22 November - Madeleine Slade (Mirabehn) birth anniversary

 

Mirabehn, whose birth name was Madeleine Slade, was a British woman who became a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and actively participated in India's struggle for independence. She was born on November 22, 1892, in England, and she passed away on July 20, 1982.

Mirabehn met Mahatma Gandhi in London in 1932 and was deeply influenced by his philosophy of non-violence. She decided to join him in India and dedicated herself to the cause of Indian independence. Mirabehn lived at Gandhi's ashram (a spiritual hermitage or a monastery) in Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, and later at Sevagram near Wardha.

She actively participated in various activities associated with the Indian independence movement, including the Salt March of 1930. Mirabehn played a significant role in promoting Khadi (handspun and handwoven cloth) and other aspects of Gandhian philosophy.

Mirabehn's commitment to the ideals of non-violence and her association with Mahatma Gandhi left a lasting impact on the Indian independence movement. After India gained independence in 1947, she continued to work for social causes and lived in India until her death in 1982.

22 November - Durgadas Rathore death anniversary

 

Born: 13 August 1638, Jodhpur
Died: 22 November 1718, Ujjain

Durgadas Rathore refers to a historical figure named Rana Durgadas Rathore, a noble and military commander from the Indian region of Marwar (now part of the state of Rajasthan). The Rathores were a Rajput clan known for their valor and military prowess.

Rana Durgadas Rathore is particularly renowned for his role in the Battle of Dharmatpur, which took place in 1658. This battle was part of the larger conflict for succession to the Mughal throne following the death of Emperor Shah Jahan. Rana Durgadas Rathore sided with Aurangzeb, one of Shah Jahan's sons, against his brothers in the war of succession.

Durgadas Rathore's military acumen and bravery played a crucial role in Aurangzeb's victory at the Battle of Dharmatpur. As a reward for his loyalty and services, Rana Durgadas Rathore was granted the title of "Durgadas Rathore" and was given control over the strategic region of Gujarat.

The Rathores continued to be prominent figures in the history of Marwar, contributing both to regional politics and the broader historical events of the Indian subcontinent. Rana Durgadas Rathore remains a respected figure in Rajput history for his military exploits and his role in the Mughal succession wars.

22 November - Andre Gide birth anniversary

 

André Gide (1869–1951) was a French author and Nobel Prize-winning novelist known for his innovative and influential literary works. Born on November 22, 1869, in Paris, Gide's early works were heavily influenced by Symbolism, a literary movement that sought to evoke emotions through vivid and often abstract imagery.

Gide's literary career can be divided into distinct phases. In the early part of his career, he wrote works like "The Immoralist" (1902) and "Strait is the Gate" (1909), which explored themes of morality, self-discovery, and the consequences of societal conventions.

In the later years, Gide's writing evolved, and he became associated with the Nouveau Roman ("New Novel") movement. His major works from this period include "The Counterfeiters" (1925), a novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and morality, employing a fragmented and non-linear narrative.

In 1947, André Gide was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his comprehensive contributions to French literature. He was known not only for his novels but also for his essays, journals, and autobiographical works. Gide's openness about his personal life, exploration of moral dilemmas, and literary experimentation influenced subsequent generations of writers. He passed away on February 19, 1951, in Paris, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.