29 December - Rajesh Khanna birth anniversary

 

Rajesh Khanna born Jatin Khanna (29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. He is called as the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema",he consecutively starred in a record 15 solo hero successful films between 1969 and 1971.He was the highest-paid actor in Hindi cinema throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His accolades include four BFJA Awards and five Filmfare Awards, and in 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour.

Khanna made his debut in 1966 Aakhri Khat which was India's first official Oscar Entry in 1967. In 2005, he was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award on the 50th anniversary of the Filmfare Awards.He was a Member of Parliament in the 10th Lok Sabha from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency between 1992 and 1996, elected in the 1992 New Delhi by-election as an Indian National Congress candidate.He was married to Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, eight months before her debut film Bobby was released and had two daughters from the marriage. Their elder daughter Twinkle Khanna is an actress who is married to actor Akshay Kumar, while they also have a younger daughter Rinke Khanna.

Khanna died on 18 July 2012, after a period of illness.He has been honoured with a stamp and statue in his likeness, and a road renamed after him by the Prime Minister of India. In 2014, his biography Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India's First Superstar by Yasser Usman was published by Penguin Books.In 2022, his biography "Rajesh Khanna The Most Versatile Superstar Actor of Hindi Cinema" written by Narayanan Subramanian was released.In 2018, a one kilometre fitness trail in Lajpat Nagar National Park was named after Khanna, which was inaugurated by his wife Dimple Kapadia.

29 December - Andrew Johnson birth anniversary

 

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. Here are some key points about Andrew Johnson:

1. Early Life: Andrew Johnson was born on 29 December 1808, in Raleigh, North Carolina, in a poor family. He had little formal education and apprenticed as a tailor.

2. Political Career in Tennessee: Johnson entered politics in Tennessee and served in various local and state offices, including as governor and U.S. senator. He was the only senator from a Confederate state who did not resign when the Southern states seceded during the Civil War.

3. Vice Presidency: Johnson became Abraham Lincoln's running mate as Vice President in the 1864 election, representing the National Union Party. His selection was aimed at fostering a sense of national unity during the Civil War.

4. Presidency: Johnson became President on 15 April 1865, following the assassination of President Lincoln. As President, he faced the complex task of Reconstruction in the aftermath of the Civil War.

5. Reconstruction Policies: Johnson's approach to Reconstruction was lenient towards the Southern states. He favored quick restoration of the former Confederate states to the Union with minimal federal intervention. This approach conflicted with the more radical Republican Congress, leading to significant political tension.

6. Impeachment: Johnson's resistance to the Radical Republican agenda, including his vetoes of key Reconstruction legislation, led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868. He was charged with violating the Tenure of Office Act, but he narrowly avoided removal from office when the Senate fell one vote short of the necessary two-thirds majority for conviction.

7. Later Years: After leaving the presidency, Johnson returned to Tennessee and later served again in the U.S. Senate. He sought but did not win the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 1868.

8. Death: Andrew Johnson died on 31 July 1875, in Carter County, Tennessee.

Andrew Johnson's presidency is often viewed as one of the most challenging periods in American history, marked by the difficulties of Reconstruction and the post-Civil War era. The conflicts between the executive and legislative branches during his presidency left a lasting impact on the balance of power between these branches of government.

 

29 December - K. V. Puttappa birth anniversary

 

K. V. Puttappa, also known as Kuvempu, was a prominent Indian poet, playwright, novelist, and critic who wrote predominantly in the Kannada language. He was born on 29 December 1904, in Hirekodige near Bommalapura in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, India. Kuvempu is widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures in the Kannada language and played a significant role in the modernization of Kannada literature.

Some key points about K. V. Puttappa (Kuvempu) include:

1. Literary Contributions: Kuvempu's literary works encompass various genres, including poetry, plays, novels, essays, and short stories. He wrote with a strong emphasis on human values, social issues, and the need for a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

2. Magnum Opus: His epic poetic work, "Sri Ramayana Darshanam," is considered a masterpiece. It is a modern rendering of the Indian epic Ramayana, and Kuvempu received the Jnanpith Award, one of the highest literary honors in India, for this work in 1967.

3. Philosopher and Educationist: Kuvempu was not only a literary figure but also a philosopher and educationist. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore and made significant contributions to the field of education.

4. Rashtrakavi: Kuvempu was conferred with the title "Rashtrakavi" (National Poet) by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian literature.

5. Legacy: Kuvempu's influence extends beyond literature. He was an advocate for social reform, environmental conservation, and the promotion of Kannada language and culture.

Kuvempu passed away on 11 November 1994, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire readers and scholars in Karnataka and beyond. His contributions have had a lasting impact on Kannada literature and cultural life in India.

29 December - Deenanath Mangeshkar birth anniversary

 

Deenanath Mangeshkar was an accomplished classical singer and theater actor from India. He was born on 29 December 1900  in the town of Mangeshi in Goa, which was then part of Portuguese India. Deenanath Mangeshkar was the father of the legendary Mangeshkar siblings—Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar, and Hridaynath Mangeshkar—all of whom went on to achieve great success in the Indian music industry.

Deenanath Mangeshkar had a significant influence on his children's early musical training. He was well-versed in classical music and played a crucial role in shaping the musical careers of his daughters. Lata Mangeshkar, in particular, became one of the most celebrated playback singers in Indian cinema.

Tragically, Deenanath Mangeshkar passed away on 24 April 1942, when his children were still young. Despite his untimely death, his legacy continued through the remarkable achievements of his talented offspring in the field of music. The Mangeshkar family is considered a musical dynasty in Indian cinema, with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle being two of the most iconic and revered playback singers in the history of Indian music.

 

29 December - Charles Goodyear birth anniversary

 

Charles Goodyear, the American inventor known for developing the process of vulcanizing rubber, was born on 29 December 1800. He passed away on 01 July 1860.

Charles Goodyear's discovery of vulcanization, a process that strengthens rubber and makes it more elastic and durable, had a profound impact on the rubber industry. This breakthrough transformed rubber from a brittle and unreliable material into a versatile and valuable one. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, founded later and named in his honor, is a well-known global tire manufacturer.

Despite his significant contributions, Charles Goodyear faced financial difficulties throughout his life and spent a considerable amount of time in debt. He died in debt and was not able to fully capitalize on the commercial success of his invention during his lifetime.

29 December - HMS warrior launched in 1860

 

HMS Warrior (1860), a revolutionary iron-hulled warship. It was launched on 29 December 1860.

HMS Warrior (1860) was the first iron-hulled, armored battleship and represented a significant advancement in naval technology during the mid-19th century. It was part of a new breed of warships known as ironclads and played a pivotal role in naval warfare during its time.

This launch marked a milestone in naval history as HMS Warrior represented a departure from traditional wooden warships, showcasing the transition to iron and steel in naval construction. Today, HMS Warrior (1860) is preserved as a museum ship in Portsmouth, England, allowing visitors to explore and learn about its historical significance.

 

29 December - Mongolia Independence Day

 

Mongolia declared its independence from Chinese rule on  29 December 1911. This day is celebrated as Mongolia's Independence Day, also known as National Revolution Day or Independence Declaration Day. The declaration of independence marked the end of the Qing Dynasty's rule over Mongolia and the establishment of the Bogd Khaanate, a theocratic monarchy with the Bogd Khan as the spiritual and political leader.

Independence Day is a significant national holiday in Mongolia, commemorated with various events, ceremonies, and festivities. It is a time for Mongolians to reflect on their history, celebrate their sovereignty, and honor those who played a role in gaining independence. The day is marked by cultural events, traditional performances, and patriotic activities throughout the country.

29 December - Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa birth anniversary

 

Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa, commonly known as Kuvempu, was an eminent Indian poet, playwright, and novelist who wrote primarily in the Kannada language. He was born on 29 December 1904, in Kuppali, a village in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, India, and he passed away on 11 November 1994.

Kuvempu was a prominent figure in Kannada literature and a leading literary figure in the Navodaya movement, which sought to bring about a literary renaissance in Kannada literature. He was awarded the Jnanpith Award, one of the highest literary honors in India, for his contributions to Kannada literature.

Some of Kuvempu's notable works include the epic poem "Shri Ramayana Darshanam," the play "Yayati," and the novel "Malegalalli Madumagalu." His writings often reflected his deep philosophical and spiritual insights.

Apart from his literary contributions, Kuvempu was also a thinker, educationist, and served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore. His contributions to literature and education have left a lasting impact on Kannada culture and the literary landscape of India.

29 December - Texas became the 28th state of the United States

 

Texas became the 28th state of the United States on 29 December 1845. This followed its annexation to the United States, which occurred after it gained independence from Mexico in 1836. The Republic of Texas existed as a sovereign nation for nearly a decade before joining the United States. The annexation of Texas contributed to tensions between the Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery, eventually leading to the Mexican-American War in 1846.

29 December - The USS Constitution captured the HMS Java

 

The USS Constitution, a frigate of the United States Navy, captured the HMS Java, a British frigate, on 29 December 1812, during the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. This naval engagement took place in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Brazil.

The USS Constitution, commanded by Captain William Bainbridge, engaged the HMS Java, commanded by Captain Henry Lambert, in a fierce battle that resulted in the surrender of the British ship. The victory was a significant achievement for the United States during the war, and it added to the reputation of the USS Constitution, which became known as "Old Ironsides" due to the perception that British cannonballs appeared to bounce off its strong hull.

 

29 December - Hakim Ajmal Khan death anniversary

 

Hakim Ajmal Khan was a renowned Indian physician, freedom fighter, and a prominent figure in the field of Unani medicine. He was born on 03 February 1868 in Delhi, India, and he passed away on 29 December 1927.

Hakim Ajmal Khan played a significant role in the promotion of traditional Indian medicine, particularly Unani medicine. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, an institution that started as the Jamia Millia Islamia, and later evolved into a central university.

In addition to his contributions to medicine and education, Hakim Ajmal Khan was actively involved in the Indian independence movement and worked towards the upliftment of the socio-economic and educational status of the Muslim community in India. His legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated in the fields of medicine, education, and social reform.

29 December - Ramanand Sagar birth anniversary

 

Ramanand Sagar ( 29 December 1917 – 12 December 2005) was an Indian film director and producer, best known for his work in the field of television. He is particularly celebrated for creating the epic television series "Ramayan," which first aired in 1987 and became one of the most-watched TV shows in Indian history.

Some key points about Ramanand Sagar's life and career include:

1. Early Life: Ramanand Sagar was born as Chandramauli Chopra in Lahore (now in Pakistan). He later adopted the name Ramanand when he entered the film industry.

2. Film Career: Before venturing into television, Sagar had a successful career in the Indian film industry. He directed and produced a number of films, including popular mythological and historical films like "Anuradha" (1960) and "Charas" (1976).

3. Television Breakthrough: Ramanand Sagar achieved widespread fame and success with his television series "Ramayan," which aired on Doordarshan, the national television network of India, in 1987. "Ramayan" is an adaptation of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, and it became immensely popular, reaching a massive audience across the country.

4. Religious and Mythological Themes: Following the success of "Ramayan," Sagar continued to create television series with religious and mythological themes. He went on to produce "Krishna" and "Luv Kush," both of which were based on other Hindu epics.

5. Awards and Recognition: Ramanand Sagar received several awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry, including the Filmfare Award for Best Director for "Arzoo" in 1966.

6. Later Life: In the later years of his life, Ramanand Sagar continued to work on various television projects. He also directed a television series based on the Mahabharata.

Ramanand Sagar's impact on Indian television is substantial, especially in the realm of mythological storytelling. His series, particularly "Ramayan," had a profound cultural influence and became a cultural phenomenon in India, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of Indian television.