19 October - Plutarco Elías Calles death anniversary

 

Plutarco Elías Calles (born September 25, 1877, died October 19, 1945) was a prominent Mexican politician and military leader. He played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution and was one of the key figures in the early 20th-century transformation of Mexico's political and social landscape.

Calles served as the President of Mexico from 1924 to 1928. During his presidency, he initiated a series of reforms known as the "Calles Laws," which aimed to reduce the power and influence of the Catholic Church in Mexican society. These laws led to the Cristero War, a violent conflict between the Mexican government and Catholic rebels who opposed the secularization of the country.

After his presidency, Calles remained a powerful figure in Mexican politics and continued to influence the ruling party, the National Revolutionary Party (later renamed the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI). He is often considered a key figure in the development of the one-party rule that characterized Mexican politics for much of the 20th century.

Plutarco Elías Calles's legacy is complex, as he is celebrated by some for his efforts to modernize and secularize Mexico but also criticized for his authoritarian tendencies and role in suppressing opposition. His impact on Mexican politics and society remains a subject of historical debate and discussion.

19 October - Matangini Hazra birth anniversary

 

Matangini Hazra, born on October 19, 1870, in the village of Hogla, Bengal Presidency, British India, and died on September 29, 1942, in Tamluk, West Bengal, was a prominent female freedom fighter in the Indian independence movement. She is remembered for her courage and dedication to the cause of Indian independence from British colonial rule.

Key points about Matangini Hazra:

1. Role in the Independence Movement: Matangini Hazra played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, particularly during the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. She actively participated in protests, marches, and demonstrations against British rule.

2. Nonviolent Resistance: Hazra was known for her commitment to nonviolent resistance and was often seen leading groups of women in protest marches, waving the Indian flag and singing patriotic songs.

3. The Tamluk Shooting: One of the most notable incidents in Matangini Hazra's life occurred on September 29, 1942. She led a procession in Tamluk, West Bengal, during the Quit India Movement. When the police ordered the procession to disperse, she continued marching, carrying the national flag. Hazra was shot by the police while bravely advancing with the flag, and she succumbed to her injuries, becoming a symbol of the Indian struggle for freedom.

4. Legacy: Matangini Hazra is revered as a martyr of the Indian independence movement and a symbol of women's contributions to the struggle for freedom. She remains an inspirational figure in Indian history, especially for her dedication to nonviolent protest and her courage in the face of adversity.

Matangini Hazra's life and sacrifice continue to be remembered and celebrated in India as a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who fought for the country's independence from colonial rule.