History of 16th May- Espresso & Sikkim
This episode of the series includes the invention of the espresso machine by Angelo Moriondo in 1884 and the annexation of Sikkim by India on 16th May 1975.
“Nafrath ki Bazaar may, Mohobath ki dukan khula hu”, is quite an interesting statement made by one of the politicians recently. Hope it was not just a political statement and it is practiced in ground reality. Our country needs to get the Mohabbat back which it is known for. Too much hatred around these days all over the world. After all ‘Love will keep us alive”. With that thought, I come to my first story from the history of 16th May.
Coffee Time
I prefer a cup of Darjeeling tea in the morning, but many would start the day with a cup of coffee. And when it is coffee what could be better than espresso? So here is the story of Espresso from the history of 16th May the year 1884, when Angelo Moriondo, an Italian inventor, was granted a patent for the first espresso machine.
Making espresso was a time-consuming affair in earlier times. This invention revolutionized the way people consumed coffee, as it allowed for the quick and efficient preparation of espresso.
Moriondo’s machine used steam and pressure to force water through the finely ground coffee, producing a concentrated and flavorful beverage in a matter of seconds. The machine was also capable of producing multiple cups of espresso at once, making it ideal for use in cafes and restaurants.
While Moriondo’s invention was a significant step forward, it was not until the early 20th century that espresso became widely popular. This was due in large part to improvements made to the espresso machine by other inventors, including Luigi Bezzera and Desiderio Pavoni, who refined Moriondo’s original design and helped to popularize the drink in Italy and beyond.
Today, espresso is enjoyed by millions of people around the world and has become an integral part of many cultures’ daily routines. Moriondo’s invention has had a lasting impact on the world of coffee, and his legacy continues to be felt today. So grab your cuppa and say ‘A lot can happen over a cup of coffee’ and as you do that I shall grab my cup of Makaibari and share the history of 16th May with my second story on Sikkim.
Indian Flag in Sikkim
The great range of the Himalayas extends along the northern borders of India for a length of 1500 miles from the river Sutlej in the west to the Brahmaputra in the east. Within this range are the loftiest snow peaks in the world, Everest towering above them all falls on the border of Nepal and Tibet. The third highest peak the ineffable Kanchanjanga belongs to the kingdom of Sikkim. Yes, it was a Kingdom till 1975. But history changed on the 16th of May when India annexed the Principality of Sikkim, making it the 22nd state of India. Sikkim till then was a tiny Himalayan kingdom, which had been a protectorate of India since 1950, with India controlling its defense, foreign affairs, and communication.
The annexation was preceded by a political crisis in Sikkim, with pro-India political parties demanding closer ties with India and an end to the Chogyal (monarchy) rule. The Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, who had been ruling Sikkim since 1965, resisted these demands and even tried to gain independence for Sikkim.
The crisis deepened when anti-monarchy protests erupted in Sikkim in early 1975, and the Indian government saw an opportunity to intervene. Indian troops were mobilized, and a referendum was held in which 97.5% of Sikkim’s voters favored the merger with India.
The annexation of Sikkim was controversial, with many Sikkimese feeling that their independence had been taken away without their consent. However, India argued that the merger was necessary to bring stability and development to Sikkim, which was one of the poorest regions in India.
Today, Sikkim is a thriving state in India, known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and sustainable development. The people of Sikkim enjoy the same rights and privileges as citizens of other Indian states, and the state has made significant progress in areas like education, healthcare, and tourism.
That was the history of 16th May. Goodbye.
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