15 October - Sai Baba of Shirdi death anniversary

 

Sai Baba of Shirdi, also known simply as Sai Baba, is one of the most revered and beloved spiritual figures in India. He is considered a saint, guru, and a fakir (Sufi ascetic) by his devotees. Sai Baba's teachings emphasize love, tolerance, and devotion to God. His life and teachings have inspired millions of people from various religious backgrounds.

Here are some key points about Sai Baba of Shirdi:

1. Birth and Early Life: The exact details of Sai Baba's birth and early life are not well-documented. He is believed to have been born in the late 18th century or early 19th century in a village called Pathri in the state of Maharashtra, India. His birth name and religious background remain a subject of debate.

2. Arrival in Shirdi: Sai Baba arrived in the village of Shirdi, also in Maharashtra, when he was in his late teens or early twenties. He lived in a mosque and soon began to attract a following due to his spiritual wisdom and acts of kindness.

3. Teachings: Sai Baba's teachings were simple and revolved around the importance of self-realization, devotion to God (whom he often referred to as Allah), and the unity of all religions. He encouraged people to perform good deeds, help others, and lead a moral and ethical life.

4. Miracles: Many stories and accounts of Sai Baba's miracles are associated with his time in Shirdi. These miracles are said to include healing the sick, materializing objects, and displaying divine knowledge.

5. Universal Message: Sai Baba is known for promoting a message of religious tolerance and the unity of all faiths. He often said, "Sabka Malik Ek" (God is one, everyone's master) and welcomed people of all religions into his fold.

6. Devotion and Worship: Temples and shrines dedicated to Sai Baba can be found not only in India but also in various parts of the world. Devotees of Sai Baba worship him with great devotion, offering prayers, performing bhajans (devotional songs), and conducting various rituals.

7. Samadhi: Sai Baba passed away on October 15, 1918. His devotees believe that he entered a state of samadhi (a deep meditative trance) and that his divine presence continues to guide and bless them.

8. Festivals: The most prominent festival associated with Sai Baba is his Mahasamadhi day, which is observed on October 15th every year. Devotees gather at the Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Shirdi and at other Sai Baba temples around the world to commemorate this day with prayers and celebrations.

Sai Baba's teachings and his universal appeal have transcended religious boundaries, making him a beloved figure not only in India but also among people of various faiths worldwide. His devotees continue to find solace and inspiration in his life and message.

15 October - Devi Prasad Roy Choudhury death anniversary

 

Devi Prasad Roy Choudhury (15 June 1899 – 15 October 1975) was an Indian sculptor, painter and educator. He is well known for his monumental bronze sculptures, especially the Triumph of Labour and the Martyrs' Memorial, and is rated by many as one among the major artists of Indian modern art.He worked in a broad spectrum of mediums including watercolors, expressionist landscapes and commissioned portraits. Large scale sculptures were his particular strength and he made social realism the cornerstone of his art. In addition to painting and sculpting, he also wrestled, played the flute, engaged in hunting and wrote short stories in his spare time.

He served as the principal of Madras School of Art from 1929 to 1957 and became one of the first Indians to head a government educational institution at the time.The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1958, for his contributions in the field of arts.He was elected as the Fellow of Lalit Kala Akademi in 1962

15 October - World Students' Day

 

World Students' Day is celebrated on October 15th every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. Dr. Kalam was not only a renowned scientist but also an inspirational figure and an advocate for education.

This day is dedicated to students around the world and aims to promote the importance of education, encourage students to follow their dreams and ambitions, and honor the memory and teachings of Dr. Kalam. He was known for his contributions to science and technology and for his vision of a developed and prosperous India.

World Students' Day is an occasion for educational institutions, teachers, and students to engage in various activities, including discussions, seminars, and cultural events, to inspire young minds, foster creativity, and motivate them to work towards a brighter future. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that students play in shaping the future of nations and the world.

 

15 October - Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi birth anniversary of Shankar Jaikishan fame

 

Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi, known simply as Shankar, was one half of the renowned Indian music composer duo, Shankar Jaikishan. Here is a short note on Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi, along with his birth and death date:

• Birth Date: Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi was born on October 15, 1922.

• Career: Shankar, along with his partner Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal, formed the iconic music composer duo, Shankar Jaikishan. They were active during the golden era of Bollywood, composing music for numerous Indian films. Their career spanned several decades, from the late 1940s through the 1970s.

• Contribution: Shankar, along with Jaikishan, made a significant impact on the Indian music industry. They were known for their versatility and innovative approach to music composition. They blended various musical styles, from classical and folk to western and contemporary, in their compositions. Their music enriched the soundtracks of many classic Hindi films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

• Awards and Recognition: Shankar Jaikishan received multiple Filmfare Awards for Best Music Director in recognition of their outstanding work. Their contributions to Bollywood music are celebrated, and their compositions continue to be cherished by music enthusiasts.

• End of Partnership: Tragically, Jaikishan passed away on September 12, 1971, which marked the end of the legendary Shankar Jaikishan duo. After Jaikishan's death, Shankar continued his musical career, occasionally collaborating with other composers.

• Legacy: Shankar's work, both as part of the duo and in his solo career, has had a lasting impact on Indian film music. His melodies and compositions remain timeless, and his influence on subsequent generations of music composers in Bollywood continues to be significant.

• Death Date: Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi passed away on April 26, 1987, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that is celebrated to this day.

15 October - Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar birth anniversary

 

Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, often simply referred to as Akbar the Great, was a prominent Mughal emperor who ruled over India during the 16th century. Here is a short note on his life, along with his birth and death dates:

• Birth Date: Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar was born on October 15, 1542, in the town of Umerkot, in present-day Sindh, Pakistan.

• Reign: Akbar ascended to the throne in 1556, following the death of his father, Humayun. He ruled the Mughal Empire until his death in 1605, making his reign one of the most remarkable and enduring in Mughal history.

• Contributions: Akbar is renowned for his contributions to the administration, culture, and political landscape of India during the Mughal era. He implemented several administrative reforms, including the introduction of a centralized bureaucracy, the Mansabdari system, and a more efficient revenue collection system. His reign marked the zenith of Mughal power and influence in the Indian subcontinent.

• Religious Policies: Akbar is also known for his policy of religious tolerance. He promoted a syncretic form of religion, known as Din-i Ilahi, which sought to combine elements of various religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Jainism. He abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims and encouraged interfaith dialogues and discussions.

• Cultural Patronage: Akbar was a great patron of the arts and culture. His court was a hub of artistic and literary activity, and he sponsored the creation of masterpieces in the fields of literature, painting, and architecture. He is credited with commissioning the renowned Persian translation of the Mahabharata, the "Razmnama," and the construction of the grand Agra Fort.

• Death Date: Akbar the Great passed away on October 27, 1605, in Agra, India.

Akbar's legacy endures as one of the most enlightened rulers in Indian history, known for his efforts to promote religious harmony, his innovative administrative reforms, and his significant contributions to the cultural and architectural heritage of India. His reign is often referred to as a "Golden Age" of the Mughal Empire.

15 October - A. P. J. Abdul Kalam birth anniversary

 

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (A. P. J. Abdul Kalam) (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was an Indian aerospace scientist and politician who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and studied physics and aerospace engineering. He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India's civilian space programme and military missile development efforts.He thus came to be known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology.He also played a pivotal organisational, technical, and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.

Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002 with the support of both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the then-opposition Indian National Congress. Widely referred to as the "People's President",he returned to his civilian life of education, writing and public service after a single term. He was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.

While delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Kalam collapsed and died from an apparent cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015, aged 83.Thousands, including national-level dignitaries, attended the funeral ceremony held in his hometown of Rameswaram, where he was buried with full state honours.

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