13 September - Jatindra Nath Das death anniversary

 

Jatindra Nath Das (often called Jatin Das) was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, revolutionary, and martyr, known for his role in India's independence movement, particularly for his historic hunger strike while imprisoned.

Early Life:

• Born: October 27, 1904, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Bengal Presidency, British India.
• Education: Das was a student at Vidyasagar College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta. While still a student, he became involved in the Anushilan Samiti, a revolutionary group.

Revolutionary Activities:

Jatindra Nath Das was deeply committed to the cause of India's independence from British rule. He joined the Anushilan Samiti, a secret revolutionary organization, at a young age and became involved in several radical activities. In 1925, he was arrested for his participation in revolutionary activities but was released after a 63-day hunger strike.

His revolutionary zeal was reignited when he joined Bhagat Singh and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a prominent group of revolutionaries in northern India fighting for freedom. Das was involved in making bombs for the HSRA and participated in several significant revolutionary acts.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike:

In June 1929, Jatindra Nath Das was arrested by the British authorities in connection with the Lahore Conspiracy Case. He was imprisoned in the Lahore Central Jail. Das, along with Bhagat Singh and other revolutionaries, protested against the inhumane treatment of political prisoners by the British authorities. They demanded that Indian political prisoners be treated on par with European prisoners, including better hygiene, proper clothing, and food.

To press their demands, Jatin Das, along with other prisoners, started a hunger strike on July 13, 1929. While several others gave up due to deteriorating health, Das continued his hunger strike for an astounding 63 days. Despite numerous appeals and attempts to force-feed him, Das remained steadfast in his protest.

Death and Martyrdom:

On September 13, 1929, after 63 days of fasting, Jatindra Nath Das died in jail at the young age of 24. His death sent shockwaves throughout India and heightened the nationalistic fervor. His sacrifice for the cause of Indian independence became a symbol of revolutionary courage and dedication.

The British authorities were widely criticized for their role in Das's death, and his martyrdom stirred even greater opposition to colonial rule. His body was transported from Lahore to Calcutta, and thousands of people joined the procession, making his funeral a massive event in the Indian independence movement.

Legacy:

Jatindra Nath Das's hunger strike and ultimate martyrdom inspired countless freedom fighters and left an indelible mark on India's struggle for independence. His steadfastness in the face of immense suffering demonstrated the lengths to which Indian revolutionaries were willing to go for freedom. He is remembered as a hero and martyr of India’s independence movement.

In his honor, various institutions, streets, and public places have been named after him, including Jatin Das Park in Kolkata and Jatindra Nath Das Road. His life continues to be an inspiration for those who believe in standing up against injustice.

13th September - Pedro Alvarez Cabral arrived in Calicut in 1500

On 13th September 1500, Pedro Alvarez Cabral, a Portuguese explorer and navigator arrived in Calicut and opened the first European factory in India.

Cabral, who is also considered the discoverer of Brazil, is remembered for carrying out the first consequential exploration of the northeast coast of South America, which he eventually annexed for Portugal. In 1500, Cabral was chosen to lead an expedition to India using Vasco Da Gama’s newly discovered route around Africa. The aim of this journey was to bring back valuable spices from India while establishing trade relations with the country in the process; considering the fact that the spice trade was dominated by the Arab, Italian and Turkish merchants.

 

14 September - Virajanand Dandeesha death anniversary

 

Virajanand Dandeesha, also known as the blind sage of Mathura was the celebrated teacher of Arya Samaj founder Dayanand Saraswati. He was a scholar and teacher of Sanskrit grammar and Vedic literature.
Virajanand was born in Kartarpur near Jalandhar in the year 1778 in a Mohyal family. At the age of five, he lost his eyesight from an attack of small pox. Soon thereafter his father, who had initiated him into the rudiments of Sanskrit learning died. Leaving him to the mercy of his elder brother and sister-in-law at very young age. As they did not treat him well, the temperamental Virjanand soon left their home.
His wanderings took him to Rishikesh where he led a life of meditation and austerity for about three years. Tradition has it that Swami Virjanand left Rishikesh for Hardwar at the instance of a divine command. At Hardwar, he came in contact with The swami Purnanand Giri, a Sanskrit scholar who initiated him into 'sanyas'. Purnanand created in him a deep love for Sanskrit grammar and for the "arsha" Shastras (scriptures authored by Rishis). Soon, he began to master other branches of Sanskrit literature, and also took up teaching others.

Virjanand died on 14 September 1868, at the age of 90. On 14 September 1971, the Post and Telegraph Department of India released a stamp in his honor depicting the swami in a sitting posture.