13 October - Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna birth anniversary

 

Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and a leader in the Ghadar Movement, which aimed at freeing India from British colonial rule.

• Birth Date: Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was born on October 13, 1870, in the village of Riar, located in the Amritsar district of Punjab, India.

• Ghadar Movement: Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was a key leader in the Ghadar Movement, which was initiated by Punjabi immigrants in the United States and Canada in the early 20th century. The movement sought to mobilize overseas Indians to return to India and participate in armed struggle against British colonial rule. Bhakna played a significant role in organizing and supporting the Ghadar Party's activities.

• Activities and Legacy: Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna's dedication to the cause of Indian independence led him to work tirelessly for the Ghadar Movement and the Indian National Congress. His efforts were instrumental in fostering a sense of patriotism and unity among Indian immigrants in North America and beyond.

• Death Date: Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna passed away on November 21, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, United States.

Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna is remembered as a dedicated freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in the struggle for India's independence. His contributions to the Ghadar Movement and his commitment to the cause of freedom continue to be celebrated in Indian history and among the diaspora.

13 October - Margaret Thatcher birth anniversary

 

Margaret Thatcher, born on October 13, 1925, and passing away on April 8, 2013, was a prominent British stateswoman and the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and is known for her strong and conservative leadership style.

Thatcher, often referred to as the "Iron Lady," implemented a series of economic and political reforms during her tenure. Her policies, collectively known as Thatcherism, aimed to reduce the power of trade unions, privatize state-owned industries, and promote free-market principles. These policies led to significant changes in the British economy and society.

Notably, her leadership during the Falklands War in 1982, where British forces successfully reclaimed the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation, boosted her popularity and cemented her reputation as a resolute leader.

Margaret Thatcher's legacy remains a topic of debate and discussion, as her policies and leadership had a profound and lasting impact on the United Kingdom and its political landscape. Her death on 08 April 2013, marked the end of an era in British politics, but her influence and the debates surrounding her policies continue to shape political discourse.

13 October - Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Prime Minister of India for the third time

 

A man of the masses, firm in his political convictions. On October 13, 1999, he took charge as Prime Minister of India for the second consecutive term at the head of a new coalition government, the National Democratic Alliance. He was Prime Minister for a short period in 1996. He is the first Prime Minister since Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to have become Prime Minister of India with two successive mandates.

A veteran Parliamentarian whose career stretches over four decades, Shri Vajpayee has been elected to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) nine times and to the Rajya Sabha (House of the States) twice, a record by itself.

As India’s Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Chairperson of various important Standing Committees of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition, he has been an active participant in shaping India’s post-Independence domestic and foreign policy.

Shri Vajpayee’s first brush with nationalist politics was in his student days, when he joined the Quit India Movement of 1942 which hastened the end of British colonial rule. A student of political science and law, it was in college that he developed a keen interest in foreign affairs – an interest he has nourished over the years and put to skilful use while representing India at various multilateral and bilateral fora.

Shri Vajpayee had embarked upon a journalist’s career, which was cut short in 1951 when he joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the fore-runner of today’s Bharatiya Janata Party, the leading component of the National Democratic Alliance. A critically acclaimed poet, he still takes time off from affairs of state of indulge in music and in a bit of gourmet cooking.

Born in the family of a humble school teacher on December 25 1924, in the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior (now a part of the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh), Shri Vajpayee’s rise in public life is a tribute to both his political acumen and Indian democracy. Over the decades, he has emerged as a leader who commands respect for his liberal worldview and commitment to democratic ideals.

An ardent champion of women’s empowerment and social equality, Shri Vajpayee believes in a forward-looking, forward moving India, a strong and prosperous nation confident of its rightful place in the comity of nations. He stands for an India anchored in 5000 years of civilisational history, ever modernising, ever renewing, ever re-energising itself to meet the challenges of the next 1000 years.

India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan, was conferred upon him in recognition of his selfless dedication to his first and only love, India, and his more than half-a-century of service to society and the nation. In 1994, he was named India’s ‘Best Parliamentarian.’ The citation read: “True to his name, Atalji is an eminent national leader, an erudite politician, a selfless social worker, forceful orator, poet and litterateur, journalist and indeed a multi-faceted personality..Atalji articulates the aspirations of the masses.. his works ever echo total commitment to nationalism.

 

13 October - Sister Nivedita death anniversary

 

Sister Nivedita, born as Margaret Elizabeth Noble on October 28, 1867, in Ireland, was a prominent disciple of Swami Vivekananda and a dedicated social worker, educator, and nationalist. She is well-known for her significant contributions to the empowerment of women and education in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Nivedita was deeply inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, and she came to India in 1898 to work closely with him and support his mission. She became a disciple and adopted the name "Nivedita," which means "Dedicated to God."

Throughout her life in India, Sister Nivedita was actively involved in various social and educational initiatives. She established schools to provide quality education to girls and women, including the famous "Sister Nivedita Girls' School" in Calcutta. She was a champion of Indian culture, arts, and traditions and worked tirelessly to promote them.

Her contributions extended to supporting India's struggle for independence and advocating for the rights of Indian women. She was instrumental in various movements and reform activities in Bengal and played a crucial role in the Indian Nationalist Movement.

Sister Nivedita's unwavering commitment to India and its people made her a beloved figure in the country. Her tireless efforts to uplift and educate women and her contributions to the Indian freedom struggle have left a lasting legacy. She passed away on October 13, 1911, in Darjeeling, India, but her influence continues to be celebrated and remembered.

13 October - Rwagasore Day

 

Rwagasore Day is an important national holiday in Burundi, observed on October 13th each year. It commemorates the life and legacy of Prince Louis Rwagasore, a significant figure in Burundi's history and its struggle for independence.

Prince Louis Rwagasore, the eldest son of King Mwambutsa IV, was a key political leader who advocated for Burundi's independence from colonial rule. He founded the political party "Union for National Progress" (UPRONA) in 1959, which played a crucial role in the anti-colonial movement.

Rwagasore's leadership and vision for a free and independent Burundi were cut short when he was assassinated on October 13, 1961, just a few months before Burundi gained its independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. His assassination was a significant moment in the country's history.

Rwagasore Day is a day for Burundians to remember and honor his contributions to the nation's independence struggle and his vision for a united and free Burundi. It is a time for reflection on the country's history and the principles for which Prince Louis Rwagasore stood, including unity, justice, and self-determination. Various ceremonies, events, and activities are held across Burundi on this day to pay tribute to his memory and to celebrate the country's hard-fought independence.

13 October - Wedding anniversary of the Royal Couple of Bhutan

 

The Royal Couple of Bhutan is King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was born on February 21, 1980, and he became the King of Bhutan on December 9, 2006, following his father's abdication. Queen Jetsun Pema was born on June 4, 1990, and she became the Queen of Bhutan upon her marriage to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on October 13, 2011. They are known for their youthful and dynamic leadership and have played an active role in promoting the welfare and development of Bhutan. 

13 October - World Egg Day

 

World Egg Day is an annual event celebrated on the second Friday in October. It is a day dedicated to promoting and celebrating the nutritional and culinary benefits of eggs. The event was established by the International Egg Commission (IEC) and has been observed since 1996.

World Egg Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of eggs as a nutritious and versatile food source. Eggs are known for being a high-quality protein source, and they contain essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B12, D, and folate, as well as minerals like iron and selenium. They are also a source of healthy fats, and their protein content makes them a valuable part of many diets.

The day is marked by various activities and events around the world, including educational programs, cooking demonstrations, and campaigns to promote the health benefits of eggs. It serves as an opportunity for the egg industry, health organizations, and culinary enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the role of eggs in our diets.

World Egg Day is a way to highlight the versatility of eggs in cooking, from breakfast dishes like omelets and scrambled eggs to baked goods and savory dishes in various cuisines. It's also a reminder of the important role that eggs play in providing nutrition to people globally.

13 October - International Day for Disaster Reduction

 

The International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) is observed on October 13th each year. It is a day designated by the United Nations to promote a global culture of disaster risk reduction. The goal of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of reducing the risks associated with natural disasters and to encourage individuals, communities, and governments to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of disasters.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the primary agency responsible for coordinating activities related to the International Day for Disaster Reduction. Each year, there is a specific theme or focus for the day, and various events, conferences, workshops, and campaigns are organized worldwide to highlight the significance of disaster risk reduction and to share knowledge and best practices.

The IDDR serves as an opportunity for governments, organizations, and individuals to emphasize the importance of disaster preparedness, resilience, and sustainable development. It also aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, a global agreement adopted in 2015 that outlines strategies for reducing disaster risk and building resilience.

The specific themes and activities for the International Day for Disaster Reduction may vary from year to year, but the overarching goal is to promote a safer and more resilient world in the face of natural and human-induced disasters.