21 January - Hemu Kalani death anniversary

 

Hemu Kalani was born on 23 March 1923, in Hyderabad, Sindh (now in Pakistan). He was actively involved in the Quit India Movement of 1942, which was a significant campaign seeking an end to British rule in India. Hemu Kalani was known for his courage and dedication to the cause of independence.

Tragically, Hemu Kalani lost his life at a young age. He was arrested by the British authorities and executed on 21 January 1943, just a few days before his 20th birthday. He remains a symbol of sacrifice and bravery in the struggle for India's independence. Today, he is remembered and

21 January - National Hugging Day

 

National Hugging Day, also known as National Hug Day, is observed on January 21st each year. This day is dedicated to encouraging people to embrace the positive benefits of hugging and to freely offer and receive hugs.

The idea behind National Hugging Day is to promote the importance of human touch, warmth, and affection. Hugging is believed to have various health benefits, including reducing stress, promoting feelings of happiness, and strengthening social bonds.

While National Hugging Day is not a public holiday, it is often celebrated informally by individuals, schools, workplaces, and community groups. People may take the opportunity to give and receive hugs from friends, family, and colleagues on this day.

It's essential to consider individual preferences and boundaries, as not everyone may be comfortable with physical contact. National Hugging Day is meant to be a positive and voluntary expression of affection.

21 January - Mariachi day

 

Mariachi day is celebrated in Mexico and all around the world on January 21 to salute mariachi music. Mariachi is a music genre that dates back to the 19th century. It is a genre of regional Mexican folk music with origins in several regions of western Mexico. In Mexico, mariachis are extremely popular at social events such as weddings and birthday parties. It is mostly associated with Mexico, but mariachi music has also become popular across many regions of Latin America and beyond, and its groups can be found in major cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

21 January - Grandma Day Poland

 

In Poland, Grandma Day is celebrated annually on January 21. The day is widely celebrated across Poland, and children and adults gift their grandmothers cards, flowers, and small gifts — often these gifts are homemade. Schools and kindergartens may host small events and celebrations on this day. Grandparents are an integral part of the family dynamic in Poland and spend many hours with their grandchildren. According to research Polish grandparents spend on average more time, than any of their European counterparts, with their grandchildren. Their average is around nine hours per week. Grandparents will also help with childcare, and instead of hiring a childcare helper such as a nanny, grandparents will adopt the role of caregiver for their families.

21 January - Squirrel Appreciation Day

 

Squirrel Appreciation Day is observed on January 21 each year. This day is dedicated to appreciating and celebrating squirrels, those small, bushy-tailed rodents that are often found in parks, gardens, and forests.

The holiday was created by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove in 2001. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of squirrels in the ecosystem and to encourage people to enjoy and observe these creatures in their natural habitats. Squirrels play a role in seed dispersal and can be entertaining to watch with their acrobatic antics.

People celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day in various ways, such as by providing food for squirrels, learning more about different squirrel species, and simply taking the time to observe and appreciate these agile and resourceful animals. It's a lighthearted and fun occasion for those who enjoy wildlife and want to acknowledge the presence of these furry critters in their surroundings.

21 January - Christian Dior birth anniversary

 

Christian Dior was a French fashion designer and founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, House of Dior. He was born on 21 January  1905, in Granville, a seaside town in Normandy, France, and died on 23 October 1957.

Christian Dior gained international fame with his post-World War II "New Look" collection in 1947, which revolutionized women's fashion. The collection was characterized by a return to a more feminine silhouette, featuring a nipped waist, full skirts, and a luxurious use of fabrics. This marked a departure from the more utilitarian styles prevalent during the war years.

The House of Dior, founded in 1946, quickly became synonymous with elegance and sophistication. Dior's designs played a significant role in re-establishing Paris as the fashion capital of the world after the war.

After Christian Dior's death in 1957, several designers have taken the helm at the House of Dior, including Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri. The brand continues to be a major influence in the fashion industry, known for its haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessory lines. The iconic Lady Dior handbag is one of the brand's most recognizable and sought-after accessories.

 

21 January - The Battle of Khe Sanh began in 1968

 

The Battle of Khe Sanh was a significant engagement during the Vietnam War and took place in and around the Khe Sanh Combat Base in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. The battle is often associated with the broader Tet Offensive, a series of coordinated attacks launched by North Vietnamese forces against South Vietnam and its allies.

The siege of Khe Sanh began on 21 January 1968, and it lasted for about 77 days, making it one of the longest and most intense battles of the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) surrounded the Khe Sanh Combat Base, which was held by U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and South Vietnamese forces.

The primary objectives of the NVA were to tie down U.S. forces and divert attention from other areas during the Tet Offensive. The U.S. forces, aware of the strategic importance of Khe Sanh and fearing a repeat of the French defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, heavily fortified the base.

The battle involved intense fighting, heavy artillery bombardments, and air strikes. The U.S. and South Vietnamese forces successfully held the Khe Sanh Combat Base, and the siege was lifted in April 1968. Despite the tactical victory for the U.S. and its allies, the battle raised questions about the overall U.S. strategy in Vietnam and the cost of maintaining such heavily fortified positions.

The Battle of Khe Sanh became a symbol of the challenges and complexities of the Vietnam War, illustrating the difficulties faced by both sides in a conflict characterized by guerrilla warfare and unconventional tactics.

 

21 January - The USS Nautilus launched in 1954

 

The USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine, was launched on 21 January 1954. The submarine played a significant role in naval history and the development of nuclear propulsion technology.

The USS Nautilus was commissioned into service on 30 September 1954, under the command of Captain Eugene P. Wilkinson. It marked a major advancement in submarine technology by using a nuclear reactor as its power source. The nuclear propulsion system allowed the Nautilus to operate underwater for extended periods without the need to surface frequently for air and fuel, greatly enhancing its range and capabilities.

One of the notable achievements of the USS Nautilus was its historic submerged transit beneath the North Pole on 03 August 1958  during the submarine's first operational deployment. This journey demonstrated the potential of nuclear-powered submarines to navigate beneath ice-covered regions, opening up new possibilities for strategic and tactical naval operations.

The success of the USS Nautilus laid the foundation for the development of subsequent generations of nuclear-powered submarines, significantly influencing naval warfare during the Cold War and beyond.

 

21 January - Vladimir Lenin death anniversary

 

Vladimir Lenin, born Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov on 22 April 1870, was a Russian revolutionary, political theorist, and the first head of the Soviet Union. He played a crucial role in the October Revolution of 1917, which led to the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of Bolshevik rule in Russia.

Lenin was a key figure in the development of the Russian Marxist movement and the leader of the Bolshevik Party. He advocated for the overthrow of the capitalist system and the establishment of a socialist state led by the working class. Lenin's ideas were influenced by the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

After the October Revolution, Lenin became the head of the government of Soviet Russia. In 1922, he oversaw the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), a federation of socialist republics, and served as its head until his death.

Lenin implemented various policies, including the nationalization of industry and land, the establishment of a planned economy, and the creation of the Red Army. His leadership had a profound impact on the course of Russian and world history. However, his methods, as well as those of his successor Joseph Stalin, have been criticized for their authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

Vladimir Lenin died on 21 January 1924, and his body was embalmed and placed on permanent display in Moscow's Red Square. His legacy remains complex and controversial, with varying interpretations of his contributions and the long-term effects of his ideas and policies.