Discover the exciting historical events of 1st July including the invention of sunglasses, the opening of the first zoo in America, the formation of Kerala, and why we celebrate Doctor’s Day in honour of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
Dear Students,
Today is 1st July, a date sprinkled with fascinating stories from history and a special celebration that touches each of our lives—Doctor’s Day! Are you ready to discover why this day is so important and what wonderful things happened on it? Let’s begin our time-travel adventure!
😎 The Secret Sunglasses of Ancient China
Can you imagine wearing sunglasses not to block out the sun, but to hide your feelings? That’s exactly what happened in ancient China on 1st July, 1200 CE!
Judges in Chinese courts wore flat pieces of smoky quartz called AiTai—which means “dark clouds.” These mysterious glasses covered their eyes so no one could see if they were smiling, angry, or thinking hard about the case. A bit like a superhero mask for serious decision-making!
🦁 The First Zoo in America
Imagine a place where you could see elephants, lions, colourful birds and more, all in one day! That’s exactly what happened when the first zoo in the United States opened on 1st July, 1874, in Philadelphia.
But did you know India was even quicker to create a zoo? The first Indian zoo opened in Calcutta (now Kolkata) way back in 1800! So next time you see a zoo animal, remember you’re part of a long tradition of people learning to care for and protect wildlife.
🇮🇳 The Birth of a New Indian State
On 1st July, 1949, two princely states—Cochin and Travancore—merged together to form the state of Thiru-Kochi, which was later renamed Kerala. This ended more than 1,000 years of royal rule by the Cochin family! That’s longer than most fairy tales last!
🩺 Why We Celebrate Doctor’s Day
Now, let’s talk about the most important reason 1st July is so special—Doctor’s Day.
We celebrate this day in honour of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was not just an extraordinary doctor but also the second Chief Minister of West Bengal and the first chief minister of our state after India adopted the Constitution.
Dr. Roy was born on 1st July, 1882, and in an incredible twist of destiny, he also passed away on 1st July, 1962—on his own birthday!
He believed doctors are not only healers of the body but also guides and helpers for society. Today, we thank all the doctors who look after us when we are sick, help us stay healthy, and sometimes even save our lives.
🌟 How Can You Show Gratitude?
Here are a few ways you can show appreciation this Doctor’s Day:
✅ Make a thank-you card for your family doctor.
✅ Call or message a doctor you know to say how much you appreciate them.
✅ Promise yourself to stay healthy by eating well and washing your hands.
So, dear students, 1st July is a day full of history, courage, and gratitude. Next time you put on sunglasses, visit a zoo, or meet a doctor, you’ll remember the amazing stories hidden behind this date!
Stay curious and keep smiling! 🌈✨
