31 July - Kesava Shankara Pillai birth anniversary

 

K. Shankara Pillai, also known as Shankar Pillai, was an Indian cartoonist and illustrator. He was born on July 31, 1902, in Kayamkulam, Kerala, India, and passed away on December 26, 1989.

Shankar Pillai was a prominent figure in Indian political cartooning and is often considered one of the pioneers of Indian cartoon journalism. He started his career as a journalist and cartoonist in the early 1920s and gained popularity for his satirical cartoons that depicted various political and social issues of his time.

In 1948, Shankar launched "Shankar's Weekly," a widely read magazine that featured cartoons and articles on political and social matters. The magazine was known for its sharp political commentary and wit, and it became an influential platform for expressing dissent and promoting free speech.

Shankar Pillai's cartoons often touched on topics such as corruption, poverty, and the struggles of the common people. He used humor and satire to highlight the flaws and contradictions in Indian society and politics.

Besides his work as a cartoonist, Shankar Pillai was actively involved in promoting art and culture. He played a significant role in the establishment of the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, India.

Shankar Pillai's contributions to Indian journalism and art were recognized with several awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, which he received in 1976.

His legacy continues to influence Indian cartooning and satire, and he is remembered as one of the leading figures in the field of political cartoon journalism in India.

31 July - World Ranger Day

 

World Ranger Day is an international observance held annually on July 31st. It is a day dedicated to honoring and recognizing the work and sacrifices of park rangers around the world who dedicate their lives to protect and preserve natural and cultural heritage.

Park rangers play a crucial role in safeguarding national parks, wildlife reserves, and other protected areas. They are often on the front lines of conservation efforts, working to combat poaching, illegal logging, habitat destruction, and other threats to the environment and wildlife. Additionally, they often serve as educators and guides, sharing their knowledge and passion for nature with visitors.

World Ranger Day was first established by the International Ranger Federation (IRF) in 2007 to commemorate rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to raise awareness about the challenges they face. On this day, various events and activities are organized worldwide to honor the contributions of park rangers and to highlight the need for their continued support and protection.

It is a day to celebrate the dedication and bravery of park rangers and to recognize their role as custodians of our planet's natural treasures. Many organizations and individuals take this opportunity to express gratitude to rangers for their service and to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our natural heritage for future generations.

31 July - USA celebrates Lifeguard Appreciation Day

 

Lifeguard Appreciation Day is celebrated on July 31 annually. It’s a day for honoring and appreciating those professionals, who are saddled with the responsibility of making sure that pool facilities and beaches are safe for visitors and ensuring that they too are guarded while they enjoy a swim. Lifeguards diligently dedicate not only their time but lives to enabling a safe environment for swimmers. They instruct and keep a constant watch on guests to prevent injury and rescue them from life-threatening accidents

31 July - J.K. Rowling birth anniversary

 

J.K. Rowling is a British author best known for her famous fantasy book series, "Harry Potter." Her full name is Joanne Rowling, and she writes under the pen name "J.K. Rowling." She was born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, England.

Rowling's "Harry Potter" series gained immense popularity and critical acclaim, becoming a global phenomenon. The series consists of seven books:

1. "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (published as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States)
2. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
3. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
4. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
5. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
6. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
7. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"

The books follow the journey of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and confront the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.

The "Harry Potter" series has been adapted into a highly successful film franchise and has inspired various merchandise, theme parks, and a stage play, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

Apart from her work on "Harry Potter," J.K. Rowling has written novels for adults, including "The Casual Vacancy" and the "Cormoran Strike" detective series under the pen name Robert Galbraith.

Rowling's literary success and influence have earned her numerous accolades, and she has become one of the world's best-selling authors. However, she has also faced controversy and criticism related to her statements on social media, particularly regarding issues of gender and transgender rights.

31 July - Allan Octavian Hume death anniversary

 

Allan Octavian Hume (1829-1912) was a British civil servant, ornithologist, and one of the key figures in the Indian independence movement. He is best known for his significant contributions to the study of Indian birds and for his role in the formation of the Indian National Congress.

Hume arrived in India in 1849 and served as a civil servant under the British colonial administration. His interest in ornithology led him to study and document numerous bird species in India. He played a crucial role in classifying and describing Indian birds, contributing greatly to the understanding of the country's avian diversity. Hume's work earned him the title "Father of Indian Ornithology."

Aside from his scientific pursuits, Hume was also deeply involved in Indian politics and social issues. He became disillusioned with British colonial policies and actively supported the cause of Indian self-rule. In 1883, he retired from the Indian Civil Services and devoted himself to the Indian nationalist movement.

Hume played a significant role in the establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. The INC became one of the major political organizations advocating for Indian independence from British rule. Hume acted as the General Secretary of the INC in its early years and played a crucial role in shaping its structure and objectives.

Despite his efforts towards Indian independence, Hume's relationship with some other prominent leaders, particularly with the extremist faction within the Congress, became strained. As a result, he distanced himself from active politics and returned to his scholarly pursuits later in life.

Allan Octavian Hume's contributions to ornithology and his role in the early stages of India's independence movement are both noteworthy and have left a lasting impact on the history of India.

 Allan Octavian Hume passed away on July 31, 1912.

 

31 July - Muhammad Rafi death anniversary

 

Muhammad Rafi (1924-1980) was one of the most renowned and respected playback singers in the history of Indian cinema. He is considered one of the greatest playback singers in Bollywood and has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his versatile voice and exceptional singing talent.

Rafi was born on 24 December 1924, in Kotla Sultan Singh, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan). He showed an inclination towards music from a young age and received training in classical music under Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan. Rafi's talent was recognized early on, and he made his singing debut as a playback singer in the Hindi film industry, popularly known as Bollywood, in the 1940s.

During his career spanning nearly four decades, Rafi lent his voice to thousands of songs in various languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and many regional languages. He collaborated with numerous music directors and lyricists, delivering exceptional performances across a wide range of genres, including romantic melodies, soulful ghazals, patriotic anthems, qawwalis, and devotional songs.

Rafi's voice had a unique charm and versatility that allowed him to effortlessly adapt to different musical styles and capture the essence of the characters on screen. He had the ability to convey a wide range of emotions, and his mastery of expression endeared him to audiences and made him a favorite of both the film industry and the public.

Some of Rafi's most iconic songs include "Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho," "Yeh Reshmi Zulfein," "Baharon Phool Barsao," "Tere Mere Sapne," "Kya Hua Tera Wada," and "Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho." His collaborations with legendary music directors like Naushad, Shankar-Jaikishan, S.D. Burman, and R.D. Burman produced numerous unforgettable melodies.

Muhammad Rafi's contributions to Indian music and playback singing are immeasurable. His soulful voice, impeccable control, and emotional depth continue to captivate listeners even decades after his passing. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including six Filmfare Awards, and his impact on Indian cinema's musical landscape remains unparalleled. Rafi's rich legacy continues to inspire generations of singers and music lovers.

Muhammad Rafi passed away on 31 July 1980.

 

31 July - Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi birth anniversary

 

Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi (1907-1966) was an Indian mathematician, statistician, and historian. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of statistical research in India and made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics, statistics, and historiography.

Kosambi was born on July 31, 1907, in Goa, which was then a Portuguese colony. He came from a distinguished family of scholars and intellectuals. His father, Dharmananda Damodar Kosambi, was a well-known Sanskrit scholar and mathematician.

Kosambi completed his education at the University of London, where he earned a degree in mathematics and statistics. He then went on to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Bonn in Germany. During his time in Germany, he came into contact with renowned mathematicians and statisticians, which further fueled his passion for research.

Kosambi's contributions to mathematics and statistics are significant. He developed new statistical methods, particularly in the field of combinatorial mathematics. He also made important contributions to the theory of random sampling and statistical inference. His work in these areas earned him recognition both in India and internationally.

In addition to his contributions to mathematics and statistics, Kosambi was deeply interested in history and historiography. He combined his mathematical and statistical expertise with historical research, pioneering the application of quantitative methods in the study of ancient Indian history. His work in this field laid the foundation for the use of statistical techniques in historical research.

Kosambi wrote extensively on various subjects, including mathematics, statistics, history, and philosophy. Some of his notable works include "An Introduction to the Study of Indian History," "Myth and Reality: Studies in the Formation of Indian Culture," and "Ancient India: A History of its Culture and Civilization." His writings reflect his interdisciplinary approach and his ability to synthesize diverse fields of knowledge.

Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi's contributions to mathematics, statistics, and historiography continue to be celebrated. He played a crucial role in advancing these fields in India and left a lasting impact on the intellectual landscape of the country.

 

31 July - Mohan Lal Sukhadia birth anniversary

 

Mohan Lal Sukhadia (1916-1982) was an Indian politician and statesman who served as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, a state in India, for four terms. He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress party and played a significant role in the development and modernization of Rajasthan.

Sukhadia was born on July 31, 1916, in Jhalawar, Rajasthan. He completed his education at the University of Allahabad and later pursued a law degree from the University of Bombay (now Mumbai). He actively participated in the Indian independence movement and was associated with various nationalist activities during the pre-independence era.

After India gained independence in 1947, Sukhadia entered politics and joined the Indian National Congress party. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a prominent leader in Rajasthan. In 1954, he was elected as a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly and served as the Minister of Industries and Home in the state government.

Sukhadia's tenure as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan spanned from 1954 to 1971, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in the history of the state. During his leadership, he focused on implementing progressive policies and initiatives for the overall development of Rajasthan. He emphasized education, agriculture, infrastructure, and public welfare programs.

Under Sukhadia's leadership, Rajasthan witnessed significant progress in various sectors. He established several educational institutions, including engineering and medical colleges, and initiated reforms to improve the quality of education in the state. He also played a crucial role in the construction of dams and irrigation projects, which helped transform the agricultural landscape of Rajasthan.

Sukhadia's administration implemented various social welfare schemes, including healthcare programs, rural development initiatives, and poverty alleviation projects. His emphasis on grassroots development and inclusive growth earned him the reputation of being a people-centric leader.

Apart from his contributions to the state of Rajasthan, Sukhadia was also involved in national politics. He held positions in the Indian National Congress party and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.

He passed away on 02 February 1982.

 

31 July - Chabahar Day

 

Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in association with India Ports Global observed ‘Chabahar Day’ to mark the Chabahar – Link to INSTC - Connecting Central Asian Markets in Mumbai today. INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) is India’s vision and initiative to reduce the time taken for EXIM shipments to reach Russia, Europe, and enter the central Asian markets. The Chabahar Port located in Iran is the commercial transit center for the region and especially Central Asia.

Chabahar Port

•     Chabahar Port is a seaport in Chabahar located in south-eastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
•     It serves as Iran’s only oceanic port, and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
•     It is considered to be a major transit point to connect with several Central Asian countries.
•     The port of Chabahar is located on the Makran coast of Sistan and Baluchistan Province, next to the Gulf of Oman and at the mouth of Strait of Hormuz.
•     It is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean.
•     Being close to Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan etc., it has been termed the “Golden Gate” to these land-locked countries.