21 April - Mohammad Iqbal death anniversary

Muhammad Iqbal passed away on 21st April 1938 in Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan).

Muhammad Iqbal, often referred to as Allama Iqbal, was a renowned poet, philosopher, and politician in British India who is widely regarded as having inspired the Pakistan Movement. Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, British India (now in Pakistan), Iqbal was educated in both the East and the West, earning degrees from Government College Lahore and the University of Cambridge.

His poetry, written in Urdu and Persian, reflects a deep spiritual and philosophical exploration, often focusing on themes of self-discovery, national identity, and the revitalization of the Islamic world. Some of his notable works include "Asrar-e-Khudi" (Secrets of the Self), "Bang-e-Dra" (The Call of the Marching Bell), and "Zabur-e-Ajam" (Persian Psalms).

Iqbal's vision for a separate Muslim state eventually culminated in the creation of Pakistan in 1947, though he passed away in 1938, well before its establishment. His ideas and poetry played a significant role in shaping the ideology of Pakistan and continue to inspire people across the world. He is widely respected as the national poet of Pakistan.

 

 

21 April - Queen Elizabeth II birth Anniversary

 

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth).

Elizabeth's early life was spent primarily in the care of governesses and tutors. In 1936, her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne, and Elizabeth's father became King George VI. Elizabeth became heir presumptive to the throne, and her education included learning about the duties and responsibilities that came with the monarchy.

During World War II, Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, were evacuated to Windsor Castle for their safety. Elizabeth joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she trained as a mechanic and driver. She also made her first radio broadcast to the children of the Commonwealth during this time.

In 1947, Elizabeth married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. They have four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.

Elizabeth ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father. Her coronation was held the following year on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey. Since then, she has become the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing Queen Victoria's record in 2015.

During her reign, Elizabeth has seen many changes in the world, including the end of the British Empire and the rise of the Commonwealth of Nations. She has also witnessed many political and social changes within the United Kingdom, including the devolution of power to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the introduction of same-sex marriage.

Despite her ceremonial role, Elizabeth has played a significant role in shaping the monarchy and its relationship with the public. She is known for her dedication to duty and her commitment to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She has traveled extensively throughout her reign, visiting more than 120 countries and meeting with countless world leaders.

Elizabeth is also known for her love of horses and horse racing, and she is a passionate supporter of the arts and sciences. She is the patron of many charitable organizations and has received numerous honors and awards for her service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

In recent years, Elizabeth has begun to scale back her official duties, passing many of them on to her children and grandchildren. However, she continues to be a beloved and respected figure in the United Kingdom and around the world.

21 April - Brasília founded in 1960

 

Brasília is the capital city of Brazil, located in the Federal District in the central part of the country. It was founded on 21 April 1960 and is known for its unique modernist architecture and urban planning.  On 21 April 2012, Google celebrated Brasilia’s Anniversary.

Brasília was planned and built as the new capital of Brazil to promote the country’s interior development and reduce the concentration of political and economic power in coastal cities. The decision to construct a new capital was made in 1956, and the city was designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa. Construction began in 1957, and the city was officially inaugurated as the capital of Brazil on April 21, 1960.

Brasília is famous for its unique modernist architecture, characterized by its innovative and futuristic design. Many of the city’s buildings were designed by Oscar Niemeyer, known for his curved lines, bold forms, and use of reinforced concrete. The city’s architecture includes notable landmarks such as the National Congress of Brazil, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of Brasília, and the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, among others.

21 April - Friedrich Frobel birth anniversary

 

Friedrich Wilhelm August Fröbel or Froebel (21 April 1782 – 21 June 1852) was a German pedagogue, a student of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, who laid the foundation for modern education based on the recognition that children have unique needs and capabilities. He created the concept of the kindergarten and coined the word, which soon entered the English language as well. He also developed the educational toys known as Froebel gifts.

21 April - foundation of Bangkok as the capital IN 1782

 

In 1782, King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) succeeded Taksin, moved the capital to the eastern bank's Rattanakosin Island, thus founding the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The City Pillar was erected on 21 April 1782, which is regarded as the date of foundation of Bangkok as the capital.

Bangkok, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres (605.7 sq mi) in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estimated population of 10.539 million as of 2020, 15.3 percent of the country's population. Over 14 million people (22.2 percent) lived within the surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region at the 2010 census, making Bangkok an extreme primate city, dwarfing Thailand's other urban centres in both size and importance to the national economy. 

21 April - Bajirao I succeeded Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath in 1720

 

Bajirao I (18 August 1700 – 28 April 1740), born as Visaji, was the 7th Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy. During his 20-year tenure as a Peshwa, he defeated Nizam-ul-Mulk at several battles like the Battle of Palkhed and Battle of Bhopal. Bajirao contributed to Maratha supremacy in southern India and northern India. Thus, he was partly responsible for establishing Maratha power in Gujarat, Malwa, Rajputana and Bundelkhand and liberating Konkan (in the western coast of India) from the Siddis of Janjira and Portuguese rule.

When Balaji Vishwanath died in 1720, Shahu Maharaj appointed the 20-year-old Baji Rao on 21 April 1720 as Peshwa despite opposition from other chieftains.

21 April - Max Weber birth anniversary

 

Max Weber (21 April 1864 – 14 June 1920), a German lawyer, historian, politician, sociologist, as well as known as a political economist. His ideas deeply influenced social theory and social research. Weber was a major proponent of methodological antipositivism, arguing for the study of social action through an interpretive (rather than purely empiricist) understanding of the objective and means that individuals engage with their actions. He was born on 21 April 1864Max Weber (21 April 1864 – 14 June 1920), a German lawyer, historian, politician, sociologist, as well as known as a political economist. His ideas deeply influenced social theory and social research. Weber was a major proponent of methodological antipositivism, arguing for the study of social action through an interpretive (rather than purely empiricist) understanding of the objective and means that individuals engage with their actions. He was born on 21 April 1864

21 April - Inder Kumar Gujral served as 12th prime minister of India

 

Inder Kumar Gujral (4 December 1919 – 30 November 2012) was an Indian diplomat, politician and freedom activist who served as the 12th prime minister of India from 21 April 1997 to March 1998.

Born in Punjab, he was influenced by nationalistic ideas as a student, and joined the All India Students Federation and the Communist Party of India. He was imprisoned for taking part in the Quit India movement. After independence, he joined the Indian National Congress party in 1964, and became a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.

He was the Minister of Information and Broadcasting during the emergency. In 1976, he was appointed the Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union. In 1996, he became the Minister of External Affairs in the Deve Gowda ministry, and developed the Gujral doctrine during this period. He was appointed the 12th Prime Minister of India in 1997. His tenure lasted for less than a year.

He retired from all political positions in 1998. He died in 2012 at the age of 92, following hospitalization due to a lung infection.