This-Day 2 May 2024 Thursday

This-Day 2 May: Sam Vikram: Purnimanta Mass: Vaisakha Paksha: Tithi: Krishna Paksha Navami , let us have a quick look of the events and anniversaries of India and the world

Panchang /

Shaka Samvat: 1946

Purnimanta: Vaisakha
Tithi: Krishna Paksha Navami

This-Day

Festivals Today:
Festials Tomorrow:
Day Today: World Tuna Day (A/RES/71/124)
Day Tomorrow: World Press Freedom Day (UNESCO 26 C/Resolution 4.3)”

Yoga: Sukla – May 01 08:01 PM – May 02 05:19 PM

Karana: Taitila – May 02 04:01 AM – May 02 03:00 PM

Sunrise: 5:43
Sunset: 18:52

Moonrise: 1:49
Moonset: 12:45

Auspicious Time

Abhijit Muhurat – 11:51 AM – 12:44 PM
Amrit Kaal – 04:00 PM – 05:30 PM
Brahma Muhurat – 04:06 AM – 04:54 AM

Inauspicious Time

Rahu – 1:56 PM – 3:35 PM
Yamaganda – 5:43 AM – 7:21 AM
Gulika – 9:00 AM – 10:39 AM
Dur Muhurat – 10:06 AM – 10:59 AM, 03:22 PM – 04:14 PM
Varjyam – 06:57 AM – 08:27 AM

Information Source: https://www.prokerala.com/

Today / आज

Independence Fighters sacrificed- At Least: 6

Major Historical Events

Osama bin Laden’s Traced Down and Killed

On this-day 2 May, 2011, United States Navy SEALs executed a covert operation in Pakistan, resulting in the death of Osama bin Laden, the notorious leader of al-Qaeda. This event, celebrated globally, dealt a significant blow to terrorism but also raised complex questions about intelligence, diplomacy, and the ongoing battle against extremism.

Bin Laden’s demise symbolized justice for victims of terrorism, showcasing the effectiveness of strategic military operations. However, it also strained diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Pakistan and sparked debates on targeted killings and counterterrorism tactics.

While bin Laden’s death marked a milestone, it did not eliminate the threat of terrorism. Instead, it underscored the need for ongoing vigilance and international cooperation in combating extremism. This pivotal event continues to shape global security dynamics and underscores the persistent nature of the challenge.

We are writing a 3 part series of posts on the subject.

Click here for part one. You will find the links to second and third part here and here.

History in Brief This-Day

Anti-Discrimination Law in India – Social Justice Milestone: On May 2, 1955, India made discrimination against Dalits or “Untouchables” punishable under law.

Tony Blair – Political Leadership: Tony Blair became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on May 2, 1997.

Anniversaries This-Day

Ritu Phogat – Martial Arts Prodigy: Indian martial artist Ritu Phogat was born on May 2, 1994, in Balali, Haryana, India.

Mario Miranda – Renowned Cartoonist: Cartoonist and painter Mario Miranda was born on May 2, 1926, in Daman, India.

Brian Lara – Cricket Legend: Brian Lara, an all-time great cricketer, was born on May 2, 1969, in Santa Cruz, Trinidad and Tobago.

Dwayne Johnson – Entertainment and Sports Icon: Dwayne Johnson, famed WWE wrestler and actor, was born on May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California, USA.

David Beckham – Football Icon: Celebrated football player David Beckham was born on May 2, 1975, in London, England.

Paul George – Basketball Star: American basketball player Paul George was born on May 2, 1990, in Palmdale, California, USA.

Jack Kemp – Political and Sports Figure: Jack Kemp, an American political leader and former football player, died on May 2, 2009, in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Junior Seau – NFL Great: NFL player Junior Seau passed away on May 2, 2012, in San Diego, California, USA.

Independence Struggle Events on This-Day 2 May

The struggle for Indian independence from British rule is filled with tales of valor, sacrifice, and immense hardship endured by countless individuals across the subcontinent. On this day, 2 May, several key events and brave figures stand out, highlighting their critical contributions to the fight for freedom. This essay sheds light on these individuals and their fateful actions on this significant day.

Heroes of the Indian National Army (INA)

Kapoor Singh

Kapoor Singh, originally a member of the British-Indian Army from Punjab, joined the INA in 1942. Serving as a lieutenant, he was actively involved in combat against the British on the Burma front. Not only did he fight valiantly, but he also worked to persuade other Indians within the Allied forces to join the INA. He was killed in action on 2 May 1944. In recognition of his bravery and service, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Supreme Commander of the INA, posthumously awarded him the ‘Veer-e-Hind’ and ‘Shatrunash’ medals.

Lal Singh

Another proud son of Punjab, Lal Singh dedicated himself to the cause of Indian independence through his service in the INA. Like Kapoor Singh, Lal Singh met his end on the battlefield in Burma on this day in 1944. His heroic efforts were recognized by Netaji, who honored him posthumously with the ‘Vire-Hind’ and ‘Tamgha-e Shatru Nash Class I’ medals, marking him as a significant figure in the INA’s history.

Lieutenant Kapur Singh

Lieutenant Kapur Singh was another valiant fighter from Punjab serving in the INA. He participated in numerous confrontations against British forces across various battlefields on the Burma front. His life was tragically cut short during combat on 2 May 1944. Acknowledging his bravery, Netaji awarded him the ‘Vire-Hind’ and ‘Tamgha-e Shatru Nash Class I’ medals posthumously.

The Plight of Political Prisoners

Kadraka Mangada

From Koraput, Orissa (now Odisha), Kadraka Mangada became involved in the “Quit India” movement following Mahatma Gandhi’s call in 1942. Arrested by the British, he was detained under harsh conditions in Nowrangpur (Nabarangpur) Sub-Jail, where he contracted secondary anaemia and nephritis due to severe ankylostomiasis — a consequence of the unhygienic conditions. The Inspector General of Prisons later admitted the poor state of the facility. Despite being shifted to the Koraput District Jail and subsequently admitted to the Government Headquarters Hospital, Kadraka Mangada succumbed to his ailments and passed away on 2 May 1945.

Conclusion

“This-day (2 May)” in the history of India’s independence narrative is marked by both the ultimate sacrifices of soldiers on the battlefield and the dire circumstances faced by political prisoners. The bravery of INA members like Kapoor Singh, Lal Singh, and Lieutenant Kapur Singh, alongside the tragic demise of activists like Kadraka Mangada, underscores the multifaceted nature of the struggle against British rule. Their stories, filled with both heroism and hardship, are a testament to the complexities of the fight for freedom and the personal costs paid by those who dared to stand against colonial oppression.

Feature Image: In the image, Soama bin Laden looks in a crisply pressed military uniform, the insignia on his shoulders indicating his rank and service branch. His posture is erect, radiating confidence and authority. A partial grey beard frames his face, adding a distinguished air to his countenance. His gaze is steady and determined, reflecting years of experience and wisdom gained through service. Behind him, the backdrop may suggest a military setting, perhaps with flags or emblems, emphasizing his commitment to duty and country (Click here to see image)