Suraiya Death Anniversary

Suraiya, passed away on 31 January 2004, was a popular Indian Hindi/Hindustani film actress and playback singer in Bollywood. She was active from 1936 to 1963. No formal training in singing. No certified acting classes. Yet she ruled the silver screen for over two decades. One of the most sensational actresses during the golden eras, Suraiya is remembered for her drop-dead beautiful looks and melodious voice.

Singing Career

With the help of her maternal uncle, Zahoor (a popular villain of that epoch), Suraiya grabbed a role of a child artist in "Usne Kya Socha" in 1937. While accompanying her uncle to Mohan Studios one day in 1941 to watch the shooting of film "Taj Mahal" directed by Nanubhai Vakil, she was offered the role of young Mumtaz Mahal in the same movie. This proved to be another leap towards hitting the chartbusters. She used to sing for a children's program on All India Radio where she was once heard over by legendary music director Naushad. He instantly offered her to sing for Kardar's film "Sharda" in 1942, showcased on an elderly heroine, Mehtaab. Since she was barely in her teens, she had to stand on a stool to reach the mike and sing the song "Panchi ja". Suraiya was later launched in the 1943 "Hamari Baat" as a singing star. In the years following, she delivered some smash-away hits, but the four solo songs of "Parwana" film made her a star overnight. The composer of these songs Khawaja Khurshid Anwar was her favourite music director, but she went on to sing only 13 songs for him from 1943 through 1949.

Acting Career

After portraying a number of child artist roles, Suraiya was offered secondary roles as an adult. She starred in K. Asif's "Phool", Mehboob Khan's "Anmol Ghadi" (written by Aghajani Kashmeri), and "Dard". But it was "Tadbir" in 1945 that gave her a major break as the leading protagonist, at the recommendation of K.L. Saigal. Later, she starred in "Omar Khayyam" and "Parwana" with K.L. Saigal. But with the migration of ruling actresses Noor Jehan and Khursheed Bano to Pakistan post-independence, Suraiya got an opportunity to flaunt her talent and rule the silver screen. With three hits in hand, "Pyar Ki Jeet", "Badi Behen", and "Dillagi", Suraiya became the highest paid actress of that time. Further, she even had an edge over Kamini Kaushal and Nargis simply because she could sing her own songs. However, the success was short-lived as after a while, her movies starting bombing on the box office in the 1950s. With "Waaris" and "Mirza Ghalib", she made her comeback in 1954. The 1963 released "Rustom Sohrab" was Suraiya's last film as an actor.

 

 

 

Shri Krishna Singh Death Anniversary

 

Shri Krishna Singh, who passed away on 31 January 1961, and also known as Dr. S. K. Sinha, Sri Babu and Bihar Kesari, was the first Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar (1946–61). Except for the period of World War II, Sinha was chief minister of Bihar from the time of the first Congress Ministry in 1937 until his death in 1961." Along with the nationalists Rajendra Prasad and Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Singh is regarded among the Architects of Modern Bihar. led the Dalit entry into the Baidyanath Dham temple (Vaidyanath Temple, Deoghar), reflecting his commitment to the upliftment and social empowerment of dalits. He was the first Chief Minister in the country to abolish the zamindari system. He underwent different terms of imprisonment for a total of about eight years in British India. S.K. Sinha's mass meetings brought hordes of people to hear him. He was known as "Bihar Kesari" for his lionlike roars when he rose to address the masses. His close friend and eminent gandhian Bihar Vibhuti Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha in his essay mere Shri Babu wrote that, "Since 1921, the History of Bihar has been the history of the life of Shri Babu". The former President of India, Pratibha Patil, released a book on the letters of exchange between Sinha and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru titled Freedom and Beyond. The Nehru-Sinha correspondence touches on subjects such as Indian democracy in the making in early years of Independence, Centre-State relations, role of governor, turbulence in Nepal, Zamindari abolition and education scenario. Sinha was known for his scholarship and erudition and he had given his personal collection of 17,000 books to the public library in Munger in 1959 which is now named after him as Sri Krishna Seva Sadan.

Major Somanth Sharma Birth Anniversary

 

Major Somnath Sharma, PVC, born on 31 January 1923, was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest Indian gallantry award. He was awarded the medal posthumously for his bravery in the Kashmir operations in November 1947. He died while evicting Pakistani infiltrators and raiders from Srinagar Airport during the Indo-Pak war of 1947-48 in Kashmir. He belonged to the 4th Kumaon Regiment.

In his last message sent to the brigade headquarters, Major Sharma said, "The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round."

Peafowl declared the national bird of India in 1963

 

The Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus, the national bird of India, is a colourful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck.

On January 31, 1963 the peafowl was declared the national bird of India because of its rich religious and legendary involvement in Indian traditions. It is also well-distributed within the country. 

Hindus consider this bird to be sacred because the God Kartikeya rides in the back. Legend also says the peacock is able to charm snakes and addle their eggs!

International Zebra Day

International Zebra Day is observed every year on January 31. With the national environment diminishing and increasing human development, these gentle animals are in danger. When habitats are threatened, animals too, become endangered. International Zebra Day is all about creating awareness and what you can do to help in the conservation of this animal.

Zebras are mostly found in the African continent, in the semi-desert areas of Kenya and Ethiopia, and the hilly areas of Namibia, Angola, and in South Africa. You can easily identify a zebra by its unique black and white stripes.

5 Fascinating Facts About Zebras

 A zebra’s stripes are like human fingerprints

Every zebra has a unique stripe pattern! While zebras might look the same to us from a distance, there are actually variations in each zebra’s stripes. The reason for each zebra’s distinct stripes is still a mystery to scientists, but the most widely accepted theory is that stripes allow zebras to recognize one another.

 Zebras can sleep standing up

Just like their horse relatives, zebras are able to sleep standing up by locking the joints in their knees. This helps them quickly awaken from a nap and escape from predators. However, when they need deep sleep, zebras often lay on their sides.

The plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grévy’s zebra are the three types of zebras that are alive today, Grévy’s zebras are the largest, weighing up to 1,000 pounds. The plains zebras can weigh up to 850 pounds. Their territory stretches from southern Ethiopia and South Sudan to northern South Africa. The smallest zebra species, the mountain zebra, can still weigh up to 800 pounds. They are found only in South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.

There are three species of zebra

The plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grévy’s zebra are the three types of zebras that are alive today. Grévy’s zebras are the largest, weighing up to 1,000 pounds. The plains zebras can weigh up to 850 pounds. Their territory stretches from southern Ethiopia and South Sudan to northern South Africa. The smallest zebra species, the mountain zebra, can still weigh up to 800 pounds. They are found only in South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.

Zebras’ stripes are used for camouflage

Like many animals with distinct patterns, zebras’ stripes help them camouflage themselves from predators, like lions. When zebras are in herds, their stripes help to obscure individual silhouettes, making it more difficult for predators to identify them.

Zebras have sophisticated communication skills

At least six distinct vocalizations are used by plains zebras. Snorts signal contentment while a two-syllable cry warns the herd of approaching predators. Additionally, they communicate through facial expressions. Zebras stretch their faces forward and put their ears forward to meet each other. They push their ears to their skulls when feeling threatened.

Don Bosco's Feast Day

 

On 31 January, we honour Saint John “Don” Bosco, the founder of the Salesian order, and commemorate Don Bosco's Feast Day. He was a humble, selfless servant of God who was able to see true human potential in even the most hopeless situations.

St. John Bosco, who passed away on 31 January 1888, was an Italian Roman Catholic priest, educator, and writer of the 19th century. He was a pioneer in educating the poor and founded the Salesian order. He is a patron saint of editors, publishers, youth, apprentices, and magicians.

John Bosco’s theory of education could well be used in today’s schools. It was a preventive system, rejecting corporal punishment and placing students in surroundings removed from the likelihood of committing sin. He advocated frequent reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion. He combined catechetical training and fatherly guidance, seeking to unite the spiritual life with one’s work, study and play.

From when he was small, John began to feel a desire to become a priest. He spoke of having had a dream at nine years of age, which revealed to him his mission: "Make yourself humble, strong and robust", a woman resplendent as the sun told him, "and what you see happening to these wolves which change into lambs, you will do for my children. I will be your teacher. In time you will understand". While still a lad, John began to do magic tricks, learned with hard effort, for his friends, and he alternated this with work and prayer.

Encouraged during his youth in Turin to become a priest so he could work with young boys, John was ordained in 1841. His service to young people started when he met a poor orphan in Turin, and instructed him in preparation for receiving Holy Communion. He then gathered young apprentices and taught them catechism.

After serving as chaplain in a hospice for working girls, Don Bosco opened the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales for boys. Several wealthy and powerful patrons contributed money, enabling him to provide two workshops for the boys, shoemaking and tailoring.

By 1856, the institution had grown to 150 boys and had added a printing press for publication of religious and catechetical pamphlets. John’s interest in vocational education and publishing justifies him as patron of young apprentices and Catholic publishers.

John’s preaching fame spread and by 1850 he had trained his own helpers because of difficulties in retaining young priests. In 1854, he and his followers informally banded together, inspired by Saint Francis de Sales.

With Pope Pius IX’s encouragement, John gathered 17 men and founded the Salesians in 1859. Their activity concentrated on education and mission work. Later, he organized a group of Salesian Sisters to assist girls.

 

 

Indian Night Air Mail Service Launched in 1949

"Night Air Mail Service" was launched on January 30, 1949 in India by Rafi Ahmed Kidwai to improve the postal service. Air Mail Service was introduced when Railway Mail and Motor Mail had reached saturation point.

Since space was a premium at daytime flights, it was decided that air mail would move at night and this had the added advantage of making overnight delivery possible in what may very well be also the world's first example if not one of the earliest examples of a hub-and-spoke operation. Under this system, the four main cities of India also happened to form each of the four corners of a diamond- New Delhi to the north, Bombay to the west, Calcutta to the east, and Madras to the south. Connecting these cities was a central location at the city of Nagpur in central India. 

The system was quite simple- letters postmarked for overnight air mail were delivered to each of the corners of the NAM system in the evening and loaded on aircraft. These aircraft, all then flew in the first part of the night to the central processing and sort facility at the Nagpur Airport. Mail would be offloaded and sorted to waiting aircraft that would return to their origin airports in the second half of the night. The following morning, the mail would be delivered- a speed and convenience not only unheard of an India's business environment of the day, but probably in just about any business center worldwide in 1949! For an aircraft like the Douglas DC-3 that was ubiquitous in those days, each leg would take about four hours, making overnight delivery possible. To facilitate the sort process, any aircraft leaving any of the cities already had the mail sorted and stowed aboard in batches, minimizing the ground sort and loading time at Nagpur. 

The Indian Night Air Mail Service ran continuously until 1973 (ironically when Federal Express launched its overnight package delivery service). The low postal rates provided by the Indian government were cited as not being enough to warrant continuation of this historic service. Various attempts were made up into the 1980s to restart the NAM, but were never profitable enough to last long. 

 

Svetoslav Roerich Death Anniversary

 

Svetoslav Roerich, who passed away on 30 January 1993, was Russian and Indian painter, son of Helena and Nicholas Roerich, studied from a young age under his father's tutelage. He studied architecture in England in 1919 and entered Columbia University's school of architecture in 1920. He won the Grand Prix of the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1926.

He was married to famous Indian actresses Devika Rani.

Makanlal Chaturvedi Death Anniversary

 

Makhanlal Chaturvedi, who passed away on 30 January 1968, was an Indian poet, writer, essayist, playwright and a journalist who is particularly remembered for his participation in India's national struggle for independence and his contribution to Chhayavaad, the Neo-romanticism movement of Hindi literature. He was awarded the first Sahitya Akademi Award in Hindi for his work Him Taringini in 1955. The Government of India awarded him the civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan in 1963.

Karpatri Maharaj Death Anniversary

Swami Karpatri Maharaj, who passed away on 30 January 1980, was born as Har Narayan Ojha into a Saryupareen Brahmin family of a village called Bhatni in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. He was a sannyasi in the Hindu Dashanami monastic tradition.

Franklin D. Roosvelt Birth Anniversary

Franklin D. Roosevelt, born on 30 January 1882, was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 32nd president of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. As the leader of the Democratic Party, he won a record four presidential elections and became a central figure in world events during the first half of the 20th century. Roosevelt directed the federal government during most of the Great Depression, implementing his New Deal domestic agenda in response to the worst economic crisis in U.S. history. He built the New Deal Coalition, which defined modern liberalism in the United States throughout the middle third of the 20th century. His third and fourth terms were dominated by World War II, which ended in victory shortly after he died in office.

Amrita Sher-Gil Birth Anniversary

 

Amrita Sher-Gil, born on 30 January 1913 in Budapest, Hungary, is often referred to as India's Frida Kahlo for aesthetically blending traditional and Western art forms. Amrita Sher-Gil was one of the most famous painters of India. She is also considered as a revolutionary woman artist and the originator of modern art in India. Though her artworks mainly depicted Western style and culture during the initial stages of her career, the painter gradually began to rediscover herself by depicting Indian subjects using traditional methods. Apart from painting, she was also well-versed in playing piano and fond of reading. She even travelled to different parts of India, France and Turkey and managed to incorporate ideas gained from different techniques into her own works. Throughout her career, she painted her friends, lovers and also made quite a few self-portraits, for which she is often considered as a narcissistic by many. 

National Cleanliness Day (India)

 

National Cleanliness Day is celebrated in India every year on January 30 with the aim of promoting cleanliness and sanitation as a way of life. The significance of this day lies in its ability to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining cleanliness and the role of each individual in keeping the environment clean.

The history of National Cleanliness Day dates back to 2014, when the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a nationwide cleanliness campaign aimed at transforming India into a clean and hygienic nation. The campaign focuses on creating awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene and encouraging citizens to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.

Martyrs' Day/ Mahatma Gandhi's Death Anniversary

 

Martyrs' Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas or Amar Shaheed Diwas, is observed in India annually on January 30 to commemorate the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi, the 'Father of the Nation', who was assassinated on this day in 1948.

On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse at around 5:17 pm, when he was heading to Birla Bhavan, Delhi, to address an evening prayer.

The assassin, Godse, a member of the Hindu Mahasabha, disagreed with Gandhi's views on the partition of India.

Nathuram Godse fired three bullets into Mahatma Gandhi's chest, and it said that the last words Gandhi uttered were "Hey Ram".

Gandhi led the freedom movement in India and emphasised the use of non-violent and peaceful methods to fight the British rule.

Romeo and Juliet likely first performance in 1595

 

“Romeo and Juliet” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about the romance between two Italian youths from feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed. 

On 29 January 1595, William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" is thought to have been first performed. It was officially published early 1597. 

Robert Frost Death Anniversary

 

Robert Frost, who passed away on 29 January 1963, in Boson, Massachusetts, was an American poet. Frost’s family moved to New England early in his life. After stints at Dartmouth College and Harvard University and a difficult period as a teacher and farmer, he moved to England and published his first collections, A Boy’s Will (1913) and North of Boston (1914). At the outbreak of war, he returned to New England. He closely observed rural life and, in his poetry, endowed it with universal, even metaphysical, meaning, using colloquial language, familiar rhythms, and common symbols to express both its pastoral ideals and its dark complexities. His collections include New Hampshire (1923, Pulitzer Prize), Collected Poems (1930, Pulitzer Prize), A Further Range (1936, Pulitzer Prize), and A Witness Tree (1942, Pulitzer Prize). He was unique among American poets of the 20th century in simultaneously achieving wide popularity and deep critical admiration. Many of his poems, including “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” “Birches,” “The Death of the Hired Man,” “Dust of Snow,” “Fire and Ice,” and “Home Burial,” are widely anthologized.

'The Road Not Taken' is Robert Frost's most celebrated poem, and it is so popular that most people encounter it in school. This poem about making decisions and maintaining independence is timeless and easy to relate to. As such, it is, and likely will always be, one of the best poems of all time. 

Indian Newspaper Day

29th January is observed as National Newspaper Day in India. On this day, the first Indian Newspaper called 'Hicky's Bengal Gazette' was published back in 1780. It was printed in Calcutta (Kolkata) which was the capital of India at that time. Founded by an Irishman named James Augustin Hicky, the newspaper was known for expressing everything freely in an unbiased manner which did not go well with the British.

Hicky's Bengal Gazette was the first newspaper to be printed in Asia. It's publication was stopped in 1782 as the British were aware of the damage the newspapers could do to their regime.

On this day, it is important to pay tributes to the print media industry which played a huge role in erasing myths and inspiring younger generations to bring a positive change in the society.

William Bates Yeats Death Anniversary

 

William Butler Yeats, who passed away on 28 January 1939 was an Irish poet, dramatist and writer, and one of the foremost figures of 20^th-century literature. He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival, and along with Lady Gregory founded the Abbey Theatre, serving as its chief during its early years. He was awarded the 1923 Nobel Prize in Literature, and later served two terms as a Senator of the Irish Free State.

Medical College in Calcutta Founded in 1835

 

Medical College, Kolkata, also known as Calcutta Medical College, is a public medical college and hospital located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is one of the oldest existing hospitals in Asia. The institute was established on 28 January 1835 by Lord William Bentinck during British Raj as Medical College, Bengal. It is the second oldest medical college to teach Western medicine in Asia after  Ecole de Médicine de Pondichéry and the first institute to teach in English language. The college offers MBBS degree after five and a half years of medical training.

Sohrab Modi Death Anniversary

 

Sohrab Modi, who passed away on 28 January 1984, was an Indian stage and film actor, director and producer. His films include Khoon Ka Khoon (1935), a version of Shakespeare's Hamlet, Sikandar, Pukar, Prithvi Vallabh, Jhansi ki Rani, Mirza Ghalib, Jailor and Nausherwan-E-Adil (1957). His films always carried a message of strong commitment to social and national issues.

Daisy Day

 

Daisy Day celebrated on January 28 is possibly an offshoot of an old tradition that took place at the Hook Lighthouse, Wexford, Ireland, in which daisies were hunted for the New Year.

The daisy, formally known as the Asteraceae or Compositae, has more than 23,000 varieties. Daisy origates from Old English which means "day's eye."

Daisies symbolize purity, innocence, virtue, patience, and simplicity. Conversely, in Norse mythology they mean love, sensuality, and fertility.

Many varieties of daisies are edible and healthy when eaten in salads or used to decorate sweet baked goods such as cakes.

Daisies have also been known to contain medicinal properties. For instance, wild daisy tea can be used for a number of maladies, including cough, kidney problems, bronchitis, inflammation and problem with the liver.

Data Privacy Day

 

Data Privacy Day is an international event that occurs every year on 28 January. The purpose of Data Privacy Day is to raise awareness and promote privacy and data protection best practices. It is currently observed in the United States, Canada, Qatar, Nigeria, Israel and 47 European countries.

O P Nayyar Death Anniversary

Omkar Prasad Nayyar better known as O P Nayyar, who passed away on 28 January 2007, in Mumbai, was an Indian film music composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, and musician. He is considered to be one of the most rhythmic and melodious music directors of the Hindi film industry.

Nayyar made his debut in the Hindi cinema, with 1949 movie 'Kaneez' and in 1952 as music director in 'Aasmaan'.

Nayyar worked closely with renowned singers of the era - Mohammed Rafi, Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle. Nayyar played a main role in Asha’s singing career. It was also speculated that Asha and Nayyar were in a relationship in the late 1950s. The two ended their professional collaboration in 1972, after which Asha went on to work with another legendary music composer, RD Burman.

After a disagreement with Mohammed Rafi, Nayyar began working with singer Mahendra Kapoor. Kapoor performed Nayyar’s songs 'Badal Jaaye Agar Maali' and 'Chaman Hotaa Nahi Khaali' in 'Bahaaren Phir Bhi Aayengi'.

Nayyar also worked with developing lyricists such as Jan Nisar Akhtar, Qamar Jalalabadi, S. H. Bihari and Ahmed Wasi.

He began the tradition of assigning full, three-minute songs to comedians. Om Prakash sang Nayyar’s 'Churi Bane Kanta Bane' in 'Jaali Note', and Jonny Walker sang 'Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya Jee' in 'Mr. & Mrs. 55'.

It was Nayyar who wrote 'Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawaanonkaa' for 'Naya Daur', the song that earned him the 1958 Filmfare Best Music Director Award.

Nayyar was more active during the 1960s than he was in the following decade, and did not compose music for younger actors such as Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.

His films included Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Guru Dutt, Dharmendra, Shammi Kapoor, Asha Parekh, Mumtaz, Sharmila Tagore, Madhubala and Rekha. He made a brief comeback during the 1990s with 'Mangni' and 'Nishchay' in 1992 and 'Zid' in 1994.

Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa Birth Anniversary

Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, born on 28 January 1899, was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army. A national hero with many firsts to his credit, he was instrumental in the transition of the Indian military from colonial to independent India and his legacy is still honoured today. Under his leadership, the Indian armed forces proved their mettle during a critical period of transition and a competent and capable military establishment was formed. Kodandera's election was a major turning point in the growth of India's independent defence sector. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of military personnel by highlighting the importance of discipline, leadership and dedication in serving the nation. 

Military career

Cariappa had a distinguished military career spanning nearly three decades. Joining the British Indian Army after World War I, he was commissioned as a temporary first lieutenant into the 2/88 Carnatic Infantry. Cariappa became the first Indian officer to attend the Staff College, Quetta, and later commanded the 1/7 Rajputs, making him the first Indian to lead a battalion. He served in various staff roles and commands, eventually becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. During World War II, Cariappa served in the Middle East and Burma, earning accolades for his leadership. His historic achievements include being the first Indian to command a battalion in the Indian Army.

Post-Independence, Cariappa assumed the role of deputy chief of the general staff. He orchestrated three successive attack operations—Kipper, Easy, and Bison—with the aim of reclaiming strategic areas like Naushera, Jhangar, Poonch, Zoji La, Dras, and Kargil. However, plans to expel Pakistani forces from Kashmir were thwarted by the United States' intervention. On July 6, 1948, the Army HQ imposed strict restrictions on conducting major operations without its authorization. Cariappa opposed this policy, warning that it endangered Leh, Kargil, and ultimately the Kashmir Valley, jeopardizing the nation's security.

 

Lala Lajpat Rai Birth Anniversary

Lala Rajpat Rai, born on 28 January 1865, created a legacy of nationalism, unity and strength as he was a freedom fighter who was a firm believer in India’s independence, dedicated his whole life to the cause and played an important role in the Independence movement. Rai was born in Dhudike, Punjab to a Jain family and his liberal views and Hindu beliefs were shaped by his parents, which he then used to reform Indian policy and religion through politics and journalistic writing.

In 1880, Rai joined the Government College at Lahore to major in law, where he was influenced by the Hindu reformist movement of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and became a member of existing Arya Samaj Lahore (founded 1877) and Founder-Editor of Lahore-based Arya Gazette. Popularly known as Punjab Kesari, Lala Lajpat Rai was one-third of the triumvirate ‘Lal Bal Pal’, which included Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal.

An integral part of the Indian National Congress, he took part in political agitations in Punjab and was subsequently deported to Mandalay without trial in May 1907 however, the freedom fighter was allowed to return in November that year, after then Viceroy Lord Minto decided there was insufficient evidence to hold him in prison. Lala Lajpat Rai was elected President of the Indian National Congress in the Calcutta Special Session of 1920.

In 1921, he founded Servants of the People Society, a non-profit welfare organisation but he is perhaps best known for leading the non-violent march in protest of the Simon Commission that was set up by the British government and headed by Sir John Simon. The protesters chanted “Simon go back” and carried black flags and it was during this protest that the police lathi charge occurred against the protestors where Rai was personally assaulted and extremely injured.

He subsequently addressed the crowd with his now famous words and said, “I declare that the blows struck at me today will be the last nails in the coffin of British rule in India”. He did not fully recover from his injuries and died on 17 November 1928 of a heart attack.

R. Venkataraman Death Anniversary

 

Ramasamy Venkataraman, widely known as R. Venkataraman, served as the eighth President of India from July 25, 1987, to July 25, 1992.  Venkataraman passed away on January 27, 2009. His legacy of service, intellectual rigor, and principled leadership continues to inspire.

Venkataraman made significant contributions to Indian politics and constitutional law during his illustrious career.

Venkataraman completed his bachelor's degree in Economics from Loyola College, Chennai, and later received his law degree from the Law College, Chennai. He then started his legal practice in the Madras High Court in 1935 and later in the Supreme Court.

Before entering politics, Venkataraman was a part of the Indian freedom struggle. He was an active participant in the Quit India Movement of 1942 and was detained for two years for his activities.

After India gained independence, Venkataraman's political career began in earnest. He was elected four times to the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of parliament, and served in various ministerial roles, including as Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance, under the cabinets of Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Venkataraman served as the Vice President of India from 1984 until 1987, after which he was elected as the President of India. His term as president was characterized by his legal acumen and keen understanding of constitutional law, traits that served him well in his role as the constitutional head of state.

Throughout his career, Venkataraman maintained a deep commitment to public service and democratic values. He was known for his simplicity, integrity, and dedication to the principles of justice and equality.

Lewis Carroll Birth Anniversary

 

Renowned Victorian author Lewis Carroll was born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson on January 27, 1832, in Daresbury, Cheshire, England. The son of a clergyman, Carroll was the third child born to a family of eleven children. From a very early age he entertained himself and his family by performing magic tricks and marionette shows, and by writing poetry for his homemade newspapers. In 1846 he entered Rugby School, and in 1854 he graduated from Christ Church College, Oxford. He was successful in his study of mathematics and writing, and remained at the college after graduation to teach. His mathematical writings include An Elementary Treatise on Determinants (1867), Euclid and His Modern Rivals (1879), and Curiosa Mathematica (1888). While teaching, Carroll was ordained as a deacon; however, he never preached. He also began to pursue photography, often choosing children as the subject of his portraits. One of his favorite models was a young girl named Alice Liddell, the daughter of the Dean at Christ’s Church, who later became the basis for Carroll’s fictional character, Alice. He abandoned both photography and public speaking between 1880 and 1881, and focused on his writing.

Many of Carroll’s philosophies were based on games. His interest in logic came purely from the playful nature of its principle rather than its uses as a tool. He primarily wrote comic fantasies and humorous verse that was often very childlike. Carroll published his novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865, followed by Through the Looking Glass in 1872. Alice’s story began as a piece of extemporaneous whimsy meant to entertain three little girls on a boating trip in 1862. Both of these works were considered children’s novels that were satirical in nature and in exemplification of Carroll’s wit. Also famous is Carroll’s poem “Jabberwocky,” in which he created nonsensical words from word combinations. Carroll died in Guildford, Surrey, on January 14, 1898.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Birth Anniversary

 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born on 27 January 1756, in Salzburg, Austria, was one of the greatest composers of all times. He created his own distinct style, blending traditional and contemporary.

His inspiration is often described as 'divine', but he worked assiduously, not only to become the great composer he was, but also a conductor, virtuoso pianist, organist and violinist. Mozart's music embraces opera, symphony, concerto, chamber, choral, instrumental and vocal music, revealing an astonishing number of imperishable masterpieces.

Mozart composed his first opera, Apollo et Hyacinthus when he was only 11. A year later the Emperor Joseph II commissioned him to write La finta semplice.

In August 1782 he married Constanze Weber. The Mozarts' marriage seemed to be a happy one. Constanze was easy-going, free-spending and usually pregnant. Only two of their six children survived.

Post-marriage, some of Mozart's best started to appear -the Haffner and Linz symphonies and five string quartets, for example.

Between 1784 and 1786, he composed nine piano concertos and three of these concurrently with The Marriage of Figaro.

The year 1787 saw the premiere of Mozart's second opera, Don Giovanni.

Mozart had a great run of successes in his final years - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and the Clarinet Quintet in A, three of his 41 symphonies; Cosí fan Tutte, three piano trios, the Coronation piano concerto, two piano sonatas and three string quartets.

His health began to fail and his work rate slowed in 1790. He got better, though, and in 1791 alone composed the most famous The Magic Flute, the Requiem (unfinished), and the Clarinet Concerto.

Mozart did not live long enough to complete his Requiem. He died in Vienna, Austria, in 1791, before his 36th birthday.

Purna Swaraj Day

 

Purna Swaraj or the declaration of the independence of India was enacted by Indian National Congress on 19th December 1929. The motto behind this was to get full freedom from British rule. On 31 December 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the flag of India on the bank of River Ravi, Lahore.

26th January 1930 was declared as “Purna Swaraj Day” by the Congress. Purna Swaraj was the historic journey of our independence, a vision of Independent India was not a one-day thing it took decades.

The proposal of the “Indian Declaration of Independence” was a document containing 750 words. It was in the form of a manifesto. The Demand of Purna Swaraj Manifesto was:

The citizens of India should have the right to live freely like other nations across the globe. The social, political, financial, and living standards of people were deprived during the British rule. The sudden growth in tax rates was one of the reasons behind the demand for Purna Swaraj. Congress advocated that the basic right of people should be given.

The right to expression was curtailed by the British government. Congress had declared the Purna Swaraj on 26th January 1930 and appealed the Indians to commemorate this day as Independence Day.

Indian Republic Day

 

Indian Republic Day falls on January 26 every year. Republic Day is one of three Indian national holidays and it commemorates the enactment of the constitution of India, which occurred on January 26, 1950. India had achieved independence from Britain on August 15, 1947 (which is celebrated as a separate national holiday), but for its first three years the country remained governed largely by the colonial Government of India Act of 1935.

Shortly after independence was declared, a constituent assembly elected by provincial assemblies went about drafting a constitution that would govern the newly independent nation. After more than two years, the constitution of India was completed and solidified the establishment of India’s independent democratic government. January 26 was chosen as the official enactment date as a nod to the Purna Swaraj (complete self-rule) declaration of independence by the Indian National Congress in 1930 — considered the first concrete step toward independence from Britain.

With the 1950 constitution, the country was officially known as the Republic of India — a “sovereign socialist secular democratic republic” that “secures all its citizens justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity,” according to its preamble.

The main event for the holiday is a massive parade held in the capital of New Delhi, which includes cultural, historical, and military displays. The parade is preceded by the prime minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti — an arched war memorial — and taking a moment of silence to commemorate fallen soldiers.

Smaller parades, cultural programs, and public celebrations, and private parties take place throughout the country, as most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. The festivities officially come to a close on January 29 with the Beating Retreat Ceremony in New Delhi, where bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force perform.