03 January - John Ronald Reuel Tolkien birth anniversary

 

J.R.R. Tolkien, whose full name is John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, was a renowned English writer, philologist, and academic. He is best known for his fantasy works, including "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Here are the details of his birth and death:

• Birth: J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 03 January 1892 in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State (now part of South Africa).

• Death: He passed away on 02 September 1973 in Bournemouth, England.

J.R.R. Tolkien's literary works have had a profound impact on the fantasy genre, and his Middle-earth legendarium has become a cultural phenomenon. His contributions to literature, language, and storytelling continue to be celebrated by readers and scholars worldwide.

03 January - Shri Randhir Prasad Verma death anniversary

 

Shri Randhir Prasad Verma,  was an Indian police officer who was killed in action while fighting off a robbery attempt at a bank in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India. He was posthumously awarded the gallantry award Ashoka Chakra. The Government of India also issued a Commemorative postage stamp in his honor in 2004.

He single-handedly confronted a gang of terrorists armed with AK 47 automatic rifles at the Dhanbad branch of Bank of India on 03 January 1991, attempting robbery. A fierce gun battle resulted with Verma killing two of the robbers with his pistol but himself shot to death.

He was honoured with Ashoka Chakra, the highest Peacetime Award for gallantry in India.

 

03 January - International Mind-Body Wellness Day

 

International Mind-Body Wellness Day is the perfect time to make a renewed commitment to love your body and your mind by implementing new ideas for growth and health in the coming year!

The world of natural medicine has been around for thousands of years, with Hippocrates being credited as the father of this movement. His research and teachings were instrumental in launching the continued exploration of the way medicine is used in the world.

Modern day practices of mind-body wellness have been more recent. In the past several decades, many people have been focusing on and researching the connection between the mind and the body as they work together synergistically toward a healthy life. Whether it is a healthy and positive mind that promotes a healthy body, or the other way around, the connection between mind-body wellness has been reinforced by science in recent years.

International Mind-Body Wellness Day celebrates and raises awareness for the integral relationship between the mind and the body, encouraging people to honor and enjoy all of the aspects of wellness. Learn more about the mind-body connection and practice wellness on this day and every day. 

03 January - Kuriakose Elias Chavara death anniversary

 

Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805–1871) was an Indian Catholic priest, social reformer, and the co-founder of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.), a religious order within the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Kerala, India. He played a crucial role in the educational and social development of the region.

Here are some key points about Kuriakose Elias Chavara:

1. Early Life: He was born on 10 February 1805, in Kainakary, Kerala, India, into a Syrian Catholic family.

2. Educational Contributions: Chavara was a pioneer in the field of education. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of schools in Kerala and contributed to the spread of literacy, especially among the lower castes and girls.

3. Religious Life: He was ordained as a priest in 1829 and, along with Fr. Thomas Palackal and Fr. Thomas Porukara, founded the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.) in 1831. This religious order was dedicated to education, social work, and the spiritual upliftment of society.

4. Educational Institutions: Chavara established the first Catholic Sanskrit School in Kerala at Mannanam in 1846. He also founded the St. Joseph's Press at Mannanam in 1844, contributing significantly to the field of printing in Kerala.

5. Literary Contributions: Besides his educational endeavors, Chavara was a prolific writer. He wrote several books, including a Malayalam grammar book, and worked on the first Malayalam-English dictionary.

6. Beatification: Kuriakose Elias Chavara, along with Euphrasia Eluvathingal, was beatified by Pope John Paul II on February 8, 1986. He was canonized by Pope Francis on 23 November 2014, becoming Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara.

Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara is remembered for his multifaceted contributions to education, social reform, and spirituality in Kerala, and he continues to be venerated in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara passed away on 03 January 1871.

 

03 January - Munshi Nawal Kishore birth anniversary

 

Munshi Nawal Kishore (03 January 1836 – 19 February 1895) was a book publisher from India. He has been called Caxton of India. In 1858, at the age of 22, he founded the Nawal Kishore Press at Lucknow. This institution today is the oldest printing and publishing concern in Asia.Mirza Ghalib was one of his admirers.

Munshi Nawal Kishore was the second son of Munshi Jamuna Prasad Bhargava, a zamindar of Aligarh, and was born on 3 January 1836. At the age of six, he was admitted in a local school (maktab) to learn Arabic and Persian. At the age on 10, he was admitted in Agra College, but he never completed his education there for an unknown reason. During this time, he developed his interest in journalistic writing, and issued a short-lived weekly paper Safeer-e-Agra. He briefly served as an assistant editor and editor of Koh-i-Noor, a magazine of Koh-i-Noor Press owned by Munshi Harsukh Roy.

On 23 November 1858, he founded a printing press known as Munshi Nawal Kishor Press. From 1859, he started publishing weekly newspaper Avadh Akhbar, also known as Oudh Akhbar.

He died on 19 February 1895 in Delhi. His body was buriedinstead of traditional cremation. The Government of India issued a postage stamp on him in his honour in 1970.

Munshi Nawal Kishore published more than 5000 books in Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, English, Marathi, Punjabi, Pashto, Persian, Sanskrit and Urdu during 1858–1885.The Ram Kumar Press and Tej Kumar Press, started by his sons, are successors to the Nawal Kishore Press.

Munshi was a member of the Indian National Congress

03 January - NASA's twin rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, successfully landed on Mars

 

NASA's twin rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, successfully landed on Mars in January 2004. Spirit landed on 03 January 2004 (Universal Time), and Opportunity landed on 25 January 2004. These rovers were part of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission.

January 3, 2004, is significant date for the mission, it might be related to the beginning of analytical tests or experiments conducted by the Spirit rover shortly after its landing on Mars. The rovers were equipped with various scientific instruments to analyze the Martian soil and rocks, searching for evidence of past water activity and potential signs of life.

02 January - World Introvert Day

 

World Introvert Day is observed on 02 January each year. It is a day to celebrate and appreciate the qualities and contributions of introverts. This day recognizes the importance of introverted individuals and encourages understanding and acceptance of their unique traits, such as a preference for solitude, deep thinking, and reflective qualities.

The day aims to dispel misconceptions about introversion and to highlight the value introverts bring to various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and society as a whole. It is an opportunity for introverts to feel seen and acknowledged in a world that often emphasizes extroverted qualities. World Introvert Day promotes inclusivity and encourages a more nuanced understanding of personality traits.

Many important and influential individuals throughout history have been known to exhibit introverted qualities. It's important to note that introversion is just one aspect of personality and doesn't limit a person's ability to achieve greatness. Some notable introverts include:Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, J.K. Rowling, Warren Buffett,

It's important to recognize that introversion is a spectrum, and individuals may exhibit introverted traits to varying degrees. Additionally, many successful people may display a mix of introverted and extroverted qualities depending on the context.

02 January - Gilbert & Ellice Islands issues its first postage stamps.

 

On 02 January 1976  overprinted Gilbert & Ellice Islands stamps were issued for Gilbert Islands. Illustrated is a 1¢ stamp overprinted “THE GILBERT ISLANDS”. A red bar across the bottom of the stamp obliterates the original “GILBERT&ELLICE ISLANDS.”

Gilbert Islands stamps continued to be produced through 1979, when the colony became an independent republic named Kiribati.

The republic’s first stamp, issued July 12, 1979, proudly proclaims “INDEPENDENCE 1979” above its new national flag.

Meanwhile, the status of the nine Ellice Islands was changing as well. The group remained a crown colony until 1975, when Ellice Islands became a separate British dependency with its own government and was renamed Tuvalu.

Maps of each of the nation’s islands and atolls appeared on Tuvalu’s stamps in 1976.

Shown nearby is a 1¢ stamp with a map of the reef island of Niulakita

Tuvalu gained independence on Oct. 1, 1978, and marked the occasion by overprinting seven stamps issued in 1976 with the words “INDEPENDENCE 1ST OCTOBER 1978.”

The overprinted stamps are Tuvalu Scott 85-91. The overprinted 20¢ stamp  is shown nearby, with a map of Vaitupu and a maneapa (house).

The geopolitics of faraway Gilbert & Ellice Islands from long ago to the present day is fascinating, and collecting the attractive stamps that document the history and beauty of the islands is equally absorbing. Give it a try!

 

02 January - Australia issued its first postage stamps in 1913

 

Australia issued its first postage stamps on 02 January 1913. These stamps are collectively known as the "Kangaroo and Map" series and are considered iconic in Australian philately. The set featured a kangaroo in motion and an outline map of Australia. This series marked the beginning of Australia's use of its own postage stamps, reflecting its move toward greater independence.

Prior to 1913, the Australian states issued their own stamps. The introduction of a unified postal system and the issuance of Commonwealth stamps represented a significant step in the nation's history. The "Kangaroo and Map" series is still notable among collectors and enthusiasts for its historical and cultural significance.

 

02 January - British South Africa Company issues its first postage stamps.

 

The first stamps of Rhodesia were those issued on 2 January 1892. They were inscribed “British South Africa Company”. This is an inscription common amongst all stamps until the territory administered by the BSAC was transferred to other colonies in the 1920s.“Rhodesia” did not appear on any stamps until the overprinted Arms issue of 1909-12

02 January - Mahatma Gandhi left the Tolstoy Farm in Transvaal, South Africa.

 

 On 02 January 1913 Mahatma Gandhi left the Tolstoy Farm in Transvaal, South Africa. The Tolstoy Farm was an intentional community or ashram established by Gandhi during his time in South Africa. It was named after the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, whose philosophy of nonviolent resistance greatly influenced Gandhi.

Gandhi used the Tolstoy Farm as a center for his satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) campaigns in South Africa. During his stay there, he and his followers engaged in various activities aimed at promoting self-sufficiency, simplicity, and communal living. The experiences at the Tolstoy Farm played a significant role in shaping Gandhi's philosophy and methods of nonviolent protest, which he later applied in the Indian independence movement.

 

02 January - Motivation and Inspiration Day in USA

 

Motivation and Inspiration Day is annually celebrated on January 2 in the United States of America. It is a day to sober up after all the festivities of New Year’s Eve and really get to work on those resolutions. At the start of each new year, we all swear to heaven, and beyond that, that this is the year we will achieve our set goals and improve ourselves in general. Motivation and Inspiration Day is the perfect day to get off your butt and start working towards that. It is also a day to remember the tragic events of 9/11 in the U.S. and get a renewed focus in your daily life.

02 January - Purandara Dasa death anniversary

 

Purandara Dasa, also known as Saint Purandara Dasa, was a prominent 16th-century composer and saint from the Indian state of Karnataka. He passed away on 02 January 1565

Purandara Dasa is considered the father of Carnatic music and made significant contributions to the development of classical music in South India. He composed numerous devotional songs (kirtanas) in Kannada, praising Lord Krishna and emphasizing the values of dharma (righteousness) and bhakti (devotion). His compositions are still widely revered and sung in classical music performances today.

 

01 January - His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Goswami death anniversary

 

His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Goswami (1874–1937) was a prominent spiritual leader and the founder of the Gaudiya Math, a significant institution within the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. He played a crucial role in reviving and spreading the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 15th-century saint and the founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.

Here are some key points about Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaj:

1. Lineage: Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati was born Bimala Prasad Datta in 1874 in Jagannath Puri, Orissa, India. He was the son of Bhaktivinoda Thakur, another prominent Gaudiya Vaishnav saint and a key figure in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism revival.

2. Education: He received a Western-style education in Calcutta but later dedicated himself to the study and propagation of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.

3. Founder of Gaudiya Math: In 1918, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati founded the Gaudiya Math, which became a center for the study and practice of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The Gaudiya Math played a crucial role in disseminating Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's teachings in India and beyond.

4. Preaching and Writing: Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaj was a prolific writer and speaker. He wrote extensively on the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and gave numerous lectures to both scholars and the general public.

5. Emphasis on Pure Devotion: Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati emphasized the importance of pure devotion (bhakti) to Krishna and taught the significance of following the principles of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. He stressed the importance of sincere and dedicated practice of devotional service.

6. Disciples: One of his prominent disciples was A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who later went on to establish the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and spread Gaudiya Vaishnavism globally.

Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaj passed away on 01 January 1937. His contributions to the revival and propagation of Gaudiya Vaishnavism have left a lasting impact on the tradition, and he is revered by followers as a saint and spiritual leader.

01 January - Money Order system was introduced in India

 

The money order system was indeed introduced in India on 01 January 1880. This system was implemented by Warren Hastings, the then Governor-General of India, as a way to facilitate safe and convenient transfer of funds within the country. Money orders have historically played a crucial role in financial transactions, especially in regions where traditional banking services were not readily available. The introduction of the money order system marked a significant step in improving financial services and accessibility in India.

01 January - Canberra becomes the capital of Australia

 

Canberra officially became the capital of Australia on 01 January 1901. Prior to this, Australia did not have a designated capital, and there was a debate over whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the capital. To resolve this issue, the government decided to create a new capital city, and the location was chosen to be in a neutral area between Sydney and Melbourne.

The site for Canberra was selected in 1908, and American architect Walter Burley Griffin won an international design competition for the layout of the new city. Construction began, and on 01 January 1911, the city was officially named Canberra. However, it wasn't until 01 January 1927, that the government officially moved from Melbourne to Canberra, completing the transition of the capital. Today, Canberra is the political and administrative center of Australia, housing the Parliament House and serving as the seat of the Australian government.

01 January - Feast day for Saint Basil

 

Basil of Caesarea, also known as Saint Basil the Great, was born around the year 330 AD in Caesarea Mazaca, Cappadocia (in present-day Kayseri, Turkey). He died on 01 January 379 AD. Basil was an influential Christian theologian, bishop of Caesarea, and one of the Cappadocian Fathers, along with Gregory of Nazianzus and Gregory of Nyssa. His theological writings and contributions played a significant role in the development of early Christian doctrine, particularly in the areas of the Trinity and the Nicene Creed. Basil is recognized as a saint in various Christian traditions.

01 January - Heinrich Rudolf Hertz death anniversary

 

Heinrich Rudolf Hertz (born 22 February 1857, in Hamburg, Germany; died 01 January 1894, in Bonn, Germany) was a German physicist who made significant contributions to the field of electromagnetism. Hertz is best known for his experimental verification of James Clerk Maxwell's theory of electromagnetic waves, which laid the foundation for the development of wireless communication.

In the late 19th century, Hertz conducted a series of experiments that demonstrated the existence of electromagnetic waves and confirmed their properties predicted by Maxwell's equations. He produced and detected radio waves, providing experimental proof of their existence and properties.

The unit of frequency, hertz (Hz), is named in his honor, and it is used to measure cycles per second in the International System of Units (SI). Heinrich Hertz's work laid the groundwork for the later development of radio communication and other wireless technologies.

01 January - Great Britain and Ireland were formally united to create the United Kingdom

 

On 01 January 1801 the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland were formally united to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The union was established through the Acts of Union, which were passed by both the British and Irish Parliaments. This legislative merger brought together the two kingdoms into a single political entity.

The Acts of Union of 1800, which came into effect on January 1, 1801, had been preceded by negotiations and debates aimed at addressing issues of governance, representation, and economic concerns. The result was the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, a political union that lasted until the establishment of the present-day United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1922, following the partition of Ireland.

 

01 January - First sunrise of the Millennium was received at Katchal Island

 

First sunrise of the Millennium (2000) was received at Katchal Island

• One of the best sunrise points of Andaman is Katchal, a small island near the Nicobar Islands. This Island was supposedly the first inhabited place of earth which caught the first rays of the sun in the millennium year.
• This event was captured by the Indian Post with the release of a commemorative stamp.
• Also commonly known by its nickname- Tihanyu, the Katchal Island is home to many indigenous and non-indigenous tribes. However, this island is not accessible to tourists, until presented with a special tribal pass.
• The island is situated about 1600km away from the mainland and was one of the worst affected Islands during the tsunami of 2004.

 

01 January - Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was proclaimed Empress of India in 1877

 

On 01 January 1877  Queen Victoria, who was the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, was proclaimed Empress of India. This proclamation marked a significant event in British history and imperial expansion. The formal title assumed by Queen Victoria was "Victoria, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India."

The decision to confer the title of Empress of India on Queen Victoria was in recognition of her role as the head of the British Empire and its expanding interests in the Indian subcontinent. It was a symbolic representation of the British Crown's authority over India, which had become a significant part of the British Empire.

The proclamation of Queen Victoria as Empress of India took place during a grand Durbar (a traditional court or formal meeting) held in Delhi, where she was formally presented with the new title. This event signified the British Empire's control over India and marked the height of the imperial era.

Queen Victoria held the title of Empress of India until her death in 1901. Subsequent British monarchs did not use this title, as it was officially discontinued with the passage of the Government of India Act 1947, which led to the independence of India and the creation of the Republic of India in 1950.