21 December - The Central Bank of India established in 1911

 

The Central Bank of India is one of the oldest and largest commercial banks in India. It was established on 21 December  1911. The bank was founded by Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala, with Sir Pherozeshah Mehta as the Chairman. The Central Bank of India was the first Indian commercial bank that was wholly owned and managed by Indians. Over the years, it has played a significant role in the economic development of the country and has expanded its operations to serve a diverse range of customers.

 

21 December - World Saree Day

 

World Saree Day is celebrated on 21 December every year. The day is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the traditional Indian attire, the saree. Saree is a traditional garment worn by women in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian countries. It is a symbol of grace and elegance and comes in various styles, fabrics, and designs.

World Saree Day aims to showcase the versatility of the saree and encourage people, especially women, to embrace and celebrate their cultural roots by wearing sarees. The initiative also seeks to revive and promote the traditional art of handloom weaving and support the weavers who create these beautiful pieces of clothing.

People celebrate World Saree Day by sharing pictures of themselves wearing sarees on social media platforms, organizing events, workshops, and fashion shows related to sarees, and participating in discussions about the cultural significance of this traditional attire. It is a day to appreciate the beauty of the saree and the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

 

21 December - Pandit Sundarlal Sharma birth anniversary

 

Pandit Sundarlal Sharma (21 December 1881 — 28 December 1940) was a key figure in the independence movement from Chhattisgarh. He was largely responsible for ushering in political and social consciousness to Chhattisgarh. In 1920, he started the canal satyagraha, also known as the Nahar satyagraha, at a village called Kandel in Dhamtari Tehsil. Chhattisgarh has a university in the name of Pandit Sundarlal Sharma .

21 December - Recognition of Nepal as an independent and sovereign state by Great Britain.

 

Nepal is often recognized as having never been colonized by a foreign power. While it was never formally colonized, it did experience some external influence and control at different times in its history.

On 21 December 1923, the United Kingdom formally recognized the independence of Nepal through the Nepal-Britain Treaty of Friendship. This treaty, also known as the Sugauli Treaty, was signed between Nepal and the British East India Company in 1815. The treaty established the River Kali (also known as the Kali Gandaki River) as the western boundary of Nepal, formalizing Nepal's sovereignty.

While this event is often cited as a key moment in recognizing Nepal's independence, it's important to note that Nepal was never a colony in the traditional sense. The country has a long history of self-rule, and the Sugauli Treaty formalized certain borders and diplomatic relations between Nepal and the British East India Company.

 

21 December - Heinrich Böll birth anniversary

 

Heinrich Böll (note the umlaut over the "o") was a German writer and Nobel laureate in literature. He was born on 21 December 1917, in Cologne, Germany, and died on 16 July 1985, in Langenbroich near Cologne.

Heinrich Böll gained international recognition for his novels and short stories that often explored the moral and political aspects of post-World War II Germany. His works reflect a concern with the consequences of war, the challenges of rebuilding a shattered society, and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals.

Some of his notable works include:

1. "The Train Was on Time" (1949)
2. "Billiards at Half-past Nine" (1959)
3. "The Clown" (1963)
4. "Group Portrait with Lady" (1971) - This novel won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972.

Heinrich Böll was known for his critical stance towards German society, and his writings often delved into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the impact of historical events on individuals. His literary contributions left a lasting impact on post-war German literature.

 

21 December - Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna death anniversary

 

Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and a key leader in the Ghadar Party. Born on 15 November 1870, in the Ropar district of Punjab, Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna played a crucial role in organizing and mobilizing the Indian diaspora, particularly in the United States and Canada, against British colonial rule.

The Ghadar Party, founded in 1913, sought to establish a free and independent India. Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was associated with the party and played a vital role in its activities. He worked towards raising awareness about the political situation in India and encouraging support for the cause of Indian independence.

After the Ghadar Conspiracy in 1915, Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna faced imprisonment along with other leaders. Following his release, he continued to be active in political and social circles, advocating for the rights and freedom of the Indian people.

Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna passed away on 21 December 1968. His contributions to the Indian independence movement and his role in the Ghadar Party are remembered as significant chapters in the history of India's struggle for freedom.

 

21 December - The Mayflower Pilgrims land on Plymouth Rock.

 

The Mayflower Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock on 21 December 1620. The Mayflower, carrying a group of English Separatists seeking religious freedom, arrived at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims played a significant role in early American history, and their arrival is often commemorated as a symbol of the enduring principles of self-governance and religious freedom in the United States.

21 December - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs animated film premiered in 1937

 

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" the animated film, produced by Walt Disney, premiered on 21 December 1937, at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, California. It was the first full-length cel-animated feature in motion picture history and a significant milestone in the world of animation. The film was later released to the general public on 04 February 1938. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" marked a groundbreaking achievement in animation and storytelling, setting the stage for the success of Disney's subsequent animated feature films.

21 December - The first crossword puzzle was published in the New York World newspaper

 

The first crossword puzzle was published on 21 December 1913 in the Sunday edition of the New York World newspaper. The crossword puzzle was created by journalist Arthur Wynne. Initially called a "word-cross," the puzzle proved to be immensely popular, and it laid the foundation for the widespread use of crossword puzzles in newspapers and publications worldwide. The format and popularity of crossword puzzles have endured over the years, becoming a beloved pastime for many people.