18 February - Malayapuram Singaravelu birth anniversary

 

 Malayapuram Singaravelu (18 February 1860 – 11 February 1946), also known as M. Singaravelu and Singaravelar, was a pioneer in more than one field in India. In 1918, he founded the first trade union in India. On 1 May 1923 he organised the first ever celebration of May Day in the country. Singaravelar was a major leader of the Indian independence movement, initially under the leadership of Gandhi, but later, joining the budding communist movement. In 1925, he became one of the founding fathers of the Communist Party of India; and chaired its inaugural convention in Kanpur. Though the British Government arrested him along with other leaders on charges of conspiring to wage war against the Crown, he was set free, soon after, on account of his failing health. Singaravelar was also a path-breaking social reformer who in his early life took to Buddhism, seeing it as a weapon against the evil of untouchability, which was particularly severe in the 19th-century India. He was also in the forefront of Self respect movement, in the Madras Presidency that fought for equal rights for backward castes. Though in his advanced years, he withdrew from active politics, Singaravelar remained a staunch advocate of the causes he had pioneered till his death at the age of 85

18 February - Mutiny against the British began in the Royal Indian Navy in 1946

 

On February 18, 1946, a historic event known as the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny took place in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. This mutiny marked a significant moment in India's struggle for independence from British rule. The naval ratings, consisting of Indian sailors, led a revolt against the British authorities, demanding better working conditions, equal pay, and the end of racial discrimination within the Royal Indian Navy.

The immediate trigger for the mutiny was the frustration and discontent among Indian sailors who had served in the Royal Indian Navy during World War II. Despite their contributions to the war effort, they faced discrimination and were treated unequally compared to their British counterparts. The sailors were particularly angered by the British decision to reduce their salaries and allowances after the war.

The mutiny began on February 18, 1946, when a group of naval ratings on HMIS Talwar went on strike, and the protests quickly spread to other naval vessels and shore establishments in Bombay, Karachi, Calcutta, and Madras (now Chennai). The revolt gained widespread support from the civilian population and political leaders.

However, the leaders of the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, who were negotiating with the British for India's independence, were cautious about openly supporting the mutiny. They were concerned that the unrest might jeopardize the delicate political situation and negotiations.

Ultimately, the mutiny was brought under control by the British authorities through a combination of force and negotiations. The leaders of the mutiny were arrested, and some were court-martialed. While the immediate objectives of the mutiny were not fully achieved, it played a crucial role in drawing attention to the grievances of Indian servicemen and contributed to the broader political climate that led to India gaining independence in 1947.

 

18 February - Pluto Day

 

Pluto Day is celebrated on February 18th each year, marking the anniversary of the discovery of the dwarf planet Pluto. Pluto was officially discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh on February 18, 1930, at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Pluto was initially classified as the ninth planet in our solar system, but in 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified it as a "dwarf planet" due to its size and characteristics differing from the traditional definition of a planet.

Pluto Day is an opportunity to commemorate the history of Pluto's discovery and its subsequent reclassification. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing exploration and study of the outer reaches of our solar system. Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and space organizations may use this day to engage in activities, events, or discussions about Pluto, the solar system, and the ever-evolving field of planetary science.

18 February - National Battery Day USA

 

National Battery Day is observed on February 18th each year. The day is dedicated to celebrating the invention and importance of batteries in our daily lives. Batteries play a crucial role in powering a wide range of devices, from small gadgets like flashlights and remote controls to more significant applications like electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

National Battery Day serves as an opportunity to appreciate the convenience and versatility that batteries bring to modern life. It also encourages awareness of battery technologies, advancements, and the role they play in various industries, including electronics, transportation, and energy.

On this day, educational activities, events, and promotions related to batteries may take place to highlight the significance of proper battery usage, recycling, and environmental considerations associated with battery disposal. It's a day to acknowledge the impact batteries have on our daily routines and the continuous efforts to improve their efficiency and sustainability.

18 February - World Whale Day

 

World Whale Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about whales and their conservation. Celebrated on the third Sunday of February each year, World Whale Day serves as a reminder of the importance of these magnificent marine mammals and the need to protect their natural habitats.

The day was established in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii, and it has since grown into an international event. Activities and events on World Whale Day often include educational programs, whale watching tours, art and music exhibitions, and various initiatives to promote whale conservation and the protection of ocean ecosystems.

The aim of World Whale Day is not only to celebrate the beauty of whales but also to highlight the threats they face, such as habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and whaling. Conservation organizations, marine biologists, and communities around the world participate in this day to promote awareness and encourage actions to ensure the well-being of these remarkable creatures and the oceans they inhabit.

17 February - John Sullivan birth aniversary

 

John Sullivan was indeed a key figure in the American Revolutionary War. He was born on February 17, 1740, in Somersworth, New Hampshire, and became a prominent leader in the struggle for American independence.

Sullivan served as a brigadier general and later as a major general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He participated in several important battles and campaigns, contributing significantly to the American cause.

One of Sullivan's notable achievements was his leadership during the Battle of Trenton in December 1776. He played a crucial role in General George Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River and the subsequent surprise attack on Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. This victory provided a much-needed morale boost to the American forces and helped turn the tide of the war in their favor.

Sullivan also played a key role in the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777 and the Battle of Germantown in October 1777, although both battles ended in British victories.

In addition to his military service, Sullivan was involved in politics and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress. After the war, he became governor of New Hampshire from 1786 to 1788.

John Sullivan's contributions to the American Revolutionary War were significant, and he is remembered as a brave and dedicated leader who played a crucial role in securing independence for the United States.

 

17 February - Michael jordan birthday

 

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. Jordan's career in the NBA (National Basketball Association) spanned from 1984 to 2003, during which he played for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards.

Throughout his illustrious career, Jordan achieved numerous accolades and records, including:

1. Six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls (1991–1993, 1996–1998).
2. Five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
3. Fourteen-time NBA All-Star.
4. Ten-time NBA scoring champion.
5. Two-time Olympic gold medalist with the United States men's basketball team (1984, 1992).
6. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Jordan's impact on the sport of basketball and popular culture extends far beyond his achievements on the court. His competitiveness, athleticism, and clutch performances earned him the nickname "Air Jordan." He also became a global icon and helped popularize the NBA worldwide.

After retiring from basketball as a player, Jordan pursued various business ventures, including owning the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise. He remains a prominent figure in sports and business, and his brand, including the iconic Air Jordan line of sneakers produced by Nike, continues to be highly successful.

17 February - Henry Steel Olcott death anniversary

 

Henry Steel Olcott (1832–1907) was an American military officer, lawyer, and prominent figure in the early development of the Theosophical Society. Here are some key aspects of his life:

1. Early Life and Military Career:

   • Born on 02 August 1832, in Orange, New Jersey, USA.
   • Olcott had a successful career as a military officer, serving in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

2. Theosophical Society:

   • Olcott became involved in the spiritual and philosophical pursuits after the Civil War.
   • In 1875, he, along with Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and William Quan Judge, founded the Theosophical Society in New York City. The society aimed to explore and promote spiritual wisdom, universal brotherhood, and the comparative study of religion and philosophy.

3. Work in India:

   • Olcott and Blavatsky traveled to India in 1879, where they established the international headquarters of the Theosophical Society in Adyar, near Chennai.
   • In India, Olcott worked on educational and social reform projects, including efforts to revive and promote traditional Indian education.

4. Contributions to Buddhism:

   • Olcott embraced Buddhism and played a significant role in the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon).
   • He was instrumental in the Buddhist revival movement and contributed to the establishment of Buddhist schools and the recognition of Buddhism as a major religion in Sri Lanka.

5. Later Years and Death:

   • Olcott continued his involvement in the Theosophical Society until his death.
   • He passed away on 17 February 1907, in Adyar, Madras, British India (now part of Chennai, India).

Henry Steel Olcott's legacy is particularly associated with his contributions to the Theosophical movement, his work in promoting education and social reform in India, and his efforts in the revival of Buddhism.

 

17 February - World Human Spirit Day

 

World Human Spirit Day is observed on February 17th each year. This day is dedicated to encouraging and promoting a sense of love and goodwill among people globally. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the human spirit and its potential for compassion, kindness, and understanding.

World Human Spirit Day encourages individuals to reflect on the positive aspects of humanity, focusing on the shared values that connect people across the world. The day serves as a reminder that, despite cultural, political, or geographical differences, there is a common thread of humanity that unites us.

People may observe World Human Spirit Day by engaging in acts of kindness, promoting understanding and tolerance, and fostering a sense of unity among diverse communities. It's a day to celebrate the inherent goodness and resilience within the human spirit.

 

17 February - René-Théophile-Hyacinthe Laennec birth anniversary

 

René-Théophile-Hyacinthe Laennec, a French physician, was born on 17 February 1781, and he passed away on 13 August 1826. Laennec is best known for his invention of the stethoscope and his contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the understanding and diagnosis of chest-related diseases.