23 May - Alfred Day Hershey death anniversary

 

Alfred Day Hershey was an American bacteriologist and Nobel laureate who made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. He was born on December 4, 1908, in Owosso, Michigan, United States, and passed away on May 22, 1997, in Syosset, New York, United States.

Hershey is best known for his groundbreaking experiments that helped confirm that DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries genetic information. In the early 1950s, along with his research assistant Martha Chase, he conducted a series of experiments known as the Hershey-Chase experiments.

In these experiments, Hershey and Chase used a bacteriophage (a type of virus that infects bacteria) called T2 to investigate whether DNA or protein was the genetic material that was passed on to offspring during viral replication. They labeled the DNA of the bacteriophage with radioactive phosphorus-32 and labeled the protein coat of the virus with radioactive sulfur-35.

Through their experiments, Hershey and Chase demonstrated that when T2 phages infected bacterial cells, it was the DNA, not the protein, that was passed on to the next generation of viruses. This provided strong evidence that DNA is the genetic material responsible for the transmission of hereditary information.

 

23 May - World Turtle Day

 

World Turtle Day is an annual observance celebrated on May 23rd. It was founded by the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of turtles and tortoises.

The purpose of World Turtle Day is to raise awareness about the importance of turtles and tortoises and to promote their conservation. These reptiles face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change. World Turtle Day aims to educate people about these issues and encourage actions that can help protect these fascinating creatures.

On this day, various events and activities take place around the world. These may include educational programs, workshops, beach cleanups, fundraising events, and rescue efforts. The goal is to inspire individuals and communities to take proactive steps to conserve turtles and their habitats.

World Turtle Day also highlights the role that turtles play in ecosystems. They are essential for maintaining the health of aquatic and terrestrial environments. Turtles help control populations of certain species, disperse seeds, and contribute to nutrient cycling.

If you are interested in participating in World Turtle Day, you can get involved by learning more about turtles, supporting local conservation organizations, volunteering in turtle rescue efforts, or organizing awareness campaigns in your community. Additionally, you can spread the word on social media using the hashtag #WorldTurtleDay to raise awareness and encourage others to take action.

Remember, every small effort counts in protecting these ancient and remarkable creatures and ensuring their survival for future generations.

23 May - Henrik Johan Ibsen death anniversary

 

Henrik Johan Ibsen ( 20 March 1828 – 23 May 1906) was a Norwegian playwright and theatre director. As one of the founders of modernism in theatre, Ibsen is often referred to as "the father of realism" and one of the most influential playwrights of his time. His major works include Brand, Peer Gynt, An Enemy of the People, Emperor and Galilean, A Doll's House, Hedda Gabler, Ghosts, The Wild Duck, When We Dead Awaken, Rosmersholm, and The Master Builder. Ibsen is the most frequently performed dramatist in the world after Shakespeare,and A Doll's House was the world's most performed play in 2006.

On 23 May 1906, Ibsen died in his home at Arbins gade 1 in Kristiania (now Oslo) after a series of strokes in March 1900.

23 May - Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar birth anniversary

 

Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II was born on 23 May 675 AD. His father was Elangovathiaraiyan, alias Maran Parameshwaran.

Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar, also known as Muthuraja Peraraiyan, was a prominent ruler in ancient Tamil history. He belonged to the Mutharaiyar dynasty, which played a significant role in the political landscape of South India during the 9th and 10th centuries.

The Mutharaiyars were a feudal warrior clan and emerged as powerful rulers in the region known as Kongu Nadu, located in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. They established their capital at Kodumbalur (also called Kodumballoor) and controlled a vast territory encompassing parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar is particularly renowned for his military achievements and the expansion of his kingdom. He successfully defended his territories against external invasions and conducted various military campaigns to extend his influence. His valor and military prowess earned him the title "Perarasar," which means "Great King" or "Emperor."

During his reign, Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar patronized literature, arts, and architecture. Several inscriptions from his time provide valuable historical and cultural information about the Mutharaiyar dynasty.

Although the details of his life and accomplishments may vary in different historical accounts, Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar's legacy as a powerful ruler and military leader in Tamil history remains significant. His contributions to the region's political and cultural development are remembered and celebrated.

23 May - Labour Day Jamaica

 

Before 1961, 24 May was celebrated in Jamaica as Empire Day in honour of the birthday of Queen Victoria and her emancipation of slaves in Jamaica.As its name suggests, the day was used to celebrate the British Empire, complete with flag-raising ceremonies and the singing of patriotic songs. In 1961, Jamaican Chief Minister Norman Washington Manley proposed the replacement of Empire Day with Labour Day, a celebration in commemoration of 23 May 1938, when Alexander Bustamante led a labour rebellion leading to Jamaican independence.

In 1972, Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley promoted Labour Day as a showcase for the importance of labour to the development of Jamaica, and a day of voluntary community participation to beneficial projects.Since then, Labour Day has been not only a public holiday, but also a day of mass community involvement around the country. 

22 May - The Treaty of Hamburg was signed in 1762

 

The Treaty of Hamburg was signed on 22 May 1762 in the Free City of Hamburg between Sweden and Prussia during the Pomeranian War, a theater of the Seven Years' War.

The treaty came into being after Russia had allied to Prussia on 5 May, making it impossible for Sweden to continue the war which they had entered to regain territories in Pomerania, which they had previously lost. The treaty reaffirmed the pre-war status quo. 

22 May - Harvey Milk Day

 

Harvey Milk Day is observed on May 22nd each year to honor the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, an American politician and LGBTQ+ rights activist. Milk was born on May 22, 1930, and he became the first openly gay elected official in California when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Tragically, Milk's life was cut short when he was assassinated on November 27, 1978.

Harvey Milk was a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and played a crucial role in advocating for equal rights and representation for the LGBTQ+ community. He fought against discrimination, campaigned for gay rights, and worked to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

Milk's contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement and his impact on American politics and society are commemorated on Harvey Milk Day. The day serves as an opportunity to celebrate Milk's activism, remember his advocacy for equality, and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. It is a time to reflect on the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and to continue the fight for equality and acceptance for all.

Harvey Milk Day is observed not only in California but also recognized by individuals and organizations worldwide who support LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. The day often involves events, speeches, film screenings, and other activities that promote awareness, education, and activism in honor of Harvey Milk's legacy.

22 May - Sher Shah Suri death anniversary

 

Sher Shah Suri (1486 – 22 May 1545), the founder of the Suri Empire in India was one such ruler who laid the foundation of the Sur dynasty, whose stories of valor and courage have been written in golden letters in Indian history. On the strength of his valor, Sher Shah Suri sat on the bench of Delhi and made Delhi his capital. In the year 1540, Sher Shah forced the Mughal ruler Humayun to leave the battlefield after defeating him badly in the Battle of Chausa. He died on 22 May 1545 at the age of 59 in Kalinjar, Sur Empire.

22 May - International Day for Biological Diversity

 

International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on May 22nd each year. It serves as a global reminder of the significance of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect and conserve it. The United Nations declared this day to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, highlight the threats it faces, and promote efforts to safeguard it for present and future generations.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variation within species, and the variety of ecosystems that support life.

The International Day for Biological Diversity aims to increase understanding of the vital role biodiversity plays in sustaining ecosystems, providing ecosystem services, supporting human well-being, and contributing to sustainable development. It recognizes that biodiversity loss poses significant challenges, such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation of natural resources.

Each year, the International Day for Biological Diversity has a specific theme that guides global activities and initiatives. Themes have included issues such as marine biodiversity, sustainable tourism, biodiversity and climate change, and mainstreaming biodiversity. This year the theme is "From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity""

On this day, various events, campaigns, and educational programs are organized worldwide to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices. These activities engage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals in raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and taking action to protect and restore biodiversity.

By celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity, we can foster a greater understanding of the value and importance of biodiversity and inspire collective action to conserve and sustainably manage the Earth's natural resources.

22 May - Tallapaka Annamacharya was born 1408

 

Tallapaka Annamacharya (22 May 1408 – 4 April 1503), also popularly known as Annamayya, was a 15th-century Hindu saint and the earliest known Indian musician to compose songs called sankirtanas in praise of the Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu.The musical form of the keertana songs that he composed, which are still popular among Carnatic music concert artists,have strongly influenced the structure of Carnatic music compositions.Annamacharya is remembered for his saintly life, and is honoured as a great devotee of Shree Vishnu by devotees and saintly singers.

He is believed to have been the avatar of Nandaka, the sword of Shree Hari Vishnu. He is widely regarded as the Andhra Pada kavitā Pitāmaha (Grandfather of Telugu song-writing)