31 October - Vallabhbhai Patel birth anniversary

 

Vallabhbhai Patel, born on 31October 1875, and passing away on 15 December 1950, was a prominent Indian statesman and one of the key figures in the struggle for India's independence from British colonial rule. He is often referred to as the "Iron Man of India" for his unwavering determination and efforts to unite the diverse princely states and regions of India into a single nation following independence in 1947.

Key points about Vallabhbhai Patel:

1. Independence Movement: Patel was a staunch supporter of Mahatma Gandhi and played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. His leadership during various protests and movements was instrumental in achieving freedom for India.

2. Integration of Princely States: After India gained independence in 1947, the country faced the challenge of uniting over 500 princely states into a single nation. Patel was appointed as India's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. He orchestrated a successful campaign to persuade these states to join the newly formed Indian Union, ensuring the territorial integrity of the nation.

3. First Deputy Prime Minister: Vallabhbhai Patel served as India's first Deputy Prime Minister and was a key member of Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet. He also held the crucial portfolios of Home Affairs and Information & Broadcasting.

4. Legacy: Patel's contributions to the creation of a unified and independent India are widely celebrated. His dedication to national unity and his leadership during a period of immense change and transition left a lasting legacy in the country's political and social history.

5. Statue of Unity: In honor of Vallabhbhai Patel's legacy, the "Statue of Unity," the world's tallest statue, was erected in India. It stands in the Indian state of Gujarat, Patel's home state.

Vallabhbhai Patel's leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Indian nation, and he is remembered as one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India.

31 October - National Magic Day

 

National Magic Day is observed on October 31st each year to celebrate and commemorate the art of magic. This day is dedicated to honoring magicians, both past and present, and recognizing the contributions of this unique and enchanting form of entertainment.

Magicians around the world use National Magic Day as an opportunity to showcase their skills, perform acts of illusion and wonder, and promote the art of magic. It's a day for magicians to come together and share their passion for the craft with the public.

The choice of October 31st for National Magic Day is significant because it coincides with Halloween, a holiday associated with mystery and the supernatural. Magicians often play a special role in Halloween celebrations, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the festivities.

People celebrate National Magic Day by attending magic shows, reading books about magic, learning tricks, and appreciating the history and culture of magic. It's a day to be amazed, inspired, and entertained by the art of magic, which has a long and rich tradition that spans cultures and generations.

 

31 October - Halloween Day

 

Halloween, also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a popular holiday celebrated on the night of October 31st. It has its roots in various traditions, including Celtic, Christian, and Pagan customs, and has evolved over time into a festive occasion with a mix of spooky and fun elements.

Key aspects of Halloween include:

1. Costumes: People, especially children, dress up in a variety of costumes, which can be anything from classic monsters like vampires and witches to superheroes and pop culture figures.

2. Trick-or-Treating: One of the most well-known Halloween traditions involves children going from house to house, dressed in costumes, and saying "Trick or treat!" The homeowners then give them candies or other treats.

3. Decorations: Houses are often decorated with Halloween-themed items such as carved pumpkins (jack-o'-lanterns), skeletons, spider webs, and eerie lighting.

4. Haunted Houses: Some people create elaborate, spooky settings in their homes or yards, inviting others to go through "haunted houses" for a thrilling experience.

5. Halloween Parties: People of all ages may attend or host Halloween parties with costume contests, themed decorations, and games.

6. Pumpkin Carving: Carving pumpkins and placing lit candles inside them is a popular Halloween activity. The carved faces are often whimsical or scary.

7. Horror Movies: Many people watch horror movies or read spooky stories during the Halloween season to get into the spirit of the holiday.

8. Festive Foods: Special Halloween-themed treats and foods, such as candy apples, caramel corn, and Halloween-shaped cookies, are enjoyed.

9. Superstitions: Some people believe in various superstitions and folklore associated with Halloween, such as black cats being associated with bad luck or the belief that the boundary between the living and the dead is thinner on Halloween.

Halloween is a holiday that is celebrated in various ways in different parts of the world, but it is most commonly associated with costume-wearing, trick-or-treating, and a sense of fun and spookiness. It is not a public holiday, but it is widely observed in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

31 October - Indira Gandhi death anniversary

 

Indira Gandhi was a prominent Indian political leader who served as the Prime Minister of India. Here is a short note on her with her birth and death dates:

• Birth Date: November 19, 1917
• Death Date: October 31, 1984

Indira Gandhi was the daughter of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and she played a significant role in shaping India's political landscape. She served as the Prime Minister of India for four terms, making her the first and, to date, the only woman to hold this position in India.

During her tenure as Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi implemented policies that had a substantial impact on India, including the nationalization of banks, abolition of princely privileges, and the Green Revolution, which improved agricultural production. She was a strong and often controversial leader who faced both praise and criticism for her actions.

One of the most significant events during her leadership was the declaration of a state of emergency in 1975, which lasted until 1977. This period was marked by a suspension of civil liberties and the suppression of political opposition.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by two of her bodyguards in retaliation for the storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, a holy Sikh shrine, by the Indian military. Her leadership and legacy continue to be subjects of historical and political discussion in India.

31 October - World Cities Day

 

World Cities Day is observed annually on October 31st. It is a United Nations-designated day to promote awareness of global urbanization, encourage cooperation among countries in addressing urban challenges, and contribute to sustainable urban development. The theme of World Cities Day may vary from year to year, focusing on different aspects of urbanization and its impact on communities.

The day highlights the importance of cities as centers of innovation, economic growth, and cultural diversity. It also raises awareness of the challenges and opportunities presented by urbanization, including issues related to sustainable development, infrastructure, housing, transportation, and social inclusion.

Cities play a significant role in the global context, as an increasing percentage of the world's population now lives in urban areas. World Cities Day serves as a platform for discussions, events, and initiatives to promote better urban planning, environmental sustainability, and social well-being in cities. It emphasizes the importance of creating livable, inclusive, and resilient cities to improve the quality of life for urban residents and address the broader challenges of urban growth.

31 October - National Unity Day /Rastriya Ekta Diwas

 

National Unity Day, also known as "Rashtriya Ekta Diwas" in Hindi, is celebrated in India on October 31st each year. This day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was instrumental in the integration of the princely states into the newly independent Indian Union after India gained independence from British rule in 1947. His efforts to unite the diverse and scattered states and regions into a single nation earned him the title "Iron Man of India." National Unity Day is dedicated to honoring his contributions to national integration and unity.

On National Unity Day, various events and activities are organized across India to celebrate and promote the ideas of unity, peace, and harmony among the diverse communities and regions in the country. It's a day for people to remember the importance of working together to maintain the integrity and unity of the nation. Additionally, a Run for Unity, where people participate in runs and walks to symbolize the unity of India, is a common event on this day. The "Statue of Unity," a colossal statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which is one of the tallest statues in the world, was inaugurated in Gujarat on this day in 2018 as a tribute to his legacy and the spirit of national unity.

 

31 October - The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ is first published in 1892

 

"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" is indeed a collection of twelve short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was first published on October 31, 1892. These stories feature the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend and chronicler, Dr. John Watson, as they solve a variety of intriguing and complex cases. Sherlock Holmes, with his brilliant deductive reasoning and keen observational skills, has become one of the most iconic fictional detectives in the world of literature. The stories in this collection have captured the imaginations of readers for generations and continue to be celebrated as classic works of detective fiction.

31 October - C K Naidu birth anniversary

 

Colonel Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu (31 October 1895 – 14 November 1967) was an Indian cricketer and cricket administrator who served as the first-ever captain of the Indian national cricket team. He is widely regarded as one of India's greatest cricketers.His first-class cricket career spanned over 47 years from 1916 to 1963, a world record. He was a right-handed batsman, an accurate medium pace bowler, and a fine fielder. His ability to hit long sixes sent crowds into frenzy and became a part of Indian cricket folklore.He was chosen as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1933. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1956 — the first cricketer to be conferred the honour.
 

31 October - Sachin Dev Burman death anniversary

 

Sachin Dev Burman, also known as S. D. Burman, was a prominent and influential music composer in the Indian film industry. He was born on October 1, 1906, and he passed away on October 31, 1975.

S. D. Burman's musical contributions left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. He was known for his versatility and ability to compose music across various genres, including classical, folk, and contemporary styles. His compositions are characterized by their melodious tunes and soulful lyrics. S. D. Burman's career spanned several decades, and he created timeless melodies that continue to be cherished by music enthusiasts.

Some of his notable works include the music for classic Bollywood films like "Pyaasa," "Kaagaz Ke Phool," "Guide," and "Aradhana." S. D. Burman's legacy lives on through his timeless songs, and he is remembered as one of the great music composers of the golden era of Indian cinema.

31 October - M. L. Vasanthakumari death anniversary

 

Madras Lalitangi Vasanthakumari (popularly referred to as MLV) (3 July 1928 – 31 October 1990) was a Carnatic musicianand playback singer for film songs in many Indian languages. MLV and her contemporaries D. K. Pattammal and M. S. Subbulakshmi are popularly referred to as the female trinity of Carnatic Music.A prime disciple of G. N. Balasubramaniam, she was the youngest among the established musicians of that era, and was the youngest female to receive the Sangita Kalanidhi award.In 1967, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award by the government of India. Her daughter, the late K.Srividya, was an actress in Tamil and Malayalam languages.

As well as being a much sought-after playback singer for films, MLV popularized unfamiliar ragas, and her Ragam Thanam Pallavis were considered cerebral.Additionally, she popularized the compositions of the Haridasas. Her most famous disciples include Srividya (her daughter), Sudha Raghunathan, Charumathi Ramachandran, A. Kanyakumari, Yogam Santhanam, V. Kaveri, Rose Muralikrishnan, Meena Subramanian and Yamuna Arumugam.