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.