History of 30th May- Tagore, Goa and Anand
Today’s episode of the series includes the history of 30th May which are the return of knighthood by Tagore in 1919 followed by Goa becoming a state in 1987 and finally Vishwanathan Anand clinching the title of World Champion for the fifth time in 2012. The article also includes 5 misconception most people think are true.
Before I begin the history of 30th May, let me tell you about 5 misconceptions most people think are true which I found in a magazine called Independent. Did you know …
1) Fortune cookies are not Chinese
Despite them being handed out in many western-based Chinese restaurants at the end of a meal these days, the fortune cookie is not from China. Rather, it was brought to the US by the Japanese. They are rarely found in China, and are often seen as a symbol of American cuisine.
2) The laughing Buddha is not Buddha
The popular image of the fat, laughing buddha with a big friendly belly is completely inaccurate. This is actually a 10th century folk hero in Chinese lore called Budai – and the two have been confused over time. In fact, Buddha was an ascetic who prayed under a lotus tree eating almost nothing to achieve enlightenment.
3) Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was not composed by Mozart
It has been widely whispered that the classic children’s song was composed by the Austrian musician when he was five years old. Actually, it originated from a French folk song which Mozart composed variations of when he was 25 and 26 years old.
4) Vikings did not wear horns on their helmets
An iconic image for identifying the invaders, there is no historical evidence it is accurate. In fact, the horns on helmets for Vikings come from an opera scene by Richard Wagner of Der Ring des Nibelungen.
5) The Great Wall of China is not the only human-made object visible from space
None of the Apollo astronauts reported seeing any specific human-made object from the Moon. Even Earth-orbiting astronauts can barely see it. City lights, however, are easily visible on the night side of Earth from orbit.
Now coming back to the history of 30th May. My first story…
Tagore returns Knighthood
History of 30th May 1919. It was this day when Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned poet, writer, and philosopher, returned the honorary title of ‘Sir’ bestowed upon him by the British government. This symbolic act of renunciation was a direct response to the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which had occurred just weeks earlier on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, India. The massacre, orchestrated by British colonial authorities, resulted in the senseless killing of hundreds of unarmed Indian protesters.
Tagore, deeply moved by the brutality and injustice of the event, sought to express his solidarity with the Indian people and their struggle for freedom by rejecting the very title that represented the British establishment. This poignant gesture demonstrated Tagore’s unwavering commitment to justice and his unwavering support for the Indian independence movement.
Now my second story.
Goa becomes a state
History of 30th May 1987. It was this day when another significant milestone was achieved in India’s political landscape as Goa, a coastal state on the western coast of the country, officially became the 25th full state. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of a long struggle for statehood and the recognition of Goa’s distinct identity and aspirations.
Renowned for its picturesque beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant mix of Portuguese and Indian influences, Goa had previously been a union territory. However, the persistent efforts of the local population, backed by political leaders and activists, eventually led to the fulfillment of their longstanding demand for statehood. With this transition, Goa gained greater autonomy and the ability to govern itself in various spheres, contributing to its continued growth and development as a flourishing state in India.
And finally the 3rd and concluding story.
Anand grabs World Chess Championship trophy for the 5th time
History of 30th May 2012. The world of chess witnessed a remarkable achievement as Vishwanathan Anand, the legendary Indian Grandmaster, clinched the coveted title of World Chess Champion for an extraordinary fifth time. With a display of sheer brilliance and strategic prowess, Anand demonstrated his unrivaled mastery of the game, solidifying his status as one of the greatest chess players in history.
His triumph was a testament to his unwavering dedication, unwavering focus, and unparalleled skill, as he outwitted his formidable opponent to claim the crown once again. Anand’s exceptional accomplishment on this day will forever be etched in the annals of chess history, inspiring generations to come.
That’s all for the day.
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