International Cribbage Day

International Cribbage Day is celebrated annually on February 10. This date was chosen to honour the birthday of Sir John Suckling (born February 10, 1609), the English poet and gambler credited with inventing the game in the early 17th century.

T. Balasaraswati's Death Anniversary

T. Balasaraswati, who passed away on 9 February 1984, was a celebrated Indian dancer, and singer in the Karnatak (South Indian) tradition, who was one of the 20th century’s foremost exponents of the bharata natyam style of classical dance. She was instrumental not only in expanding the performance of this dance form beyond the precincts of the temples where it was traditionally performed but also in cultivating international appreciation of the art form.

For her contributions to Indian arts and culture, Balasaraswati received a Sangeet Natak Akademi (India’s national academy of music, dance, and drama) award in 1955 and the Padma Vibhushan, one of the country’s top civilian honours, in 1977. Although she danced extensively throughout her life, she was seldom filmed. In 1976, however, the acclaimed Indian film director Satyajit Ray made a short documentary, Bala, as a tribute to her artistic achievement. In 2006 Aniruddha Knight, Balasaraswati’s grandson, also produced a short documentary.

Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi's Death Anniversary

 

Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi, who passed away on 8 February 1971, was an Indian independence movement activist, politician, writer and educationist from Gujarat state. A lawyer by profession, he later turned to author and politician. He is a well-known name in Gujarati literature. He founded Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, an educational trust, in 1938.

Charles Dickens Birth Anniversary

 

Charles Dickens, born on 7 February 1812, was an English novelist, generally considered the greatest of the Victorian era. His many volumes include such works as A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Bleak House, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and Our Mutual Friend. 

Dickens enjoyed a wider popularity during his lifetime than had any previous author. Much in his work could appeal to the simple and the sophisticated, to the poor and to the queen, and technological developments as well as the qualities of his work enabled his fame to spread worldwide very quickly. His long career saw fluctuations in the reception and sales of individual novels, but none of them was negligible or uncharacteristic or disregarded, and, though he is now admired for aspects and phases of his work that were given less weight by his contemporaries, his popularity has never ceased. The most abundantly comic of English authors, he was much more than a great entertainer. The range, compassion, and intelligence of his apprehension of his society and its shortcomings enriched his novels and made him both one of the great forces in 19th-century literature and an influential spokesman of the conscience of his age.

Sayajirao Gaekwad III Death Anniversary

Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who passed away on 6 February 1939, was the Maharaja of Baroda State from 1875 to 1939, and is notably remembered for reforming much of his state during his rule. He belonged to the royal Gaekwad dynasty of the Marathas which ruled parts of present-day Gujarat.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

 

Daulat Singh Kothari's Death Anniversary

National Wedding Ring Day (United States)

Bertrand Russell's Death Anniversary

Bertrand Russell, who passed away on 2 February 1970, was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, writer, essayist, social critic, political activist, and Nobel laureate.

He was the figure in the analytic movement in Anglo-American philosophy, and recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950. Russell’s contributions to logic, epistemology, and the philosophy of mathematics established him as one of the foremost philosophers of the 20th century. To the general public, however, he was best known as a campaigner for peace and as a popular writer on social, political, and moral subjects. During a long, productive, and often turbulent life, he published more than 70 books and about 2,000 articles, married four times, became involved in innumerable public controversies, and was honoured and reviled in almost equal measure throughout the world.

Wener Heisenberg's Death Anniversary

Werner Heisenberg, passed away on 1 February 1976, was a German theoretical physicist and one of the key pioneers of quantum mechanics. He published his work in 1925 in a breakthrough paper. In the subsequent series of papers with Max Born and Pascual Jordan, during the same year, this matrix formulation of quantum mechanics was substantially elaborated. He is known for the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which he published in 1927. Heisenberg was awarded the 1932 Nobel Prize in Physics "for the creation of quantum mechanics".

Major Somnath Sharma's Birth Anniversary

 

Major Somnath Sharma, PVC, born on 31 January 1923, he 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."

Karpati Maharaj's 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.

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.

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 originates 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. 

 

R. Venkataraman's 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.

Assam State Formation Day

Himachal Pradesh Full Statehood Day

Parliament on December 18, 1970, had passed the State of Himachal Pradesh Act and the new state came into being on January 25, 1971. Thus, Himachal Pradesh emerged as the 18th state of India.

Himachal Pradesh celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its Statehood on January 25, 2021. On the occasion, India Post released a commemorative postage stamp.

Himachal Pradesh is a northern Indian state in the Himalayas. It is home to scenic mountain towns and resorts such as Dalhousie. Host to the Dalai Lama, Himachal Pradesh has a strong Tibetan presence. This is reflected in its Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as its vibrant Tibetan New Year celebrations. The region is also known for its trekking, climbing and skiing areas.

Sir Winston Churchill's Death Anniversary

 

Sir Winston Churchill, who passed away on 24 January 1965, aged 90 years, was a British statesman, military officer, and writer who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, most notably during World War II. He is widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most significant figures, celebrated for his leadership against fascism and his powerful oratory. 

Political Career

Churchill's political career spanned over 60 years and was marked by several high-ranking positions in both the Conservative and Liberal parties. 

• Wartime Leadership (1940–1945): He became Prime Minister in May 1940 as Nazi Germany invaded Western Europe. His refusal to consider surrender and his series of inspirational speeches—such as "Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat" and "Their Finest Hour"—rallied the British public and the Empire.
• Second Term (1951–1955): He returned to office in 1951, focusing on foreign affairs, particularly Anglo-American relations and the preservation of the British Empire during the early Cold War.
• Party Defections: He was a Conservative MP from 1900 to 1904, defected to the Liberal Party for 20 years, and eventually rejoined the Conservatives in 1924, serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer. 

Literary and Artistic Achievements

Outside of politics, Churchill was a prolific author and an accomplished amateur painter. 

• Nobel Prize: He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his historical and biographical writings and his "brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values".
• Key Works: His major publications include The Second World War (six volumes), A History of the English-Speaking Peoples, and his autobiography, My Early Life.
• Painting: He took up painting at age 40 to combat depression and produced over 500 canvases throughout his life. 

Early Life and Military Service

• Background: Born at Blenheim Palace to an aristocratic father, Lord Randolph Churchill, and an American mother, Jennie Jerome.
• Sandhurst: After struggling academically at Harrow, he attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and was commissioned into the 4th Queen's Own Hussars.
• War Correspondent: He gained early fame as a soldier and journalist in Cuba, India, Sudan, and South Africa. During the Second Boer War, his daring escape from a prisoner-of-war camp made him a national hero. 

Legacy and Controversies

While Churchill is frequently voted the "Greatest Briton" in public polls, his legacy remains a subject of modern debate. 

• Imperialism: A staunch defender of the British Empire, he has been criticized for his views on race and his role in decisions like the 1943 Bengal Famine.
• International Statesman: He was an early proponent of European unity, famously calling for a "United States of Europe" after WWII.
• Death: He was granted a rare state funeral upon his death in 1965, the first for a commoner since 1898. 

 

 

Vasant Panchami 2026

 

In 2026, Vasant Panchami (also known as Basant Panchami or Saraswati Puja) is celebrated on Friday, January 23. This festival marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, arts, and wisdom. 

Significance and Rituals

• Goddess Saraswati Puja: Devotees worship the Goddess of learning to seek blessings for wisdom and creativity. Students often place their books and musical instruments near the idol.
• Colour Yellow: Yellow is the dominant colour of the day, symbolizing the blossoming mustard fields and the vibrancy of spring. People wear yellow attire and offer yellow flowers to the deity.
• Aksharabhyasam: This day is considered highly auspicious for initiating children into education (Vidhyarambham).
• Food: Traditional yellow-themed dishes are prepared, such as Kesar Halwa (saffron-infused semolina pudding) and yellow rice.
• Abujha Muhurat: The entire day is considered an "Abujha" (automatically auspicious) day, meaning major life events or new beginnings can be started without needing to check for specific planetary alignments. 

 

 

Akkineni Nageswara Rao's Death Anniversary

 

Akkineni Nageswara Rao, who passed away on 22 January 2014, at the age of 89, in Hyderabad, and affectionately known as ANR, was a legendary Indian actor and producer who dominated Telegu cinema for over seven decades. 

Career Highlights & Legacy

• Versatile Performer: Renowned for his range, ANR transitioned from playing female characters in theatre (due to a ban on women acting at the time) to becoming a romantic hero and a master of tragic roles, most notably in the iconic Devadasu (1953).
• Industry Pioneer: He was instrumental in shifting the Telugu film industry from Madras (now Chennai) to Hyderabad. To support this move, he founded Annapurna Studios in 1975.
• Major Awards: He received India's highest film honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1990), along with the Padma Vibhushan (2011) and multiple Nandi Awards.

National Hugging Day (United States)

National Hugging Day is celebrated every year on January 21. Created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney in Clio, Michigan, the day was strategically placed between Christmas and Valentine's Day to combat the "post-holiday blues" and encourage people to show more emotion in public. 

Quick Facts & Traditions

• Founder: Rev. Kevin Zaborney, who chose the date because he felt January was a time when emotional energy often drops.
• The "Golden Rule": Always ask for consent before hugging, as not everyone is comfortable with physical touch.
• Health Benefits: Science shows that a 20-second hug releases oxytocin (the "cuddle hormone"), which can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve heart health.
• Global Reach: While it started in the U.S., it is now celebrated internationally in countries like the UK, Germany, India, and Australia.
• Most Huggable Person: Each year, the official National hugging Day website names a "Most Huggable Person."

Hindu School was founded in Kolkata, in 1817

 

On January 20, 1817, Hindu School was founded in Kolkata (then Calcutta) as part of the original Hindu College. It is celebrated as the oldest modern educational institution in Asia, established to provide a secular, Western-style education. 

Key historical details regarding its foundation include:

• Original Structure: The institution initially comprised two sections: the Pathshala (school) and the Mahapathshala (college).
• Visionary Founders: It was established through the collaborative efforts of social reformers and philanthropists, including Raja Ram Mohan Roy, David Hare, Radhakanta Deb, and Sir Edward Hyde East.
• Initial Opening: Classes began at a rented house in Garanhata (304 Chitpur Road) with an initial batch of 20 male students.
• Evolution into Presidency: In 1855, the institution was split. The "Mahapathshala" became Presidency College (now Presidency University), while the "Pathshala" became the independent Hindu School.
• Legacy: The school played a pivotal role in the Bengal Renaissance, producing notable alumni such as Satyendranath Bose and Keshab Chandra Sen. 

National Popcorn Day (United States)

 

On January 19th, National Popcorn Day pops onto the scene with a crunch we all love to enjoy! The annual celebration recognizes a treat that satisfies munchies, day or night. 

This time-honoured snack can be sweet or savoury, caramelized, buttered or plain, molded into a candied ball, or tossed with nuts and chocolate. However, it is enjoyed, enjoy it on National Popcorn Day, January 19th.

The word "corn" in Old English meant "grain" or, more specifically, the most prominent grain grown in a region. When Native Americans introduce their most common grain, maize, to early Europeans, they aptly applied the word "corn."

As early as the 16th century, the Aztecs used popcorn in headdresses worn during ceremonies honouring Tlaloc, their god of maize and fertility. Early Spanish explorers were fascinated by the corn that burst into what looked like a white flower.

Popcorn started becoming popular in the United States in the middle 1800s. It wasn't until Charles Cretors, a candy-store owner, developed a machine for popping corn with steam that the tasty treat became more abundantly poppable. By 1900 he had horse-drawn popcorn wagons going through the streets of Chicago.

At about the same time, Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn to bring Cracker Jack to the world. Then in 1908, the national anthem of baseball was born. Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer wrote Take Me out to the Ballgame. From that point onward, popcorn, specifically Cracker Jack, became forever married to the game.

 

World Snow Day 2026

World Snow Day is observed on the third Sunday in January each year, and in thus in 2026 it is being celebrated on 18^th January. It was created by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The purpose behind it is to increase children’s participation in snow-related sports like skiing and snowboarding, while bringing together families for a fun-filled frolic in the snow. Countries all over the world can make use of their snowy regions to host winter sports and activities so that more people can get the chance to experience snow. Imagine one great big global snowy fiesta, celebrated around the world over the same weekend — that’s the vision with which World Snow Day was established.

International Mentoring Day

International Mentoring Day is celebrated annually on 17th January. 

The day is observed as a centerpiece of National Mentoring Month (January) to foster global understanding of the mentoring movement and recognize the role mentors play in shaping lives and careers. 

Origins and History

• Muhammad Ali’s Legacy: The date was specifically chosen to honor the birthday of boxing legend and humanitarian Muhammad Ali (born 17J anuary 1942). His life values—confidence, conviction, and respect—are foundational to the day's spirit.
• Establishment: It was first launched in 2016 through a collaboration between

MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, the Muhammad Ali Center, and other global advocacy groups. 

Key Objectives

• Global Awareness: Highlighting the impact of mentoring across borders, industries, and generations.
• Promoting Inclusion: Emphasizing how mentoring can bridge opportunity gaps and elevate underrepresented voices.
• Call to Action: Encouraging individuals to become mentors, share success stories, or donate to mentoring organizations. 

International Hot and Spicy Food Day

 

International Hot and Spicy Food Day is celebrated annually on January 16th, a day dedicated to exploring and enjoying spicy cuisines from around the world, from mild heat to fiery challenges, encouraging people to try new hot dishes or explore different chili peppers. People celebrate by cooking spicy meals, visiting restaurants, trying new chili varieties, or even participating in chilli-eating contests. 

Foundation Day of Asiatic Society in 1788

The Asiatic Society is a Government of India organisation founded during the Company rule in India to enhance and further the cause of "Oriental research" (in this case, research into India and the surrounding regions). It was founded by the philologist William Jones on 15 January 1784 in a meeting presided over by Justice Robert Chambers in Calcutta, the then-capital of the Presidency of Fort William. At the time of its foundation, this Society was named as "Asiatick Society". In 1825, the society was renamed as "The Asiatic Society". In 1832 the name was changed to "The Asiatic Society of Bengal" and again in 1936 it was renamed as "The Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal". Finally, on 1 July 1951, the name of the society was changed to its present one. The Society is housed in a building at Park Street in Kolkata (Calcutta). The Society moved into this building during 1808. In 1823, the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta was formed and all the meetings of this society were held in the Asiatic Society.

Key Details of Foundation

• Founder: The society was established by the philologist and scholar Sir William Jones.
• Inaugural Meeting: The first meeting took place at the Grand Jury Hall of the Supreme Court in Calcutta (now Kolkata), then presided over by Justice Sir Robert Chambers.
• Original Name: At its inception, it was named the Asiatick Society.
• Objective: It was created to promote "Oriental research"—specifically to enquire into the history, civil and natural antiquities, arts, sciences, and literature of Asia. 

 

Armed Forces Veterans' Day (India)

 

In India, Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated annually on 14 January. This observance honours the selfless service and sacrifice of the nation’s ex-servicemen.

Key Highlights of the Day

• Significance: The date 14 January was chosen to commemorate the formal retirement of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, in 1953. He was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and led Indian forces to victory in the 1947 war.
• History: The day was first observed in 2017 to reaffirm the bond between serving personnel, veterans, and the nation.
• Welfare Focus: The celebrations include rallies and help desks for the System for Pension Administration - Raksha (SPARSH), the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and grievance redressal counters to assist veterans and their families.
• National Observance: Commemorative events are taking place at 34 Rajya Sainik Boards and 434 Zila Sainik Boards across all States and Union Territories. 

 

Henri Farman Wins the Grand Prix d'Aviation in 1908

 

On 13 January 1908, Henri Farman became the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than 1km, winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation.

He won the Deutsch-Archdeacon Prize and a significant cash prize for his flight in the Voisin-Farman I biplane at Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.

Henri Farman (1874-1958) was a French aviation pioneer and aircraft builder who popularized the use of ailerons, moveable surfaces on the trailing edge of a wing that provide a means of lateral control.  

Harika Dronavalli's Birthday

Harika Dronavalli, born on 12 January 1991, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, is an Indian chess grandmaster. She was part of the gold winning women's team at the 45^th Chess Olympiad in 2024.  She has won three bronze medals in the Women’s World Chess Championship, in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Harika was honoured with the arjuna Award for the year 2007–08 by the government of India. In 2016, she won the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix event at Chengdu, China and rose up from world no. 11 to world no. 5 in FIDE women's ranking. In 2019, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her contributions towards the field of sports.

 

International Thank You Day

International Thank You Day celebrates gratitude worldwide on January 11. While its origins are unclear, the tradition likely started in the 1900s. Historical records suggest gratitude has been expressed for centuries—beginning with early Egyptian and Chinese dynasties, evolving through the Middle Ages, and becoming widespread in Europe by the 16th century. Today, it is celebrated globally as a reminder of the significance of a simple “thank you."

Importance

This day highlights the transformative power of gratitude in fostering stronger relationships and improving well-being. Research confirms that gratitude reduces stress, enhances mental health, and promotes resilience. By recognizing the efforts of those who positively impact our lives, we foster a culture of kindness, empathy, and mutual respect. It reminds us to pause, reflect, and appreciate even the smallest acts of kindness in our daily lives.

Why do we celebrate?

International Thank You Day offers an opportunity to express gratitude to those who enrich our lives. It fosters empathy, understanding, and peace, encouraging individuals and communities to strengthen bonds. Celebrating gratitude cultivates a positive environment and emphasizes the importance of kindness as a tool for social harmony and personal growth.

Constantine II Death Anniversary

 

Constantine II, the last king of Greece from 1964 to 1974, passed away on 10 January 2023, in Athens, Greece, aged 82.

After spending World War II in exile in South Africa, Constantine returned to Greece in 1946. When his father became King Paul I in 1947, Constantine became crown prince; he succeeded to the throne upon his father’s death on 6 March 1964. Fearing leftist infiltration of the army, he dismissed Georgios Papandreou in July 1965 and appointed Interim premiers until April 21, 1967, when a military coup forestalled the election, he was planning for May of that year. He attempted a countercoup from northern Greece on 13 December 1967, but had few sympathizers and almost immediately fled to Rome with his family. The military regime retained control of the monarchy and appointed a regent in Constantine’s place, granting the king a free return if he desired.

On 1 June 1973, the military regime ruling Greece proclaimed a republic and abolished the Greek monarchy. A referendum on 29 July 1973, confirmed these actions. After the election of a civilian government in November 1974, another referendum on the monarchy was conducted on December 8. The monarchy was rejected, and Constantine, who had protested the vote of 1973, accepted the result.

International Choreographers Day

 

International Choreographers Day is celebrated annually onJanuary 9. It is dedicated to honouring the creative visionaries who design and arrange the dance movements seen in theatre, film, music videos, and sports. 

History and Significance

• Establishment: The day was officially earmarked in 2018 by the International Association of Choreographers.
• Date Origin: January 9 was chosen to honour the birth anniversary of George Balanchine, the "Father of American Ballet". While his modern birthday is January 22, the 9th corresponds to his birth date on the "Old Style" Julian calendar.
• Terminology: The word "choreography" literally means "dance-writing," derived from the Greek words khoros (dance) and grapho (to write). The term "choreographer" was first used for stage credits in 1936 to recognize Balanchine's work on Broadway. 

Key Figures in Choreography

• George Balanchine: A pioneer of neoclassical ballet and co-founder of the New York City Ballet.
• Martha Graham: Known as the "Picasso of Dance," she revolutionized modern dance with the Graham technique.
• Alvin Ailey: A major activist for African American participation in modern dance and founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
• Fred Astaire: Credited with transforming how choreography is integrated into film plots during his 76-year career.
• Saroj Khan: A legendary Indian choreographer known as the first woman choreographer in Bollywood. 

 

 

African National Congress (ANC) Foundation Day

The African National Congress (ANC) Foundation Day is observed annually on January 8 to commemorate the party's establishment in 1912. 

Key Historical Facts

• Founding Date: January 8, 1912.
• Original Name: Founded as the South African Native National Congress (SANNC); it was renamed the African National Congress in 1923.
• Founding Location: Bloemfontein, South Africa.
• Founding Leaders: The primary founders included John Langalibalele Dube (the first president), Pixley ka Isaka Seme, and Sol Plaatje.
• Purpose: The movement was created to unite African people and spearhead the struggle for fundamental political, social, and economic change against racial segregation and the dispossession of land. 

Significance and Modern Observance

• Oldest Movement: The ANC is the oldest liberation movement in Africa.
• The January 8th Statement: It is a long-standing tradition for the ANC President to deliver a major policy speech on this day, known as the "January 8th Statement". This address outlines the party’s priorities and vision for the coming year.
• Recent Anniversary: On January 8, 2026, the ANC marked its 114th anniversary. In the preceding year (2025), the 113th anniversary was celebrated with a major rally at Nelson Mandela Park in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
• Current Status: Since South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, the ANC has been the governing party of the Republic of South Africa. However, following the May 2024 general elections, the party currently governs as part of a coalition Government of National Unity after failing to secure an outright majority for the first time.