23 January - Veer Surendra Sai birth anniversary

 

Veer Surendra Sai, also known as Surendra Sai, was an Indian freedom fighter and a key figure in the Indian independence movement. His birth and death dates are as follows:

• Born: 23 January 1809
• Died: 28 February  1884

Surendra Sai was a leader in the tribal uprising against the British East India Company's rule in the region of Sambalpur in present-day Odisha, India. He is remembered for his resistance against British colonization and for his efforts to protect the rights and interests of the local people. His legacy is celebrated in India, and he is remembered as a valiant freedom fighter.

23 January - Bounty Day (Pitcairn Islands)

 

Bounty Day, observed in the Pitcairn Islands, commemorates the arrival of the HMS Bounty mutineers on Pitcairn Island in 1790. This event is celebrated annually on January 23rd. The history behind Bounty Day is tied to the famous mutiny on the Bounty, which occurred in 1789.

After the mutiny, some of the mutineers, led by Fletcher Christian, along with a group of Tahitian men and women, sought a place to hide from the British authorities. They eventually found and settled on Pitcairn Island, a remote and uninhabited island in the South Pacific. The mutineers burned the HMS Bounty to avoid detection.

Bounty Day is an important cultural and historical event for the residents of Pitcairn Island, and the day is marked with various activities, including parades, traditional dances, and communal meals. It serves as a reminder of the island's unique history and the resilience of the community that descended from the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

 Reference: Link

23 January - Kapilavastu, the city of Gautama Buddha, was discovered in excavations

 

Kapilavastu is believed to have been the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha. The exact location of Kapilavastu has been a subject of historical and archaeological interest.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several archaeological explorations were conducted in search of Kapilavastu. The search was complicated by the fact that the ancient city was abandoned and its exact location became uncertain over time. In the early 20th century, Sir Aurel Stein, a Hungarian-British archaeologist, conducted excavations at a site in present-day Lumbini, Nepal, which is traditionally considered the birthplace of Buddha. However, his findings did not conclusively establish the location of Kapilavastu.

In recent years, there have been archaeological discoveries and excavations in the Tilaurakot area of Lumbini, Nepal, which is now considered by many scholars to be the likely location of Kapilavastu. The discoveries at Tilaurakot include ancient structures and artifacts associated with Buddhist traditions, providing valuable insights into the history of the region. However, the identification of Kapilavastu remains a subject of ongoing research and discussion among historians and archaeologists.

 

23 January - John Hancock birth anniversary

 

John Hancock (1737–1793) was an American statesman and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He played a significant role in the American Revolution and is best known for his prominent signature on the United States Declaration of Independence. Born on 23 January  1737, in Braintree, Massachusetts (now Quincy), Hancock became a successful merchant and a prominent figure in colonial Massachusetts.

Hancock served as the President of the Second Continental Congress and was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence on 04 July 1776. His large, flamboyant signature on the document has become synonymous with signing one's name.

Apart from his political contributions, John Hancock also served as the Governor of Massachusetts for several years. The term "John Hancock" has become synonymous with a person's signature in colloquial English, thanks to the bold and distinctive way Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence. The phrase "Put your John Hancock on it" is often used to mean signing a document.

23 January - Parakram Divas

 

"Parakram Divas" refers to the celebration of the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British rule. The Indian government declared January 23rd as "Parakram Divas" to honor and commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's contributions to India's struggle for independence.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897. The decision to celebrate his birth anniversary as "Parakram Divas" is aimed at inspiring the spirit of courage and patriotism among the people of India. The term "Parakram" translates to courage or valor in Hindi.

23 January - Jože Plečnik death anniversary

Jože Plečnik passed away on 07 January 1957. He was born on 23 January 1872, and his death occurred at the age of 84.He was a Slovenian architect, known for his significant contributions to modern architecture, particularly in Central Europe. He is considered one of the most important architects of the 20th century. Plečnik's work is characterized by a synthesis of classical and modern elements, often incorporating a strong sense of local cultural and historical context.

Some key points about Jože Plečnik:

1. Early Life and Education: Jože Plečnik was born on 23 January 1872, in Ljubljana, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now the capital of Slovenia). He studied architecture at the Technical University in Vienna, where he was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and the teachings of Otto Wagner.

2. Career in Vienna: Plečnik worked in Vienna for several years, where he became known for his work on public buildings, including bridges, schools, and churches. His notable projects in Vienna include the Church of the Holy Spirit.

3. Return to Ljubljana: In 1921, Plečnik returned to Ljubljana, where he became the professor of architecture at the University of Ljubljana. He left a lasting impact on the city's architectural landscape, with projects such as the Triple Bridge, the Central Market, and the renovation of Ljubljana Castle.

4. Works in Prague: Plečnik also worked in Prague, where he contributed to the renovation of Prague Castle and the construction of various buildings, including the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord.

5. Architectural Style: Plečnik's architectural style is characterized by a combination of classical forms, elements of Slovene vernacular architecture, and a profound attention to detail. He often incorporated symbolic and religious motifs into his designs.

6. Legacy: Jože Plečnik left a lasting legacy, and his work has influenced subsequent generations of architects. Many of his buildings are considered cultural landmarks, and his vision for urban planning and design has had a profound impact on the cities where he worked.

Jože Plečnik's work is celebrated for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, making him a revered figure in the architectural history of Slovenia and Central Europe.