16 January - India's National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme 2021 officially started

 

India's National COVID-19 Vaccination Program, one of the world's largest vaccination campaigns, officially began on 16 January 2021. The campaign aimed to vaccinate a significant portion of the country's population against the COVID-19 virus.

The first phase of the vaccination drive prioritized healthcare workers and frontline workers. Subsequent phases expanded the vaccination to include senior citizens and individuals aged 45 and above with comorbidities. Over time, eligibility criteria were further expanded to include other age groups, eventually covering the entire adult population.

India's vaccination efforts involved administering both Covishield (AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India) and Covaxin (developed by Bharat Biotech) vaccines. The vaccination drive was carried out through government-run vaccination centers, private hospitals, and outreach programs to ensure broad coverage across the country.

As with any large-scale vaccination program, there were logistical challenges and efforts to address vaccine distribution, supply, and public awareness. The program played a crucial role in the country's efforts to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus and mitigate its impact on public health.

 

16 January - Prem Nazir death anniversary

 

Prem Nazir, whose full name was Abdul Khader, was a legendary Indian film actor known for his extensive work in the Malayalam cinema. He is often referred to as one of the all-time great actors in the history of Indian cinema. Born on 07 April 1926, in Chirayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, Prem Nazir had an illustrious career that spanned several decades.

Key points about Prem Nazir include:

1. Career: Prem Nazir made his acting debut in the film "Marumakal" in 1952. He went on to become one of the most prolific actors in the history of Indian cinema, appearing in over 700 Malayalam films.

2. Versatility: Known for his versatility, Prem Nazir portrayed a wide range of characters, including romantic heroes, action heroes, and character roles. His ability to adapt to various genres contributed to his popularity.

3. Collaborations: Prem Nazir had successful collaborations with several leading actresses and directors in the Malayalam film industry, including Sheela, Sharada, P. Bhaskaran, A. Vincent, and others.

4. Longevity: His career spanned several decades, and he continued to be a leading actor for a significant part of his career. He held the record for the actor with the most leading roles in a single film industry, which is a testament to his popularity.

5. Awards: Prem Nazir received several awards for his contributions to cinema, including the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for the film "Prasadam" in 1979.

6. Legacy: Prem Nazir is often remembered as the "Evergreen Hero" of Malayalam cinema. His films continue to be cherished by fans, and his influence on the industry is undeniable.

Prem Nazir passed away on 16 January 1989, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the history of Indian cinema, particularly in Malayalam cinema. His contribution to the film industry and his iconic status as a leading actor are remembered and celebrated by film enthusiasts in Kerala and beyond.

16 January - Sadhu Vaswani death anniversary

 

Sadhu Vaswani, whose full name was Sadhu T.L. Vaswani, was a notable Indian spiritual leader, philosopher, and humanitarian. He was born on 25 November 1879, in Hyderabad, Sindh, which is now part of Pakistan, and he passed away on 16 January 1966. Sadhu Vaswani was the founder of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, an organization dedicated to spiritual and humanitarian activities.

Key points about Sadhu Vaswani include:

1. Spiritual Teaching: Sadhu Vaswani emphasized the universal principles of love, compassion, and non-violence. His teachings were rooted in the spiritual traditions of India, promoting unity among religions and advocating for the understanding and respect of all faiths.

2. Sadhu Vaswani Mission: In 1931, Sadhu Vaswani founded the Sadhu Vaswani Mission with the aim of promoting education, humanitarian service, and spiritual values. The mission operates schools, colleges, and various social welfare programs.

3. Education: Sadhu Vaswani placed a strong emphasis on education as a means of personal and societal transformation. The mission runs educational institutions that focus on providing not only academic knowledge but also moral and spiritual education.

4. Humanitarian Work: The mission, under Sadhu Vaswani's guidance, engaged in various humanitarian activities, including relief work during natural disasters, medical camps, and support for the underprivileged.

5. Religious Tolerance: Sadhu Vaswani was known for his advocacy of religious harmony and tolerance. He believed in the essential unity of all religions and sought to bridge the gaps between different faiths.

6. Vegetarianism: Sadhu Vaswani was a strong advocate of vegetarianism, believing in the principle of non-violence towards all living beings.

7. Books and Writings: He authored numerous books and articles on spirituality, education, and social issues. His writings reflect his deep insights into human nature and his vision for a more compassionate and harmonious world.

Sadhu Vaswani's teachings and humanitarian efforts have left a lasting impact, and the Sadhu Vaswani Mission continues its work in various fields, promoting the values he espoused. His birthday, November 25th, is celebrated as a day of special significance by his followers and the mission.

 

16 January - Kumaran Asan death anniversary

 

Kumaran Asan (1873–1924) was a prominent Malayalam poet, philosopher, and social reformer from the Indian state of Kerala. He played a significant role in the literary and cultural renaissance of Kerala in the early 20th century. Asan was a leading figure in the movement for social reforms and the promotion of education.

Key points about Kumaran Asan include:

1. Early Life: Kumaran Asan was born on 12 April 1873, in Kayikkara, a village in present-day Kerala, India.

2. Educational Background: He had a traditional education in Sanskrit and Malayalam, but he was also exposed to Western literature and philosophy.

3. Literary Contributions: Kumaran Asan's poetry is known for its philosophical depth and social consciousness. His notable works include "Prarodanam" (The Offering), "Leela" (Play), and "Karuna."

4. Reformist Ideals: Apart from his literary contributions, Kumaran Asan actively participated in social reform movements. He advocated for women's rights, eradication of caste discrimination, and the promotion of education.

5. Recognition: Kumaran Asan received several honors and awards for his contributions to literature and social reform. He was posthumously awarded the Jnanpith Award, one of the highest literary honors in India, in 1965 for his outstanding contribution to Indian literature.

6. Death: On 16 January 1924, he died by drowning, when Redeemer the boat he was traveling capsized in River Pallana. His body was recovered after two days and the place where his mortal remains were cremated is known as Kumarakodi.
   
   

Kumaran Asan's legacy is celebrated not only for his literary brilliance but also for his commitment to social reform and progressive ideals in the context of Kerala's cultural renaissance. His contributions continue to be remembered and studied in the literary and cultural history of Kerala.

 

16 January - Sambhaji coronation took place at Raigad fort in Maharashtra.

 

Sambhaji, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, was crowned as the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. Coronation took place on 16 January 1681, at the Raigad Fort in Maharashtra.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji succeeded his father, Chhatrapati Shivaji, as the ruler of the Maratha Empire after Shivaji's death in 1680. Sambhaji's reign faced various challenges, including military conflicts and political turmoil. Despite the difficulties, he ruled until his capture and execution in 1689.

Sambhaji's rule was largely shaped by the ongoing wars between the Maratha Empire and the Mughal Empire, as well as other neighbouring powers such as the Abyssinians of Janjira, Wadiyars of Mysore and the Portuguese Empire in Goa. After Sambhaji's death, his brother Rajaram I succeeded him as the next Chhatrapati and continued the Mughal–Maratha Wars.

 

16 January - Nani Ardeshir Palkhival birth anniversary

 

Nani Ardeshir Palkhivala, commonly known as Nani Palkhivala, was an eminent Indian jurist, economist, and diplomat. He was born on 16 January 1920, and passed away on 11 December 2002. Nani Palkhivala was widely recognized for his legal acumen and advocacy, contributing significantly to the legal and economic landscape of India.

Key aspects of Nani Palkhivala's life and career include:

1. Legal Career: Nani Palkhivala had a distinguished legal career, serving as a barrister and practicing at the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court of India. He was known for his expertise in constitutional law and taxation.

2. Constitutional Challenges: Palkhivala was involved in several landmark cases, including Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala, which dealt with the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.

3. Economic Advisor and Author: Apart from his legal career, Palkhivala served as India's ambassador to the United States. He also contributed to economic policymaking and authored several books on legal, economic, and political issues.

4. Budget Speeches: Nani Palkhivala delivered memorable and influential speeches on economic and legal matters, especially during budget sessions in India. His speeches were noted for their eloquence and depth of understanding.

5. Educational Contributions: Palkhivala played a role in the field of education and was associated with various educational institutions. He was the Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad.

Nani Palkhivala's legacy extends beyond the legal profession, as he made significant contributions to various aspects of India's public life. His commitment to constitutional principles, advocacy for economic reforms, and dedication to the rule of law earned him widespread respect in India.

 

16 January - National Religious Freedom Day USA

 

National Religious Freedom Day in the United States is observed on 16 January each year. This day commemorates the Virginia General Assembly's adoption of Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on 16 January 1786. This statute is considered a pioneering piece of legislation that laid the groundwork for the First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom in the U.S. Bill of Rights.

National Religious Freedom Day is a day to promote and protect individuals' right to practice their religion freely without interference or coercion. It serves as an opportunity to celebrate the diverse religious landscape in the United States and the principle of religious freedom enshrined in the nation's founding documents. Various events, discussions, and activities may take place to raise awareness about the importance of religious freedom and tolerance.

16 January - Ivan the Terrible becomes Grand Prince of Moscow

 

Ivan the Terrible, also known as Ivan IV, became the Grand Prince of Moscow on January 16, 1547. He was later crowned as the first Tsar of Russia on January 21, 1547. Ivan IV's reign marked the transition from the Grand Duchy of Moscow to the Tsardom of Russia. His rule was characterized by significant political, social, and military changes, but it was also marked by periods of violence and repression, earning him the epithet "the Terrible."

Ivan IV's coronation as the first Tsar of Russia symbolized the consolidation of power and the establishment of a centralized autocracy in the country. His reign had both constructive and destructive aspects, with notable achievements such as the conquest of Kazan and Astrakhan, as well as the establishment of the legal code known as the Sudebnik. However, Ivan's later years were marred by a series of purges, including the infamous Oprichnina, a period of harsh repression and brutality.

 

16 January - O. P. Nayyar birth anniversary

 

Omkar Prasad Nayyar (16 January 1926 – 28 January 2007) was an Indian film music composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, and musician. He is considered to be one of the most rhythmic and melodious music directors of the Hindi film industry.He won the 1958 Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for Naya Daur. Nayyar worked extensively with singers Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi, though not with leading Bollywood female singer Lata Mangeshkar.

O. P. Nayyar had recognised Kishore Kumar long before he became a popular singer. The film like Baap Re Baap (1955) is one of Kishore Kumar hits in the inimitable "O. P." style as well as the film Raagini (1958), but the relationship did not endure.