Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple consecrated in Ayodhya in 2024

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple built in traditional Nagar style was consecrated in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on 22 January 2024. The Hindu temple is located at the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, the hero of Ramayana regarded as the incarnation of God Vishnu by the Hindus.

A Special Cancellation on the said occasion was released at Mumbai GPO on the same day. 

Edward VII proclaimed King of the United Kingdom in 1901

 

On 22 January 1901, Edward VII was proclaimed King of the United Kingdom after the death of his mother, Queen Victoria.

He was crowned on 9 August, 1902. His reign did much to restore lustre to a monarchy that had shone somewhat dimly during Victoria’s long seclusion as a widow. In 1902 he resumed his tours of Europe. His geniality and felicitously worded addresses (conducted in French) during a state visit to Paris in 1903 helped pave the way, by winning popularity among French citizens of all ranks, for the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale of 1904. Relations with his nephew the German emperor William II were not always easy, either officially or personally. Although incapable of prolonged mental exertion, Edward was fortunate in his judgment of men. His support for the great military reforms of the secretary of state for war, Richard Burdon (later Viscount) Haldane, as well as the naval reforms of the First Sea Lord Sir John Fisher did much to avert British unpreparedness when World War I started.

In 1909 Edward became involved in a government crisis after the House of Lords rejected a budget put forth by Liberal Prime Minister H.H. Asquith. Edward’s efforts to encourage Conservatives to pass the measure proved unsuccessful. In the midst of the constitutional battle, Edward died on 6 May 1910. 

Tarun Ram Phukan Birth Anniversary

 

Tarun Ram Phukan, born on 22 January 1877 in Assam, was popularly called Deshbhakta, as he was a patriot who wore his love for his country on his sleeve.

Inspired by Gandhiji, Phukan gave up his practice to join the national freedom movement.

In 1920, Phukan joined the Congress and played a prominent role in the formation of the Assam division of the party. In 1921, when Gandhiji first visited Assam, Phukan was his trusted companion. Phukan joined the Non-cooperation movement and travelled through the length and breadth of Assam, delivering Gandhiji’s message. He was eventually arrested and imprisoned for a year by the British authorities for his participation in the Non-cooperation movement. In 1926, Phukan played a big role in organising the All-India Congress Committee session at Pandu, Guwahati. All the prominent national leaders like Gandhiji, Motilal Nehru, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Patel, Madan Mohan Malaviya, and many others were a part of this session. Gandhi stayed at Phukan’s house in Bharalumukh and performed the bideshi bostro dah jagya (burning of foreign goods). Phukan became a prominent figure of the Swadeshi Movement in Assam, and he popularized the use of Khadi.

For Phukan, it was important to educate those around him about the independence movement. Being a staunch supporter of women’s empowerment, he encouraged them to come out of their homes and take up active roles in national activities. In 1921, when Gandhi held meetings at Phukan’s house, several women, including his wife took part in the meetings. Not just did they boycott made-in-Britain goods, several women began to spin and weave indigenous cloth. They also took the initiative to make 500 khadi caps for Congress workers to be worn during Gandhi’s visit. In other places, women from rural villages joined hands to spread the message of non-cooperation.

In 1921, the workers of the Assam-Bengal Railways and steam workers of East Bengal went on an indefinite strike to protest the British government's persecution of the Chandpur plantation labourers. Tarun Ram Phukan who, at that time, was very active politically tried his best to broaden the strike across the Assam-Bengal Railways' Brahmaputra Valley line. A group of young Congressmen, including Nabin Chandra Bardoloi and others, aided him in this endeavour. They maintained ties with Bengali nationalist leaders such as C R Das and J M Sengupta, who were the front liners in the Bengal strike. Despite the strike being riddled with obstacles in its course, Phukan and his acquaintances strived to inspire and ensure that the morale of the workers was always high.

Phukan was a visionary. However, he was not always perceived that way. Like most freedom fighters of his time, this deshbhataka did not get the recognition he deserved for the magnitude of work he did for the country. His efforts at consolidating and enforcing nationalistic fervour have not been widely mentioned in literature. To honour him, keep the memory of his selflessness and spirit of patriotism alive, and enlighten the younger generation, every year on 28 July the State Government of Assam commemorates his death anniversary as Deshbhakti Divas.

 

Queen Victoria Death Anniversary

 

Queen Victoria, who passed away on 22 January 1901, at the age of 81, was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death.

During Victoria’s nearly 64-year reign, the British Empire was at its largest and most powerful. The empire included India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa, and covered one-fifth of the globe and accounted for roughly one in four people on Earth. Locations around the world, from Victoria, Canada to Victoria Falls, Zambia to Queensland, Australia are named in her honour. The Victorian Era is noted for advancements in the arts and industry, inventions including telephone and telegraph and political reform and change.

She also helped shape popular culture: It was Victoria who started the trend of a bride wearing white on her wedding day and a widow wearing all black in mourning. Albert and Victoria made decorating Christmas trees customary. She is also credited with restoring the public’s view of the monarchy.

World’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black features a profile of Queen Victoria.

Ursula Kroeber Le Guin Death Anniversary

Ursula Kroeber Le Guin, passed away on 22 January 2018, was an American author best known for her works of speculative fiction, including science fiction works set in her Hainish universe, and the Earthsea fantasy series. First published in 1959, and her literary career spanned nearly sixty years, produced more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories, in addition to poetry, literary criticism, translations, and children's books. Frequently described as an author of science fiction, Le Guin has also been called a "major voice in American Letters". Le Guin herself said she would prefer to be known as an "American novelist".

Shah Jahan Death Anniversary

 

Shah Jahan, passed away on 22 January 1666, was the fifth Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1628 to 1658. His reign represented the height of the Mughal architecture, most notably the Taj Mahal. His relationship with his wife Mumtaz Mahal has been heavily adapted into Indian art, literature, and cinema.