17 February - First unofficial airmail flight flown in 1911

 

Although airborne mail transport had occurred during the nineteenth century, the first official airmail flown by airplane took place in India in 1911.

During the 1800s, balloons and gliders carried the first flown mail. The first official U.S. airmail delivery took place on August 17, 1859. On that day, veteran balloonist John Wise (1808-1879) carried 123 letters and twenty-three circulars from Lafayette to Crawfordsville, Indiana, a distance of thirty miles, in his balloon Jupiter.

On 17 February  1911, French pilot Henri Pequet (1888-1974) carried the first official mail flown by airplane. The flight occurred in India. Pequet carried a sack with about 6,000 cards and letters on his Humber biplane. The plane flew a distance of five miles, from an Allahabad polo field, over the Yamuna River, to Naini. All mail received a special cancel depicting an airplane, mountains, and “First Aerial Post, 1911, U. P. Exhibition Allahabad.”

Pequet was in India flying demonstration flights for the United Provinces Exhibition in Allahabad. Walter Windham (1868-1942), a British aviation pioneer, organized the aerial demonstrations. The event marked the first time airplanes flew in India. An appeal from Rev. W.E.S. Holland, a chaplain of the Holy Trinity Church, Allahabad, spurred the event. He had appealed to Windham for help in fundraising for a new youth hostel. Windham conceived the aerial post and obtained approval from the post office for officially sanctioned mail. Postal officials asked Windham to design the cancel. Most mail has a magenta cancellation, but a few examples exist with black ink. The regular postage rate required an additional surcharge as a donation for the Church Hostel Building.

17 February - The Sinhagad Fort was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the Mughals in 1670

 

Sinhagad Fort, located near Pune in Maharashtra, India, was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from the Mughals. The exact date of this event is commonly recorded as 17 February 1670. On that day, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj successfully recaptured the fort from the Mughal commander Aurangzeb's general, Udaybhan Rathod.

The name "Sinhagad" translates to "Lion's Fort" in Marathi, and the fort has historical significance for being a site of various battles and strategic importance during the Maratha-Mughal conflicts. The successful recapture of Sinhagad Fort by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is remembered as a significant event in Maratha history.

 

17 February - Shmuel Yosef Agnon death anniversary

 

Shmuel Yosef Agnon, born as Shmuel Yosef Czaczkes (17 July 1888 – 17 February 1970), was a Nobel Prize-winning Israeli writer and one of the most prominent figures in modern Hebrew literature. Here are some key points about Shmuel Yosef Agnon:

1. Early Life: Agnon was born in Buczacz, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Ukraine). He received a traditional Jewish education and began writing at an early age.

2. Move to Palestine: In 1907, Agnon immigrated to Palestine (then part of the Ottoman Empire) and settled in Jaffa. Later, he moved to Jerusalem. His experiences in the Land of Israel greatly influenced his writing.

3. Literary Career: Agnon's literary career spanned several decades, and he wrote novels, short stories, and essays. His works often explored Jewish life, folklore, and the complexities of modernity.

4. Nobel Prize in Literature: In 1966, Agnon was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, sharing it with Nelly Sachs. The Nobel Committee cited his "profoundly characteristic narrative art with motifs from the life of the Jewish people."

5. Major Works: Some of Agnon's major works include "The Bridal Canopy" ("HaChupah"), "A Simple Story" ("Sipur Pashut"), and "Only Yesterday" ("Tmol Shilshom"). His writings often blend traditional Jewish storytelling with modernist literary techniques.

6. Language: Agnon wrote primarily in Hebrew but was also familiar with Yiddish and used elements of both languages in his works. His writing style is known for its richness and complexity.

7. Legacy: Shmuel Yosef Agnon is regarded as one of the most important figures in Hebrew literature. His works continue to be studied and translated into various languages. His literary contributions reflect a deep connection to Jewish tradition and a profound understanding of the challenges of the modern world.

Shmuel Yosef Agnon passed away on 17 February 1970, in Jerusalem, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Israeli and world literature.

17 February - Revolution Day Libya

 

Libya observes its Revolution Day on February 17th each year. This date commemorates the start of the Libyan Civil War and the protests against the government of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The uprising eventually led to Gaddafi's overthrow and marked a significant turning point in Libyan history.

On February 17, 2011, anti-Gaddafi demonstrations began, leading to a series of events that unfolded over the following months. The civil unrest ultimately resulted in the downfall of Gaddafi's regime and marked the beginning of a new chapter in Libya's political landscape.

Libya observes February 17th as a national holiday to commemorate the events of the revolution, and the day is often marked by various ceremonies, events, and activities to reflect on the country's journey toward political change. Please note that developments in the country may have occurred since my last update, and it's advisable to check more recent sources for the latest information on this topic.

17 February - Kailash Nath Katju death anniversary

 

Kailash Nath Katju (1887–1968) was an Indian politician and statesman who played a significant role in the political and constitutional development of India. Here are some key points about Kailash Nath Katju:

1. Early Life: Kailash Nath Katju was born on 17 June 1887, in Jaora, in the present-day state of Madhya Pradesh, India.

2. Legal Career: Katju started his career as a lawyer and became a prominent legal practitioner. He was known for his advocacy skills and eventually entered politics.

3. Political Career: Kailash Nath Katju was associated with the Indian National Congress and played an active role in the Indian independence movement. He served as the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh from 1952 to 1957.

4. Contribution to the Constitution: Katju was a key figure in the framing of the Indian Constitution. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly and later served as the Union Law Minister in the Nehru Cabinet.

5. Governor-General of India: Kailash Nath Katju served as the Governor-General of India from 1954 to 1957. His tenure saw important developments in Indian politics and the consolidation of the Republic of India.

6. Ambassador to the Soviet Union: After serving as the Governor-General, Katju was appointed as the Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union (now Russia) from 1958 to 1960.

7. Recognition and Awards: Kailash Nath Katju received several honors for his contributions to public life, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, which he received posthumously in 1976.

8. Death: Kailash Nath Katju passed away on 17 February 1968, in New Delhi, India.

Kailash Nath Katju was a key figure in the formative years of independent India, contributing both to the legal and political spheres. His role in the framing of the Constitution and subsequent diplomatic assignments underscore his importance in India's early post-independence history.

17 February - Kosovo declared independence from Serbia.

 

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. The declaration of independence came after a period of international administration and conflict. Kosovo had been under United Nations administration since 1999, following the Kosovo War and the NATO intervention.

On 17 February 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo adopted a declaration of independence, asserting that Kosovo was an independent and sovereign state. This move was supported by several Western countries, including the United States and many European nations. However, Serbia and some other countries, including Russia and China, did not recognize Kosovo's independence, leading to ongoing diplomatic and political tensions.

 

17 February - Jibanananda Das birth anniversary

 

Jibanananda Das (1899–1954) was a prominent Bengali poet, writer, and essayist from India. He is considered one of the preeminent poets in the Bengali language, known for his modernist and deeply introspective poetry. Here are some key points about Jibanananda Das:

1. Early Life: Jibanananda Das was born on February 17, 1899, in Barisal, which is now part of Bangladesh. He studied in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and graduated with honors in English literature from Presidency College.

2. Literary Career: Das's literary career gained recognition in the mid-20th century. His poetry is characterized by its modernist style, vivid imagery, and a profound sense of melancholy and existentialism.

3. Notable Works: Some of Jibanananda Das's notable works include collections of poems like "Banalata Sen," "Jhara Palok," and "Rupasi Bangla." His poetry often explores themes of nature, love, time, and the human experience.

4. Controversy and Criticism: Despite his significant contributions to Bengali literature, Jibanananda Das faced criticism during his lifetime, and his work did not receive widespread appreciation. However, he has gained posthumous recognition, and his poetry is now highly regarded.

5. Tragic Death: Jibanananda Das led a tumultuous life and faced personal and professional challenges. He died in a tram accident on 22 October 1954, in Kolkata. His untimely death added to the sense of tragedy surrounding his life and work.

6. Legacy: Jibanananda Das's poetry has gained recognition and popularity over the years, and he is now considered one of the most important figures in Bengali literature. His influence on modern Bengali poetry is profound, and his work continues to be studied and appreciated.

Jibanananda Das's poetry reflects a deep engagement with the human psyche and the complexities of existence, making him a significant figure in the literary landscape of Bengal.

17 February - Taj Mahotsav celebrated from 17th to 27th February

 

 

 

 

Taj Mahotsav, one of the most eagerly awaited festivals, is celebrated from 17th to 27th February at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of "Taj Mahal".

This 9 days long carnival is actually a vibrant platform that gives you information of India where you can find India rich arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance and music. Taj Mahal is the most beautiful historical place of India which tells about incredible India. Taj Mahotsav is organized by Taj Mahotsav Committee presented by Commissioner, Agra Devision Agra. 

17 February - Otto Stern birth anniversary

 

Otto Stern (1888–1969) was a German physicist who made significant contributions to the fields of experimental physics and quantum mechanics. Here are some key points about Otto Stern:

1. Early Life and Education: Otto Stern was born on February 17, 1888, in Sohrau, Germany (now Zory, Poland). He studied at the University of Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland) and later earned his Ph.D. at the University of Freiburg.

2. Experimental Physics: Stern became known for his work in experimental physics. He collaborated with Walther Gerlach on the Stern-Gerlach experiment, which provided experimental evidence for quantized angular momentum and demonstrated the quantization of space.

3. Stern-Gerlach Experiment: The Stern-Gerlach experiment, conducted in 1922, involved passing silver atoms through an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The results demonstrated that the angular momentum of electrons is quantized and can only take certain discrete values.

4. Quantum Mechanics: The Stern-Gerlach experiment was one of the early experiments that played a crucial role in the development of quantum mechanics. It provided experimental confirmation of the quantization of angular momentum, a key concept in quantum theory.

5. Later Career: Stern held various academic positions in Germany, including professorships in Hamburg and Leipzig. However, due to the rise of the Nazi regime, he faced persecution as a Jew, and in 1933 he emigrated to the United States.

6. United States: In the United States, Stern continued his research at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C., and later became a professor at the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in Pittsburgh.

7. Nobel Prize: In 1943, Otto Stern was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, jointly with his collaborator Walther Gerlach. The Nobel Committee cited their precision optical instruments and the spectroscopic and metrical methods they used.

8. Death: Otto Stern passed away on August 17, 1969, in Berkeley, California, USA.

Otto Stern's work in experimental physics, particularly the Stern-Gerlach experiment, significantly contributed to the development of quantum mechanics and our understanding of the fundamental nature of matter.

17 February - World Pangolin Day

 

World Pangolin Day is indeed observed on the third Saturday of February each year, and therefore, it can fall on February 17 or around that date. Pangolins are unique mammals known for their protective keratin scales, and they are often referred to as "scaly anteaters." Unfortunately, pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world, facing threats such as poaching and habitat loss.

World Pangolin Day aims to raise awareness about these endangered animals and promote efforts for their conservation. The day is marked by various events, educational programs, and initiatives to highlight the importance of protecting pangolins and their habitats. Conservation organizations, wildlife enthusiasts, and concerned individuals around the world participate in activities to contribute to the well-being of pangolins and advocate for their conservation.