26 June- Victoria and Albert Museum

 

 

The Victoria and Albert Museum, often referred to as the V&A, is a renowned museum of art and design located in London, United Kingdom. It was indeed opened to the public on June 26, 1857.

The museum was named after Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert, who played significant roles in its establishment. The V&A was originally established as the South Kensington Museum and was intended to educate and inspire the public in the fields of art, design, and craftsmanship.

The museum's collections encompass a vast range of art forms, including sculptures, ceramics, furniture, textiles, fashion, photography, and more. It houses over 2.3 million objects that span over 5,000 years of human creativity, representing various cultures and civilizations from around the world.

The V&A's architectural design is noteworthy as well. The main building, designed by Sir Aston Webb, is an impressive example of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Over the years, the museum has expanded with additional buildings and galleries, including the iconic Blavatnik Hall, Sackler Courtyard, and Exhibition Road Quarter.

Visitors to the Victoria and Albert Museum can explore its diverse collections, attend exhibitions, participate in educational programs, and engage in research and scholarly activities. The museum is renowned for its commitment to promoting art, design, and cultural understanding.

Today, the V&A stands as one of the world's largest and most prestigious museums dedicated to art and design. It continues to inspire and captivate visitors with its extensive collections, exhibitions, and contributions to the field of artistic and cultural heritage.

 

26 June - Madagascar Independence Day

 

Madagascar Independence Day, also known as Fête de l'Indépendance, is celebrated annually on June 26th. It commemorates the day when Madagascar gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960.

Madagascar, the large island nation located off the eastern coast of Africa, was a French colony for many years before achieving independence. The Malagasy people fought for their freedom, and negotiations with the French government led to the proclamation of independence on June 26, 1960.

Independence Day in Madagascar is a national holiday and a time of great significance for the Malagasy people. The day is celebrated with various ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and gatherings throughout the country.

The capital city of Antananarivo is the focal point of the celebrations, where the main official events take place. The President of Madagascar delivers a speech addressing the nation, emphasizing the importance of independence and reflecting on the country's progress and challenges.

The day is also marked by cultural performances, traditional music and dance, and exhibitions showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of Madagascar. The Malagasy flag, which features horizontal bands of red, white, and green with a vertical band of red on the hoist side, is prominently displayed during the festivities.

Madagascar Independence Day is an occasion for the Malagasy people to come together, express national pride, and celebrate their country's achievements. It is a time to reflect on the struggle for independence and to honor the contributions of those who fought for freedom and self-determination.

25 June - Damodar Hari Chapekar born in 1869

 The Chapekar Brothers, Damodar Hari Chapekar (25 June 1869 – 18 April 1898), Balkrishna Hari Chapekar (1873 – 12 May 1899, also called Bapurao) and Vasudeo Hari Chapekar (1880 – 8 May 1899), also spelt Wasudeva or Wasudev, were Indian revolutionaries involved in assassinating W. C. Rand, the British Plague Commissioner of Pune, after the public of Pune was frustrated with the vandalism from the officers and soldiers appointed by him, in late 19th century. Mahadev Vinayak Ranade was also an accomplice in the assassination. 

24 June - V. V. Giri death anniversary

 

Varahagiri Venkata Giri, popularly known as V. V. Giri, was an Indian politician and statesman. He was born on August 10, 1894, in Berhampur, Odisha, British India (now India), and passed away on June 24, 1980, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India.

Giri had a diverse and illustrious career in Indian politics and public service. He was associated with the Indian National Congress (INC) and played an active role in the Indian independence movement. Giri worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi and served as the Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee in the 1930s.

After India gained independence in 1947, Giri held several important positions in the government. He served as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, and later became the Vice President of India under President Zakir Husain in 1967. However, he resigned from the position of Vice President in 1969 due to differences with the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

In 1971, Giri contested the presidential election as an independent candidate, defying the official nomination of the ruling party. He won the election and became the fourth President of India, serving from 1969 to 1974. Giri was known for his impartiality and commitment to upholding the Constitution during his tenure as President.

After his presidency, Giri remained active in public life and continued to voice his opinions on various issues. He was honored with several awards and recognition for his contributions to the nation. Varahagiri Venkata Giri remains a respected figure in Indian politics and is remembered for his integrity and dedication to public service.

 

24 June - Master Tara Singh (activist)

 

Master Tara Singh (24 June 1885 – 22 November 1967) was an Indian Sikh political and religious figure in the first half of the 20th century. He was instrumental in organising the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee and guiding the Sikhs during the partition of India, which he strongly opposed.He later led their demand for a Sikh-majority state in East Punjab. His daughter, the Indian journalist and politician Rajinder Kaur, was killed by Khalistani militants in Bathinda.In 2018, his great granddaughter in law mentioned that Master Tara Singh’s “dream of an autonomous Sikh state in India remains unfulfilled.

23 June - Jura Independence Day

 

Jura Independence Day, or Fête d’Indépendance, is celebrated every year on June 23 and is a regional public holiday held in the Republic and Canton of the Jura. This holiday celebrates Jura becoming a canton of Switzerland on this date in 1979.Jura was once a part of the canton of Bern? Yes, for over 160 years, Jura was a part of the canton of Bern and remained so until they decided to join the Swiss Confederation as the 26th Swiss Canton.

Canton of Jura is the newest of the 26 Swiss cantons, located in the northwestern part of Switzerland. The history of Jura begins in 999 when the king of Burgundy donated much of the land that makes up the current canton of Jura to the bishop of Basel. This piece of land was a sovereign state within the Holy Roman Empire for more than 800 years. All this changed after the Congress of Vienna in 1815 when the Jura region became a part of the canton of Bern. However, the problem with this situation was that Jura was predominantly Catholic and spoke French, while Bern was mainly Protestant and spoke German which led to several tense situations throughout history.

After World War II, a separatist movement voiced for the secession of Jura from the canton of Bern. In 1978, the split was made official after the Swiss people voted in favor and Jura joined the Swiss Confederation as a full member on June 23, 1979. Today, Jura is a major tourist attraction for people worldwide. People across the world visit Jura both in summer and, increasingly, also in winter to experience the great skiing tracks.

23 June - Typewriter Day

 

Typewriter Day is a celebration that honors the invention and legacy of the typewriter. It is observed on various dates throughout the year in different countries, but the most widely recognized Typewriter Day is on June 23rd.

The typewriter revolutionized the way people communicated and conducted business before the advent of computers and digital technology. It was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes in the late 19th century and played a crucial role in the advancement of writing, journalism, administration, and many other fields.

Typewriter Day is an opportunity to commemorate the typewriter's contributions to society and acknowledge its historical significance. It serves as a reminder of how written communication has evolved over time and the impact of technology on our daily lives.

On Typewriter Day, enthusiasts and collectors often showcase their vintage typewriters, organize exhibitions, share stories and experiences related to typewriters, and engage in various activities that pay tribute to this iconic device. It's also a day to appreciate the craftsmanship, mechanical intricacies, and nostalgia associated with typewriters.

Moreover, Typewriter Day encourages individuals to reflect on the importance of effective writing and the role that typewriters played in shaping literary works, official documents, and personal correspondence in the past. It highlights the art of typewriting and the unique experience of typing on a traditional typewriter, with its distinctive tactile feedback and rhythmic sound.

Whether you're a typewriter enthusiast, a writer, or simply someone interested in the history of communication technology, Typewriter Day provides an opportunity to celebrate and honor the typewriter's enduring legacy.

23 June - Victory Day (Estonia)

 

Victory Day in Estonia, also known as Võidupüha, is celebrated annually on June 23rd. It commemorates the decisive victory of the Estonian forces over the Baltic German Landeswehr and the Bolsheviks in the Battle of Võnnu (Cēsis) during the Estonian War of Independence in 1919.

Victory Day holds significant historical and patriotic importance for Estonia. It symbolizes the country's successful struggle for independence and the preservation of its sovereignty. The Battle of Võnnu was a crucial turning point in the war, contributing to Estonia's eventual independence from foreign forces.

On Victory Day, various events and activities are organized throughout Estonia to honor and remember the sacrifices made by the Estonian soldiers during the War of Independence. These may include military parades, wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials, concerts, cultural performances, and exhibitions showcasing the country's history and achievements.

The celebrations also serve as an opportunity to promote national unity and pride. Many people dress in traditional Estonian folk costumes, and communities come together to celebrate their shared heritage and independence. It is a day for reflection, remembrance, and paying tribute to those who fought for Estonia's freedom.

In recent years, Victory Day has become part of a two-day celebration, as it is followed by St. John's Day or Midsummer's Day, a traditional summer solstice festival that holds cultural significance in Estonia. These two occasions combined make for a festive and joyful period of celebration and reflection in the country.

23 June - Luxembourg National Day

 

Luxembourg National Day, also known as the Grand Duke's Birthday, is celebrated on June 23rd each year. It is the official national holiday of Luxembourg and holds significant historical and cultural importance for the country.

Luxembourg National Day commemorates the birthday of the reigning monarch, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The current Grand Duke, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, is Grand Duke Henri. The celebrations usually take place in Luxembourg City, the capital of the country.

The festivities on Luxembourg National Day typically include various events and activities. One of the key highlights is the Te Deum, a religious ceremony held at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg City. The Grand Duke and other members of the royal family, along with government officials and dignitaries, attend this ceremony. Afterward, there is often a military parade and a procession through the city, which includes traditional music, performances, and crowds cheering on the royal family.

In addition to the official ceremonies, Luxembourg National Day is also celebrated by the people of Luxembourg through various activities such as concerts, fireworks displays, and street parties. It is a day for the citizens to come together, express their national pride, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Luxembourg National Day serves as an important occasion to honor the country's history, culture, and unity. It is a day to celebrate Luxembourg's independence and reaffirm the nation's identity and values.

23 June - International Olympic Day

 

International Olympic Day is celebrated annually on June 23rd. It commemorates the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 23, 1894, and aims to promote the Olympic values and encourage participation in sports worldwide.

The primary objective of International Olympic Day is to promote the ideals of the Olympic movement, including friendship, respect, and excellence. It encourages people of all ages and abilities to engage in sporting activities, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle.

On this day, various events and activities are organized globally, ranging from sports competitions and exhibitions to educational seminars and workshops. These activities aim to promote the Olympic values and inspire individuals to participate in sports and physical activities.

International Olympic Day serves as a reminder of the positive impact of sports on individuals and communities. It emphasizes the importance of fair play, teamwork, and striving for personal best, while also celebrating the international unity and camaraderie that the Olympic Games represent.