12 January - The Royal Aeronautical Society was formed in 1866

 

The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), one of the oldest and most prestigious organizations dedicated to the advancement of aviation and aerospace, was formed in London on 12 January 1866. Initially established as the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain, it aimed to foster the development of aeronautics at a time when human flight was still in its infancy.

The society became a leading institution for promoting research, innovation, and education in aviation and space exploration. Over time, it gained its Royal Charter in 1918, and its name was changed to the Royal Aeronautical Society in 1940. It has since played a critical role in supporting advancements in aviation and aerospace technologies, bringing together professionals, engineers, and enthusiasts worldwide.

The RAeS continues to provide professional recognition, support research and innovation, and facilitate dialogue on critical challenges in the aerospace sector. Its formation marked the beginning of an organized effort to understand and conquer the skies.

12 January - Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a remarkable milestone by launching its 100th satellite

On 12 January 2018, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a remarkable milestone by launching its 100th satellite as part of a mission that deployed 31 satellites in a single flight. The launch was conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C40).

The mission carried satellites from various countries, including India, Canada, Finland, France, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The primary payload was the Cartosat-2 Series satellite, a high-resolution Earth observation satellite designed for mapping, urban and rural planning, infrastructure development, and disaster management.

The successful mission demonstrated ISRO's expertise in launching multiple satellites in a single mission, showcasing its growing prominence in the global space industry. This achievement further underscored India's position as a reliable and cost-effective provider of satellite launch services.

12 January - The Zanzibar Revolution

 

The Zanzibar Revolution took place on 12 January 1964, in the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, which is now part of Tanzania. The revolution marked the overthrow of the Arab-dominated Sultanate and the establishment of a socialist government.

Zanzibar had a history of ethnic and social tensions, with the majority African population feeling marginalized by the Arab ruling class. The revolution was led by a coalition of African nationalist groups, including the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP) and the Umma Party, who sought to address issues of economic inequality, social injustice, and racial discrimination.

On 12 January 1964, thousands of insurgents, largely drawn from the African population, stormed Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. The revolutionaries quickly overwhelmed the Sultan's forces, leading to the ousting of Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah. Many Arab and South Asian residents faced violence and persecution during the upheaval.

After the revolution, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, led by the ASP and its leader Abeid Amani Karume, took control. The new government pursued socialist policies and aligned itself with socialist and non-aligned nations during the Cold War. In 1964, Zanzibar merged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania, under the leadership of Julius Nyerere.

The Zanzibar Revolution had significant social and political consequences, reshaping the political landscape of the region and addressing some of the longstanding grievances of the African majority. However, it also led to violence, displacements, and a significant exodus of the Arab and South Asian communities from Zanzibar.

12 January - Marguerite Bourgeoys death anniversary

 

Marguerite Bourgeoys was born on 17 April 1620, in Troyes, Champagne, France. She passed away on 12 January 1700, in Montreal, Canada.

She was a French Catholic religious figure and the founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal in the colony of New France, which is now part of Canada. She is recognized for her significant contributions to education and social work in the early days of Montreal.

Key points about Marguerite Bourgeoys:

1. Founding of the Congregation of Notre Dame: In 1653, Marguerite Bourgeoys established the Congregation of Notre Dame, a religious congregation of women dedicated to the education of young girls. The congregation aimed to provide education in a Christian context, emphasizing the importance of literacy and moral values.

2. Educational Contributions: Marguerite Bourgeoys opened the first school in Montreal in 1658, and she played a vital role in the development of education in the region. The school, known as the Congregation of Notre Dame School, was open to both Indigenous and French children. Bourgeoys believed in the importance of providing education to all, regardless of social or cultural background.

3. Role in the Community: Marguerite Bourgeoys was actively involved in various social and community initiatives. She assisted in the establishment of hospitals, cared for the sick, and supported the settlers in the growing colony. Her work extended beyond education to include a broader range of social and charitable activities.

4. Canonization: Marguerite Bourgeoys was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II on October 31, 1982. She is considered a patron saint of Montreal and is recognized for her dedication to education, social service, and the well-being of the community.

Marguerite Bourgeoys' legacy continues through the Congregation of Notre Dame, which remains active in education and social services. The impact of her work is particularly significant in the history of Montreal and the development of education in Canada.

 

 

12 January - Nellie Sengupta birth anniversary

 

Nellie Sengupta, born as Nellie M. Barbour, was a British-born Indian political activist and one of the early women leaders in the Indian independence movement. She was born on 12 January 1886, in England, and later married the Indian nationalist leader, Jatindra Mohan Sengupta.

Nellie Sengupta actively participated in various social and political movements, advocating for women's rights and India's independence from British rule. She was associated with the suffragette movement in Britain and later became involved in the Indian National Congress. Her commitment to social and political causes led her to work closely with figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Nellie Sengupta also played a prominent role in the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement. She was the first Indian woman to be elected as the president of the Indian National Congress in 1933. Her contributions to the national movement and her advocacy for women's rights were significant during a time when women's participation in politics was limited.

After the death of her husband in 1934, Nellie Sengupta continued to be active in political and social work. She passed away on 23 October 1973. Nellie Sengupta is remembered for her pioneering role in the Indian independence movement and her efforts to empower women in the political sphere.

 

12 January - Yellapragada Subba Rao birth anniversary

 

Yellapragada Subba Rao was born on 12 January 1895  in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. He passed away on 08 August  1948, at the age of 53, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States.

He was an Indian biochemist and pharmacologist known for his significant contributions to the field of medicine. He played a crucial role in the development of various drugs, including the synthesis of the first successful treatment for leukemia.

Some of Yellapragada Subba Rao's notable contributions include:

1. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): Rao, along with his colleagues, discovered the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an energy-carrying molecule within cells. This discovery had a profound impact on the understanding of cellular metabolism.

2. Development of Methotrexate: Yellapragada Subba Rao played a key role in the development of methotrexate, an anti-cancer drug. Methotrexate has been used to treat various forms of cancer, including leukemia and certain types of tumors. It was one of the first successful treatments for leukemia.

3. Folic Acid and Antifolate Drugs: Rao's research on folic acid metabolism led to the development of antifolate drugs like aminopterin and methotrexate. These drugs proved to be effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

Despite his significant contributions to medicine, Yellapragada Subba Rao faced challenges during his lifetime. He worked in various research institutions and pharmaceutical companies in India and the United States. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 43 in 1948.

While Rao's work had a lasting impact on the field of medicine, he is not as widely recognized as some other scientists of his time. Nevertheless, his contributions to the understanding of cellular processes and the development of important drugs have left a lasting legacy in the field of biochemistry and pharmacology.

 

12 January - Kumar Gandharva death anniversary

 

Kumar Gandharva, born as Shivaputra Siddramayya Komkali, was a renowned Indian classical vocalist. He was born on 08 April 1924, in Sulebhavi, Karnataka, India, and passed away on 12 January 1992. Kumar Gandharva was a pioneer in the Hindustani classical music tradition and was known for his unique and innovative approach to music.

His original name, Shivaputra Siddramayya Komkali, was later changed to Kumar Gandharva after he underwent a transformation in his musical style. He initially trained in the Gwalior gharana tradition under his guru, B. R. Deodhar, but later he broke away from traditional norms and developed his own distinct style that transcended gharana boundaries.

Kumar Gandharva was known for his experimental and improvisational approach to music. He explored a wide range of ragas and often incorporated elements from various musical traditions. His ability to blend traditional forms with modern sensibilities earned him acclaim as a unique and influential figure in the world of Indian classical music.

Throughout his career, Kumar Gandharva received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music, including the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians, and he is remembered as one of the most innovative and influential figures in the history of Indian classical music.