20 February - John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962

 

Project Mercury was the first human spaceflight program conducted by the United States. It was initiated by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in 1958 with the goal of putting an American astronaut into orbit around the Earth and bringing them safely back. The project took its name from the ancient Roman god Mercury, who was the messenger to the gods and symbolized speed.

Key points about Project Mercury:

1. Objective: The primary objective of Project Mercury was to develop the capability to put humans into space and safely return them to Earth. The program laid the groundwork for future space missions and aimed to gather data on human performance in space, particularly in the weightlessness of orbit.

2. Astronauts: Seven astronauts, known as the "Mercury Seven," were selected to participate in the program. The members were Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton.

3. Spacecraft: The spacecraft used in Project Mercury was named the Mercury spacecraft. It was a small, single-person capsule designed to carry astronauts into space and re-enter the Earth's atmosphere.

4. Suborbital and Orbital Flights: The program included both suborbital and orbital flights. The first American in space was Alan Shepard, who made a suborbital flight on May 5, 1961. John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth on February 20, 1962.

5. Launch Vehicle: The Redstone and Atlas rockets were used as launch vehicles for the Mercury missions.

6. Conclusion: Project Mercury paved the way for subsequent human spaceflight programs, such as Gemini and Apollo, which eventually led to the United States landing astronauts on the Moon in 1969. The success of Project Mercury demonstrated the feasibility of human space exploration and marked the beginning of the U.S. space program's efforts to explore the cosmos.

 

20 February - Lord Louis Mountbatten Viceroy of India

 

Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas Mountbatten, (25 June 1900 – 27 August 1979) was a British naval officer, colonial administrator and close relative of the British royal family. Mountbatten, who was of German descent, was born in the United Kingdom to the prominent Battenberg family and was a maternal uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and a second cousin of King George VI. He joined the Royal Navy during the First World War and was appointed Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia Command, in the Second World War. He later served as the last Viceroy of British India and briefly as the first Governor-General of the Dominion of India.

Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India. Mountbatten's experience in the region and in particular his perceived Labour sympathies at that time led to Clement Attlee advising King George VI to appoint him Viceroy of India on 20 February 1947.

20 February - Foundation Day TRAI

 

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a regulatory body set up by the Government of India under section 3 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. It is the regulator of the telecommunications sector in India.It consists of a chairperson and not more than two full-time members and not more than two part-time members. The TRAI Act was amended by an ordinance, effective from 24 January 2000, establishing a Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India was established on 20 February 1997 by an Act of Parliament to regulate telecom services and tariffs in India. Earlier, regulation of telecom services and tariffs was overseen by the Central Government.

20 February - Kurt Cobain

 

Kurt Cobain was an influential musician, best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the band Nirvana. He was born on 20 February 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington, USA. Cobain's music, characterized by its raw emotion, distorted guitars, and angst-filled lyrics, played a significant role in the popularization of alternative rock in the early 1990s.

Nirvana's second album, "Nevermind," released in 1991, propelled the band to worldwide fame with its lead single "Smells Like Teen Spirit" becoming an anthem for the Generation X. Cobain's songwriting often reflected themes of alienation, disillusionment, and societal critique.

Despite his musical success, Cobain struggled with addiction, chronic health issues, and depression. He tragically died by suicide on  05 April 1994, at the age of 27. His death shocked the music world and left a profound impact on his fans and the industry. Cobain is remembered as a seminal figure in rock music, and his influence continues to be felt decades after his passing.

 

20 February - Day of Heavenly Hundred Heroes (Ukraine)

 

The "Day of Heavenly Hundred Heroes" in Ukraine commemorates the individuals who lost their lives during the Euromaidan protests in Kyiv in 2014. The events unfolded between November 2013 and February 2014, when Ukrainians, dissatisfied with the government's decision to suspend an association agreement with the European Union, took to the streets to protest.

The term "Heavenly Hundred" refers to the more than 100 protesters who were killed during clashes with security forces and government-backed militias. The tragic culmination of the protests occurred in late February 2014 when violence escalated, leading to the deaths of many protesters.

The exact date for the Day of Heavenly Hundred Heroes is February 20, as it marks a particularly tragic day during the Euromaidan events when dozens of protesters were killed by government forces. This day serves as a memorial to honor those who lost their lives in the pursuit of democratic values and the desire for a closer association with the European Union.

 

20 February - Sarat Chandra Bose death in 1950

 

Sarat Chandra Bose was born on 6th September 1889 in Cuttack, Odisha. He got his MA from Presidency College, Kolkata in 1909 and became a legal practitioner in 1911. He was enrolled in the Honourable Society of Lincoln Inn’s Society and practiced as a Barrister in England from 1912-1914.

He was a member of the Bengal Legislative Council and was a part of the Indian National Congress. Bose was also elected as an Alderman multiple times in the Calcutta Corporation.He died in Kolkata on 20th February 1950.

20 February - Frederick Douglass passed away on 20 February 1895

 

Frederick Douglass ( 14 February 1818 – 20 February 1895) was an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. Born into slavery in Maryland, he escaped to the North in 1838, and after gaining his freedom, Douglass became a prominent figure in the fight against slavery and for civil rights.

Key points about Frederick Douglass's life and contributions include:

1. Autobiography: Douglass wrote several autobiographies, with his first and most famous work being "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" (1845). In these works, he detailed his experiences as a slave and his journey to freedom.

2. Oratory and Abolitionism: Douglass became a powerful orator and a leading abolitionist speaker. He used his eloquence to advocate for the abolition of slavery, equal rights, and suffrage for African Americans and women.

3. The North Star: Douglass founded and edited an influential abolitionist newspaper called "The North Star" (later named "Frederick Douglass' Paper"). The publication played a crucial role in promoting the antislavery cause.

4. Women's Rights: Douglass was an early supporter of the women's suffrage movement and attended the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, where he advocated for women's rights alongside figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.

5. Government Positions: After the Civil War, Douglass held various government positions, including U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and Minister to Haiti.

6. Legacy: Frederick Douglass is remembered as a key figure in American history for his tireless efforts in the fight against slavery, his advocacy for civil rights, and his contributions to the broader struggle for equality and justice.

Frederick Douglass's life and work continue to be studied and celebrated for their significant impact on the abolitionist movement and the advancement of civil rights in the United States.

19 February - Rani Rashmoni death anniversary

 

Rani Rashmoni, also known as Rani Rashmoni Thakurani, was a prominent 19th-century philanthropist and social reformer from Bengal, India. She was born on 28th September 1793 in present-day Kolkata and was married to Babu Rajchandra Das, a wealthy zamindar (landowner).

Rani Rashmoni is best known for her significant contributions to religious and social causes. She is renowned for founding the Dakshineswar Kali Temple near Kolkata, which later gained fame as the place where the mystic Ramakrishna Paramahamsa served as a priest. The construction of the temple was completed in 1855.

In addition to her religious contributions, Rani Rashmoni played a key role in social reforms. She actively supported widow remarriage and established charitable and educational institutions. Her legacy continues through various institutions and philanthropic activities associated with her name.

Rani Rashmoni passed away on 19th February 1861, but her contributions to society and religious institutions are remembered and celebrated to this day. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple remains a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of her dedication to spiritual and social causes.

 

19 February - Battle of Iwo Jima

 

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a major conflict during World War II that took place from 19 February to 26 March 1945. It was fought between the United States and Imperial Japan on the island of Iwo Jima, which is located in the Volcano Islands of the Pacific Ocean. The island was strategically important for the Allies as it provided a crucial airbase that could be used for long-range bombing missions against Japan.

The American forces, primarily consisting of the United States Marine Corps, faced a determined Japanese defense. The Japanese had heavily fortified the island with an intricate network of tunnels, bunkers, and underground positions. The battle was marked by intense fighting, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

The iconic photograph of the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi by U.S. Marines captured by photographer Joe Rosenthal on 23 February 1945, became a symbol of American determination and resilience during the war.

Despite facing fierce resistance, the American forces eventually gained control of the island. However, victory came at a high cost, with over 6,800 U.S. Marines losing their lives and thousands more being wounded. On the Japanese side, nearly all of the approximately 21,000 defenders perished.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a significant step in the island-hopping campaign that aimed to capture key Pacific islands and bring the Allies closer to the Japanese mainland. The airfields on Iwo Jima played a crucial role in supporting the bombing raids on Japan. The battle's outcome contributed to the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific theater during World War II.

19 February - Constantin Brâncuși's birth anniversary

 

Constantin Brâncuși (19 February 1876 – 16 March 1957) was a Romanian sculptor who became a key figure in modern art. Here are some key points about Constantin Brâncuși:

1. Early Life: Brâncuși was born in Hobița, a small village in Romania. He showed early talent in woodcarving, and his skills led him to attend the School of Arts and Crafts in Craiova. Later, he studied at the National School of Fine Arts in Bucharest.

2. Move to Paris: In 1904, Brâncuși moved to Paris, which was a thriving center for the avant-garde art scene. This move marked a crucial period in his artistic development.

3. Sculptural Style: Brâncuși is best known for his abstract and symbolic sculptures. His work evolved through several phases, including influences of folk art, symbolism, and Cubism. He gradually moved toward a more simplified and abstract style.

4. Influence on Modern Art: Brâncuși's work had a profound impact on the development of modern sculpture. His focus on form, materials, and abstraction set him apart as a pioneer in the art world.

5. Notable Works: Some of his most famous sculptures include "The Kiss," "Bird in Space," "Endless Column," and "Sleeping Muse." "Bird in Space" particularly drew attention for its sleek, streamlined form and became iconic in the history of modern sculpture.

6. Legal Controversy: The term "Bird in Space" led to a legal dispute in the United States when customs officials initially classified it as a utilitarian object rather than art. Brâncuși won the case, and the legal precedent helped define modern art for customs purposes.

7. Legacy: Constantin Brâncuși's legacy is celebrated worldwide. His innovative approach to form and material, along with his emphasis on the spiritual and symbolic aspects of art, left a lasting impact on modern and contemporary sculpture.

8. Death: Brâncuși passed away on 16 March 1957, in Paris, France. His studio and a significant part of his works were bequeathed to the French government and are now on display at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.

Constantin Brâncuși's contributions to art are highly regarded, and his work continues to inspire and influence artists and art enthusiasts around the world.