24 November - Guru Tegh Bahadur death anniversary

 

Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Guru of Sikhism, born on 01 April 1621, in Amritsar, India. He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, and Mata Nanaki. Guru Tegh Bahadur became the Sikh Guru on March 20, 1665, following the martyrdom of his father, Guru Harkrishan.

Guru Tegh Bahadur is particularly known for his martyrdom in defense of religious freedom. During his time as Guru, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was persecuting non-Muslims, and the Kashmiri Pandits sought his help to protect their right to practice their religion. In response to this, Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life for the cause of religious freedom and human rights.

In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was arrested in Delhi under the orders of Aurangzeb. He was given the choice to convert to Islam or face death. The Guru chose not to convert and was executed in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on November 24 , 1675. This event is commemorated annually in Sikhism as the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Guru Tegh Bahadur's teachings emphasize the principles of selfless service, humility, and devotion to God. His writings, which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism), continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide. He is also remembered for his commitment to the principles of justice and religious freedom.

24 November - Sir Chhotu Ram birth anniversary

 

Sir Chhotu Ram, whose full name was Sir Chhotu Ram Chaudhary, was a prominent politician and leader in British India, particularly known for his efforts to uplift the farming community. He was born on 24 November 1881, in Garhi Sampla, Rohtak district, Punjab Province, British India (now in Haryana, India), and he passed away on 09 January 1945.

Chhotu Ram was a key figure in the pre-independence political landscape, advocating for the rights of farmers and rural communities. He played a significant role in the formation of the Unionist Party in Punjab, which aimed to bridge the gap between different communities and promote the interests of peasants.

Sir Chhotu Ram served in various capacities, including as a minister in the British India government. He is remembered for his efforts to enact agricultural and land reforms, aiming to improve the conditions of farmers. His contributions to social and economic reforms in the agriculture sector earned him respect and recognition among the farming communities in Punjab.

Sir Chhotu Ram's legacy endures in the history of Indian politics, particularly for his dedication to the welfare of farmers and marginalized communities.

24 November - Mary Kom birthday

 

Mary Kom, also known as Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, is a renowned Indian boxer and a multiple-time world champion. She was born on 24 November 1982, in Kangathei, Manipur, India. Mary Kom is often referred to as "Magnificent Mary" and is considered one of the greatest female boxers in the history of the sport.

Key highlights of Mary Kom's career include:

1. World Championships: Mary Kom has won several gold medals at the AIBA World Boxing Championships. Her victories include titles in the 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2010 editions.

2. Olympics: Boxing became an Olympic sport for women in 2012, and Mary Kom represented India in the flyweight category at the London Olympics. Although she didn't win a medal, her participation was historic and paved the way for future Indian women boxers.

3. Asian Games: Mary Kom has won gold medals at the Asian Games, including the 2014 Incheon Games.

4. Commonwealth Games: She has also won gold at the Commonwealth Games.

5. Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri: Mary Kom has received numerous awards for her contributions to sports, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, two of the highest civilian honors in India.

In addition to her accomplishments in the ring, Mary Kom has been an inspirational figure, especially for aspiring female athletes in India. She has faced and overcome numerous challenges throughout her career, showcasing resilience and determination. Mary Kom continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of boxing.

24 November - Hira Lal Shastri birth anniversary

 

Hira Lal Shastri (24 November 1899 – 28 December 1974), the freedom fighters of India. He was counted among the famous politicians of the country. Hira Lal Shastri had the distinction of becoming the first Chief Minister of Rajasthan. He was the Chief Minister of Rajasthan from 30 March 1949 to 5 January 1951. His wish was that he should go to some village and devote his life in the service of the downtrodden. Hira Lal Shastri had established ‘Vanasthali Vidyapeeth’. Today this Vidyapeeth has assumed the form of a major national institution of women’s education. When a representative government was formed in the princely state of Jaipur in 1948, Hira Lal Shastri took over as its chief minister and on March 30, 1949, when the state of Rajasthan was formed, he became its first chief minister. He was Born on 24 November 1899 in Rajasthan.
 

23 November - Tulsi Vivah also known as Tulsi Pujan or Tulsi Utsav Hindu festival

 

Tulsi Vivah, also known as Tulsi Pujan or Tulsi Utsav, is a Hindu ceremonial festival that marks the symbolic marriage of the holy basil plant (Tulsi) to Lord Vishnu or his avatar Lord Krishna. The festival usually takes place on the eleventh or twelfth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls in October or November in the Gregorian calendar.

The Tulsi plant is considered sacred in Hinduism and is believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. The marriage of Tulsi with Lord Vishnu is a significant event in Hindu mythology and is performed with traditional rituals and ceremonies.

Key features of Tulsi Vivah:

1. Rituals: The ceremony involves the performance of various rituals, including the Tulsi Vivaah Puja, in which the marriage of the Tulsi plant to an image or idol of Lord Vishnu or Krishna is symbolically enacted. The marriage ceremony is conducted with great reverence and devotion.

2. Observance: Tulsi Vivah is observed by many Hindu households. Devotees prepare for the festival by cleaning and decorating their homes, and they often create a miniature wedding mandap (canopy) for the Tulsi plant.

3. Significance: The festival is considered auspicious, and it is believed that observing Tulsi Vivah brings blessings, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. It is also believed to ward off evil spirits.

4. Cultural Variations: While the basic rituals are similar, the way Tulsi Vivah is celebrated can vary across different regions of India. In some places, it is celebrated over several days with various ceremonies and cultural events.

Tulsi Vivah marks the beginning of the wedding season in Hindu culture. The festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural celebration that reinforces the significance of nature and its connection to spirituality in Hindu traditions.

23 November - Raj Narain birth anniversary

 

Raj Narain (23 November 1917 – 31 December 1986) was an Indian freedom fighter and politician. He won in a famous electoral malpractice case against the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which led to her disqualification and imposition of Emergency in India in 1975.He defeated Indira Gandhi during the 1977 Lok Sabha elections. 

23 November - Walchand Hirachand birth anniversary

 

Walchand Hirachand was an Indian industrialist, entrepreneur, and visionary who played a significant role in the development of India's industrial sector. He was born on 23 November 1882, in Solapur, Maharashtra, India.

Walchand Hirachand founded the Walchand Group, a conglomerate with interests in various industries, including shipbuilding, aviation, automobiles, and construction. He was a key figure in establishing several prominent companies, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Premier Automobiles Limited.

One of his notable contributions was the founding of the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) in 1926, which became a leading construction and engineering firm in India. Additionally, Walchand's efforts in the shipbuilding industry led to the establishment of the Hindustan Shipyard in Vishakhapatnam.

Walchand Hirachand passed away on 08 April 1953. His legacy continues through the various industries and companies he helped establish, contributing to the growth and development of India's industrial landscape. He is remembered as a pioneering industrialist who played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the country's industrial progress.

23 November - HMS Rawalpindi is sunk by the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in 1939

 

On November 23, 1939, during the early stages of World War II, the British Royal Navy's heavy cruiser HMS Rawalpindi encountered the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in the waters of the North Atlantic. The engagement took place while Rawalpindi was on patrol in an attempt to locate German merchant raiders.

Despite being heavily outgunned, HMS Rawalpindi engaged the German warships in battle. The British cruiser fought bravely, but it was eventually overwhelmed by the superior firepower of Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. As a result, HMS Rawalpindi was sunk, and a significant number of her crew lost their lives.

This naval engagement was part of the larger naval operations in the early years of World War II, particularly the efforts to control sea routes and protect shipping lanes. The sinking of HMS Rawalpindi highlighted the potency of the German naval forces, especially the Scharnhorst-class battleships, during the early stages of the conflict.

23 November - The first issue of Life magazine was published in 1936

 

The first issue of Life magazine was published on November 23, 1936. Life magazine, a weekly pictorial magazine, quickly became one of the most popular and influential magazines in the United States. The cover of the first issue featured a photograph of the Fort Peck Dam by Margaret Bourke-White, one of the magazine's notable early photographers. Life magazine played a significant role in shaping American journalism and culture through its use of photojournalism and in-depth storytelling. It continued to be published until 1972 and has since had a few revivals in various forms.

23 November - Gary Kirsten birthday

 

Gary Kirsten is a former South African cricketer and a highly regarded cricket coach. Born on November 23, 1967, in Cape Town, South Africa, Kirsten played as a left-handed opening batsman and was known for his solid technique and ability to play long innings.

Kirsten represented the South African national cricket team from 1993 to 2004, earning a reputation as one of the country's most successful and consistent batsmen. He played a key role in South Africa's return to international cricket after the end of apartheid.

After retiring from international cricket, Gary Kirsten transitioned to coaching. One of his notable coaching achievements was guiding the Indian cricket team to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory. His coaching philosophy is often praised for its emphasis on player development, mental strength, and fostering a positive team culture.

Gary Kirsten has been involved in coaching various teams around the world, including the South African national team and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. His contributions to the sport, both as a player and a coach, have left a lasting impact on cricket.