21 January - Melchior Gafà birth anniversary

 

Melchior Gafà was born on 21 January 1636, and died on 16 December 1667 .Melchior Gafà, also known as Melchiorre Cafà, was a notable Maltese sculptor born in 1636 in Vittoriosa, Malta. He gained significant recognition for his contributions to Baroque art during the 17th century. Gafà's talent became evident early in his life, prompting him to move to Rome, where he studied under the renowned sculptor Ercole Ferrata. In Rome, Gafà quickly established himself as a master sculptor, receiving numerous commissions from the Church and prominent patrons.

Gafà's work is characterized by its dynamic movement, intricate detail, and emotional intensity, embodying the dramatic flair of the Baroque style. Some of his most celebrated pieces include religious sculptures such as the "St. Rose of Lima" in Santa Maria sopra Minerva and the "Ecstasy of St. Catherine" in Santa Caterina a Magnanapoli. These works exemplify his ability to convey deep spiritual fervor and human emotion through marble.

Tragically, Melchior Gafà's promising career was cut short when he died in 1667 at the young age of 31. Despite his brief life, his artistic legacy endures, and he remains one of Malta's most distinguished artists. His sculptures continue to be admired for their technical excellence and expressive power, securing his place in the annals of Baroque art history.

 

21 January - Joachim Alva birth anniversary

 

Joachim Ignatius Sebastian Alva or Joachim Piedade Alva was an Indian lawyer, journalist and politician from Mangalore. He was a prominent Mangalorean Christian figure involved in the Indian independence movement. After Independence, Alva was appointed Sheriff of Bombay in 1949 for the Bombay state.In 1950, he entered the Provisional Parliament of India. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1952, 1957, and 1962 from North Kanara. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1968 and retired from the Rajya Sabha in 1974. 

Joachim  Alva born on 21 January 1907 and death on  28 June 1979. The Government of India issued a stamp commemorating the couple in November 2008
 

21 January - Vaikom Muhammad Basheer birth anniversary

 

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (1908–1994) was a prominent Indian writer in the Malayalam language. He was known for his unique style of storytelling, humor, and social commentary. Basheer's works often portrayed the struggles of the common man and reflected his own experiences.

Here are some key points about Vaikom Muhammad Basheer:

1. Early Life: Basheer was born on 21 January 1908, in Thalayolaparambu, a town in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India.

2. Literary Contributions: He began his literary career with the novel "Premalekhanam" (Love Letter), which was published in 1943. Some of his other well-known works include "Balyakalasakhi" (Childhood Friend), "Shabdangal" (Voices), and "Mathilukal" (Walls).

3. Influence of Gandhian Philosophy: Basheer was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and simplicity. This is reflected in many of his works, where he often championed the cause of the downtrodden.

4. Imprisonment: Basheer had a rebellious streak, and his involvement in the Indian independence movement led to his imprisonment. He spent several years in jails during the British colonial rule.

5. Unconventional Lifestyle: Known for his simplicity and unorthodox lifestyle, Basheer lived a frugal life. He often walked barefoot and dressed in simple attire.

6. Awards: Basheer received several awards for his contributions to Malayalam literature, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award.

7. Legacy: Basheer's works continue to be widely read and appreciated in Malayalam literature. His writing style, which combines humor with social critique, has left a lasting impact on the literary landscape.

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's literary works have been translated into various languages, allowing a broader audience to appreciate his storytelling and the cultural nuances he captured in his writings.He passed away on 05 July 1994.

21 January - Feast day of Our Lady of Altagracia

 

Our Lady of Altagracia, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, is a title of the Virgin Mary in the Catholic faith. She is considered the patroness and protector of the Dominican Republic. The feast day of Our Lady of Altagracia is celebrated annually on 21January.

The devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia has deep roots in the Dominican Republic, dating back to the colonial period. The name "Altagracia" is derived from the Spanish words "alta" (high) and "gracia" (grace), meaning "high grace" or "sublime grace." The Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, located in Higüey, is a significant pilgrimage site and a place of devotion for many Catholics in the Dominican Republic.

On her feast day, believers gather for religious services, processions, and other celebrations to honor Our Lady of Altagracia. The devotion to her is not limited to the Dominican Republic, as people of Dominican descent around the world may also celebrate this important religious occasion.