16 November - Maharaja Bijli Pasi stamp issued in year 2000

 

Bijli Pasi, also known as Raja Bijli Pasi, was a legendary figure in the folk traditions and oral histories of Uttar Pradesh, India. However, it's important to note that information about Bijli Pasi is primarily found in folklore and local legends, and there might not be much historical documentation available.

According to the folklore, Bijli Pasi was a powerful and benevolent ruler who hailed from the Pasi community, which is traditionally associated with leatherwork and tanning. He was believed to possess supernatural powers, including control over lightning (bijli in Hindi, which is where his name originates) and the ability to bring rainfall during droughts.

Bijli Pasi is often depicted as a just and fair ruler who fought against injustice and championed the cause of the marginalized sections of society. He was known for his courage, wisdom, and compassion.

The stories and legends about Bijli Pasi have been passed down through generations and are an integral part of the local folklore in parts of Uttar Pradesh. While the historical accuracy of the tales may be difficult to ascertain, the figure of Bijli Pasi remains an important cultural and folkloric symbol in the region, representing resilience, justice, and the power of the marginalized.

A commemorative postage stamp was issued on 16 Nov 2000 on Maharaja Bijli Pasi.

16 November - International day for Intolerance

 

This day was established to encourage mindfulness and faith in human rights. In an effort to encourage equality and diversity across the world, the United Nations introduced The International Day for Tolerance in 1996. This particular day was founded following the United Nations Year for Tolerance, which was 1995, in order to observe its teachings every year instead of just letting the ideas fall away. The UN Year for Tolerance was dedicated in honor of the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.

The United Nations defines tolerance as respect, appreciation and acceptance of the diversity of the world’s cultures and all the ways that people are human. It is considered to be a basic human right to receive tolerance, and should be expected to be practiced by not just individuals, but also by groups and states. Human rights is at the core of this thought – as such, it supports the notion that humanity has the right to live in peace.

Along with these thoughts, the International Day for Tolerance also supports the idea that education is a key factor in preventing intolerance across the human race. On this day, people across the world are encouraged to become more educated and learn how to practice solidarity between ethnic, social and cultural groups.

Each year, the common theme for the International Day for Tolerance is to promote “respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and our ways of being human”.

16 November - National Press Day

 

National Press Day is observed on November 16th every year in India. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of a free and responsible press in a democracy. It commemorates the establishment of the Press Council of India, which was formed on this day in 1966.

The Press Council of India is an autonomous body that acts as a watchdog for the press, ensuring that it maintains high standards of journalism and adheres to ethical practices. National Press Day is an occasion to reflect on the role of the media in society, its responsibilities, and the challenges it faces.

On this day, various events, seminars, and discussions are organized to promote a free and responsible press, encourage journalistic ethics, and highlight the importance of media in fostering a well-informed and democratic society. It's also an opportunity to recognize the contributions of journalists and media organizations to the dissemination of information and the functioning of a vibrant democracy.

16 November - Indian Arrival Day in South Africa

 

November 16, 1860, marks a significant date in the history of Indian indentured labor migration to South Africa. Indian Arrival Day is not celebrated holiday in South Africa. However, South Africa does have a significant Indian population with a rich history, primarily stemming from the arrival of indentured laborers from India during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

These Indian laborers were brought to South Africa, like many other parts of the British Empire, to work on sugar plantations and in various other industries. Their arrival had a profound impact on the demographic and cultural landscape of South Africa.

While Indian Arrival Day itself may not be celebrated in South Africa, the country does recognize its diverse heritage, which includes Indian influences. There are cultural festivals, events, and heritage celebrations that highlight the contributions of the South African Indian community to the nation's cultural fabric. These events often focus on traditional Indian music, dance, cuisine, and other aspects of the Indian heritage that have become an integral part of South African culture.

 

15 November - Sachin Tendulkar test match debut in 1989

 

Sachin Tendulkar made his Test cricket debut for the Indian national team on November 15, 1989. He played his first Test match against Pakistan at the age of 16. The match took place at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan. Tendulkar's debut marked the beginning of a legendary international cricket career that spanned over two decades.

 

Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as the "Little Master" and the "God of Cricket," is a former Indian cricketer born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, India. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, Tendulkar's career spanned from 1989 to 2013.

Key points about Sachin Tendulkar:

1. Early Start: Tendulkar showed immense promise from a young age, making his debut for the Indian cricket team at the age of 16.

2. Record-Breaking Career: Over his illustrious career, Tendulkar set numerous records, including being the leading run-scorer in both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket.

3. First Double Century in ODIs: Tendulkar was the first batsman to score a double century in ODIs, achieving this feat against South Africa in 2010.

4. Cricketing Achievements: He achieved numerous cricketing milestones, including being the first player to score 10,000 runs in ODIs and the only player to have scored one hundred international centuries.

5. World Cup Glory: Tendulkar was part of the Indian cricket team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. It was a moment of immense joy for both Tendulkar and Indian cricket fans.

6. Retirement: Sachin Tendulkar bid farewell to international cricket in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship.

7. Post-Retirement: After retiring from cricket, Tendulkar has been involved in various philanthropic and business activities. He continues to be a prominent figure in the cricketing world.

8. Awards and Recognition: Tendulkar received numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2014.

Sachin Tendulkar's impact on cricket extends beyond statistics; he remains an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and a beloved figure in the world of sports.

 

15 November - Jaishankar Prasad death anniversary

 

Jaishankar Prasad, born on 30 Jaishankar Prasad 1889, was a renowned Hindi poet, playwright, and novelist from India. He played a significant role in the Chhayavaad literary movement, characterized by romanticism and mysticism. Prasad's literary works are known for their profound philosophical and spiritual themes.

His notable works include "Kamayani," an epic poem that explores human emotions and the eternal quest for truth. Prasad's contribution to Hindi literature earned him recognition and respect, and he remains a revered figure in the literary world.

Jaishankar Prasad passed away on 15 November 1937, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetic and literary achievements. His writings continue to be studied and celebrated, influencing generations of Hindi literature enthusiasts.

15 November - Jharkhand State Formation Day

 

Jharkhand State Formation Day is celebrated on November 15 every year. This day commemorates the creation of the state of Jharkhand, which was carved out of the southern part of Bihar on November 15, 2000. The formation of Jharkhand was a significant event, fulfilling the long-standing demands of the local tribal communities and other residents for a separate state.

On this day, various events and activities are organized across Jharkhand to celebrate the state's culture, history, and progress. It is a day to reflect on the identity and aspirations of the people of Jharkhand and to celebrate their journey as an independent state within the Indian Union.

15 November - Sania Mirza birthday

 

Please note the above stamp are private printed stamp by various entities from the respective countries and do not have any philatelic validity

Sania Mirza, born on November 15, 1986, is an accomplished Indian professional tennis player. Hailing from Hyderabad, India, Sania is widely regarded as one of the country's most successful and iconic sportswomen. She gained international recognition as a doubles specialist and became the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title in 2006, clinching the Australian Open mixed doubles trophy with partner Mahesh Bhupathi.

Throughout her career, Sania Mirza has achieved numerous milestones and accolades, representing India in various prestigious tournaments, including the Olympics. Known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style, she has inspired many aspiring tennis players in the country. Sania's success has contributed significantly to the popularization and growth of tennis in India. Off the court, she is also involved in various philanthropic activities, making her a well-respected figure both in the sports arena and beyond.

 

15 November - Birsa Munda birth anniversary

 

Birsa Munda (15 November 1875 – 09 June 1900) was an Indian tribal freedom fighter, and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe. He spearheaded a tribal religious millenarian movement that arose in the Bengal Presidency (now Jharkhand) in the late 19th century, during the British Raj, thereby making him an important figure in the history of the Indian independence movement.The revolt mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada and Bandgaon.

Birsa received his education in Salga under the guidance of his teacher Jaipal Nag. Later, Birsa converted into a Christian to join the German Mission School but soon dropped out after finding out that Britishers were aiming to convert tribals to Christianity through education. After dropping out of school, Birsa Munda created a faith called Birsait. Members of the Munda community soon started joining the faith which in turn became a challenge for the British conversion activities. The cause of the Munda revolt was the 'unfair land grabbing practices by colonial and local authorities that demolished the tribal conventional land system'.Birsa Munda is known for challenging the Christian missionaries and revolting against the conversion activities along with the Munda and Oraon communities.His portrait hangs in the Indian Parliament Museum.

15 November - Tribal Pride Day

 

There are nationwide celebrations on the occasion of Tribal Pride Day on 15 November. The Indian government has declared the day as Tribal Pride Day to commemorate the contribution of tribal communities to the history and culture of the nation.

This will inspire generations to come to preserve cultural heritage and national pride. November 15 is also the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, who is revered as a god among tribal communities across the country. Munda was a well-known freedom fighter, social reformer and a famous tribal leader.