16 October - Oscar Wilde birth anniversary

 

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and author known for his wit, flamboyant style, and sharp social commentary. Here's a brief note about him:

Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, and died on November 30, 1900, in Paris, France. He was one of the most celebrated literary figures of the late 19th century, known for his wit, humor, and the exploration of social and moral issues in his works.

Wilde's notable works include "The Picture of Dorian Gray," a novel that explores themes of vanity and moral corruption, and his comedic plays like "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "An Ideal Husband." His plays were known for their clever dialogue and satirical take on the upper echelons of society.

Despite his literary success, Wilde's life took a tragic turn due to his homosexuality, which was considered a criminal offense in Victorian England. He was famously imprisoned for "gross indecency" in 1895, serving two years of hard labor. Wilde's experiences during and after his imprisonment left a profound impact on his later writings, particularly in "De Profundis," a long letter he wrote while in prison.

Oscar Wilde's legacy endures through his literary works, his contributions to the Aesthetic and Decadent movements, and his enduring reputation as one of the wittiest and most controversial figures in English literature.

 

16 October - The provincial state of Bengal was partitioned

 

On October 16, 1905, the British colonial government in India officially partitioned the province of Bengal. The partition of Bengal was a significant event in the history of British India and had far-reaching consequences, both socially and politically.

The partition divided the province of Bengal into two separate entities: West Bengal, which included the majority Hindu population, and East Bengal, which included the majority Muslim population. The official reason given for the partition was administrative efficiency, but it was widely seen as an attempt to "divide and rule" by the British, who believed that it would weaken the growing nationalist and anti-colonial movements in Bengal.

The partition of Bengal led to widespread protests and opposition, as it was perceived as a deliberate attempt to sow division along religious lines. Prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress and other political and social groups vehemently opposed the move. The Swadeshi Movement, a boycott of British goods, and various other forms of civil disobedience and protest activities were launched in response to the partition.

Due to the widespread agitation and protests against the partition, it was eventually reversed in 1911. Bengal was reunified as a single province, but with some territorial adjustments. While the partition was formally undone, it left a lasting impact on the communal and political dynamics of the region, which would continue to influence Indian politics in the decades that followed.

 

16 October - Day of the Races in USA

 

The term "Day of the Races" can refer to different events or holidays depending on the context and the country. Here are a couple of interpretations:

1. Day of the Races (Día de las Razas): This is a holiday that has been celebrated in several Latin American countries, typically on October 12th. It commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. However, it's often celebrated in a way that acknowledges the cultural diversity and contributions of different racial and ethnic groups in the Americas. In some countries, it's known as "Día de la Raza" or "Columbus Day."

2. Day at the Races: This phrase can also refer to a horse racing event. In this context, it doesn't represent a holiday but rather a day when horse races are held at a racetrack, and people gather to watch and bet on the races. Events like the Kentucky Derby in the United States are famous examples of "Days at the Races."

The interpretation of "Day of the Races" can vary depending on the country and the cultural or historical context in which it's used.

 

16 October - World Anaesthesia Day

 

World Anaesthesia Day is observed on October 16th every year. It commemorates the first successful demonstration of ether anesthesia by American dentist Dr. William T.G. Morton in 1846. Dr. Morton administered ether to a patient at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, allowing a surgeon to painlessly remove a neck tumor. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of medicine, as it paved the way for the development of modern anesthesia techniques, making surgical procedures safer and less painful for patients.

World Anaesthesia Day is a time to recognize the contributions of anesthesiologists and anesthesia providers to the field of medicine and surgery. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of safe and effective anesthesia in healthcare and the ongoing advancements in this critical medical discipline. Healthcare professionals and organizations often use this day to raise awareness about anesthesia and its role in improving patient care and outcomes.

 

16 October - Liaquat Ali Khan death anniversary

 

Liaquat Ali Khan (Born: October 1, 1895 - Died: October 16, 1951) was a prominent Pakistani statesman and the country's first Prime Minister. He played a crucial role in the early years of Pakistan's history. Born in Karnal, India, he was an important figure in the Pakistan Movement and worked closely with Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan.

Liaquat Ali Khan held office as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 1947, when Pakistan gained independence, until his assassination in 1951. During his tenure, he faced significant challenges, including the partition of India and the resettlement of millions of refugees. He also focused on economic and foreign policy matters. His tragic assassination in 1951 in Rawalpindi remains a significant and controversial event in Pakistan's history, and the circumstances surrounding his death continue to be a subject of debate and investigation.

16 October - The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834

 

On October 16, 1834, the Palace of Westminster, which houses the Houses of Parliament in London, was indeed heavily damaged by a fire. The fire was a major disaster and resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of the original palace.

The fire began in the evening and raged for several hours, eventually consuming the medieval Palace of Westminster. The cause of the fire was attributed to the burning of wooden tally sticks in the basement of the House of Lords. These sticks had been accumulating for years as part of the record-keeping process. The fire spread rapidly due to the old and largely wooden construction of the building.

The destruction of the original palace led to the decision to rebuild the Palace of Westminster in a neo-Gothic style, which is the iconic architectural design that we see today. Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin were responsible for the design of the new building. The new palace incorporated some surviving structures and elements, such as Westminster Hall, while the rest was reconstructed in a more fire-resistant fashion using stone and other materials.

The reconstruction of the Palace of Westminster, which includes the famous Big Ben clock tower, was a significant architectural and historical undertaking and is now an iconic symbol of British government and democracy.

 

16 October - World Food Day

 

World Food Day is an annual observance held on October 16th to raise awareness about hunger and promote food security worldwide. It was established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1981 to commemorate the founding of the FAO in 1945. The day serves as an occasion to highlight the importance of eradicating hunger, ensuring access to nutritious food for all, and addressing food-related issues on a global scale.

Each year, World Food Day has a specific theme and focus, often related to the current challenges and issues facing the global food system. It provides an opportunity for governments, organizations, and individuals to come together and discuss strategies to combat hunger, improve agricultural practices, and promote sustainable food production.

World Food Day also serves as a platform for various events, campaigns, and initiatives to raise awareness about food-related issues and encourage actions to achieve a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. It is an important occasion for promoting sustainable agriculture, food distribution, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.

 

15 October - Sai Baba of Shirdi death anniversary

 

Sai Baba of Shirdi, also known simply as Sai Baba, is one of the most revered and beloved spiritual figures in India. He is considered a saint, guru, and a fakir (Sufi ascetic) by his devotees. Sai Baba's teachings emphasize love, tolerance, and devotion to God. His life and teachings have inspired millions of people from various religious backgrounds.

Here are some key points about Sai Baba of Shirdi:

1. Birth and Early Life: The exact details of Sai Baba's birth and early life are not well-documented. He is believed to have been born in the late 18th century or early 19th century in a village called Pathri in the state of Maharashtra, India. His birth name and religious background remain a subject of debate.

2. Arrival in Shirdi: Sai Baba arrived in the village of Shirdi, also in Maharashtra, when he was in his late teens or early twenties. He lived in a mosque and soon began to attract a following due to his spiritual wisdom and acts of kindness.

3. Teachings: Sai Baba's teachings were simple and revolved around the importance of self-realization, devotion to God (whom he often referred to as Allah), and the unity of all religions. He encouraged people to perform good deeds, help others, and lead a moral and ethical life.

4. Miracles: Many stories and accounts of Sai Baba's miracles are associated with his time in Shirdi. These miracles are said to include healing the sick, materializing objects, and displaying divine knowledge.

5. Universal Message: Sai Baba is known for promoting a message of religious tolerance and the unity of all faiths. He often said, "Sabka Malik Ek" (God is one, everyone's master) and welcomed people of all religions into his fold.

6. Devotion and Worship: Temples and shrines dedicated to Sai Baba can be found not only in India but also in various parts of the world. Devotees of Sai Baba worship him with great devotion, offering prayers, performing bhajans (devotional songs), and conducting various rituals.

7. Samadhi: Sai Baba passed away on October 15, 1918. His devotees believe that he entered a state of samadhi (a deep meditative trance) and that his divine presence continues to guide and bless them.

8. Festivals: The most prominent festival associated with Sai Baba is his Mahasamadhi day, which is observed on October 15th every year. Devotees gather at the Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Shirdi and at other Sai Baba temples around the world to commemorate this day with prayers and celebrations.

Sai Baba's teachings and his universal appeal have transcended religious boundaries, making him a beloved figure not only in India but also among people of various faiths worldwide. His devotees continue to find solace and inspiration in his life and message.

15 October - Devi Prasad Roy Choudhury death anniversary

 

Devi Prasad Roy Choudhury (15 June 1899 – 15 October 1975) was an Indian sculptor, painter and educator. He is well known for his monumental bronze sculptures, especially the Triumph of Labour and the Martyrs' Memorial, and is rated by many as one among the major artists of Indian modern art.He worked in a broad spectrum of mediums including watercolors, expressionist landscapes and commissioned portraits. Large scale sculptures were his particular strength and he made social realism the cornerstone of his art. In addition to painting and sculpting, he also wrestled, played the flute, engaged in hunting and wrote short stories in his spare time.

He served as the principal of Madras School of Art from 1929 to 1957 and became one of the first Indians to head a government educational institution at the time.The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1958, for his contributions in the field of arts.He was elected as the Fellow of Lalit Kala Akademi in 1962

15 October - World Students' Day

 

World Students' Day is celebrated on October 15th every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. Dr. Kalam was not only a renowned scientist but also an inspirational figure and an advocate for education.

This day is dedicated to students around the world and aims to promote the importance of education, encourage students to follow their dreams and ambitions, and honor the memory and teachings of Dr. Kalam. He was known for his contributions to science and technology and for his vision of a developed and prosperous India.

World Students' Day is an occasion for educational institutions, teachers, and students to engage in various activities, including discussions, seminars, and cultural events, to inspire young minds, foster creativity, and motivate them to work towards a brighter future. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that students play in shaping the future of nations and the world.