14 March - World Kidney Day

 

World Kidney Day is an annual global campaign observed on the second Thursday of March to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health. The day aims to highlight the impact of kidney-related diseases, promote preventive measures, and advocate for access to healthcare for those affected by kidney conditions.

World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). The campaign encourages individuals, healthcare professionals, and organizations worldwide to participate in activities and events that promote kidney health.

Each year, World Kidney Day focuses on a specific theme related to kidney health. The themes often revolve around various aspects of kidney disease prevention, early detection, and treatment. The campaign emphasizes the role of healthy lifestyle choices, regular check-ups, and raising awareness about risk factors for kidney diseases.

By organizing events, educational programs, and social media campaigns, World Kidney Day aims to reach a global audience and contribute to the prevention and management of kidney diseases. Kidney health is crucial for overall well-being, and this initiative plays a significant role in addressing the challenges associated with kidney-related conditions worldwide.

 

14 March - Nanakshahi New Year, first day of the month of Chet (Sikhism)

 

The Nanakshahi calendar is a solar calendar used by Sikhs that begins on 14 March of the Gregorian calendar and is based on the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The Nanakshahi New Year is celebrated on this date, marking the start of the Sikh New Year.

The Nanakshahi calendar was introduced in 2003 to standardize the way Sikh festivals are observed and to align them with the seasons. The adoption of this calendar was an effort to move away from the Bikrami calendar, which is a lunar calendar that results in the celebration of Sikh events on different dates each year.

On the Nanakshahi New Year, Sikhs worldwide may attend Gurdwara services, participate in kirtan (devotional singing), listen to religious discourses, and engage in community activities. The celebration emphasizes reflection, renewal, and the teachings of Guru Nanak.

It's worth noting that the Nanakshahi New Year falls on 14 March of the Gregorian calendar, and the year in the Nanakshahi calendar is based on the solar cycle. This calendar is named after Guru Nanak and follows a more consistent pattern than the lunar-based Bikrami calendar.

 

14 March - Karl Marx passed away in 1883

 

Karl Marx passed away on 14 March 1883, he was a German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist, critic of political economy, and socialist revolutionary. His best-known titles are the 1848 pamphlet The Communist Manifesto and the four-volume Das Kapital (1867–1883). Marx's political and philosophical thought had enormous influence on subsequent intellectual, economic, and political history. His name has been used as an adjective, a noun, and a school of social theory.

14 March - India's first talking film "Alam Ara" was released

 On 14 March 1931, Alam Ara, India's first talking film, was released.

Alam Ara, was a 1931 Indian film directed by Ardeshir Irani. It was the first Indian sound film.

14 March - Mohindra College, Patiala commemorative postage stamp issued in 1988

 

A commemorative postage stamp on Mohindra College, Patiala was issued by the Government of India on 14 March 1988.

Established in 1875, Government Mohindra College Patiala, Punjab, India is the oldest institution of contemporary higher learning in Northern India.

Mohindra College was the first institution in Punjab to receive A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council of the Government of India. It has been ranked as number one college in India by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in 2016 with highest CGPA of 3.86 which is highest in college section in India. The college offers undergraduate and graduate level education in basic sciences, political science, languages, history, public administration, commerce, computer applications, law, agriculture science, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics.

14 March - S. K. Pottekkatt was born in 1913

 

S. K. Pottekkatt, born on 14 March 1913, was an Indian writer of Malayalam literature and a politician from Kerala. He was also a great traveller among the Keralites, who wrote many travelogues for the people who have been unintroduced to the outside world. He was the author of nearly sixty books which include ten novels, twenty-four collections of short stories, three anthologies of poems, eighteen travelogues, four plays, a collection of essays and a couple of books based on personal reminiscences. He is a recipient of Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Novel, Sahitya Akademi Award and the Jnanpith Award. His works have been translated into English, Italian, Russian, German and Czech, besides all major Indian languages.

14 March - India Post issued a stamp on Kusumāgraj

 

Vishnū Vāman Shirwādkar (27 February 1912 – 10 March 1999), popularly known by his pen name, Kusumāgraj, was an Marathi poet, playwright, novelist and short story writer, who wrote of freedom, justice and emancipation of the deprived,

In a career spanning five decades starting in India's pre-independence era, he wrote 16 volumes of poems, three novels, eight volumes of short stories, seven volumes of essays, 18 plays and six one-act plays.His works like the Vishakha (1942), a collection of lyrics, inspired a generation into the Indian freedom movement, and is today considered one of the masterpieces of Indian literature.

He was the recipient of the 1974 Sahitya Akademi Award in Marathi for Natsamrat, Padma Bhushan (1991) and the Jnanapith Award in 1987;

He also served as the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held at Margao in 1964.

India Post issued a stamp on Kusumāgraj on 14 March 2003.

14 March - Stephen Hawking, passed away 2018

 

Stephen Hawking ( 08 January 1942 – 14 March 2018) was a renowned theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author. He was born in Oxford, England, and became one of the most brilliant minds in the field of theoretical physics despite facing significant physical challenges.

Hawking made significant contributions to our understanding of black holes, the nature of the universe, and the origins of the cosmos. His most famous work is probably his theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, now known as Hawking radiation. This groundbreaking idea challenged prevailing notions about black holes.

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21, Hawking's physical condition deteriorated over the years, leading to almost complete paralysis. Despite his physical limitations, he continued to work, write, and communicate using a computerized voice system.

Some of his notable publications include the best-selling book "A Brief History of Time," which aimed to explain complex scientific concepts to a general audience. Hawking received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and he held the prestigious Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge for many years.

Stephen Hawking passed away on 14 March 2018, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to theoretical physics and science communication. His life and work continue to inspire scientists and enthusiasts around the world.

13 March - Battle of Badr

 

The Battle of Badr is a significant event in Islamic history and occurred during the early years of Islam. It was fought on the 17th day of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, in the year 2 AH (After Hijra), which corresponds to March 13, 624 CE, in the Gregorian calendar. The battle took place near the wells of Badr, located in present-day Saudi Arabia.

Key points about the Battle of Badr:

1. Background: The battle was a result of escalating tensions between the early Muslim community in Medina and the Quraysh tribe of Mecca, which opposed the rise of Islam.

2. Cause: A trade caravan led by the Quraysh was returning from Syria to Mecca, and the Muslims sought to intercept it at Badr. The Quraysh, upon learning about the Muslim forces, sent a larger army to protect their caravan.

3. Forces: The Muslim army, led by Prophet Muhammad, numbered around 313 to 317 fighters, while the Quraysh army, commanded by Abu Jahl, had about 900 to 1,000 soldiers.

4. Outcome: Despite being outnumbered, the Muslims achieved a decisive victory. The battle is considered a turning point in the early history of Islam, demonstrating the strength of the Muslim community and the support they believed they received from God.

5. Significance: The Battle of Badr is highly significant in Islam and is mentioned in the Quran. It is seen as a symbol of faith, trust in God, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. The Muslims' victory at Badr is believed by followers of Islam to be a divine intervention.

6. Ramadan Connection: The Battle of Badr is often noted for occurring during the month of Ramadan, highlighting the historical significance of events during this sacred month.

The Battle of Badr holds a central place in Islamic history, and its anniversary is remembered and commemorated by Muslims around the world, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

 

13 March - Kasuga Matsuri festival

 

Kasuga Matsuri is a traditional Japanese festival held at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, Japan. Kasuga Taisha is a Shinto shrine that dates back to the Nara period (710-794). The festival is one of Nara's most important and is celebrated annually on March 13 and 14.

Key features of the Kasuga Matsuri include:

1. Chōnai Mikoshi Gyōretsu (町内神輿行列): This is a grand procession of portable mikoshi shrines carried by local residents through the streets of Nara. The mikoshi are ornate portable Shinto shrines that are believed to house the deity during the procession.

2. Mantō Nagashi (万灯流し): Thousands of lanterns are lit and released into the air or floated down the river, creating a breathtaking display of light.

3. Bugaku (舞楽): Bugaku is a form of traditional Japanese court dance that is often performed during religious ceremonies. It is a graceful and intricate dance accompanied by traditional music.

4. Yabusame (流し矢): Yabusame is a traditional Japanese archery event where archers on horseback shoot at targets while riding at high speed. This event adds a dynamic and skillful element to the festival.

5. Tea ceremonies and cultural events: Visitors to Kasuga Matsuri can also participate in tea ceremonies and various cultural events that showcase traditional Japanese arts and crafts.

The festival has deep roots in Shinto traditions and is dedicated to the Kasuga Shrine's deity. It attracts both locals and tourists, offering a vibrant and cultural experience with its colorful processions, performances, and ceremonies. Keep in mind that specific details and events may vary slightly from year to year.