08 December - Uday Shankar birth anniversary

 

Uday Shankar was a renowned Indian dancer, choreographer, and cultural icon known for his pioneering contributions to Indian dance and the popularization of Indian classical dance forms on the global stage. He was born on 08 December 1900, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and passed away on 26 September 1977.

Uday Shankar is often credited with blending traditional Indian dance forms with Western styles, creating a unique and innovative dance style that appealed to audiences worldwide. He established the Uday Shankar India Culture Center in Almora in the 1930s, where he trained a generation of dancers in this new style, fusing elements of classical Indian dance, ballet, and modern dance.

One of his most famous productions was "Kalpana," a dance-drama that showcased the beauty and diversity of Indian dance forms. This production toured extensively internationally and earned him global acclaim.

Uday Shankar's influence extended beyond the stage. He was instrumental in introducing Indian dance to the Western world, where it gained popularity and appreciation. His work also inspired future generations of Indian dancers and choreographers to explore innovative ways of presenting traditional dance forms.

His younger brother, Ravi Shankar, became a world-renowned sitarist, further contributing to the global recognition of Indian classical music and arts. Uday Shankar's legacy in the world of dance and his role in cultural diplomacy continue to be celebrated in India and beyond.

08 December - John Lennon death anniversary

 

John Lennon (1940-1980) was a highly influential English musician, singer, and songwriter who rose to international fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles, one of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands in the history of popular music. Born on 09 October 1940, in Liverpool, England, Lennon became a key figure in the cultural and musical revolution of the 1960s.

The Beatles, formed in 1960, achieved unprecedented success with numerous hit songs and albums that continue to be celebrated today. Some of their most famous albums include "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Abbey Road." Lennon, along with bandmate Paul McCartney, co-wrote many of The Beatles' most iconic songs.

In addition to his contributions to The Beatles, John Lennon had a successful solo career after the band's breakup in 1970. Some of his notable solo works include the albums "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" and "Imagine." The song "Imagine" is particularly famous for its vision of world peace and has become an anthem for hope.

Apart from his musical career, Lennon was known for his activism and outspoken views on peace and political issues. He and his wife, Yoko Ono, were involved in various peace campaigns, including the famous "Bed-Ins for Peace." Lennon's commitment to peace and his anti-war stance are reflected in many of his songs and public statements.

Tragically, John Lennon's life was cut short when he was shot and killed by a fan, Mark David Chapman, outside his apartment building in New York City on 08 December 1980.

08 December - The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

 

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Christian celebration that commemorates the belief in the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. This feast is observed by various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and some Lutheran churches. The feast is not to be confused with the conception of Jesus Christ, which is the virgin birth, but rather with the belief that Mary herself was conceived without original sin.

The Immaculate Conception is a dogma of the Catholic Church, officially defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854. According to this doctrine, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin in anticipation of her role as the mother of the sinless Son of God.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is typically observed on 08 December each year. It is considered a significant solemnity in the liturgical calendar, and it is a holy day of obligation for Catholics, meaning that Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on this day.

During this feast, Catholics and other Christians may attend special religious services, participate in processions, and reflect on the role of Mary in Christian theology. The celebration varies across different Christian traditions, but the central theme is the acknowledgment of Mary's sinless conception in preparation for her role in the Incarnation.

14 December - INS Kalvari commissioned in 2017

 

INS Kalvari is a Scorpene-class submarine and is the first of six submarines built under Project 75 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for the Indian Navy. The submarine was commissioned on December 14, 2017. The Scorpene-class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarines and are considered one of the most advanced conventional submarines in the world.

INS Kalvari, named after the first Foxtail fish, plays a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Navy's underwater capabilities. These submarines are designed to operate in all theatres, with the ability to undertake various types of missions such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering.

It's advisable to check official and recent sources for the latest updates and information about INS Kalvari or any other naval vessel.

 

08 December - Bal Krishna Sharma Naveen birth anniversary

 

Bal Krishna Sharma (08 December 1897 – 29 April 1960), known under the pen name Naveen, was an Indian freedom activist, journalist, politician and a poet of Hindi literature.He was a member of the 1st Lok Sabha, representing Kanpur constituency and served the Rajya Sabha as a member from 1957 till his death.He succeeded Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi as the editor of Pratap daily and also served as a member of the Official Languages Commission.His poetry anthologies include Kumkum, Rashmirekha, Apalak, Kwasi, Vinoba Stavan, Urmila and Hum Vishpaee Janam Ke, the last one published posthumously. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1960, for his contributions to literature.India Post issued a commemorative stamp on Sharma in 1989.

08 December - All India handicrafts week

 

All India handicrafts week is celebrated every year all over the India by the people from 08 December to the 14  December. It is celebrated in every state of the country with great enthusiasm for increasing the awareness, support and importance in the society among people for the handicrafts. In the Imphal, a big Ecocrafts exhibition is organized in the premises of Public Library, B.T road.

The whole week celebration is a special time of the year for all the artisans all across the country as they get a big chance to get focused and exposed for their great work all over the world. The organized exhibition during his week provides a big hope and opportunity to the millions of dedicated handicrafts artisans all around the India. It is a great event which helps in keeping alive the tradition and culture of handicrafts for the ages.

The whole week celebration includes five major components such as the buyer-seller meeting, handicrafts exhibition, artistic performances by the Indian artists, live display by the national award winning crafts-persons and exhibition of Indian food.

 

08 December - Bhai Parmanand death anniversary

 

Bhai Parmanand, born on 04 November 1876, and passing away on 08 December 1947, was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, scholar, and social reformer during the period of British colonial rule in India. He played a significant role in India's struggle for independence.

Bhai Parmanand was deeply committed to the cause of Indian nationalism and the promotion of Indian culture. He was associated with organizations like the Ghadar Party, which aimed to mobilize overseas Indians in the struggle for India's freedom. He also played a key role in spreading the message of Indian independence in the United States and Canada.

As a scholar, Bhai Parmanand was well-versed in various Indian languages and was an advocate for the promotion of Sanskrit and other Indian languages. He was dedicated to preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage and values.

Bhai Parmanand's contributions to the Indian freedom movement, his efforts to engage with the Indian diaspora, and his commitment to cultural preservation make him a respected figure in the history of India's struggle for independence. His legacy continues to inspire those who value India's rich cultural heritage and its journey to freedom.

 

08 December - Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day commemorates the day when Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

The story goes that Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha, spent several years in deep meditation and spiritual practice. On the night of his enlightenment, he resolved to meditate until he reached the ultimate understanding and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. As the morning star appeared in the sky, Siddhartha Gautama finally attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, the "Awakened One."

Bodhi Day is an occasion for Buddhists to reflect on their own paths to enlightenment, practice meditation, and engage in acts of kindness and generosity. It is a time for deep introspection and a renewed commitment to the core principles of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Observances on Bodhi Day may include meditation sessions, teachings, chanting, and acts of charity. Individuals may also decorate Bodhi trees with lights and ornaments as a symbolic representation of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.