18 July - Kadambini Ganguly birth anniversary

 

Kadambini Ganguly (née Basu) was a pioneering figure in Indian history, known for her significant contributions to medicine and women's rights.

Early Life and Education:

• Birth: Kadambini was born on July 18, 1861, in Bhagalpur, Bihar, British India.
• Family Background: She was born into an enlightened and progressive Brahmo family. Her father, Brajakishore Basu, was a Brahmo reformer who supported women's education.
• Education: Kadambini was among the first female graduates of the University of Calcutta in 1883, along with Chandramukhi Basu. She continued her studies in medicine and became one of the first female physicians trained in Western medicine in South Asia.

Medical Career:

• College of Medicine: After her initial education, Kadambini enrolled in the Calcutta Medical College and graduated with a degree in medicine in 1886, becoming the first Indian woman to do so.
• Further Studies: She pursued further studies in the United Kingdom, earning additional qualifications like the LRCP (Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians), LRCS (Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons), and GFPS (Graduate of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons) from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dublin, respectively.
• Practice: Upon her return to India, she worked at the Lady Dufferin Hospital in Calcutta, which was established to provide medical care to women by women doctors.

Social and Political Activism:

• Women's Rights: Kadambini was a prominent advocate for women's rights and worked tirelessly to improve the status of women in society. She was involved in various social and political activities aimed at women's empowerment.
• Indian National Congress: She actively participated in the Indian National Congress sessions and was one of the first women to speak at its sessions, advocating for women's issues.
• Social Reforms: She was involved in several social reform movements and worked alongside her husband, Dwarkanath Ganguly, a prominent Brahmo Samaj leader and social reformer.

Legacy:

• Pioneering Role: Kadambini Ganguly's achievements in medicine and her contributions to the women's rights movement paved the way for future generations of Indian women.
• Recognition: She is remembered as a trailblazer who broke societal barriers and became a symbol of women's empowerment in India.
• Death: Kadambini Ganguly passed away on October 3, 1923, but her legacy continues to inspire many.

Kadambini Ganguly's life and work highlight her extraordinary determination and commitment to advancing women's roles in both professional and social spheres in India.

18 July - World Listening Day

 

World Listening Day, celebrated annually on July 18, honors the birthday of Raymond Murray Schafer, a Canadian composer and environmentalist who pioneered the field of acoustic ecology. The day encourages people to explore the sounds of their environment and improve their listening skills. Each year, World Listening Day features a specific theme, and for 2024, the theme is "Listening to the Weave of Time," announced by the Chilean sound art collective AOIR​

Initiated in 2010 by the World Listening Project, this day aims to promote greater awareness and appreciation of the acoustic environment. It encourages individuals and communities to engage in mindful listening, fostering a deeper connection with their surroundings. The event often includes activities such as soundwalks, listening sessions, and workshops, designed to enhance our understanding of the natural and human-made sounds that shape our world. By focusing on the art and science of listening, World Listening Day seeks to highlight the importance of soundscapes in our lives, advocating for the preservation of quiet places and the reduction of noise pollution. This celebration not only enhances our auditory awareness but also encourages us to consider the impact of sound on our well-being and the environment.

18 July - Uruguay separated from Brazil 1825

 

On 18 July 1825, Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil. This event marked a significant moment in the history of Uruguay and its struggle for sovereignty.

Historical Context:

• Colonial Background: Uruguay, known as the Banda Oriental (Eastern Bank) during colonial times, was a contested territory between Spain and Portugal.
• Portuguese and Brazilian Rule: By the early 19th century, the region was under Portuguese control, and in 1821 it was annexed by Brazil, which had recently gained independence from Portugal and declared itself the Empire of Brazil.

Path to Independence:

• The Declaration of Independence: On 25 August 1825, a group of Uruguayan patriots, led by Juan Antonio Lavalleja and known as the "Treinta y Tres Orientales" (Thirty-Three Orientals), declared the independence of the Banda Oriental from Brazil. This declaration was formally issued by the provisional government at the Florida Congress on July 18, 1825.
• Cisplatine War: This declaration led to the Cisplatine War between the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata (present-day Argentina) and the Empire of Brazil, as both sides supported the Uruguayan struggle for independence.

Outcome:

• Treaty of Montevideo: The conflict continued until 1828, when the Treaty of Montevideo, brokered by British diplomacy, recognized Uruguay as an independent state. This treaty was signed on 27 August 1828, establishing Uruguay as a buffer state between Argentina and Brazil.
• Official Independence: Uruguay's independence was officially recognized on 28 August 1828.

Significance:

• National Identity: The successful fight for independence helped to forge a strong national identity for Uruguayans and laid the foundation for the modern state of Uruguay.
• Regional Stability: The creation of an independent Uruguay helped to stabilize the region by preventing further territorial disputes between Argentina and Brazil over the Banda Oriental.

Uruguay's declaration of independence on 18 July 1825, remains a pivotal moment in its national history, celebrated annually as a testament to the country's enduring spirit of freedom and self-determination.

18 July - Richard Branson birthday

 

Richard Branson is a British entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist best known as the founder of the Virgin Group, a conglomerate of more than 400 companies.

Early Life and Education:

• Birth: Richard Charles Nicholas Branson was born on 18 July 1950, in Blackheath, London, England.
• Education: He struggled with dyslexia and had poor academic performance. Branson dropped out of school at the age of 16 and started his first business venture, a magazine called "Student."

Business Ventures:

• Virgin Records: In 1972, Branson founded Virgin Records. The label achieved success with artists like Mike Oldfield, whose album "Tubular Bells" was a hit, and later with punk bands like the Sex Pistols.
• Virgin Group: Over the years, Branson expanded the Virgin brand into various industries, including airlines (Virgin Atlantic), telecommunications (Virgin Mobile), health and fitness (Virgin Active), and space tourism (Virgin Galactic).

Virgin Atlantic:

• Founding: Branson founded Virgin Atlantic in 1984, challenging established airlines with innovative services and competitive pricing.
• Success: The airline quickly became known for its customer service and innovative marketing campaigns.

Virgin Galactic:

• Space Tourism: In 2004, Branson founded Virgin Galactic, aiming to provide commercial space travel. The company achieved a milestone in July 2021, when Branson himself flew to the edge of space aboard the VSS Unity, marking a significant step in the development of space tourism.

Philanthropy:

• Virgin Unite: Branson established Virgin Unite, the charitable arm of the Virgin Group, which focuses on various global issues, including climate change, human rights, and healthcare.
• The Elders: He co-founded The Elders, a group of global leaders working for peace and human rights, alongside Nelson Mandela and Peter Gabriel.

Personal Life and Recognition:

• Adventures: Branson is known for his adventurous spirit, having attempted numerous world record-breaking challenges, such as crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in hot air balloons.
• Awards and Honors: He has received several awards for his business achievements and philanthropy, including a knighthood in 2000 for his contributions to entrepreneurship.

Publications:

• Autobiographies: Branson has written several books, including his autobiographies "Losing My Virginity" and "Finding My Virginity," which chronicle his life and business ventures.

Richard Branson's entrepreneurial spirit, innovative approach to business, and commitment to philanthropy have made him a prominent figure in the global business community. His ventures continue to push boundaries in various industries, reflecting his motto of "screw it, let's do it."

18 July - The chip processor company Intel is founded

 

Intel Corporation, one of the world's leading technology companies, was founded on 18 July 1968. The company was established by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, two pioneering figures in the semiconductor industry.

Key Details about Intel’s Founding:

• Founders: Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore.

  • Robert Noyce: Known as the co-inventor of the integrated circuit, Noyce was a key innovator in the semiconductor field.
  • Gordon Moore: Famous for Moore's Law, which predicted the doubling of transistors on a microchip approximately every two years, leading to exponential growth in computing power.

• Initial Funding: The company was initially funded by Arthur Rock, a venture capitalist who played a crucial role in securing the necessary investment for the startup. They raised $2.5 million to start the company.

• First Product: Intel's first product was the 3101 Schottky bipolar 64-bit static random-access memory (SRAM) chip. However, the company gained fame with the release of the world's first commercially available microprocessor, the Intel 4004, in 1971.

Significance:

• Innovation: Intel has been at the forefront of technological innovation, particularly in the development of microprocessors that serve as the brain of computers and numerous other devices.
• Impact on Computing: The company's microprocessors have powered countless computing devices, contributing significantly to the growth of the personal computer industry and the overall digital revolution.

Legacy:

• Global Influence: Intel remains one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world, known for its continuous contributions to the advancement of technology and computing.
• Research and Development: The company is renowned for its significant investments in research and development, driving forward innovations in various fields including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Intel's founding on 18 July 1968, marks a pivotal moment in the history of technology, setting the stage for the transformation of computing and the digital age.

18 July - Tukaram Bhaurao Sathe death anniversary

Tukaram Bhaurao Sathe (1 August 1920 – 18 July 1969), popularly known as Annabhau Sathe, was a social reformer, communist folk poet, and writer from Maharashtra, India.Sathe was a Dalit born into the untouchable Mang community, and his upbringing and identity were central to his writing and political activism.Sathe was a Marxist-Ambedkarite mosaic, initially influenced by the communists but he later became an Ambedkarite.He is credited as a founding father of 'Dalit Literature'.

18 July - "Mein Kampf" by Adolf Hitler was published in 1925

 

Mein Kampf ‘My Struggle', is a 1925 autobiographical manifesto by Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler. The work describes the process by which Hitler became antisemitic and outlines his political ideology and future plans for Germany. Volume 1 of Mein Kampf was published in 1925 and Volume 2 in 1926. The book was edited first by Emil Maurice, then by Hitler's deputy Rudolf Hess.

Adolf Hitler is one of the most popular figures in modern World history. He was the leader of the Nazi party [National Socialist German Worker Party]. He served as a soldier in First World War and held responsible for initiating Second World War by invading Poland. He started writing his autobiography, ‘Mein Kampf’ during imprisonment for the coup of the government.

He promoted ideas of Pan-Germany, anti-Semitism, anti-communism and anti-trade union through the Nazi party’s propaganda. His regime was responsible for the mass- genocide of around 6 million Jews and other victims.

He got married to his long-time live-in partner, Eva Braun on 29th April 1945 and couple committed suicide next day to avoid capture by the Soviet Red Army.

18 July - Harakh Chand Nahata birth anniversary

 

Harakh Chand Nahata, born on 18 July 1936, was a prominent Indian businessman and social leader.

Harakh Chand Nahata is a well-known Indian industrialist and philanthropist. He hails from Rajasthan, India, and is the founder of the Nahata group of companies.

The Nahata group is involved in various businesses, including textiles, telecommunications, and real estate. One of the significant companies under the group is Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd. (HFCL), which has played a crucial role in India's telecommunications and information technology sectors.

Harakh Chand Nahata is recognized for his entrepreneurial acumen and his contributions to the growth of the Indian industry. He has been actively involved in promoting industrial development, especially in the state of Rajasthan.

Additionally, Harakh Chand Nahata has shown a strong commitment to social causes and philanthropy. He has supported various educational, healthcare, and community welfare initiatives in different parts of India.

 

17 July - Ashadhi Ekadashi -2024

 

Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Maha Ekadashi, is one of the most significant Ekadashi observances in Hinduism. Celebrated on the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July), it marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, a four-month phase when Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a deep cosmic sleep. This period is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices and devotion.

Significance and Rituals:

1. Fasting:

   • Devotees observe a fast from sunrise on Ashadhi Ekadashi until sunrise the next day. The fast can vary from a complete fast (nirjala) with no food or water to a partial fast (phalahar) where fruits, milk, and non-grain items are consumed.

2. Prayers and Worship:

   • Special prayers and rituals are performed in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred texts.
   • Temples are decorated, and special offerings like flowers, fruits, and Tulsi leaves are made to Lord Vishnu.

3. Bhajans and Kirtans:

   • Devotional songs and hymns praising Lord Vishnu are sung. Many communities organize bhajan and kirtan sessions that last through the night.

4. Pandharpur Yatra:

   • In Maharashtra, Ashadhi Ekadashi is synonymous with the grand pilgrimage to the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur. Devotees, known as Warkaris, travel long distances on foot to reach the temple. They carry palkhis (palanquins) with the images of saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, singing devotional songs along the way.

5. Chaturmas Vow:

   • Many devotees take vows for the Chaturmas period, which starts from this day. These vows can include abstaining from certain foods, engaging in regular prayers, and other forms of penance.

Mythological Background:

According to Hindu mythology, Ashadhi Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Vishnu, after the event of churning the ocean of milk, goes into a deep sleep on Shesha Naga, the cosmic serpent. This sleep continues for four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartik (October-November), when he wakes up. This period is known as Chaturmas and is considered a time for penance, austerity, and devotion.

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024:

In 2024, Ashadhi Ekadashi will be observed on Monday, July 15th. Devotees will participate in various spiritual activities, fasting, and ceremonies to honor Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings for prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth.

17 July - Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon

 

Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was an Indian Air Force officer and a war hero, known for his bravery and valor during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. He was born on 17 July 1945, in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, and he sacrificed his life in service to the nation on 14 December 1971.

During the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was serving as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force. He was assigned to the No. 18 Squadron, which operated the Gnat fighter aircraft.

On 14 December  1971, Pakistan launched an air raid on the Indian Air Force base in Srinagar, Kashmir. In the face of overwhelming enemy aircraft and heavy ground fire, Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon displayed extraordinary bravery and determination.

He engaged the attacking enemy aircraft in a dogfight, shooting down two Pakistani Sabre jets. Despite being outnumbered and facing imminent danger, Sekhon continued to fight fiercely to protect the airfield.

Unfortunately, during the intense aerial combat, Sekhon's Gnat was hit, and he was mortally wounded. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight until the end, preventing further damage to the airfield and thwarting the enemy's attack.

For his exceptional courage, leadership, and gallantry, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award for bravery. He became the first and only Indian Air Force officer to receive this honor.

Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon's valor and selfless sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds have made him an inspirational figure and a symbol of courage for generations of Indians. He will forever be remembered as a true hero who gave his life to protect his country and its people.