31 December - Sir Ben Kingsley birth anniversary

 

Sir Ben Kingsley, born Krishna Pandit Bhanji on 31 December 1943, in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, is a renowned British actor known for his versatility and powerful performances across film, television, and stage. With a career spanning over five decades, Kingsley has become one of the most respected figures in the entertainment industry.

Born to an Indian father, Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, a physician of Gujarati descent, and an English mother, Anna Lyna Mary, an actress and model, Kingsley grew up with a diverse cultural heritage. He adopted the stage name "Ben Kingsley" to avoid typecasting due to his ethnic name as he pursued a career in acting.

Kingsley achieved international acclaim for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough's film Gandhi (1982), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. The role remains one of his most iconic performances. Over the years, he has demonstrated his range by taking on a wide array of roles, from historical figures and dramatic leads to villains and comedic characters.

His extensive filmography includes celebrated works such as Schindler's List (1993), House of Sand and Fog (2003), Hugo (2011), Iron Man 3 (2013), and Sexy Beast (2000). Kingsley has earned numerous accolades, including a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, in addition to his Oscar.

In 2002, Kingsley was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the arts. Beyond acting, he is an advocate for humanitarian causes and uses his platform to raise awareness about social issues.

Sir Ben Kingsley's legacy is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication to his craft, and ability to bridge cultures through his work.

31 December - Tupolev Tu-144 first civilian supersonic transport aircraft, took to the skies

 

On 31 December 1968, the Tupolev Tu-144, the world's first civilian supersonic transport aircraft, took to the skies for its maiden flight. Developed by the Soviet Union's Tupolev design bureau, the Tu-144 was a groundbreaking achievement in aviation, preceding its Western counterpart, the Concorde, by two months.

The maiden flight, piloted by Eduard Yelyan, lasted 37 minutes and marked a milestone in aerospace technology, showcasing the Soviet Union's capability to produce cutting-edge aircraft. The Tu-144 was designed to reach speeds exceeding Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) and was envisioned to revolutionize air travel by drastically reducing flight times for long-haul routes.

Despite its technological achievements, the Tu-144 faced numerous challenges, including high operational costs, limited range, and safety concerns. These issues, combined with competition from Concorde and a lack of commercial viability, led to its limited use. The Tu-144 entered passenger service in 1977 but was retired from commercial operation in 1978 after only 55 flights.

While its operational lifespan was short, the Tu-144 remains a symbol of Cold War-era innovation and ambition. It contributed valuable knowledge to supersonic aviation and inspired further research in high-speed air travel.

31 December - Karl Benz applied for a patent on his first reliable two-stroke gas engine in 1878

On 31 December 1878, Karl Benz, a pioneering German engineer, achieved a significant milestone in automotive history by filing for a patent on his first reliable two-stroke gas engine. Working in Mannheim, Germany, Benz's innovation laid the groundwork for the modern internal combustion engine. This invention marked the beginning of his journey toward creating the world's first automobile powered by a gas engine, a development that would revolutionize transportation and industry.

The two-stroke engine design was a key step in Benz's efforts to develop a self-propelled vehicle. The engine's efficiency and reliability were crucial improvements over existing steam-powered technologies, setting the stage for further advancements. This patent represents the early stages of Benz's remarkable contributions to automotive engineering, culminating in the creation of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1885, widely regarded as the first true automobile.

Karl Benz's work not only demonstrated his technical ingenuity but also ushered in an era of rapid innovation in personal and commercial mobility. Today, his legacy lives on through the continued prominence of internal combustion engines and the global automotive industry.

31 December - Shrilal Shukla birth anniversary

 

Shrilal Shukla was a renowned Indian author and satirist, best known for his works in Hindi literature. He was born on 31 December 1925, and passed away on 28 October 2011. Shrilal Shukla's literary contributions have had a significant impact on the world of Hindi literature, particularly through his satirical and realistic writings.

Key points about Shrilal Shukla and his literary career:

1. Notable Works: Shrilal Shukla is best known for his novel "Raag Darbari," which is considered a classic of modern Hindi literature. This satirical novel paints a vivid picture of rural life and politics in post-independence India, and it remains one of his most celebrated works.

2. Satirical Style: Shukla's writing is characterized by sharp and incisive satire, often directed at the political and social issues of his time. His works provide a critical examination of the political and bureaucratic systems in rural India.

3. Career: He had a distinguished career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and brought his deep understanding of the administrative machinery to his literary works. His experiences in government service greatly influenced the themes and characters in his novels.

4. Awards: Shrilal Shukla received several awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Sahitya Akademi Award for "Raag Darbari" in 1969.

5. Legacy: Shrilal Shukla's works continue to be widely read and studied in Hindi literature. He is considered a literary giant who used his writing to comment on and critique the complexities of Indian society.

Shrilal Shukla's literary contributions, especially "Raag Darbari," have made a lasting impact on Hindi literature, and his satirical style has resonated with readers and scholars alike, making him an enduring figure in Indian literature.

31 December - World Peace Meditation Day

 

World Peace Meditation Day, observed annually on 31 December is a global call to unite people in meditation and reflection for the purpose of fostering peace and harmony across the world. This day, celebrated at the culmination of the year, encourages individuals and communities to focus their collective energy on promoting love, understanding, and unity. Rooted in the belief that inner peace is the foundation for societal harmony, the day serves as a reminder of the profound impact of mindfulness and meditation in transforming conflict into cooperation. Participants from diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds engage in synchronized meditation sessions, prayers, and affirmations to amplify the intention of global peace. Many events feature workshops on mindfulness, community gatherings, and artistic expressions like music and poetry that emphasize themes of compassion and unity. By addressing both personal and collective grievances through reflective practices, the day inspires emotional healing and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. As a bridge to the New Year, World Peace Meditation Day invites everyone to renew their dedication to creating a more compassionate and harmonious world, starting from within.

31 December - Queen Victoria announced Ottawa to be the capital of the British colony of Canada in 1857

 

The selection of Ottawa as the capital of the Province of Canada was made by Queen Victoria's royal proclamation on 31 December 1857. Ottawa was chosen to replace Kingston as the capital, primarily because of its more central location between the cities of Montreal and Toronto, reducing the risk of American invasions and promoting national unity.

The Province of Canada was a British colony formed by the union of the provinces of Canada West (present-day Ontario) and Canada East (present-day Quebec) following the Act of Union in 1840. The decision to choose Ottawa reflected a desire for a more defensible and centrally located capital for the unified colony.

The actual construction and development of Ottawa as the capital took place in the subsequent years. The Parliament Buildings and other key government structures were established, and Ottawa officially became the capital of the Province of Canada when Queen Victoria issued a Royal Charter in 1859. The city continued to serve as the capital when Canada became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire in 1867 and eventually as the capital of the independent nation of Canada in 1867.

31 December - Commemorative postage stamps issued on Geographical Indication (GI) Registered Handicraft Products

 

A Miniature sheet consisting of 5 nos. of Commemorative postage stamps issued on  31 December 2018. The Geographical Indication (GI) Registered Handicraft Products: 

1.Blue Pottery of Jaipur :

 Blue Pottery of Jaipur is a traditional style of ceramic ware that originated in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It is known for its distinctive blue and white color palette, along with intricate floral and geometric patterns. 

 2.Karnataka Bronzeware:

Karnataka Bronzeware refers to the traditional art of crafting bronze or brass metal into intricate sculptures, utensils, and other decorative items in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. This craft has a rich heritage and is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the region.

3. Kutch Embroidery :

Kutch embroidery, also known as Kutchi or Kachchhi embroidery, is a traditional style of hand embroidery that originates from the Kutch region in the Indian state of Gujarat. This form of embroidery is known for its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and skilled craftsmanship. Kutch embroidery holds cultural significance and is often used to embellish textiles such as garments, accessories, and home decor items.

4.Maddalam of Palakkad

The Maddalam is a traditional double-headed barrel-shaped drum that is integral to the percussion ensemble in the classical music of South India, especially in the state of Kerala. The term "Maddalam" is often used generically to refer to this type of drum, but there are regional variations. The Maddalam of Palakkad, specifically, refers to the version of the drum associated with the Palakkad district in Kerala.

5. Sikki Grass Products of Bihar

Sikki grass (also known as golden grass or Madurkathi) is a type of grass native to the wetlands of Bihar, particularly in the Madhubani district. The grass is known for its fine and shiny texture, making it suitable for various crafts. The artisans of Bihar use Sikki grass to create a range of products, and the craft has been recognized for its intricate and traditional designs.

GI is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical Indication as a certification that the product possession certain qualities is made according to traditional methods or enjoys a good reputation due to its geographical origin .