Raman Sankar's Birth Anniversary

Raman Sankar, born on 30 April 1909, in Kuzhikkalidavaka, Kingdom of Travancore, British India (present-day Kerala, India), was an Indian politician, statesman, administrator, orator, educationist, writer and editor who served as the 3rd Chief Minister of Kerala from 1962 to 1964.

Tukdoji Maharaj's Birth Anniversary

Tukdoji Maharaj, born on 30 April 1909, in Yawali, Central Provinces and Berar, British India, was a spiritual saint from India. He was a disciple of Aadkoji Maharaj. Tukdoji Maharaj was involved in social reforms in the rural regions of Maharashtra, including construction of roads. Tukdoji Maharaj wrote Gramgeeta which means village development. Many of the development programs started by him worked efficiently even after his death.

Adolf Hitler commits suicide in 1945

Adolf Hitler, who passed away on 30 April 1945, aged 56, in Berlin, Germany, was an Austrian-born German politician who rose to power as the dictator of Germany, leading the country from 1933 to 1945. He was the head of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, commonly known as the Nazi Party. Hitler's aggressive policies initiated World War II and he was a key figure in the execution of the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of approximately six million Jews and millions of others.

Hitler was born in Austria-Hungary, and in 1913, he relocated to Germany. He served in the German Army during World War I, being awarded the Iron Cross for bravery twice, and subsequently joined the German Workers' Party, which he transformed into the Nazi Party and took control of in 1921.

His attempt to overthrow the government in the 1923 Munich Beer Hall Putsch failed, resulting in his imprisonment. During his imprisonment, he wrote Mein Kampf, outlining his political ideology. Once released, Hitler gained popularity by promoting anti-Semitic and anti-communist sentiments. His charismatic oratory backed by Nazi propaganda found a receptive audience in Germany during the Great Depression.

In 1933, Hitler ascended to the role of chancellor of Germany and quickly established himself as the Führer, consolidating his power. His first six years in power resulted in rapid economic recovery from the Great Depression and the removal of restrictions imposed on Germany after World War I.

Hitler's ambitions included the expansion of German living space, or Lebensraum, particularly in Eastern Europe, which precipitated the start of World War II. This aggressive foreign policy is considered to be the primary cause of the outbreak of World War II in Europe. He directed large-scale rearmament and on September 1st, 1939 invaded Poland, resulting in British and French declarations of war on Germany.

In June 1941, Hitler ordered an invasion of the Soviet Union. By the end of 1941, German forces and the European Axis powers occupied most of Europe and North Africa. Failure to defeat the Soviet Union, who ultimately battled back to Berlin, and the entry of the United States into the war forced Germany onto the defensive and ultimately its defeat.

Throughout the war, Hitler's strategic decisions were responsible for the loss of countless lives and the widespread devastation across Europe. 29 million soldiers and civilians died as a result of military action in the European theatre. This number of deaths was unprecedented and it constitutes the deadliest conflict in human history.

He was supported in this endeavour by such other leading members of the Nazi party as Joseph Goebbels, Martin Bormann, Hermann Göring, Heinrich Himmler, and Reinhard Heydrich. Most of these figures died during the war, such as Heydrich, or committed suicide towards the end, such as Goebbels, or afterwards, such as Himmler and Göring.

As Germany's prospects deteriorated, Hitler became increasingly isolated, coordinating his military campaigns from a bunker in Berlin. In his final days, with Soviet and Allied forces advancing, Hitler chose to marry Eva Braun, his partner of many years. On 30 April 1945, they both committed suicide in their Berlin bunker.

 

 

 

Hari Singh Nalwa's Death Anniversary

 

Hari Singh Nalwa, who passed away on 30 April 1837, aged 46, at Jamrud, Khyber Pass, Sikh Empire (present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, was the commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj, the army of the Sikh Empire. He is known for his role in the conquests of Kasur, Sialkot, Attock, Multan, Kashmir, Peshawar and Jamrud. Hari Singh Nalwa was responsible for expanding the frontier of Sikh Empire to beyond the Indus River right up to the mouth of the Khyber Pass. At the time of his death, Jamrud constituted the western boundary of the Empire.

He served as governor of Kashmir, Peshawar and Hazara. He established a mint on behalf of the Sikh Empire to facilitate revenue collection in Kashmir and Peshawar.

 

National Zipper Day (U.S.)

 

National Zipper Day is celebrated every year on April 29 to honour the invention of the zipper, a simple yet revolutionary fastening device.

The modern zipper was designed by Swedish-American engineer, Gideon Sundback, who patented it on April 29, 1913. Although earlier versions existed, Sundback’s design made the zipper reliable and practical, changing clothing, luggage, and fashion forever.

The name "zipper" was later popularized by the B.F. Goodrich Company because of the fun "zip" sound it made.

Before Sundback came up with his tool, there were many versions of this wondrous device, without which, being fashionable today may have just been a bit harder.

One of the first recorded versions of the zipper came in 1851 from Elias Howe - an American inventor who is often credited as a developer of the technology for sewing machines. In the late 19th century, Whitcomb Judson invented a clasp locker which made its debut at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. This invention did not catch on as well as Judson had hoped for but it did earn him the title of the Inventor of the Zipper.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work

 

Every year, people mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28 to promote workplace safety and foster a healthy work environment in all sectors.

This day was initiated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2003, aiming to advocate for workplace safety standards and prioritizing employee well-being by bringing awareness about work-related casualties and ailments.

The world of work is rapidly evolving due to AI, technology, and digitalization; by addressing both the advantages and challenges it presents, the campaign will also explore how these factors are influencing and transforming labour trends, enabling the creation of safer and healthier workplaces for everyone on a global scale.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is for everyone, not just office workers, including those who work in factories, farms, hospitals, schools, and construction sites.

It promotes communication between governments, employees, and other stakeholders to establish and implement occupational safety and health (OSH) rules and practices.

It emphasizes that everyone, regardless of where they work, has the right to a safe and healthy workplace, with the day serving as a reminder to promote workplace safety and the necessity of avoiding work-related illnesses or accidents.

International Hyena Day

 

April 27th is International Hyena Day which advocates for changing the public's perspective on hyenas, and seeing their importance on Earth.

Hyenas don't have the greatest reputation due to centuries of bad publicity through literature and folklore. Spread through Africa and Asia, hyenas are intelligent mammals living in clans of 10 to 120 animals. They are skilled hunters, and not only scavengers which still makes them essential to prevent the spread of disease. They have highly acidic stomachs to break down their food, even though it isn't the freshest quality.

Their "demonic laugh" is often misunderstood, as it occurs when a lower-ranking animal is stressed. Hyenas are vulnerable to extinction because of habitat loss and persecution by farmers and poachers.

National Babe Ruth Day (U.S.)

 

On April 27, baseball fans worldwide honour one of baseball's all-time greatest players on National Babe Ruth Day.  

George Herman “Babe” Ruth, Jr., born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, was nicknamed “the Bambino” and “the Sultan of Swat.” Spending 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), he played for three teams from 1914 to 1935.

Babe Ruth’s baseball career started as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. He became a full-time right-fielder when the New York Yankees bought his contract in 1919.  Being one of the league’s most prolific hitters, he helped the Yankees win seven pennants and four World Series titles.

Ruth set career records during his career for home runs, slugging percentage, runs batted in, and on-base plus slugging. In 1927, he was the very first player to hit 60 home runs in one season.

Following a short stint with the Boston Braves, Ruth retired in 1935.In 1936, the National Baseball Hall of Fame elected Ruth as one of the first five players to be inducted into the Hall.

In 1946, after experiencing severe eye pain and difficulty swallowing, Babe Ruth was diagnosed with cancer. A year later on April 27, Ruth attended the newly proclaimed Babe Ruth Day and spoke briefly to a crowd of almost 60,000 people at Yankee Stadium.

At the age of 53, on August 16, 1948, at 8:01 pm, Babe Ruth died in his sleep.

 

Togo Independence Day

Togo Independence Day, celebrated on April 27th each year, commemorates the country’s independence from French-administered UN trusteeship on April 27, 1960. This significant day marks the culmination of Togo’s struggle for self-governance and sovereignty, following years of colonial rule. The name Togo comes from the language spoken by the local tribes and which means “land where lagoons lie” today, Sylvanus Olympio became the first president during the first presidential elections in 1961.

 

Morse Code Day

Morse Code Day on April 27 honours the inventor of the Morse code, Samuel Morse, who was born on this day in 1791. Apart from this, Morse Code Day also celebrates this pioneering method of communication and the invention that was first used to transmit encoded messages — the electric telegraph. Morse code is a precise, concise form of communication that played a role in wars and influenced Western life in general when Morse invented it.

History of Morse Code Day

Before we enjoyed instant communication via cell phones and email, the world communicated with tranquility. Messages were sent via post and were hand-delivered to the recipients, often weeks or even months later. Then, people began to wonder if there was a faster means of communication. One such group of people, three Americans – the artist and inventor Samuel Morse, scientist and businessman Alfred Vail, and scientist Joseph Henry began devising a way to communicate using the electric telegraph in 1836. Morse initially came up with the idea — electric currents would pass through the telegraph as the person typed, leaving indentations on a paper tape. They couldn’t type complete words or messages, and so, substituted a code to represent the message. There were dots, dashes, and even spaces that represented different numerals from zero to nine.

Initially, this code only transmitted numerals. By 1940, Vail realized this method was limited and further expanded the code to include letters and special characteristics too. This code was initially dubbed the ‘Morse landline code,’ ‘American Morse code,’ or ‘Railroad Morse.’

Soon, the use of this system spread across the sea to Europe. People using the code reported one major challenge. The symbols that the Morse code represented were all in English, making the original Morse code inadequate for non-English countries that had letters with various diacritic marks like ë, ç, and more. A group of European nations took it upon themselves to create their variation of the Morse code which was released in 1851. Called the International Morse Code or the Continental Morse Code, this new version of the code gained widespread appeal and was used across shipping, aviation, and other industries globally.

National Richter Scale Day

National Richter Scale Day, observed on 26th April each year, commemorates the groundbreaking work of Charles F. Richter, who developed the Richter magnitude scale, a tool used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes. Whether you’re a seismologist, a science enthusiast, or simply someone interested in the forces that shape our planet, this day offers an opportunity to learn about the Richter scale’s impact on understanding earthquakes and promoting earthquake safety.

The Richter magnitude scale, devised by Charles F. Richter in collaboration with Beno Gutenberg in 1935, revolutionized the way scientists measure and communicate the size and strength of earthquakes. By assigning a numerical value to the energy released by an earthquake, the Richter scale provides a standardized method for comparing the intensity of seismic events, from minor tremors to major earthquakes.

On National Richter Scale Day, we celebrate the legacy of Charles F. Richter and his contributions to the field of seismology. It’s a day to recognize the importance of earthquake monitoring and research in mitigating the impact of earthquakes on communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

International Flamingo Day

 

Flamingos are global. They occur in the wild on every continent except for Antarctica and Australia. And birds kept under human care are found in zoological collections across many, many countries. Flamingos have awed and inspired humans and our culture for generations, appearing in stories, art, and other media. To celebrate the global appeal of flamingos, International Flamingo Day occurs each year on 26th April. This is a day to celebrate and advocate for the pink birds and their fantastic wetland habitats.

It falls on the birthday of John James Audubon, an American painter and ornithologist who produced a picture of the American (Caribbean) flamingo for the book "The Birds of America". The holiday was started in 2020 by the Flamingo Specialist Group of the IUCN to draw attention to the difference between the six flamingo species. Four of them are of conservation concern, as they inhabit specific wetlands.

World Pilots' Day

 

World Pilots’ Day is celebrated each year on April 26. This Day recognizes the many contributions of pilots who safely connect millions of passengers around the world every year. It can trace its origins back to 1912 when a young Turkish pilot named Fesa Evrensev took to the skies for the first time. According to Turkish sources, Evrensev flew missions during the 1912-1913 First Balkan War when the combined armies of Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro took back 82% of their occupied lands from the Ottoman Turks. Twenty years later, in 1933, Evrensev became the first president of the Turkish national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines.

In 2013, prompted by the Turkish Airlines Pilots Association, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations (IFALPA) concluded it was high time that a day was set aside to celebrate pilots Because Turkish pilots initiated this idea, the anniversary of Fesa Evrensev's first flight was chosen.

International Delegate's Day

 

Every year on April 25, the world celebrates International Delegate’s Day, recognizing the crucial role of delegates who represent their countries at the United Nations (UN). Without these dedicated individuals, the UN would not exist. This day honours the delegates’ commitment to the spirit of multilateralism and their efforts to work together under the UN to solve global problems.

History and Significance

The history of International Delegate’s Day dates back to April 25, 1945, when delegates from 50 countries gathered in San Francisco with the aim of establishing an organization that would promote peace and impose rules in the post-World War II era. Over 850 delegates attended this conference, which lasted for two months.

Determined to create an organization that would preserve peace and build a better world, representatives from diverse religions, continents, and over 80% of the world’s population came together. On June 26, 1945, two months after the first meeting, the 50 countries signed the United Nations Charter, laying the foundation for the establishment of the United Nations Organization.

The Role of Delegates

Delegates at the United Nations are chosen by their respective governments to represent their countries’ interests. They participate in discussions, debates, and decision-making processes at the UN General Assembly and other international forums.

While delegates have the authority to vote on behalf of their nations, their votes are only counted when a head of state or government is present. This ensures that the delegates act in accordance with their country’s best interests and the directives of their governments.

Promoting Multilateralism

International Delegate’s Day celebrates the delegates’ dedication to the spirit of multilateralism, which is at the heart of the UN’s mission. By exchanging views and ideas with delegates from different nations, they contribute to finding collective solutions to global challenges.

Delegates play a vital role in facilitating dialogue, fostering understanding, and building consensus among member states. Their tireless efforts in promoting international cooperation and collaboration are essential for achieving the UN’s goals of maintaining peace, upholding human rights, and promoting sustainable development.

Recognizing Contributions

On April 2, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 25 as International Delegate’s Day to commemorate the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco. This annual observance serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions made by delegates in shaping the UN’s agenda and ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-changing global landscape.

International Delegate’s Day provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices made by delegates in representing their nations on the global stage. It also encourages the next generation to consider careers in international diplomacy and contribute to the ongoing efforts for a more peaceful and prosperous world.

 

 

ANZAC Day

 

ANZAC Day, in Australia and New Zealand, is an April 25 holiday that commemorates the landing in 1915, during World War I, of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Allies attempted to take control of the strategic Dardanelles from Turkey, allied with the Central Powers, in the so-called Dardanelles Campaign, which began in February 1915. ANZAC forces landed on April 25 and secured a beachhead at what came to be called ANZAC Cove, on the Aegean side of the peninsula. Despite additional landings by other troops during the succeeding months, the Allies could not capture the strait, and they suffered enormous losses from battle and disease. By December 1915 the Allied troops, including the ANZAC forces, had been withdrawn. Nonetheless, the ANZAC troops earned a reputation for valiant fighting, and they then served with distinction in France and in the Middle East. Later, in 1917, the Australian and the New Zealand forces were separated, and ANZAC thus ceased to exist.

In 1920 Australia and New Zealand created ANZAC Day as an official holiday to honour those who had fought in the Dardanelles Campaign. Since then, it has been broadened to become a Memorial Day honouring all who served and died in World Wars I and II and in the Korean and Vietnam wars. It is a public holiday marked by religious services and parades and by ceremonies in which veterans participate. The Cook Islands, Tonga, and Samoa also observe the day.

National Hairstylist Appreciation Day (U.S.)

National Hairstylist Appreciation Day is all about celebrating the artists behind every great haircut and style. Hair has a way of telling a story.

A fresh cut, a bold colour, or a simple trim can change how someone feels. That’s the magic that hairstylists bring to life every day.

They do more than style hair—they listen, encourage, and create looks that reflect personality and mood. Whether it’s a big event or just a regular day, they make sure people walk out of the chair feeling their best.

A great stylist doesn’t just shape hair; they shape confidence. Their hands work with precision, their eyes see possibilities, and their hearts understand what a good look can do.

A new hairstyle can lift spirits, boost self-esteem, or mark a new beginning. This day is a reminder to appreciate the creativity, patience, and care that hairstylists bring into every appointment.

Robinson Crusoe originally published in 1719

Robinson Crusoe is an English adventure novel by Daniel Defoe, first published on 25 April 1719. Written with a combination of epistolary, confessional and didactic forms, the book follows the title character (born Robinson Kreutznaer) after he is cast away and spends 28 years on a remote tropical desert island near the coasts of Venezuela and Trinidad, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers before being rescued. The story has been thought to be based on the life of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish castaway who lived for four years on a Pacific island called "Más a Tierra" (now part of Chile) which was renamed Robinson Crusoe Island in 1966. Pedro Serrano is another real-life castaway whose story might have inspired the novel.

The first edition credited the work's protagonist Robinson Crusoe as its author, leading many readers to believe he was a real person and that the book was a non-fiction travelogue. Despite its simple narrative style, Robinson Crusoe was well received in the literary world and is often credited as marking the beginning of realistic fiction as a literary genre. Some allege it is a contender for the first English novel.  

Before the end of 1719, the book had already run through four editions, and it has gone on to become one of the most widely published books in history, spawning so many imitations, not only in literature but also in film, television, and radio, that its name is used to define a genre, the Robinsonade.

International Hospitality Day

 

International Hospitality Day is celebrated annually on April 24th. It's a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hospitality industry and its contributions to society. The day is jointly initiated and organized by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM). 

·        Purpose:

The day aims to honour the individuals who make the hospitality industry thrive, acknowledge their hard work, and celebrate the spirit of hospitality. 

·        Key Focus:

IIHM and IHC often highlight the impact of hospitality on people's lives and its role in fostering positive experiences. 

·        Initiation:

International Hospitality Day was first established on April 24th, 2016. 

·        Events:

Celebrations often include global conferences, awards ceremonies, and events that recognize outstanding individuals and institutions in the hospitality field. 

·        Global Reach:

The day is celebrated worldwide, with IIHM and IHC coordinating events in various locations, including India and London.

 

International Creator Day

International Creator Day observed on April 23, since 2021, is an opportunity to celebrate content creators, big and small, that have made an impact on your life. The creator community does so much good—they inspire us, educate us, entertain us, and comfort us in times of need, and they deserve to be celebrated.

Why is this day being celebrated or observed? 

International Creator Day is a way to encourage people to take a moment to recognize the impact that content creators, big and small, have made in their lives. Creators have the ability to change the world. Their presence and content help people through hard times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing comfort and a sense of community and belonging. They bring knowledge and education about a range of topics to people who may not otherwise have access to that type of information. And they provide entertainment and a mental escape from the potential drudgery of everyday life. The creator community already makes an impact on so many lives on a daily basis and we feel like they are worth celebrating.

April 23 was chosen as the official day for the celebration because on April 23, 2005, the first video was uploaded to YouTube, unofficially launching the era of social content creators.

 

Movie Theatre Day (United States)

Movie Theatre Day is observed on April 23rd each year. This day celebrates the joy and experience of attending a movie theatre, recognizing its importance in our lives. It's a chance to appreciate the big screen and the communal experience of watching a movie, and is a day to encourage people to revisit their local cinemas. 

Here's why Movie Theatre Day is celebrated:

Celebrating the experience:

Movie theatres offer a unique experience that goes beyond watching a movie at home. They offer the thrill of a large screen, surround sound, and the communal atmosphere of sharing the experience with others. 

Honouring the role of cinemas:

Movie theatres play a vital role in the film industry and in our culture, serving as a place to discover new movies, celebrate blockbusters, and create lasting memories. 

Boosting cinema attendance:

With the rise of streaming services, cinema attendance has declined, and Movie Theatre Day is an effort to encourage people to return to the big screen and experience the magic of cinema. 

Promoting accessible entertainment:

By celebrating this day, movie theatres can encourage people to enjoy movies without the high cost of ticket prices, making entertainment more accessible to a wider audience. 

In essence, Movie Theatre Day is a reminder of the special place movie theatres hold in our lives and an opportunity to celebrate the joy of experiencing movies in a shared space. 

 

World Laboratory Day

 

World Laboratory Day, is an annual event celebrated on April 23rd to recognize the importance of laboratories in scientific research and development.

It is a day to acknowledge the contribution of laboratories and laboratory professionals to society and to promote the value of science in improving people's lives.

Overall, World Laboratory Day is an important occasion to recognize the contributions of scientists and researchers in advancing our understanding of the world and improving the quality of life for all of us.

World Laboratory Day History

·   World Laboratory Day was first celebrated on April 23rd, 2004. It was initiated by a group of laboratory professionals from various countries who saw the need to promote and recognize the vital role of laboratories in advancing scientific knowledge and improving the lives of people around the world.

·    The date of April 23rd was chosen to coincide with the birthday of one of the most famous scientists in history, Sir William Lawrence Bragg, who was born on April 23, 1890. Sir Bragg was a British physicist and chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1915 for his work in X-ray crystallography.

·   Since its inception, World Laboratory Day has been celebrated annually, and the theme of the day varies each year.

·   The themes often focus on promoting the importance of laboratory work, enhancing public awareness of the role of laboratories in society, and recognizing the contributions of laboratory professionals to scientific research and development.

·  Overall, World Laboratory Day provides an opportunity for scientists and researchers to promote the importance of their work to the public, and to encourage young people to pursue careers in science and research.

·   It is also a time to celebrate the achievements of laboratory professionals and to raise awareness about the need for continued investment in scientific research and development.

World Laboratory Day Purpose

·   World Laboratory Day is celebrated on April 23rd every year. It was first established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1950 to promote awareness and understanding of the role that laboratories play in scientific research and healthcare.

·  The purpose of World Laboratory Day is to celebrate the contributions that laboratories make to society and to raise awareness about the important role that laboratories play in scientific and medical research, disease diagnosis, and treatment.

·    It is a day to honour the hard work and dedication of laboratory professionals, who often work behind the scenes to support medical and scientific advances.

·  World Laboratory Day is also an opportunity to promote the importance of laboratory safety, quality control, and ethical practices in scientific research and healthcare.

·   It is a reminder that laboratories must follow strict protocols to ensure that they produce accurate and reliable results, and that laboratory professionals must maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity.

·  Overall, World Laboratory Day serves as a reminder of the critical role that laboratories play in advancing scientific knowledge and improving human health, and it provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of laboratory professionals around the world. 

World Laboratory Day Importance

·   World Laboratory Day is an important event because it recognizes the crucial role that laboratories and laboratory professionals play in advancing scientific knowledge, improving healthcare, and protecting the environment.

·  Laboratories are essential in scientific research, as they provide a controlled environment in which experiments can be conducted and data can be analyzed.

·   Laboratory professionals are responsible for carrying out experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring that laboratory equipment is properly maintained and calibrated.

·  Their work is vital to the development of new medicines, technologies, and scientific theories, as well as to the protection of public health and the environment.

·    World Laboratory Day is also important because it promotes public understanding of science and encourages young people to pursue careers in scientific fields.

·   By showcasing the important work that is done in laboratories, World Laboratory Day helps to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators, who will be responsible for driving future scientific advancements.

·   In summary, World Laboratory Day is important because it highlights the crucial role that laboratories and laboratory professionals play in scientific research and development, and promotes public understanding of science and the importance of pursuing careers in scientific fields.

 

 

 

 

Acharya Sushil Kumar's Death Anniversary

 

Sushil Kumar, who passed away on 22 April 1994, in New Delhi, aged 67, was a Jain teacher, monk and an Acharya. He was a self-realized master who devoted more than 50 years in promoting non-violence, peace and knowledge of the self.

Kumar, known as 'Guruji' by his devotees, was born on 15 June 1926, in Sikhopur, a small foothill village in Haryana, India. The village was later named Sushilgarh in Kumar's honour. As a seven-year-old he left his home to live with Shri Chotelalji Maharaj, who later become his religious guru.  

When Kumar was a young boy, Roop Chandji Maharaj, a great yogi and Jain master, appeared to him in his spirit and told him to become a monk. His knowledge was realised through direct experience, and his powers were awakened through the grace of past lives. When he was 15-years-old he became a Jain Muni (monk) in Swetamber Sthanakwasi sect.

During his academic career in India, he passed through a number of examinations such as Shastri, Acharya, Sahitya-Ratna, Vidya-Ratna, etc., and mastered the classical studies of Indian religious and yogic philosophies.

His primary ashram in North America, Siddhachalam, located in Blairstown, New Jersey, was established in 1983. He was one among the founding fathers of American Jainism.

Although he was ordained as a monk in the Sthānakavāsī Jain tradition, he regarded himself to be non-sectarian. In 1979, he formed Arhat Sangh, a syncretic, non-sectarian group within Jainism.

 

 

Kanan Devi's Birth Anniversary

 

Kanan Devi, born on 22 April 1916, in Howrah, was a pioneering Indian actress and singer. Known as the first star of Bengali cinema, her rapid tempo singing style graced many hits of New Theatres, Kolkata. Introduced to cinema at a young age, she transitioned from silent films to talkies seamlessly. Despite facing societal pressure, she pursued her career, working with renowned personalities and establishing herself as a top star. Her contributions extended beyond acting and singing; she ventured into production and philanthropy, aiding female artists and community causes. Honoured with accolades including the Padma Shree and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, she left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.