission. As Columbia re-entered the atmosphere, hot gases penetrated the damaged wing, leading to the destruction of the spacecraft.

The crew members who lost their lives in the Columbia disaster were:

1. Rick D. Husband (Commander)
2. William C. McCool (Pilot)
3. Michael P. Anderson (Payload Commander)
4. Kalpana Chawla (Mission Specialist)
5. David M. Brown (Mission Specialist)
6. Laurel B. Clark (Mission Specialist)
7. Ilan Ramon (Payload Specialist, the first Israeli astronaut)

The tragedy had a profound impact on NASA and led to a reevaluation of safety protocols and procedures for future space shuttle missions.

 

01 February - United States Supreme Court held its first session in 1970

 

The United States Supreme Court was established by Article III of the United States Constitution, and it held its first session on 01 February 1790, in New York City. The court, as established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, consisted of six justices, including Chief Justice John Jay.

The Supreme Court's role is to act as the highest judicial authority in the United States, with the power of judicial review to interpret the Constitution and federal laws. Over the years, the number of justices has changed, and the Supreme Court has played a crucial role in shaping American law through its landmark decisions. The first Chief Justice, John Jay, served from 1789 to 1795, and the court's decisions and influence have grown significantly since its inception.

01 February - Edward III became King of England in 1327

 

Edward III became the King of England on  01 February 1327. He succeeded his father, Edward II, and his reign lasted for 50 years until his death in 1377. Edward III played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War with France and was known for his military achievements, including the victories at the battles of Crécy and Poitiers.

During his reign, Edward III also instituted important legal and administrative reforms, and his reign is often considered a period of relative stability and prosperity in England. Edward III was the father of several notable historical figures, including Edward, the Black Prince, and John of Gaunt, whose descendants would play important roles in later English history.