14 March - Wazir Mohammad Hakla Poonchi 1915

 

Wazir Mohammad Hakla Poonchi is known for his contributions as a prominent Gujjar leader and social activist in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India. His work focuses primarily on the welfare and upliftment of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities. Here are some key details about his life and contributions:

Early Life

• Birth: Wazir Mohammad Hakla Poonchi was born on 14 March 1915 in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Community Background: He belongs to the Gujjar community, a significant ethnic group in the region known for their pastoral lifestyle.

Contributions and Activism

• Social Activism: Hakla Poonchi has been actively involved in advocating for the rights and development of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities. He has worked towards their educational, economic, and social upliftment.
• Political Involvement: He has been a vocal advocate for the political representation of the Gujjar community, striving to ensure they have a voice in the legislative and administrative processes.
• Education: Recognizing the importance of education in empowering marginalized communities, Hakla Poonchi has been instrumental in promoting educational initiatives among the Gujjars and Bakerwals.
• Cultural Preservation: He has also worked towards preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Gujjar community, including their language, traditions, and customs.

Recognition and Legacy

• Leadership: Wazir Mohammad Hakla Poonchi is widely respected as a leader and spokesperson for the Gujjar community in Jammu and Kashmir. His efforts have brought attention to the issues faced by these communities and have led to significant strides in their development.
• Advocacy for Rights: Through his persistent advocacy, he has played a crucial role in highlighting the needs and aspirations of the Gujjars and Bakerwals, both at the regional and national levels.

Wazir Mohammad Hakla Poonchi's dedication to the welfare of his community and his efforts to secure their rights and development have made him a notable figure in the socio-political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on Choudhary Wazir Mohd Hakla, recognizing his fight for national unity and harmony in the region of Jammu & Kashmir. His enduring legacy as a leader and advocate for communal harmony, national integration, and the upliftment of the Gujjar community remains an inspiration for future generations.

14 March - Punjabi Culture Day

 

Punjabi Culture Day, also known as Punjab Culture Day or Punjabi New Year,is a day is celebrated on 14 March all over Punjab for the celebration and demonstration of Punjabi culture by Punjabis and Punjabi diaspora. 

Punjabi Culture Day is an event celebrated to showcase and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Punjabi community. Punjabi culture is vibrant and diverse, encompassing traditions, music, dance, cuisine, language, and clothing that are unique to the Punjabi people.

During Punjabi Culture Day, various activities and events are organized to promote and highlight these cultural aspects. This may include traditional Punjabi music and dance performances, food festivals featuring Punjabi cuisine, exhibitions of Punjabi art and crafts, poetry readings, fashion shows showcasing Punjabi attire such as the colorful and ornate Punjabi suits and turbans, and cultural workshops and seminars.

The celebration of Punjabi Culture Day serves to foster a sense of pride and appreciation for Punjabi heritage among both Punjabi communities and those interested in learning about Punjabi culture. It also provides an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to come together, celebrate diversity, and promote cultural understanding and harmony.

14 March - Soviet newspaper "Pravda" suspend its publication

 

On 14 March 1992, the Soviet newspaper "Pravda"  suspend its publication. This event marked a significant moment in the decline and eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union. "Pravda," which translates to "Truth" in English, was one of the oldest and most prominent newspapers in the Soviet Union, serving as the official newspaper of the Communist Party. However, as the Soviet Union underwent massive political and social changes in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe, "Pravda" faced financial difficulties and declining readership. Its suspension symbolized the end of an era in Soviet media and politics.

14 March - The International Day of Mathematics

 

The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is an annual celebration observed on March 14th (3/14), commemorating the renowned mathematical constant π (pi). The significance of March 14th lies in the numerical representation of the date, 3/14, which corresponds to the first three digits of π (3.14).

The IDM aims to promote the importance of mathematics in various aspects of life, including science, technology, engineering, economics, and even arts. It serves as a platform to highlight the beauty, utility, and universality of mathematics, fostering appreciation and understanding of its significance.

Here are some ways to celebrate the International Day of Mathematics:

1. Organize Workshops and Lectures: Host workshops, lectures, or seminars that explore different mathematical concepts, theories, and applications. These events can be tailored to various age groups and levels of mathematical proficiency.

2. Math Challenges and Competitions: Arrange math challenges or competitions, encouraging participants to solve mathematical problems creatively and collaboratively. These activities can be held in schools, universities, or community centers.

3. Mathematical Art and Creativity: Showcase the artistic side of mathematics by organizing exhibitions or displays that feature mathematical art, sculptures, or visualizations. This can inspire individuals to see the beauty of mathematics beyond equations and numbers.

4. Public Talks and Outreach Programs: Engage with the broader community through public talks, demonstrations, or outreach programs that demonstrate the practical applications of mathematics in everyday life. This can help dispel common misconceptions about math and inspire interest in the subject.

5. Online Events and Resources: Utilize online platforms to host virtual events, webinars, or online courses that make mathematics accessible to a wider audience. Share educational resources, videos, or interactive tools that promote mathematical learning and exploration.

6. Collaborative Projects: Collaborate with schools, universities, research institutions, and organizations to initiate collaborative projects or research endeavors that highlight the interdisciplinary nature of mathematics and its role in addressing real-world challenges.

7. Social Media Campaigns: Launch social media campaigns using hashtags such as #IDM, #InternationalDayofMathematics, or #MathAwareness to raise awareness about the IDM and share interesting facts, puzzles, or trivia related to mathematics.

8. Community Engagement: Engage with local communities by offering free math tutoring sessions, math-themed games, or math-related activities in public spaces, libraries, or parks. This can help promote a positive attitude towards mathematics and encourage lifelong learning.

9. Mathematical Contests and Awards: Recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in mathematics by organizing contests, awards ceremonies, or honorary events that acknowledge the contributions of mathematicians, educators, and enthusiasts.

10. Reflect and Appreciate: Take a moment to reflect on the significance of mathematics in shaping our understanding of the world and express gratitude for the countless contributions of mathematicians throughout history.

By celebrating the International Day of Mathematics, we can inspire curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for mathematics while fostering a deeper appreciation for its profound impact on society.

 

14 March - Celebrate Scientists Day

 

Celebrate Scientists Day is commemorated on March 14, coinciding with Albert Einstein’s birthday. On this day, we note scientific contributions from the past and present. We also applaud the achievements of scientists in helping to make our lives easier. Thanks to them, we know more about the world around us. They help save lives, protect the environment, cure diseases and learn about planets far away from ours. It’s often a thankless job with little fanfare and recognition, yet scientists hold one of the most critical roles in the modern world. 

14 March - Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente, a Spanish naturalist and broadcaster

 

Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente (1928–1980) was a Spanish naturalist, broadcaster, and documentary filmmaker, best known for his work in promoting environmental conservation and wildlife awareness. He was born on 14 March 1928, in Poza de la Sal, Burgos, Spain, and became a prominent figure in Spanish-speaking countries for his contributions to nature education.

Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente gained widespread recognition through his television series "El Hombre y la Tierra" (Man and the Earth), which was broadcast in the 1970s. The series focused on showcasing the beauty of nature, wildlife, and ecosystems, and it became immensely popular for its engaging and educational content.

Key aspects of Rodríguez de la Fuente's contributions include:

1. Wildlife Conservation: He was a strong advocate for the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. His work aimed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.

2. Documentary Filmmaking: Rodríguez de la Fuente's documentaries combined stunning visuals with his passionate narration, making them accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

3. Radio Programs: In addition to television, he hosted radio programs dedicated to natural history and conservation, further expanding his reach.

Tragically, Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente died in a plane crash on March 14, 1980, on his 52nd birthday. Despite his untimely death, his legacy endured, and he is remembered as a pioneer in environmental education and wildlife conservation. His impact on Spanish-speaking audiences and the global conservation movement continues to be felt today.

 

14 March - Slovakia declared independence

 

Slovakia declared independence on 14 March 1939. This event occurred in the context of the disintegration of Czechoslovakia during the late 1930s, a process largely influenced by the Munich Agreement of 1938. The Munich Agreement allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a German-speaking border region of Czechoslovakia.

In the aftermath of the Munich Agreement, Slovakia sought increased autonomy within the remaining Czech lands. This desire for autonomy eventually led to the declaration of independence on March 14, 1939, under the leadership of Jozef Tiso. The declaration of independence was not a completely voluntary act, as it took place with considerable pressure from Nazi Germany, which supported the establishment of a nominally independent Slovakia as a satellite state.

Following the declaration of independence, Slovakia became a puppet state under German influence, with Jozef Tiso as its president. The move facilitated Hitler's goal of weakening Czechoslovakia and expanding German influence in Eastern Europe.

It's important to note that Slovakia's independence in 1939 was a complex historical event influenced by various geopolitical factors, and it played a role in the larger context of World War II and the disintegration of Czechoslovakia.

 

14 March - Carolina Maria de Jesus, a Brazilian outskirts memorialist, was born.

 

Carolina Maria de Jesus (1914–1977) was a Brazilian writer and self-taught author known for her poignant and insightful diary, "Quarto de Despejo" (translated as "Child of the Dark" or "Diary of Bitita"). She was born on 14 March 1914, in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Carolina Maria de Jesus grew up in poverty and faced numerous challenges throughout her life. She moved to São Paulo in the 1940s, settling in a favela (shantytown) known as Canindé. Living in extreme poverty, she made a living by collecting paper and other recyclables. It was during this time that she started documenting her daily life, observations, and reflections in a diary she found in the garbage.

In 1958, journalist Audálio Dantas discovered Carolina's writing while covering life in the favelas for a São Paulo newspaper. He helped her get her diary published, and "Quarto de Despejo" became a literary sensation in Brazil. The book provided a raw and vivid portrayal of life in the favelas, addressing issues such as poverty, racism, and social inequality.

Carolina's work brought attention to the struggles of marginalized communities and gave a voice to the voiceless. However, despite the success of her first book, she faced challenges in subsequent years, and her later works did not achieve the same level of recognition.

Carolina Maria de Jesus passed away on 13 February 1977, but her writings continue to be studied and celebrated for their historical and literary significance. "Quarto de Despejo" remains an important work in Brazilian literature, offering a unique perspective on the harsh realities of urban poverty.

14 March - Akira Yoshizawa birth anniversary

 

Akira Yoshizawa (1911–2005) was a highly influential Japanese origami master. Born on 14 March 1911, in Kaminokawa, Tochigi, Japan, Yoshizawa is often credited with revolutionizing and popularizing modern origami.

Yoshizawa developed a system of notation for origami designs, which made it easier for people around the world to understand and replicate his creations. He created thousands of original origami models and is considered one of the pioneers of the art form.

His work contributed significantly to the transformation of origami from a simple craft to a complex and expressive art form. Yoshizawa's designs often captured the essence of various animals, plants, and other objects in intricate and imaginative ways.

In 1954, Yoshizawa's work gained international recognition when he exhibited his creations at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. Throughout his life, he authored numerous books on origami, sharing his techniques and designs. The "Yoshizawa-Randlett system" of origami notation, named in collaboration with Samuel Randlett, became a standard for diagramming and sharing origami designs.

Akira Yoshizawa's contributions to origami earned him widespread acclaim, and his legacy continues to inspire origami enthusiasts worldwide. He passed away on 14 March 2005, on his 94th birthday.

 

13 March - The planet Uranus is discovered by William Herschel in 1781

 

On the night of 13 March 1781, William Herschel, a German-born British astronomer and musician, was conducting a systematic survey of the night sky from his home in Bath, England. Using a homemade telescope, he observed an object in the constellation Taurus that appeared different from the surrounding stars. Initially, he thought it was a comet because it had a noticeable disk and moved relative to the background stars over several nights. However, further observations and calculations by astronomers such as Anders Johan Lexell and Johann Elert Bode revealed that the object followed a nearly circular orbit, characteristic of a planet rather than a comet. This made Uranus the first planet discovered with a telescope, expanding the known boundaries of the solar system for the first time in modern history. The discovery was groundbreaking, as it challenged the long-standing belief that only six planets existed. In recognition of his work, Herschel was appointed King’s Astronomer by King George III, and he initially proposed naming the planet Georgium Sidus (George’s Star) in honor of the king. However, the name Uranus, suggested by Johann Bode, was eventually adopted to align with the mythological naming convention of the other planets. This discovery marked a significant milestone in astronomy, leading to further studies of the outer solar system and the eventual discovery of Neptune and Pluto.