29 July - VIDYASAGAR COLLEGE, CALCUTTA postage stamp issued in 1998

 

Postage stamp issued in 1998 on occasion of 125 Years of Vidyasagar College, Calcutta

Vidyasagar College is a renowned educational institution located in Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), West Bengal, India. It is named after the great social reformer, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who played a pivotal role in the field of education and social upliftment during the 19th century.

The college was established in 1872 by Pandit Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay, a distinguished educator and philanthropist. Initially, it was known as Metropolitan Institution, and later in 1917, it was renamed Vidyasagar College in honor of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

Vidyasagar College is affiliated with the University of Calcutta and offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts, science, and commerce. It is recognized for its academic excellence, providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds.

The college campus houses modern facilities, libraries, laboratories, and other resources to support the academic and extracurricular pursuits of its students.

Vidyasagar College has a rich legacy of producing numerous eminent alumni who have excelled in various fields, including academics, literature, arts, politics, and social work.

The college emphasizes holistic education, fostering critical thinking, and promoting a spirit of social responsibility among its students. It encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, cultural events, and community service to develop their overall personality.

 

 

29 July - Vincent van Gogh death anniversary

 

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter and one of the most renowned and influential artists in the history of Western art. He was born on March 30, 1853, in Groot-Zundert, a village in the Netherlands.

Van Gogh's early life was marked by struggles and challenges. He worked as an art dealer and teacher before dedicating himself entirely to art in his late twenties. Throughout his career, he created around 2,100 artworks, including paintings, drawings, and sketches. However, he only achieved fame posthumously.

Van Gogh's artistic style evolved over the years, influenced by various movements, including realism and impressionism. His most distinctive style is characterized by bold and vibrant colors, dramatic brushwork, and emotional intensity. Some of his most famous works include "Starry Night," "Sunflowers," "Irises," and his self-portraits.

Despite his immense talent, Van Gogh's life was plagued by mental health issues, which resulted in frequent bouts of depression and anxiety. He famously cut off part of his ear during a mental breakdown. On 29 July 1890, at the age of 37, Van Gogh died by suicide.

Though he struggled during his lifetime, Van Gogh's work gained recognition and appreciation after his death. Today, he is considered a pivotal figure in the development of modern art, and his paintings are among the most expensive and coveted in the world. His tragic life and the emotional depth of his art continue to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts and artists alike.

29 July - Cingireddi Narayana Reddy birth annivesary

 

Cingireddi Narayana Reddy (1931-2017) was a prominent Indian poet and writer who primarily wrote in the Telugu language. He was also known as CiNaRe in literary circles. He was born on July 29, 1931, in a small village called Hanumajipet in Karimnagar district, Telangana, India.

CiNaRe was widely regarded as a prolific and versatile poet who enriched Telugu literature with his remarkable contributions. His poetry encompassed various themes such as patriotism, social issues, nature, and love. He was celebrated for his evocative and soul-stirring poetry that resonated with people from different walks of life.

In addition to poetry, Cingireddi Narayana Reddy also dabbled in writing essays and song lyrics. He was a respected academician and served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Kakatiya University. His literary work earned him several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Jnanpith Award, which he received in 1988 for his remarkable contributions to Indian literature.

CiNaRe's poems and writings continue to be cherished and admired by Telugu-speaking people around the world. His literary legacy remains an integral part of Telugu literature, inspiring generations of writers and poets to come.

29 July - Magnus Ladulås crowned King of Sweden in 1275

 

Magnus Ladulås, also known as Magnus III, was indeed crowned King of Sweden. He ascended to the throne on July 29, 1275. Magnus Ladulås belonged to the House of Bjelbo, a powerful Swedish noble family that played a significant role in Swedish politics during the medieval period.

Magnus Ladulås' reign as king lasted until his death on December 18, 1290. His nickname "Ladulås" translates to "Barnlock" or "Lock with the Barn," which is attributed to a legendary incident involving Magnus and a locked barn during a time of famine. According to the legend, Magnus stored grain in a barn during a crop failure and locked it to prevent hoarding and price manipulation.

During his reign, Magnus Ladulås worked to strengthen the royal authority and consolidate power. He initiated various reforms, including the codification of Swedish law and the establishment of the Riksdag (the Swedish parliament). He also focused on expanding trade and improving infrastructure, particularly in Stockholm, which he selected as the capital of Sweden.

Magnus Ladulås' reign marked a transition period in Swedish history. It followed the turbulent time of the Folkung dynasty and set the stage for the subsequent rule of his son, Birger Magnusson, and the consolidation of royal power in Sweden.

The coronation of Magnus Ladulås as King of Sweden was a significant event in the country's history, solidifying his authority and providing a foundation for his subsequent actions and reforms as king.