Florence Nightingale, born on 12 May 1820, was an English social reformer and statistician, and the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale came to prominence while serving as a manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean War, in which she organised care for wounded soldiers
National Hospital Day is observed annually on May 12 and aims to educate
the public about medical examinations and treatments. Officially
declared by former U.S. President Warren G. Harding, the holiday was
observed for the first time on May 12, 1921. The idea was conceived by
Matthew O. Foley, a Chicago-based editor, as a way to reawaken public
trust and confidence in the medical sector in the aftermath of the
deadly Spanish Flu, which claimed millions of lives. May 12 was chosen
as the date to commemorate the birthday of Florence Nightingale, known
as the founder of modern nursing.
Minna Canth (19 March 1844 – 12 May 1897) was a Finnish writer and social activist. She is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Finnish literature and is celebrated as a champion of women’s rights and social justice.
Canth was also a prominent social activist, and she used her writing to promote social reform. She was particularly concerned with the rights of women and the poor, and she used her position as a writer to advocate for their rights. She was involved in a number of social organizations, including the Finnish Women’s Association, and she campaigned for better working conditions and improved education for women.
Canth died on 12 May 1897 at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy as one of Finland’s most important writers and social activists. Her work continues to be studied and celebrated today, and she is remembered as a pioneer in the fight for women’s rights and social justice in Finland.
Katharine Hepburn (12 May 1907 – 29 June 2003), indomitable American stage and film actress, known as a spirited performer with a touch of eccentricity. She introduced into her roles a strength of character previously considered to be undesirable in Hollywood leading ladies. She was born on 12 May 1907.
International Nurses Day (IND) is an international day observed around the world on 12 May (the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth) each year, to mark the contributions that nurses make to society.
Minnesota became a state of the United States on May 11, 1858. Prior to that, it was a territory under the control of the United States government. The United States acquired the area through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and it was initially part of the larger Northwest Territory. Over time, the region was organized into various territories, including the Minnesota Territory, before eventually achieving statehood. The process of becoming a state involved the drafting of a state constitution and approval by the U.S. Congress. Minnesota's admission as the 32nd state of the United States marked its formal incorporation into the Union.
Saadat Hasan Manto (11 May 1912 – 18 January 1955) was a Pakistani writer, playwright and author born in Ludhiana, who was active in British India and later, after the 1947 partition of India, in Pakistan. Known for his candid and often provocative narratives, Manto has been widely credited as one of South Asia’s most accomplished modernist fiction writers.
Asaf Ali (11 May 1888 – 02 April 1953), an Indian independence fighter and noted Indian lawyer, and the first Indian Ambassador to the United States. He was appointed governor of Odisha for two terms and later, Indian Ambassador to Switzerland. Ali was born on 11 May 1888 in Seohara, North-Western Provinces, British India.
Odd Hassel (17 May 1897 – 11 May 1981) was a Norwegian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969 for his ground-breaking research on the structure of molecules
After completing his education, he worked as a research assistant at the University of Oslo. He later became an associate professor of physical chemistry at the same institution in 1925. In the 1930s, he began his ground-breaking research on the three-dimensional structure of molecules, which would later earn him the Nobel Prize.
His research involved the use of X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of organic molecules. He discovered that molecules with non-planar structures are more stable than those with planar structures. This discovery became known as the “Hassel Effect” and was a major breakthrough in the field of chemistry.
Hassel also made significant contributions to the study of dipole moments in molecules. His work led to the development of the Hassel-Bjerrum theory, which explains the relationship between the dipole moment of a molecule and its chemical structure.
He continued to work as a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Oslo until his retirement in 1964. He remained active in the scientific community, however, and continued to publish research papers throughout his lifetime.
He died on 11 May 1981, in Oslo, Norway.
National Technology Day is an observance celebrated in several countries to commemorate and appreciate the achievements and contributions made by scientists, engineers, and technologists in the field of technology. While different countries may have their own designated dates, the most commonly known National Technology Day is celebrated in India on May 11th each year.
In India, National Technology Day is celebrated to honor the successful nuclear tests carried out on May 11th, 1998, at Pokhran, Rajasthan. These tests, codenamed Pokhran-II, demonstrated India's nuclear capabilities and marked a significant milestone in the country's technological advancements. The day serves as a reminder of the nation's achievements in science and technology and highlights the importance of technological innovation for national development.
On National Technology Day in India, various events and activities are organized to showcase technological advancements across different sectors. These may include exhibitions, seminars, conferences, panel discussions, workshops, and award ceremonies. The day also provides an opportunity for scientists, engineers, and technologists to interact with students, educators, and the general public, fostering an appreciation for science and technology.
Apart from India, other countries also celebrate their own versions of National Technology Day to acknowledge and promote technological progress, innovation, and the impact of technology on society. The specific dates and celebrations may vary depending on the country.
