Local

2018: Electric buses roll in New Town from May 1. A Hidco and Coal India initiative, the buses focus on connecting the interiors of the township and are charged like mobile phones at charging stations across New Town.

National

1857: On May 10, Indian soldiers begin to rebel against the British East India Company in Meerut. This soon leads to more mutinies and civilian rebellions across the country. This Sepoy Mutiny is also called the First War of Independence that was finally crushed by the Company in November 1858.

1919: Princess Gayatri Devi is born to prince Jitendra Narayan of Cooch Behar. She goes on to marry into the royal family of Jaipur and is known as Maharani and later Rajmata of Jaipur. Over her lifetime, she becomes a successful politician as well as fashion icon, remembered for her classic beauty.

1952: The first Rajya Sabha is held on May 13. Chaired by vice-president of India S. Radhakrishnan, the Sabha, also known as Council of States, is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of India. Members comprise eminent personalities from different walks of life.

Global

1570: The first modern world atlas is published in Belgium on May 20. It is created by cartographer Abraham Ortelius, who names it Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, meaning Theatre of the World in Latin. It comprises 53 maps arranged by continent, region and state.

1840: The United Kingdom introduces the concept of postage stamps on May 1 with the stamp “Penny Black”, bearing an image of Queen Victoria. The stamp is sufficient for a letter less than half an ounce to be sent anywhere within the UK.

1948: The Jewish Agency, which acts as a representative of the Jewish people, declares the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14. This comes after generations of religious persecution and even after its establishment, Israel fights several wars with neighbouring Arab countries. But it gradually becomes one of the most educated countries with the highest standard of living in the Middle East.

Sports & entertainment

1983: Singer Michael Jackson performs a dance step in which he moves backwards while seemingly moving forwards. The move is broadcast on May 16 at a show called Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever while singing the number Billie Jean. The step, dubbed “moonwalk”, gains massive popularity and becomes Jackson’s signature step.

1875: American athlete Robert Garrett is born on May 24. When the first modern Olympics are announced in 1896 in Athens, he decides to participate. He wins medals in high jump, shot put and creates history by winning an Olympic gold in discus-throwing, without ever having touched a discus before.

2013: Film director Rituparno Ghosh dies of a heart attack on May 30. In his career spanning over two decades, Ghosh spearheaded a new wave in cinema, making films like Unishe April, Dahan and Utsab. He won 12 National Awards and several international ones.

What is your most treasured personal memory of May?

Write to The Telegraph Salt Lake, 6 Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700001 or email to saltlake@abpmail.com