Suez Canal officially opens in 1869

 

The Suez Canal officially opened on November 17, 1869, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas to create a vital maritime trade route between Asia and Europe. Constructed over a 10-year period by the Suez Canal Company under French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, it significantly shortened shipping times and has become a crucial artery for global trade. 

National Press Day (India)

Every year on November 16th, National Press Day is observed in India to recognize and honour the Press Council of India (PCI). The day celebrates the existence of a free and accountable press in the nation.

History

The Press Council of India began acting as a moral watchdog on this day to make sure that the press not only upheld the high standards expected of such a potent medium but also that it was unhindered by the influence or threats of any outside forces.

On November 16, 1966, the PCI was established. Since then, November 16 has been designated as National Press Day in India to honour the council's founding.

Significance

The council is crucial to India because it was created specifically to defend the free press, which is the fourth pillar of democracy. As a result, it consistently works to ensure that journalism's credibility is protected.

It highlights the system's flaws and problems and assists the government in finding solutions, thereby enhancing the democratic system of government's core principles.

 

Birsa Munda's 150th Birth Anniversary

 

Birsa Munda, born on 15 November 1875, in Ulihatu, was an Indian tribal independence activist, and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe. He spearheaded a tribal religious millenarian movement that arose in the Bengal Presidency (now Jharkhand) in the late 19th century, during the British Raj, thereby making him an important figure in the history of the Indian independence movement.  The revolt mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada and Bandgaon.

Bhaktivedanta Swami's Death Anniversary

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who passed away on 14 November 1977, in Vrindavan, aged 81 years, was an Indian spiritual teacher, author, and the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), widely known as the Hare Krishna movement. 

Key Contributions and Life

• Mission: In 1965, at the age of 69 and with little money, he traveled to New York City to share the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita with the Western world, as instructed by his guru, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur.
• ISKCON: He founded ISKCON in New York City in 1966, popularizing the Hare Krishna mantra and the practice of bhakti-yoga (devotional service to Krishna).
• Author and Translator: He authored over 80 books, including English translations and commentaries on core Vedic scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita As It Is and the Srimad Bhagavatam. The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), which he established, is the world's largest publisher of books in the field of Indian religion and philosophy.
• Global Influence: Before his passing in Vrindavan, India, in 1977, he circled the globe numerous times, establishing over 100 temples and cultural centres and initiating thousands of disciples.
• Teachings: His teachings emphasized a simpler, more natural way of life and the attainment of true happiness through awakening one's pure love for God (Krishna consciousness). 

Kishore Kumar's Death Anniversary

 

Kishore Kumar (born Abhas Kumar Ganguly; who passed away on 13 October 1987, was an Indian playback singer, musician and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest, most influential and dynamic singers in the history of modern Indian music. Kumar was one of the most popular singers in the Indian subcontinent, notable for his yodelling and ability to sing songs in different voices. He used to sing in different genres but some of his rare compositions, considered classics, were lost in time.

Ashok Kumar's Birth Anniversary

Ashok Kumar, born on 13 October 1911, in Bhagalpur, was an Indian film actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema. He was honoured in 1988 with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest national award for cinema artists, by the Government of India and also received the Padma Bhushan in 1999 for his contributions to Indian cinema. He is considered to be one of India’s finest actors ever, playing leading, antagonist and character roles with equal panache.

Madan Mohan Malaviya's Death Annniversary

Madan Mohan Malaviya, who passed away on 12 November 1946, was a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement, a distinguished scholar, and an educational reformer, best known as the founder of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 2014. 

Key Contributions and Roles

• Educational Reform: Malaviya co-founded Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916 with the aim of integrating modern scientific knowledge with Indian traditions. He served as the university's Vice-Chancellor from 1919 to 1938.
• Indian Independence Movement: A four-time President of the Indian National Congress (1909, 1918, 1932, 1933), he actively participated in major independence movements.
• Social Activism: He advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity, the removal of caste barriers, and was instrumental in ending the Indian indenture system.

• Journalism and Media: Malaviya founded the English newspaper The Leader in 1919 and served as Chairman of the Hindustan Times from 1924 to 1946.
• Legal Career: As a lawyer, he successfully defended many accused in the Chauri Chaura case, preventing numerous death sentences. 

Nicknames and Legacy

• He was widely known as "Mahamana" (Great Soul).
• Malaviya is credited with popularizing India's national motto, 'Satyamev Jayate' (Truth alone triumphs).