19 July - Liberation Day in Nicaragua

 

Liberation Day in Nicaragua is celebrated on July 19th each year. This day commemorates the triumph of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional, FSLN) over the regime of Anastasio Somoza Debayle in 1979, marking the end of the Nicaraguan Revolution.

Background

• Nicaraguan Revolution: The revolution was a prolonged struggle against the Somoza family's authoritarian rule, which had dominated Nicaragua for several decades. The Somoza dynasty was known for its oppressive governance, corruption, and human rights abuses.
• Sandinista National Liberation Front: The FSLN, named after Augusto César Sandino, a Nicaraguan revolutionary leader from the 1930s, was a leftist guerrilla movement that led the opposition against Somoza.

Key Events

• Final Offensive: The FSLN launched a decisive offensive in the late 1970s, gaining widespread support from the Nicaraguan population, including students, workers, and even elements within the military.
• July 17, 1979: Anastasio Somoza Debayle fled Nicaragua, leaving the country in a state of political upheaval.
• July 19, 1979: The Sandinista forces entered the capital city, Managua, marking the official overthrow of the Somoza regime and the victory of the revolution.

Celebration

• Commemorations: Liberation Day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, and speeches by political leaders, especially those from the FSLN. It is a day of national pride, reflecting on the struggle for freedom and social justice.
• Significance: The day holds significant historical and cultural importance, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Nicaraguan people in their fight against tyranny.

Liberation Day remains a poignant reminder of the country's turbulent history and the ongoing impact of the Sandinista movement on Nicaraguan society and politics.

19 July - Roger Binny birthday

 

Roger Binny is a former Indian cricketer and current cricket administrator. Born on 19 July 1955, in Bangalore, India, he played as an all-rounder for the Indian cricket team. Binny is best known for his significant contributions during the 1983 Cricket World Cup, where India emerged as champions. Here are some key points about his career and contributions:

Cricket Career:

1. Playing Role and Style:

   • Roger Binny was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler.
   • He was known for his swing bowling and useful lower-order batting.

2. Domestic Career:

   • He played for Karnataka in the domestic circuit.
   • Binny had a successful domestic career, contributing significantly to his team's performances in the Ranji Trophy.

3. International Career:

   • Binny made his Test debut for India on 21 December 1979, against Pakistan.
   • He played his first One Day International (ODI) match on 21 December 1979, against Australia.
   • Binny was part of the Indian squad for the 1983 World Cup and emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, with 18 wickets.
   • His performances in the World Cup, including crucial wickets and economical bowling, were instrumental in India's historic victory.

4. Career Stats:

   • Tests: Played 27 matches, scoring 830 runs and taking 47 wickets.
   • ODIs: Played 72 matches, scoring 629 runs and taking 77 wickets.

Post-Retirement:

1. Coaching and Administration:
   • After retiring from cricket, Binny took up coaching roles and was involved with the Karnataka State Cricket Association.
   • He served as a national selector for the Indian cricket team.
2. BCCI President:
   • In October 2022, Roger Binny was appointed as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), succeeding Sourav Ganguly​

Roger Binny's contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and as an administrator, have been significant. His role in India's 1983 World Cup victory remains a highlight of his cricketing career.

19 July - Andhra Medical College established in 1923

 

Andhra Medical College, one of the oldest and prestigious medical colleges in India, was established on 19 July 1923. It is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The college has a rich history and has been a pioneer in medical education and healthcare in the region.

Andhra Medical College has consistently been recognized for its contributions to medical research, education, and healthcare services. It has produced many notable medical professionals who have made significant contributions to the field.

The college is affiliated with NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, and offers undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. Over the years, Andhra Medical College has played a crucial role in training healthcare professionals and providing quality medical care to the community.

 

19 July - Maveeran Alagumuthu Kone death anniversary

 

Maveeran Alagumuthu Kone, born on 11th July 1728 and passed away on 19th July 1759, was a notable Indian freedom fighter hailing from Kattalankulam in Thoothukudi District. He was renowned for leading a rebellion against British rule and engaging in warfare against the Presidency armies in Tamil Nadu from 1750 to 1759.

Elevating to the position of a military leader in Ettayapuram and becoming the ruler of Kattalangulam, he demonstrated his strong leadership skills. Notably, in 1755, the formidable Alagumuthukone, and the Travancore force successfully clashed with Colonel Eron Keran's army, emerging victorious. However, his journey came to an end in 1759 when he suffered defeat at the hands of the British and Maruthanayagam's forces. It is worth mentioning that Alagumuthukone valiantly faced the cannons, orchestrated by Maruthanayaka, ultimately meeting his demise.

19 April - Sydenham Collegepostage stamp issued in 1989

 

Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics is a renowned educational institution located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the oldest commerce colleges in the country and has a rich history of providing quality education in commerce and economics.

The college was established in 1913 and was named after Lord Sydenham, the then Governor of Bombay (now Mumbai). It was originally affiliated with the University of Bombay (now University of Mumbai) and later gained autonomy.

Sydenham College offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in commerce, economics, and management. It is known for its strong faculty, modern infrastructure, and focus on practical learning and research.

The college has a vibrant campus life with various student clubs and societies that provide opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, cultural events, and sports.

Sydenham College has a distinguished alumni network, with many of its former students holding significant positions in the corporate world, government, and various other sectors.

The institution is highly regarded for its academic excellence, and it continues to attract students from different parts of India seeking quality education in commerce and economics.

Overall, Sydenham College remains a prominent name in the field of commerce education in India and continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of business and economics professionals in the country.

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.