21 April - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj meet Saint Samarth Ramdas Swami.

 

The meeting between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Saint Samarth Ramdas Swami on April 21, 1659, is a significant event in Indian history.

Samarth Ramdas Swami was a revered saint, philosopher, and spiritual guide who had a profound influence on Shivaji Maharaj. Ramdas Swami was known for his teachings on righteousness, courage, and self-discipline, which deeply resonated with Shivaji's vision of establishing a just and equitable rule.

During their meeting, it is said that Samarth Ramdas Swami bestowed his blessings upon Shivaji Maharaj and encouraged him in his efforts to resist the oppressive Mughal rule and establish a Hindu kingdom. Ramdas Swami is believed to have inspired Shivaji with his spiritual guidance and moral support, reinforcing Shivaji's resolve to fight for the freedom and welfare of his people.

The meeting between Shivaji Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas Swami symbolizes the convergence of spirituality and leadership in the pursuit of righteous governance and freedom from tyranny. It is remembered as a momentous occasion in Indian history, highlighting the enduring legacy of both Shivaji Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas Swami in the hearts and minds of people.

 

21 April - John Muir birth anniversary

 

John Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. He was born on 21 April 1838, in Dunbar, Scotland, and emigrated with his family to the United States in 1849, settling in Wisconsin.

Muir is best known for his extensive writings on wilderness preservation, particularly his influential essays and books advocating for the protection of national parks and other natural areas. He played a crucial role in the establishment of several national parks, including Yosemite National Park in California.

Muir's deep appreciation for nature was cultivated during his explorations of the American West, where he spent much of his life hiking, camping, and studying the natural world. He was instrumental in founding the Sierra Club in 1892, a prominent environmental organization dedicated to preserving wilderness areas and promoting conservation efforts.

Throughout his life, Muir's writings and activism helped shape public opinion and government policies regarding the protection of natural landscapes. His philosophy emphasized the intrinsic value of wilderness and the importance of experiencing and preserving the beauty of the natural world for future generations.

Some of John Muir's notable works include "The Mountains of California," "My First Summer in the Sierra," and "Travels in Alaska." His writings continue to inspire environmentalists, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts around the world, and his legacy as a champion of wilderness preservation remains profound. John Muir passed away on 24 December 1914, in Los Angeles, California, but his impact on the environmental movement endures to this day.

 

21 April - Mark Twain death anniversary

 

 

Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, was one of the most prominent American writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He gained fame for his wit and satire, which he used to critique the societal norms and values of his time.

Twain's works often reflected his experiences growing up in the Mississippi River town of Hannibal, Missouri. He worked as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River before becoming a journalist and eventually a full-time writer.

Some of his most famous works include "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876) and its sequel "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1885), both of which are considered classics of American literature. "The Prince and the Pauper" (1881), "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" (1889), and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" are among his other notable novels.

Twain was not only a writer but also a social critic and lecturer. He traveled extensively and often gave lectures that were both humorous and thought-provoking.

Towards the end of his life, Twain suffered from various health issues, including heart problems and bouts of depression. He passed away on April 21, 1910, at the age of 74, at his residence in Redding, Connecticut. Twain's legacy endures through his literary works, which continue to be studied, appreciated, and enjoyed by readers around the world.

21 April - Mahavir Jayanti 2024

 

Mahavir Jayanti is a significant religious festival celebrated by Jains to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. Mahavir Jayanti typically falls in either March or April, depending on the lunar calendar.

Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BCE in Vaishali, in present-day Bihar, India. He is revered for his teachings on non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, compassion, and self-discipline. His teachings emphasize the importance of leading a life of virtue and non-violence towards all living beings.

On Mahavir Jayanti, Jains celebrate by visiting temples, participating in prayers and meditations, listening to discourses on Lord Mahavir's life and teachings, and engaging in charitable activities. Devotees often conduct rituals such as abhishek (ritual bathing of the idol of Lord Mahavir) and offer prayers and offerings.

Mahavir Jayanti is a time for reflection, spiritual renewal, and recommitment to the principles of Jainism. It is also an occasion for Jains to come together as a community, to share in the joy of celebrating the birth of their revered spiritual teacher, and to deepen their understanding of his timeless teachings.

21 April - Tiradentes' Day is celebrated in Brazil

 

Tiradentes' Day is celebrated in Brazil on April 21st. It commemorates the life and legacy of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, commonly known as Tiradentes, who is considered a national hero in Brazil.

Tiradentes was a key figure in the Brazilian independence movement during the colonial period. He was a leading member of the Inconfidência Mineira, a revolutionary movement in the state of Minas Gerais that sought to achieve independence from Portuguese colonial rule in Brazil.

The Inconfidência Mineira, however, was ultimately thwarted by the Portuguese authorities, and Tiradentes was arrested, tried, and executed for his involvement in the movement. He was hanged on April 21, 1792, in Rio de Janeiro.

Tiradentes' Day is observed as a public holiday in Brazil, and it is a time for Brazilians to reflect on their history and the struggle for independence. Various events and ceremonies are held across the country to honor Tiradentes' sacrifice and to celebrate Brazilian nationalism and patriotism. These may include parades, cultural performances, historical reenactments, and educational activities focusing on Tiradentes' role in Brazil's journey towards independence.

Tiradentes' Day is an important occasion for Brazilians to remember their heritage and to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice.

21 April - Kang Pan-sok's Birthday (North Korea)

 

Kang Pan-sok's Birthday is indeed celebrated in North Korea on April 21st. Kang Pan-sok, also known as the "Mother of Korea," was the mother of Kim Il-sung, the founder and first leader of North Korea.

Kang Pan-sok is highly revered in North Korea for her role in shaping the early life and upbringing of Kim Il-sung. She is often depicted as a symbol of maternal devotion and revolutionary spirit. Her birthday is celebrated with various events and ceremonies across North Korea, including floral tributes, cultural performances, and educational programs highlighting her contributions to the nation.

In addition to being the mother of Kim Il-sung, Kang Pan-sok was also involved in revolutionary activities against Japanese colonial rule in Korea. Her life and legacy are celebrated as part of the broader narrative of North Korean nationalism and the cult of personality surrounding the Kim family.

21 April - Kartini Day (Indonesia)

 

Kartini Day is celebrated on April 21st in Indonesia, commemorating the birth of Raden Ajeng Kartini, a prominent figure in Indonesian history and a pioneer in the fight for women's rights and education.

Raden Ajeng Kartini, commonly known as Kartini, was born on  21 April 1879, in the Javanese town of Jepara, which was then part of the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia). Despite being born into a noble Javanese family, Kartini's upbringing was unconventional for her time. She was given access to education, which was rare for girls in traditional Javanese society.

Kartini's experiences and observations of the limitations placed on women's rights and education in Javanese culture inspired her to advocate for change. She corresponded extensively with friends and acquaintances, expressing her thoughts on women's rights, education, and emancipation. Her letters, later compiled into a book titled "Letters of a Javanese Princess," became influential in shaping public opinion and policy regarding women's issues in colonial Indonesia.

Kartini's advocacy focused on promoting education for girls and expanding their opportunities beyond traditional gender roles. She believed that education was essential for women to achieve independence and contribute meaningfully to society.

Today, Kartini Day is celebrated across Indonesia as a national holiday and a tribute to Kartini's legacy. It is marked by various events and activities, including ceremonies, seminars, exhibitions, and cultural performances, all aimed at honoring Kartini's contributions to women's rights and education in Indonesia. Schools often hold special programs to educate students about Kartini's life and teachings, emphasizing the importance of equality, empowerment, and education for all Indonesians, regardless of gender.

21 April - Battle of San Jacinto

 

The Battle of San Jacinto was a decisive engagement in the Texas Revolution that took place on April 21, 1836, near present-day Houston, Texas. It was fought between the Texian army, led by General Sam Houston, and the Mexican forces under General Antonio López de Santa Anna.

The battle occurred in the aftermath of the Texian defeat at the Alamo and the Goliad Massacre, which had greatly inflamed Texian sentiment and spurred them to seek revenge against the Mexican army.

The Texians, numbering around 800 troops, launched a surprise attack on the afternoon of April 21st against Santa Anna's camp, where the Mexican forces, numbering around 1,400, were resting and unprepared for battle. The Texians shouted the battle cry "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" as they charged.

The attack caught the Mexican forces off guard, and in the ensuing melee, which lasted only 18 minutes, the Texians overwhelmed the Mexicans. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Texians, with many Mexican soldiers killed or captured, including General Santa Anna himself, who was captured the following day.

The Battle of San Jacinto effectively secured Texas' independence from Mexico. It led to the signing of the Treaties of Velasco on May 14, 1836, which recognized the Republic of Texas as an independent nation. The battle remains one of the most celebrated events in Texas history and is commemorated annually on San Jacinto Day, April 21st.

21 April - National Civil Services Day

 

National Civil Services Day is celebrated in India every year on April 21st. This day is dedicated to the contribution of civil servants towards the development and progress of the nation. The day marks the occasion of the first time that Indian Civil Services were initiated by the British government in 1853.

The main objective of celebrating National Civil Services Day is to motivate and encourage civil servants to work efficiently for the betterment of the society. It also serves as a platform to acknowledge and recognize the hard work and dedication of civil servants who have made significant contributions towards the development of the nation.

On this day, the Indian government recognizes the outstanding work done by civil servants and honors them with awards such as the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, which is given to individuals or teams for their exceptional performance in various fields of public service. The President of India also confers the ‘Sardar Patel National Unity Award’ on this day, which is the highest civilian award in India.

National Civil Services Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. Various events and seminars are organized to discuss and share the best practices and experiences of civil servants. The day is also an opportunity for civil servants to come together and interact with each other, share their experiences, and exchange ideas to improve their work.

The celebration of National Civil Services Day reminds us of the importance of civil servants in our society. They are the backbone of the government and play a vital role in the development of the country. It is essential to recognize and appreciate their efforts and motivate them to continue working towards the betterment of society.

In conclusion, National Civil Services Day is a significant day in India that acknowledges the contributions of civil servants towards the growth and development of the nation. It is a day to honor and recognize their hard work, dedication, and commitment towards public service.