25 February - People Power Day Philippines

 

February 25th is historically significant in the Philippines as the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

The EDSA People Power Revolution took place in 1986 when millions of Filipinos, through non-violent protests, gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Manila to demand the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos. The movement ultimately led to the end of the Marcos regime and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.

The anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution is commemorated on February 25th as a public holiday in the Philippines, known as "EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary" or simply "People Power Revolution Day." It is a day to reflect on the power of collective action and its role in shaping the nation's history.

25 February - Sardar Vedaratnam Pillai was born in 1897

 

Sardar Vedaratnam Pillai (25 February 1897 – 24 August 1961) was an Indian freedom-fighter, a leader of the Indian National Congress and a famous philanthropist who served as an MLA for three terms over a period of 14 years. He is known for his heroic contributions in the salt march of Vedaranyam in 1930, alongside C. Rajagopalachari.

Following the influence of Gandhiji, Vedaratnam opted to boycott foreign cloth (Swadehsi) and strictly make and wear pure cotton clothing, and encouraged those around him to do the same. He was also passionate about the Freedom Struggle, in which spent much time protesting and even getting arrested for doing so.

In the year 1931, Vedaratnam was conferred with the title of ‘Sardar’ at the meeting of the Tamil Nadu Agriculturists and labourers at Tirunelveli, for his exploits in the Vedaranyam Salt March.

He was multi-lingual and patronized many native arts. In 1946, he founded the Kasturba Gandhi Kanya Gurukulam which is a rural, charitable women's welfare organization situated in Vedaranyam. This orphanage, since then, has continued its services of feeding, sheltering and educating many helpless girl children.

25 February - Samuel Colt invent the Colt Revolver in 1836

 

Samuel Colt invent the Colt Revolver. Colt was an American inventor and industrialist who is best known for his contributions to the development of firearms. He patented his first commercially successful revolving cylinder firearm, the Colt Paterson, in 25 February 1836.

The Colt Paterson was a revolutionary design at the time, featuring a revolving cylinder that held multiple rounds, allowing the shooter to fire several shots without reloading. This innovation was a significant advancement in firearms technology, and it played a crucial role in the evolution of handguns.

Samuel Colt's contributions to the firearms industry had a lasting impact, and his designs laid the foundation for the development of modern revolvers. The Colt Revolver became widely popular and was used in various historical events, including the American Civil War. Colt's legacy in the field of firearms continues to be recognized, and the Colt name is associated with iconic handguns in the history of weaponry.

 

25 February - Revolution Day in Suriname

 

Revolution Day in Suriname, also known as "Dag van de Revolutie," is observed on February 25th each year. This day commemorates the events of February 25, 1980, when a military coup took place in Suriname, leading to significant political changes in the country.

On February 25, 1980, a group of military officers, led by Sergeant-Major Desi Bouterse, overthrew the civilian government of Prime Minister Henck Arron. This event marked the beginning of a period of military rule in Suriname that lasted for several years. The coup had profound consequences for the political landscape of the country.

Revolution Day is a public holiday in Suriname, and it is marked with various events, including official ceremonies, parades, and reflections on the historical significance of the coup. While some see it as a day to celebrate the revolution, others view it as a day that marks a turning point in the nation's history with both positive and negative aspects.

 

25 February - Kuwait National Day

 

Kuwait National Day is celebrated on February 25th each year. It commemorates the day when Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah ascended to the throne in 1950. This event marks the country's independence from British protection. Kuwait gained full sovereignty on June 19, 1961, and February 25th was subsequently declared a national holiday to honor the achievements and progress of the nation.

On Kuwait National Day, the country celebrates with various events, including parades, fireworks, cultural performances, and patriotic displays. It is a time for Kuwaitis to come together and express their national pride and unity. The celebrations often include traditional music, dance, and the display of the national flag. The day is an opportunity for citizens to reflect on their history, culture, and the achievements of their nation.

 

25 February - Ravishankar Vyas born in 1884

 

Ravishankar Vyas was born on 25 February 1884,he was better known as Ravishankar Maharaj, was an Indian independence activist, social worker and Gandhian from Gujarat.The Government of India released postal stamp in his honour in 1984. Ravishankar Maharaj Award for social work, worth ₹1 Lakh, is instituted by Department of Social Justice, Government of Gujarat in his honour.

25 February - Don Bradman death anniversary

 

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"

25 February - SANSKRIT COLLEGE, CALCUTTA postage stamp issued in 1999

 

A 1999 stamp dedicated to the 175th anniversary of the Sanskrit College.

Sanskrit College, Kolkata (Calcutta), is an esteemed educational institution dedicated to the study and promotion of Sanskrit language, literature, and traditional Indian knowledge systems. It is one of the oldest colleges in India, with a history dating back to the 18th century.

The college was established in 1824 by the British colonial administration to foster the study of Sanskrit, which was considered to be a significant ancient language of India and a repository of knowledge in various fields like philosophy, literature, and sciences.

Initially known as the Sanskrit College and later renamed as "Sanskrit College and University," the institution played a crucial role in preserving and propagating Sanskrit as an essential part of Indian heritage and culture.

Sanskrit College, Kolkata, offers a wide range of courses in Sanskrit language and literature, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. The college attracts students from India and abroad who are interested in exploring the ancient wisdom and linguistic nuances of Sanskrit.

The college's campus includes well-equipped libraries, research centers, and facilities for the study of classical Sanskrit texts, ancient scriptures, and other related subjects.

Apart from Sanskrit, the college also offers courses in modern Indian languages and literature, making it a center of multi-lingual studies that reflect India's linguistic diversity.

Over the years, Sanskrit College has produced numerous scholars, researchers, and experts in Sanskrit and Indian culture, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of India's rich cultural and literary heritage.

The institution continues to hold a significant place in the field of Sanskrit studies in India, upholding its commitment to academic excellence and the perpetuation of ancient knowledge systems.

24 February - Dakshin Gangotri Post Office established in 1984

 

Dakshin Gangotri Post Office was established on February 24, 1984. Dakshin Gangotri was India's first scientific base station in Antarctica, and the post office was set up to facilitate communication and postal services for the researchers and personnel stationed there. This post office played a role in maintaining contact with the rest of the world and handling mail for the individuals involved in scientific expeditions and activities in Antarctica.

24 February - Rukmini Devi Arundale born

 

Rukmini Devi Arundale (née Shastri; 29 February 1904 – 24 February 1986)was an Indian theosophist, dancer and choreographer of the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, and an activist for animal welfare.

She was the first woman in Indian history to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. The most important revivalist of Bharatanatyam from its original 'sadhir' style prevalent amongst the temple dancers, the Devadasis, she also worked for the re-establishment of traditional Indian arts and crafts.

She espoused the cause of Bharata Natyam which was considered a vulgar art. She 'sanitised' and removed the inherent eroticism of Sadhir to make it palatable to Indian upper-caste elites and the British morality of the era.

Rukmini Devi features in India Today's list of '100 People Who Shaped India'.She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967.