15 May - Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar was born in 1907

 

 

Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar was an Indian freedom fighter who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He was born on May 15, 1907, in Ludhiana, Punjab, which is now part of present-day India.

Sukhdev Thapar was an active member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization led by Chandrashekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh. He was a close associate and friend of Bhagat Singh, and the two of them, along with Rajguru, formed a formidable trio in the fight against British imperialism.

Sukhdev Thapar was involved in several acts of revolutionary activities to protest against British rule and promote the cause of Indian independence. One of the notable acts was the Lahore Conspiracy Case, where they planned the assassination of British police officer James A. Scott, who was responsible for the brutal lathi charge on Lala Lajpat Rai. However, due to a case of mistaken identity, John P. Saunders, an assistant superintendent of police, was assassinated instead.

Sukhdev, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, faced trial for their revolutionary activities. They were charged with murder and conspiracy and were sentenced to death by the British authorities. On 23 March 1931, all three were hanged in Lahore Central Jail. Their sacrifice and martyrdom had a profound impact on the Indian freedom struggle, inspiring countless others to join the movement and fight for independence.

15 May - Walt Disney’s character Mickey Mouse premiered in his first cartoon, "Plane Crazy".

 

On 15 May 1928, Walt Disney’s character Mickey Mouse premiered in his first cartoon, "Plane Crazy".

Mickey Mouse is a funny animal cartoon character and the mascot of The Walt Disney Company. He was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at the Walt Disney Studios in 1928. An anthropomorphic mouse who typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves, Mickey is one of the world's most recognizable characters.

Plane Crazy is an American animated short film directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. The cartoon, released in 1928 by the Walt Disney Studios, was the first creation of the character Mickey Mouse. It was made as a silent film and given a test screening to a theater audience on May 15, 1928, but failed to pick up a distributor. Later that year, Disney released Mickey's first sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie, which was an enormous success. Following this, Plane Crazy was released as a sound cartoon on March 17, 1929. It was the fourth Mickey film to be released after Steamboat Willie, The Gallopin' Gaucho, and The Barn Dance (1928).

15 May - K. M. Cariappa death anniversary

 

Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, popularly known as K. M. Cariappa, was an Indian military officer and the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He was born on January 28, 1899, in Coorg (now Kodagu) in the state of Karnataka, India.

Cariappa had a distinguished career in the military. He joined the British Indian Army in 1919 and served in various positions during his tenure. He was commissioned into the Maratha Light Infantry and later became the first Indian officer to command an infantry battalion.

Cariappa played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. He was part of the Indian National Army (INA) trials in 1945 and served as a witness against General Shah Nawaz Khan and Colonel Prem Sahgal during their trial by the British authorities.

After India gained independence in 1947, Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949. He held this position until he retired on January 14, 1953. As the Commander-in-Chief, Cariappa played a crucial role in shaping the post-independence Indian Army.

K. M. Cariappa was known for his leadership, discipline, and commitment to the welfare of soldiers. He emphasized the importance of high ethical standards and professionalism within the army. His contributions to the Indian Army and the country's defense forces are highly regarded.

After his retirement, Cariappa was appointed as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand. He received several accolades and honors for his service, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1954.

K. M. Cariappa passed away on May 15, 1993, at the age of 94. His legacy as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army continues to inspire generations of military personnel in India.

15 May - The International Day of Families

 

The International Day of Families is observed on May 15th each year to promote awareness and highlight the importance of families in societies worldwide. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 with the aim of promoting the well-being and significance of families as fundamental units of society.

The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of families and the valuable roles they play in nurturing and supporting individuals. It recognizes that families come in various forms, including nuclear families, extended families, single-parent families, adoptive families, and same-sex parent families, among others.

The International Day of Families encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to engage in activities that promote family-oriented policies, strengthen family bonds, and address the challenges faced by families. It serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize the well-being and welfare of families, particularly in terms of education, healthcare, employment, and social integration.

Each year, the United Nations selects a specific theme to focus on for the International Day of Families. Themes in the past have covered various aspects of family life, such as family-friendly policies, work-family balance, youth and family, and families and inclusive societies.

The observance of this day is an opportunity for communities, institutions, and individuals to organize events, discussions, and initiatives that raise awareness about the importance of families, encourage family time, and foster understanding and support for different family structures.

 

12 May - Mother's Day 2024

 

Mother's Day is a special holiday celebrated in many countries around the world to honor and appreciate mothers and mother figures. It is typically observed on the second Sunday of May each year. Mother's Day is a time to express gratitude and love for the maternal figures in our lives, such as our mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and mother-in-laws.

The exact origins of Mother's Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations that honored mother goddesses. However, the modern celebration of Mother's Day began in the early 20th century when Anna Jarvis, an American activist, campaigned for an official holiday to recognize mothers.

On Mother's Day, people often give gifts, flowers, and cards to their mothers or spend quality time together as a way of showing appreciation. Many families also prepare special meals or take their mothers out for a nice dinner. It is a day to celebrate the love, sacrifice, and nurturing that mothers provide.

It's important to note that while Mother's Day is a joyous occasion for many, it can also be a sensitive time for those who have lost their mothers or struggle with the absence of a maternal figure. Therefore, it's crucial to be mindful of the different emotions people may experience on this day and offer support and understanding when needed.

14 May - Kuwait is admitted to the United Nations in 1963

 

Following this recommendation, the General Assembly, at its Fourth Special Session, in its 1203rd plenary meeting on 14th May 1963, adopted resolution 1872 admitting the State of Kuwait to membership in the United Nations. As a result, the State of Kuwait became the 111th member state of the United Nations.

14 May - Delesio Antonio Berni birth anniversary

 

Delesio Antonio Berni (14 May 1905 – 13 October 1981) was an Argentine figurative artist. He is associated with the movement known as Nuevo Realismo ("New Realism"), an Argentine extension of social realism. His work, including a series of Juanito Laguna collages depicting poverty and the effects of industrialization in Buenos Aires, has been exhibited around the world.

14 May - Paraguay Independence Day

 

 

Paraguay Independence Day starts on May 14 and ends on May 15 every year, and we know what that means — two days off and unlimited fun and feasting for the people of Paraguay. On this day in 1811, Paraguay gained its independence after nearly 300 years of Spanish rule. History books contain several accounts of popular revolutions, but modern discourse barely includes Paraguay. However, it was the second independent nation in the new world after the United States. How did a small country assert its identity against Spanish colonialism? Imagine the resolve of a people determined to fight for their right to self-determination, despite the odds seemingly stacked against them. The road was fraught with uncertainty, but Paraguay prevailed. ¡Feliz día de la independencia, Paraguay

14 May - Sambhaji Bhosale birth anniversary

 

Sambhaji Bhosale (14 May 1657 – 11 March 1689), the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha empire, who ruled from 1681 to 1689. He was the eldest son of Shivaji, founder of Marathas. Sambhaji’s ruled was largely shaped by the ongoing wars between the Maratha kingdom and Mughal Empire as well as other neighbouring powers such as the Siddis, Mysore and the Portuguese in Goa. He was born on 14 May 1657, Purander Fort, Pune, India.

13 May - Tanjore Balasaraswati birth anniversary

 

Tanjore Balasaraswati,also known as Balasaraswati (13 May 1918 – 09 February 1984), was an Indian dancer, and her rendering of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance style originated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, made this style of dancing well known in different parts of India and many parts of the world.

She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1957and the Padma Vibhushan in 1977, the third and the second highest civilian honours given by the Government of India.In 1981 she was awarded the Sangeetha Kalasikhamani award of The Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai.