09 May - Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born in 1866

 

Gopal Krishna Gokhale (9 May 1866 – 19 February 1915), an Indian liberal political leader and a social reformer during the Indian Independence Movement. Gokhale was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and the founder of the Servants of India Society. He was also a writer, economist, revolutionary, and philosopher. Along with other contemporary leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dadabhai Naoroji, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Annie Besant, Gokhale fought for decades to obtain greater political representation and power over public affairs for common Indians. Gokhale was moderate and is the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi.  He was born on 9 May 1866 in Kotluk, Dist. Ratnagiri, Bombay Presidency, British India.

09 May - Maharana Pratap birth anniversary

 

Maharana Pratap, also known as Pratap Singh, was a legendary Rajput warrior and king who ruled the kingdom of Mewar in Rajasthan, India, during the 16th century. He was the 13th king of the Sisodiya Rajput dynasty and is widely regarded as a symbol of Rajput valor and resistance against foreign rule.

Maharana Pratap was born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, to Maharana Udai Singh II and Rani Jeevant Kanwar. He received training in martial arts and warfare from an early age and became an accomplished warrior and horse rider.

Maharana Pratap ascended to the throne of Mewar in 1572 after the death of his father, Maharana Udai Singh II. However, his reign was marked by constant warfare with the Mughal Empire, which was then expanding its control over northern India. The Mughals, under the leadership of Akbar, attempted to subjugate Mewar and bring it under their rule, but Maharana Pratap fiercely resisted their advances.

One of the most famous battles of Maharana Pratap's reign was the Battle of Haldighati, fought in 1576 against the Mughals. Though he was outnumbered and outgunned, Maharana Pratap led his army with great courage and skill, and fought fiercely against the Mughals. Though he ultimately lost the battle, he managed to escape and continued to resist Mughal rule.

Maharana Pratap's reign was also marked by his strong sense of honor and justice. He refused to surrender to the Mughals, even when offered favorable terms, because he believed that it was his duty to protect his kingdom and people from foreign rule. He also opposed the idea of marriage alliances with the Mughals, even though it was a common practice among the Rajput kings of the time.

Maharana Pratap died on January 29, 1597, after a long and eventful reign. His legacy as a brave and virtuous king who fought for the freedom and independence of his people continues to inspire generations of Indians to this day. He is remembered as a true symbol of Rajput valor and resistance against foreign rule. His life and achievements have been celebrated in literature, folklore, and popular culture, and his memory remains a source of inspiration for many.

08 May - Red Cross Day

 

Every year, World Red Cross Day is observed on the 8th of May. On this day we celebrate the principles, the history, the values, and the impact of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on the world today. As part of this day, people pay tribute to the members and volunteers of the organization who have contributed to the work of humanitarians.

We celebrate World Red Cross Day with the objective that we will save more lives and keep them healthy, that is the main task of the day. This day was first celebrated in 1948. In 1984, World Red Cross Day was officially approved by the United Nations. Each year since then, World Red Cross Day has been celebrated.

The 189 National Societies of the Movement represent 97 million volunteers. About half of them are youth volunteers.

About 50 percent of the volunteers of the Movement are women.

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, there are 189 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world at present.

The Red Cross is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.

Programs and services from the National Societies address both urgent and long-term needs, including emergency response, disaster preparedness, community-based healthcare, first aid training and activities, restoring communication between family members and disaster victims, and youth and volunteer projects.

Throughout its history, the Red Cross has received the Nobel Peace Prize four times: in 1917, 1944, and 1963, as well as for the award given to Henry Dunant in 1901.

The Canadian Red Cross Society was established by the Canadian government in 1909 when they passed the Canadian Red Cross Society Act

Currently, there are more than 34,000 volunteers working in the Canadian Red Cross. That is amazing.

08 May - In Martinique, Mount Pelée erupts

 

Mount Pelée or Mont Pelée , meaning "bald mountain" or "peeled mountain")is an active volcano at the northern end of Martinique, an island and French overseas department in the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc of the Caribbean. Its volcanic cone is composed of stratified layers of hardened ash and solidified lava.Its most recent eruption was in 1932.

The stratovolcano's 1902 eruption destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre, killing 29,000 to 30,000 people in the space of a few minutes, in the worst volcanic disaster of the 20th century.The main eruption, on 8 May 1902, left only two survivors in the direct path of the blast flow: Ludger Sylbaris survived because he was in a poorly ventilated, dungeon-like jail cell, and Léon Compère-Léandre, living on the edge of the city, escaped with severe burns.

08 May - World Thalassaemia Day

 

World Thalassaemia Day is celebrated every year on May 8th to raise awareness about thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This day is an opportunity to educate people about the disease, its symptoms, prevention, and management.

Thalassemia is a genetic condition that affects the body's ability to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to different parts of the body. People with thalassemia have a lower than normal number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which can cause anemia and other health complications.

There are two types of thalassemia: alpha and beta. Alpha thalassemia occurs when there is a problem with the genes that make alpha globin, while beta thalassemia occurs when there is a problem with the genes that make beta globin. Both types can be mild or severe, depending on the number of genes that are affected.

Thalassemia is most commonly found in people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent, but it can affect anyone regardless of their ethnicity. It is estimated that around 300,000 babies are born with severe thalassemia each year, and many of them do not survive beyond their first few years of life.

There is no cure for thalassemia, but it can be managed with regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow transplants. These treatments can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life for people with thalassemia.

On World Thalassaemia Day, organizations and individuals around the world come together to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. They also work to promote early diagnosis, genetic counseling, and access to treatment and support services.

In addition to raising awareness, World Thalassaemia Day is also a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of people with thalassemia and their families. It is a reminder that, with proper care and support, people with thalassemia can live full and meaningful lives.

In conclusion, World Thalassaemia Day is an important occasion to raise awareness about thalassemia and its impact on individuals and communities worldwide. It is a reminder that we need to work together to improve the lives of people with thalassemia and their families through increased awareness, better treatment, and support services.

 

07 May - First ELECTRIC TRAM started in Bombay

 

The arrival of the electric tram in Bombay (now Mumbai) marked a significant milestone in the city's transportation history. The introduction of electric trams revolutionized urban mobility, providing a more efficient and modern mode of transportation compared to the earlier horse-drawn trams.

The first electric tram car arrived in Bombay in 1906, heralding a new era of public transportation in the city. On 07 May 1907, a historic event took place when the electric tram car embarked on its inaugural journey. The journey commenced outside the municipal office, proceeded to Crawford Market, one of the bustling commercial hubs of the city at that time, and returned to its starting point. This journey symbolized the dawn of a new era in Bombay's transportation landscape, offering citizens a faster, cleaner, and more reliable mode of travel within the city.

The introduction of electric trams played a crucial role in shaping the growth and development of Bombay into a modern metropolis. It not only facilitated the movement of people but also contributed to the city's economic and social dynamics by improving accessibility and connectivity between different areas.

Over the years, the electric tram network expanded, becoming an integral part of Bombay's public transportation system. Although the tram system eventually phased out in favor of other modes of transport, its introduction in 1906 marked a significant chapter in the city's history and left a lasting legacy in its urban development.

07 May - World Athletics Day

 

World Athletics Day is an annual event celebrated on May 7th, dedicated to promoting the sport of athletics and encouraging participation in physical activity. The day is recognized globally by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and its member federations, and it aims to inspire people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to get involved in athletics.

The first World Athletics Day was celebrated in 1996, and since then, it has become an essential part of the international athletics calendar. Each year, events are held in different parts of the world, including races, workshops, and clinics, with the goal of promoting the importance of physical activity and healthy living.

The theme for World Athletics Day 2023 is "Run with the world," which encourages people to come together, share their love of athletics, and participate in events both locally and globally. The theme emphasizes the importance of community and the power of athletics to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures.

The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of athletics, such as improved health and fitness, increased self-confidence, and the development of important life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. It also serves as a reminder that athletics is not just a competitive sport but can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, ability, or fitness level.

 

07 May - Pandurang Vaman Kane birth anniversary

 

Pandurang Vaman Kane was an eminent Indologist and Sanskrit scholar. Born on 07 May 1880, in a village called Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, India, he made significant contributions to the study of Indian history, culture, and religion.

Kane is best known for his monumental work, the "History of Dharmasastra," which remains one of the most comprehensive and authoritative texts on Hindu law and jurisprudence. This work spans five volumes and meticulously explores the evolution of Hindu legal principles and practices over millennia.

Apart from his scholarly pursuits, Kane also served as a judge and later as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mumbai. His dedication to scholarship and his rigorous research methodologies earned him widespread acclaim both in India and internationally.

Kane's contributions to Sanskrit studies and legal history continue to be valued and studied by scholars around the world, cementing his legacy as one of the preeminent scholars of his time. He passed away on 18 April 1972, leaving behind a rich intellectual legacy that continues to inspire generations of scholars.

 

07 May - Rabindranath Tagore birth anniversary

 

Rabindranath Tagore (7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941) an Indian poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter. India’s National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, is adopted from the writings of the poet and playwright of Rabindranath Tagore. The lines of India’s National Anthem are taken from Rabindranath Tagore’s song, ‘Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata’. He was the first non-European as well as the first lyricist to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter in 1913. He was born on 7 May 1861 in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India now Kolkata, West Bengal, India

07 May - Allan McLeod Cormack death anniversary

 

Allan McLeod Cormack (23 February 1924 – 7 May 1998) was a South African-born physicist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1979, along with Godfrey Hounsfield, for their contributions to the development of computed tomography scanning.

He was born on 23 February 1924, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He got enrolled at the University of Cape Town to study Electrical Engineering. He switched to physics a few years later. He graduated with a B.Sc. in physics and an M.Sc. in crystallography from the University of Cape Town.

He then earned his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Cambridge in England.

In 1950, he joined the University of Cape Town’s physics department as a lecturer. He was mentored by Professor R. W. James, the head of the physics department in Cape Town, which helped him gain insights and publishes papers on the subject.

He worked on nucleon-nucleon scattering experiments at the Harvard cyclotron with Norman Ransey and Richard Wilson during his sabbatical.

He served as a professor of physics at Tufts University in Massachusetts for many years until his death.

Cormack’s work on CT scanning involved using mathematical techniques to reconstruct images from X-ray data, allowing for the creation of detailed images of internal structures without the need for invasive procedures. His work was instrumental in the development of the modern CT scanner, which has become an essential tool in medical diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to his work on CT scanning, Cormack made significant contributions to the fields of nuclear physics and particle physics.

He died on 7 May 1998 in Winchester, Massachusetts, United States.