17 January - Amir Khusro birth anniversary

 

Amir Khusro, full name Ab'ul Hasan Yamīn ud-Dīn Khusrau (1253–1325), was a medieval Sufi poet, musician, scholar, and one of the most celebrated figures in the cultural and literary history of the Indian subcontinent. Here are some key points about Amir Khusro:

1. Birth and Early Life:

   • Amir Khusro was born in 17 January 1253 in Patiyali, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.
   • His father hailed from Central Asia, and his mother was of Turkish descent.

2. Education and Multilingualism:

   • Khusro was well-versed in various languages, including Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Sanskrit.
   • He received an excellent education in poetry, music, philosophy, and other disciplines.

3. Poetry and Literature:

   • Amir Khusro is known for his contributions to Persian and Urdu poetry.
   • He wrote ghazals, qawwalis, masnavis, and other forms of poetry.
   • He is often credited with the invention of the musical genre known as Qawwali.

4. Cultural Contributions:

   • Khusro played a significant role in the cultural fusion of the Indian subcontinent, contributing to the syncretic traditions of the region.
   • He was associated with several rulers, including the Delhi Sultanate and the courts of Alauddin Khilji and Muhammad Tughlaq.

5. Invention of Sitar:

   • Amir Khusro is sometimes credited with the invention of the sitar, a popular stringed musical instrument.

6. Death:

   • Amir Khusro passed away in 20 April 1325 in Delhi, India.

Amir Khusro's literary works and cultural contributions have left a lasting impact on the history of the Indian subcontinent. His poetry reflects a rich blend of various linguistic and cultural influences, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the fields of poetry and music during the medieval period.

17 January - Cable Car Day

 

Cable Car Day is celebrated every year on January 17. The day celebrates Andrew Smith Hallidie getting the patent for the cable car in 1871. It is believed that Hallidie saw horses struggle to pull cars up the steep hills of San Francisco, and worried about the news of people falling and dying. He decided to invent a system where strong cables would move the cars up and down the hill. Today, San Francisco is the last American city to still run any true cable cars! The Cable Car Museum in San Francisco is also a tourist attraction. In other American cities, you will find electric streetcars.
 

17 January - Shri Baldev Ramji Mirdha birth anniversary

 

Shri Baldev Ramji Mirdha was born on 17 January 1889 in a farmer’s family in village Kuchera in district Nagaur of Rajasthan. He passed the Matric examination and joined service in the former Jodhpur State. By dint of hard work and honestly, he rose to become a high police official. His interest and commitment however lay elsewhere.

Baldev Ramji Mirdha was a great social worker and made it the foundation of his political work. He started a movement for helping the backward classes and enabling them to take water from the village well. He started a movement for the abolition of customs like feasts after death. These activities enraged the entrenched leaders of society who carried on a tirade against him. He believed that education was necessary for liberating an individual and started a number of schools and hostels in rural areas. Students from these institutions are at the forefront of the political and social life of the State. His various activities for organizing the kisans fighting for their right to be masters of the land that they cultivated earned him the title of “Kisan Kesari”. He died on 25 August 1953 in harness while going to address a Kisan conference.

17 January - Krishnadevaraya birth anniversary

 

Krishnadevaraya, full name Sri Krishnadevaraya, was a powerful and celebrated ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India during the 16th century. His reign, which lasted from 1509 to 1529, is often considered a golden period in the history of the Vijayanagara Empire. Sri Krishnadevaraya was born on  16 January  1471, and he passed away on 17 October 1529.

Here are some key points about Krishnadevaraya:

1. Ascension to the Throne: Krishnadevaraya ascended to the throne in 1509 after the death of his predecessor Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. He belonged to the Tuluva dynasty.

2. Military Achievements: Krishnadevaraya was a skilled military commander and led his forces in numerous successful campaigns. One of his notable military achievements was the conquest of the Gajapati Kingdom of Odisha, leading to the annexation of territories like Udayagiri and Kondavidu.

3. Diplomacy and Alliances: Krishnadevaraya was known for his diplomatic skills and the ability to form strategic alliances. He maintained diplomatic ties with various neighboring states and cultivated friendly relations with the Portuguese.

4. Patronage of Arts and Culture: His reign is often described as a cultural renaissance. Krishnadevaraya was a great patron of arts and literature. The famous Telugu poet Allasani Peddana was one of his eight poets, known as the "Ashtadiggajas," who adorned his court.

5. Vijayanagara Empire's Prosperity: Under Krishnadevaraya's rule, the Vijayanagara Empire reached its zenith in terms of political power, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements. The empire extended from the Deccan Plateau to the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent.

6. Public Works: Krishnadevaraya initiated several public works projects, including the construction of irrigation tanks and the expansion of infrastructure. He paid particular attention to the improvement of the capital city, Hampi.

7. Literary Contributions: Krishnadevaraya himself was a scholar and author. His work "Amuktamalyada" is a notable Telugu literary composition, and he also patronized other poets and writers.

8. Legacy: Krishnadevaraya is remembered as one of the most illustrious rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. His reign is often referred to as a "golden age" due to the flourishing of arts, culture, and prosperity during that period. After his death in 1529, the Vijayanagara Empire faced challenges, leading to its eventual decline in the later part of the 16th century.

 

17 January - United Nations Security Council held its 1st meeting at Church House, Westminster, in London,

 

The United Nations Security Council held its first meeting on January 17, 1946. The Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. The establishment of the Security Council was a key component of the UN Charter, which had been adopted on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco.

The Security Council consists of 15 member states, with five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Each member has one vote, and decisions on substantive matters require nine affirmative votes, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members. This arrangement is known as the veto power held by the permanent members, which allows them to block any substantive resolution.

The Security Council has the authority to take various actions to address threats to international peace and security, including the imposition of economic sanctions, the establishment of peacekeeping missions, and, if necessary, the authorization of the use of force. It plays a central role in international efforts to prevent conflicts and respond to crises around the world.

The first meeting of the United Nations Security Council on January 17, 1946, marked the beginning of its important role in global security and diplomacy, as outlined in the UN Charter. Since then, the Security Council has been involved in addressing numerous conflicts, crises, and issues affecting international peace and stability.

 

16 January - The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution

The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on 16 January 1919, and effective a year later, marked the beginning of Prohibition. It imposed a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, reflecting the influence of the temperance movement, which advocated for alcohol prohibition to curb social issues such as crime, domestic violence, and poverty. The Volstead Act was enacted to enforce the amendment, but it faced widespread resistance. Prohibition led to the rise of illegal speakeasies, bootlegging operations, and organized crime syndicates, with figures like Al Capone becoming infamous. Despite its intent to improve social conditions, Prohibition often had the opposite effect, straining law enforcement and fostering a culture of defiance. The widespread unpopularity of the amendment eventually led to its repeal with the 21st Amendment in 1933, ending a tumultuous chapter in American history.

16 January - International Hot and Spicy Food Day

 

International Hot and Spicy Food Day is a celebration dedicated to the love of spicy foods. This day, observed annually on January 16th, encourages people to indulge in and appreciate the flavors and heat levels of spicy cuisine from around the world.

Spicy foods have a long history and are an integral part of various culinary traditions globally. The use of chili peppers and other hot spices not only adds heat to dishes but also enhances flavors and can be a source of cultural identity. Different regions and countries have their own unique spicy dishes, and International Hot and Spicy Food Day provides an opportunity for food enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the diverse world of fiery cuisines.

On this day, people might choose to prepare or order spicy dishes, attend events or food festivals that feature hot and spicy foods, or simply share their favorite spicy recipes with friends and family. It's a day to celebrate the bold and vibrant flavors that spicy ingredients bring to the table.

 

16 January - The Feast of St. Joseph Vaz

 

The Feast of St. Joseph Vaz is a religious observance in honor of St. Joseph Vaz, a Catholic saint who is particularly venerated in the Indian subcontinent. St. Joseph Vaz is also known as the Apostle of Sri Lanka. His feast day is celebrated on 16 January every year.

St. Joseph Vaz was born in 1651 in Goa, which was then part of Portuguese India. He dedicated his life to missionary work and played a significant role in spreading Christianity in Sri Lanka during a period when Catholicism faced persecution. St. Joseph Vaz is credited with revitalizing the Catholic faith in Sri Lanka and is revered for his piety and devotion to the service of God.

The Feast of St. Joseph Vaz is observed with special religious services, including Masses, prayers, and processions, in Catholic communities, particularly in regions where St. Joseph Vaz is venerated. It is a time for the faithful to reflect on the life and teachings of this saint and to seek his intercession for spiritual guidance and blessings.

While the level of celebration may vary, the feast is an important occasion for the Catholic community, especially in Sri Lanka, Goa, and other regions where St. Joseph Vaz is held in high esteem. The day is marked by both religious and cultural events that bring together communities to honor the saint and express gratitude for his contributions to the spread of Christianity in the region.

16 January - Prohibition Remembrance Day

 

Prohibition in the United States was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933.

In 1906, waves of attacks began on the sale of liquor, led by the Anti-Saloon League driven by a reaction to urban growth, as well as the rise of evangelical Protestantism and its view of saloon culture as corrupt and ungodly. In addition, many factory owners supported prohibition in their desire to prevent accidents and increase the efficiency of their workers in an era of increased industrial production and extended working hours.

Prohibition came about after many years of work by those in the temperance movement, who wanted complete abstinence from alcohol. As a whole, the movement had close ties to the church. By the time the amendment went into effect, many states already had prohibition laws on the books, which helped with the final passage of the amendment.

The amendment was quite controversial during its 13-year tenure, and public pressure eventually led to its repeal. There were debates about its positive and negative qualities during its implementation, as there have been since its overturning. Overall, alcohol consumption declined during the Prohibition period, cirrhosis rates decreased, and admissions to mental hospitals for alcohol-related issues decreased.

 

16 January - Appreciate a Dragon Day

 

"Appreciate a Dragon Day" is an informal observance that encourages people to celebrate and show appreciation for dragons, mythical creatures that have been part of folklore and mythology in various cultures for centuries. The day is usually celebrated on January 16th each year.

The idea behind Appreciate a Dragon Day is to recognize the significance of dragons in literature, art, and popular culture. Dragons are often portrayed as powerful, magical beings with both benevolent and malevolent qualities. They appear in myths and stories from different parts of the world, such as European, Asian, and Middle Eastern folklore.

People celebrate Appreciate a Dragon Day in various ways. Some might read books or watch movies featuring dragons, while others may engage in creative activities like drawing, crafting, or storytelling centered around these mythical creatures. It's a lighthearted and imaginative observance that allows individuals to explore and appreciate the rich cultural history associated with dragons.