14 December - Raj Kapoor birth anniversary

 

Raj Kapoor, born on December 14, 1924, was a luminary who illuminated the world of Indian cinema. As an actor, producer, and director, he left an indelible mark on the industry. Kapoor's creative genius spawned timeless classics that continue to enchant audiences across generations. His cinematic journey was marked by a distinct blend of romance, social commentary, and artistry.

Kapoor's charisma on screen, coupled with his knack for storytelling, propelled him to the forefront of Bollywood's golden era. His innovative direction and portrayal of emotions set new benchmarks, evident in masterpieces like "Awara," "Shree 420," and "Mera Naam Joker." These films showcased his ability to weave narratives that resonated with the masses.

Beyond his cinematic accomplishments, Kapoor's artistic vision extended to his role as a producer, fostering fresh talent and introducing innovative narratives. His legacy continues through his family, who have maintained their prominence in the film industry. Raj Kapoor's impact on Bollywood and his birthdate of December 14th serve as a reminder of the enduring power of creativity and storytelling.

 

14 December - Roald Amundsen led the first successful expedition to reach the South Pole in 1911

 

Amundsen led the first successful expedition to reach the South Pole. On December 14, 1911, he and his team reached the pole, beating the British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott.

 Roald Amundsen (July 16, 1872 – June 18, 1928) was a Norwegian explorer known for his achievements in polar exploration. Here are some key points about Roald Amundsen:

1. South Pole Expedition: Amundsen led the first successful expedition to reach the South Pole. On December 14, 1911, he and his team reached the pole, beating the British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott.

2. Northwest Passage: Amundsen was the first person to navigate the entire Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic Ocean, between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He accomplished this feat between 1903 and 1906.

3. Fram Expedition: Amundsen's successful navigation of the Northwest Passage was part of the larger Fram Expedition (1899–1902) aboard the ship Fram. The goal was to reach the North Pole, but due to competition from other explorers, Amundsen changed his plans and aimed for the Northwest Passage instead.

4. Race to the South Pole: The race to the South Pole was one of the most famous expeditions of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Amundsen's meticulous planning, use of dog sleds, and knowledge of polar conditions contributed to the success of his expedition over Scott's.

5. Airship Norge: In 1926, Amundsen and American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth were the first to fly over the North Pole in the airship Norge, piloted by Italian engineer Umberto Nobile. This expedition marked the first verified expedition to the North Pole.

6. Disappearance: Roald Amundsen went missing in 1928 while on a rescue mission for Italian explorer Umberto Nobile, whose airship had crashed in the Arctic. Amundsen's plane was lost, and his fate remained uncertain for many years.

7. Legacy: Amundsen is remembered as one of the greatest polar explorers in history. His meticulous planning, adaptability, and ability to understand and navigate harsh polar environments contributed to the success of his expeditions.

Roald Amundsen's contributions to polar exploration made him a legendary figure, and his achievements in reaching both the South Pole and the North Pole remain significant milestones in the history of exploration.

     

14 December - B. K. S. Iyengar Indian teacher of yoga and author was born

 

 Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (B. K. S. Iyengar ) (14 December 1918 – 20 August 2014) was an Indian teacher of yoga and author. He is founder of the style of yoga as exercise, known as "Iyengar Yoga", and was considered one of the foremost yoga gurus in the world.He was the author of many books on yoga practice and philosophy including Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and Light on Life. Iyengar was one of the earliest students of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who is often referred to as "the father of modern yoga".He has been credited with popularizing yoga, first in India and then around the world.

The Indian government awarded Iyengar the Padma Shri in 1991, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2014.In 2004, Iyengar was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine

14 December - Lord Canning birth anniversary

 

Lord Canning, whose full name was Charles John Canning, was a British statesman and the first Viceroy of India during the critical period of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Here are some key points about Lord Canning:

1. Birth and Early Life: Charles John Canning was born on 14 December 1812, in London, England. He came from a prominent political family, and his father was George Canning, a British statesman and Prime Minister.

2. Political Career: Lord Canning entered politics and served as Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Governor-General of India.

3. Viceroy of India: Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India in 1856, succeeding Lord Dalhousie. His term coincided with a tumultuous period in Indian history, marked by the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Indian Independence.

4. Indian Rebellion of 1857: The outbreak of the Indian Rebellion in 1857 posed a significant challenge to British rule in India. Canning faced the difficult task of suppressing the rebellion and restoring order. His decisions during this time were criticized by some, but he also took steps to address the grievances that had contributed to the uprising.

5. Policy of Mercy: Despite the severity of the rebellion, Canning advocated a policy of clemency and mercy toward the rebels who surrendered. He sought to avoid excessive retribution and encouraged a more conciliatory approach.

6. Abolition of the East India Company: Lord Canning's tenure saw the formal end of the rule of the East India Company. In 1858, the Government of India Act was passed, and control of India was transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown.

7. Later Career: After his term as Viceroy, Canning returned to England. He continued his political career and served as the British Foreign Secretary. He was created Earl Canning in 1859.

8. Death: Lord Canning died on 17 June 1862, at the age of 49.

Lord Canning's role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and his policy decisions have been the subject of historical analysis and debate. His emphasis on clemency and the eventual transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown were significant developments in the history of British rule in India.

 

Reference: https://retrievia.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/page-19-2/

14 December - Prince Albert death anniversary

 

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who became Prince Consort of the United Kingdom. Here are key details about him:

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1819–1861):

1. Birth and Background: Prince Albert was born on August 26, 1819, in Schloss Rosenau, near Coburg, in the German Confederation. His full name was Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emmanuel.

2. Marriage to Queen Victoria: Prince Albert married his cousin, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, on February 10, 1840. Their marriage was a significant and influential partnership.

3. Role as Prince Consort: Prince Albert's role as Prince Consort involved supporting Queen Victoria in her duties, and he played a key role in modernizing the monarchy. He was involved in various cultural, artistic, and industrial initiatives.

4. Children: Prince Albert and Queen Victoria had nine children, and their descendants married into various European royal families, earning Queen Victoria the title "Grandmother of Europe."

5. Death: Prince Albert died on December 14, 1861, at the age of 42. His death deeply affected Queen Victoria, and she mourned him for the rest of her life.

6. Legacy: Prince Albert's legacy includes his influence on the cultural and intellectual life of the Victorian era. Many institutions and initiatives, including the Great Exhibition of 1851, were associated with his efforts to promote science, industry, and the arts.

 

14 December - National Energy Conservation Day

 

National Energy Conservation Day is observed in India on December 14th every year. The day is dedicated to promoting energy efficiency and conservation efforts across the country. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which operates under the Ministry of Power in India, plays a crucial role in organizing and promoting activities related to energy conservation on this day.

Key objectives of National Energy Conservation Day include:

1. Awareness: The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of energy conservation and the need for sustainable energy practices.

2. Education: Educational programs and campaigns are organized to inform people about energy-efficient technologies and practices that can be adopted in various sectors, including industry, transportation, and households.

3. Promotion of Energy Efficiency: National Energy Conservation Day emphasizes the importance of adopting energy-efficient measures to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Recognition: The day is an occasion to recognize and appreciate the efforts of individuals, organizations, and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of energy conservation.

5. Government Initiatives: The government of India, through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, often launches new initiatives and policies aimed at promoting energy conservation on this day.

6. Events and Competitions: Various events, seminars, workshops, and competitions are organized to engage people, including students and professionals, in discussions and activities related to energy conservation.

7. Innovations: The day serves as a platform to showcase and encourage innovations in energy-efficient technologies and practices.

Energy conservation is a critical aspect of sustainable development, and National Energy Conservation Day serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible energy use. It encourages individuals, industries, and institutions to adopt measures that contribute to the overall goal of conserving energy resources for the present and future generations.

14 December - Nostradamus birth anniversary

 

Michel de Nostredame, commonly known as Nostradamus, was a French astrologer, physician, and reputed seer who lived in the 16th century. He is best known for his book "Les Prophéties" (The Prophecies), a collection of quatrains (four-line poems) that many people believe contain predictions about future events. Nostradamus was born on December 14, 1503, in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, and he died on July 2, 1566.

Key points about Nostradamus and his prophecies include:

1. Life and Background: Nostradamus was a skilled physician and an accomplished astrologer. He gained prominence during his lifetime for his medical work and later became known for his astrological predictions.

2. Les Prophéties: Nostradamus published "Les Prophéties" in 1555. The book consists of a series of rhymed quatrains, written in a cryptic and symbolic style. Some people believe that these quatrains contain predictions about future events, including wars, disasters, and political upheavals.

3. Interpretations: Nostradamus' prophecies are highly ambiguous, and their interpretation has been the subject of much debate. Many claim that his verses have predicted various historical events, including the French Revolution, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and the 9/11 attacks, among others.

4. Skepticism: While some people view Nostradamus as a prophetic figure, many historians, scholars, and scientists are skeptical of the claims that his writings accurately predict specific events. They argue that the quatrains are vague and open to various interpretations.

5. Literary Legacy: Regardless of the accuracy of his predictions, Nostradamus has left a lasting impact on literature, popular culture, and the mystique surrounding prophecy. His writings have been widely translated and studied for centuries.

6. Death: Nostradamus died in Salon-de-Provence, France, on July 2, 1566.

It's important to approach Nostradamus' prophecies with a critical mindset. While he is a historical figure whose writings have captured the imagination of many, the legitimacy and accuracy of his predictions remain a topic of much controversy and skepticism within the academic and scientific communities.

 

14 December - Alabama was admitted as the 22nd state in the United States

 

Alabama was admitted as the 22nd state in the United States on December 14, 1819. It became part of the Union during the era of westward expansion and was preceded by Mississippi, which was admitted as the 20th state on December 10, 1817. Alabama's admission to the Union followed the organization of its territorial government and marked its transition from a territory to a fully recognized state within the United States.