28 April - Bajirao I death anniversary

 

Bajirao I, passed away on 28 April 1740, was the 7th Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy. During his 20-year tenure as a Peshwa, he defeated Nizam-ul-Mulk at several battles like the Battle of Palkhed and Battle of Bhopal. Bajirao contributed to Maratha supremacy in southern India and northern India. Thus, he was responsible for establishing Maratha power in Gujarat, Malwa, Rajputana and Bundelkhand and liberating Konkan (in the western coast of India) from the Siddis of Janjira and Portuguese rule.

28 April - National Superhero Day

 

National Superhero Day in the United States is celebrated on April 28th each year. This day honors superheroes, both fictional and real-life, and recognizes their positive impact on society.

National Superhero Day is an opportunity for fans of comic books, movies, and television shows to celebrate their favorite superheroes and the values they represent, such as courage, justice, and compassion. It's also a time to acknowledge and appreciate the everyday heroes in our lives, including first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, and community leaders, who go above and beyond to make a difference in the world.

On National Superhero Day, people may dress up as their favorite superheroes, attend superhero-themed events and parties, watch superhero movies or TV shows, and participate in activities that promote acts of kindness and heroism in their communities.

In addition to celebrating fictional superheroes, National Superhero Day is also an opportunity to recognize and support charitable organizations and initiatives that empower real-life heroes and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Overall, National Superhero Day is a fun and uplifting occasion that encourages people to embrace their inner hero and inspire positive change in the world around them.

 

28 April - António de Oliveira Salazar birth anniversary

 

António de Oliveira Salazar was a significant figure in Portuguese history, born on April 28, 1889. He served as the Prime Minister of Portugal for an extended period, from 1932 to 1968. Salazar's tenure was marked by his authoritarian leadership and the establishment of the Estado Novo regime, a corporatist and conservative dictatorship.

Salazar's political ideology was deeply influenced by his conservative Catholic beliefs and his economic theories, which emphasized frugality, stability, and state control. Under his leadership, Portugal experienced a period of relative stability, but also endured political repression, censorship, and economic stagnation.

Salazar's regime maintained a strict grip on power through censorship, secret police, and control over political opposition. Despite this, he managed to maintain Portugal's neutrality during World War II, albeit with sympathies towards authoritarian regimes such as Franco's Spain.

Economically, Salazar pursued policies aimed at reducing Portugal's reliance on foreign imports through protectionism and state intervention. However, his policies also led to economic underdevelopment and widespread poverty in Portugal, particularly in rural areas and the colonies.

Salazar's rule came to an end in 1968 when he suffered a stroke, leading to his replacement by Marcelo Caetano. Salazar's legacy remains complex and controversial in Portugal, with some admiring his leadership and stability, while others condemn his authoritarian methods and support for colonialism.

28 April - General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa was honoured with the rank of Field Marshal.

 

On April 28, 1986, in the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa was invested with the rank of Field Marshal. This historic event marked a significant honor for General Cariappa, making him the first Indian Army officer to attain the prestigious rank of Field Marshal.

General Cariappa's military career was illustrious, spanning several decades. He served as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army after India gained independence in 1947. Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and dedication to the defense of India.

The conferment of the rank of Field Marshal on General Cariappa was a testament to his outstanding contributions to the Indian armed forces and his role in shaping the modern Indian Army. It was a moment of great pride for the nation and a fitting recognition of his lifetime of service and achievements.

 

28 April - James Monroe birth anniversary

 

James Monroe, born on 28 April 1758, was an American statesman, lawyer, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fifth president of the United States from 1817 to 1825. A member of the Democratic-Republican Party, Monroe was the last president of the Virginia dynasty, and his presidency coincided with the Era of Good Feelings. He is perhaps best known for issuing the Monroe Doctrine, a policy of opposing European colonialism in the Americas. He also served as the governor of Virginia, a member of the United States Senate, the U.S. ambassador to France and Britain, the seventh Secretary of State, and the eighth Secretary of War.

27 April - Ulysses S. Grant birth anniversary

 

Ulysses S. Grant, born on 27 April 1823, was an American soldier, politician, and international statesman, who served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. During the American Civil War Grant led the Union Army as its commanding general to victory over the Confederacy with the supervision of President Abraham Lincoln. During the Reconstruction Era, President Grant led the Republicans in their efforts to remove the vestiges of Confederate nationalism, racism, and slavery.

27 April - Telegraph service was opened to the public

 

On 27 April 1854, the telegraph service was opened to the public and the first telegram was sent from Mumbai to Pune.

Popularly known as ‘Taar’, the telegram service in India was seen as the harbinger of change. For 160 years, the service was both anticipated and feared; bringing good and bad, but urgent news to Indians.

Telegraph services in India date back to 1850. The first telegraph line, though only experimental was established between Calcutta and Diamond Harbour.

The British East India Company started using the telegraph in 1851 and till 1854 telegraph lines were laid across the country.

In 1854, the telegraph service was opened to the public and the first telegram was sent from Mumbai to Pune on 27 April 1854.

Telegraph service thrived in India even after Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone in 1876.

Since 1850 till 1902, the telegrams were sent through cable lines, but in 1902, the Indian system went wireless.

Telegraph service was one of the major reasons why British could quell the 1857 revolt. The telegraph service allowed British to mobilise their troops swiftly which undid the plans of the rebellions

27 April - Ruth Handler death anniversary

 

Ruth Handler was born on 04 November 1916, and she passed away on 27 April 2002. She was an American businesswoman, best known as the creator of the Barbie doll. She co-founded Mattel, Inc. with her husband, Elliot Handler, in 1945. Barbie was introduced to the world in 1959, and it quickly became one of the most iconic toys globally, revolutionizing the toy industry. Handler noticed that her daughter, Barbara, often played with paper dolls that represented adult women, and she saw the potential for a three-dimensional adult-bodied doll. Barbie's success made Ruth Handler one of the most influential figures in the toy industry.

27 April - Flag Day (Moldova)

 

Flag Day in Moldova, known as "Ziua Drapelului" in Romanian, is celebrated on April 27th each year. This day commemorates the national flag of Moldova and its significance as a symbol of the country's identity, unity, and sovereignty.

The flag of Moldova consists of three horizontal stripes of blue, yellow, and red, with the blue stripe on top representing the sky, the yellow stripe symbolizing the country's fertile soil, and the red stripe representing the blood shed by Moldovan martyrs for independence and freedom.

On Flag Day, various events and ceremonies are held across Moldova to honor the national flag. These may include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, exhibitions, and educational activities about the history and symbolism of the flag.

Flag Day is an opportunity for Moldovans to express their patriotism and pride in their national identity. It serves to reinforce the importance of the flag as a unifying symbol that represents the values and aspirations of the Moldovan people.

 

27 April - National Veterans' Day (Finland)

 

National Veterans' Day in Finland, also known as "Veteraanien Päivä" in Finnish, is observed on April 27th every year. This day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the veterans of the Finnish Defense Forces and paying tribute to their service and sacrifices.

National Veterans' Day holds particular significance in Finland due to the country's history of military conflicts and the contributions of its veterans in defending the nation's independence and sovereignty. The day is marked by various commemorative events, ceremonies, and gatherings across the country, where veterans are recognized and honored for their bravery, dedication, and resilience.

Finnish veterans include those who served in wars such as the Winter War (1939-1940), the Continuation War (1941-1944), and the Lapland War (1944-1945), as well as in peacekeeping missions and operations around the world.

National Veterans' Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of past sacrifices and ensuring that the contributions of veterans are never forgotten. It is also an opportunity for the Finnish people to express their gratitude and respect for those who have served their country.