12 December - Vijayanta, first India-made millitary tank handed over to the Army

 

Vijayanta, first India-made millitary tank which was handed over to the Army, was manufactured at Avadi Heavy Vehicles Factory at Madras.

The Vijayanta was a main battle tank built in India based on a licensed design of the Vickers Mk.1. The Vijayanta was the first indigenous tank of the Indian Army. The prototype was completed in 1963 and the tank entered service in 1965. The first 90 vehicles were built by Vickers in the UK. Production continued at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi until 1983 with 2,200 units. A number of the tank hulls were converted to other uses such as self-propelled guns after being withdrawn from service. The Vijayanta has been supplemented by the T-72M1 in Indian service.

12 December - Yuvraj Singh birthday

 

Yuvraj Singh is a former Indian international cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders to have played for the Indian cricket team. He was born on December 12, 1981, in Chandigarh, India.

Yuvraj made his debut for the Indian cricket team in 2000 in the ICC KnockOut Trophy. He played a crucial role in India's success in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he was awarded the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding all-around performances. Yuvraj is particularly remembered for his memorable six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad's bowling during a T20 World Cup match against England.

Yuvraj was known for his aggressive batting style, powerful hitting, and ability to score quickly. He was also a handy left-arm spinner and an agile fielder. However, his career faced a setback when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. Yuvraj successfully battled the disease and made a triumphant return to international cricket.

Throughout his career, Yuvraj Singh represented India in all three formats of the game - Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He announced his retirement from international cricket in June 2019. Yuvraj's contributions to Indian cricket, especially in major tournaments, have left a lasting impact on the sport, and he remains a beloved figure among cricket fans.

 

12 December - Kenya Jamhuri Day

 

Jamhuri Day is a national holiday in Kenya that is celebrated on 12 December each year. The word "Jamhuri" is Swahili for "Republic," and Jamhuri Day marks the day when Kenya officially became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. On 12 December 1964, Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule, and Jomo Kenyatta became the country's first Prime Minister.

The day is a significant occasion for Kenyans, and celebrations typically include various events such as parades, cultural displays, flag-raising ceremonies, and speeches by political leaders. It is a time for reflection on Kenya's history, achievements, and progress as a nation.

The holiday emphasizes the principles of democracy, self-governance, and the unity of the Kenyan people. It is an opportunity for citizens to come together and celebrate their national identity. Additionally, the day often includes the honoring of individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.

12 December - Shivaji Rao Gaikwad professionally know as Rajinikanth was born 1950

 

 

Shivaji Rao Gaikwad (born 12 December 1950), known professionally as Rajinikanth is an Indian actor, producer and screenwriter who works mainly in Tamil cinema. In a career spanning over five decades, he has done more than 160 films that includes films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful and popular actors in the history of Indian cinema. Known for his uniquely styled lines and idiosyncrasies in films, he has a huge fan base across South India and has a cult following. The Government of India honoured him with Padma Bhushan in 2000, Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India's third and second highest civilian honours, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019 for his contributions to Indian cinema.

11 December - Ravi Shankar birth anniversary

 

 

Ravi Shankar sometimes spelled as Rabindra Shankar Chowdhury ( 07 April 1920 – 11 December 2012) was an Indian sitarist and composer. A sitar virtuoso, he became the world's best-known export of North Indian classical music in the second half of the 20th century and influenced many musicians in India and throughout the world. Shankar was awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1999.

On 9 December 2012, Shankar was admitted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, San Diego, California after complaining of breathing difficulties. He died on 11 December 2012 at around 16:30 PST after undergoing heart valve replacement surgery.
 

11 December - First world agriculture fair started in 1959

 

The first world agriculture fair (WAF) was held on 11 Dec 1959 -11 March 1960 at New Delhi. The great leader of farmers Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Union Minister of India and President of Bharat Krushak Samaj organized the world agriculture fair and Government of India assisted the WAF. The fair had very large response from the world and millions of farmers visited the world agriculture exhibition. Many world leaders were present on the occasion and visited the exhibition. The fair was inaugurated by Dr.Rajendra Prasad , President of India with Mr.Isen Hower President of USA ,Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Prime Minister of India. During the 92 days of exhibition, Queen Elizabeth UK, Mr. Mr.Khruchev President of USSR, Mr. Bulganin President of Communist Party of USSR, Field Marshal of Germany Gomeri, Lady Lord Mountbatten and President of Poland, Cambodia and Nepal visited the Exhibition. The exhibition stall of USSR and USA was largest and attracting the farmers about new agriculture innovations and technology. The exhibition was landmark in the history of Indian Agriculture which provided international platform and agriculture fraternity among the world farmers.

11 December - Indiana became the 19th U.S. state to join the union

Indiana became the 19th U.S. state on December 11, 1816. It was admitted to the Union, making it the first state formed from the Northwest Territory. The capital of Indiana is Indianapolis, and the state is known for its diverse geography, including farmland, forests, and the industrial cities that developed around the Great Lakes.

11 December - Kavi Pradeep death anniversary

 

Kavi Pradeep (born Ramchandra Narayanji Dwivedi; 06 February 1915 – 11 December 1998),was an Indian poet and songwriter who is best known for his patriotic song "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" written as a tribute to the soldiers who had died defending the country during the Sino-Indian War.

His first recognition came for his patriotic lyrics for the film Bandhan (1940). His status as a nationalistic writer got immortalised for writing a daringly patriotic song "Door Hato Ae Duniya Walo" (Move Away O Outsiders) in India's first golden jubilee hit Kismet (1943) because he was forced to go underground to avoid arrest immediately after the film's release that invited the ire of British government.

In a career span of five decades, Kavi Pradeep wrote about 1,700 songsand nationalistic poems including the lyrics for some 72 films, including hits like "Chal Chal Re Naujawan" in film Bandhan (1940) and "Aao Bachcho Tumhein Dikhayen" and "De Dee Hame Azaadi" in the film Jagriti (1954)In 1958, HMV, released an album of 13 songs with his lyrics. He was made the Rashtrakavi (National Poet), and came to be known as, Kavi Pradeep.

In 1997, he was honoured with India's highest award in cinema, the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, for lifetime achievement.

11 December - Viswanathan Anand birthday

 

Viswanathan "Vishy" Anand is an Indian chess grandmaster and a former World Chess Champion. He was born on December 11, 1969, in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Anand is one of the most successful and celebrated chess players in the history of the game.

Anand became the undisputed World Chess Champion in 2007, and he held the title until 2013. During his career, he has won numerous tournaments and championships, showcasing his skill, strategic acumen, and versatility in different formats of the game.

Some key highlights of Viswanathan Anand's chess career include:

1. World Chess Champion: Anand won the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2000, and he became the undisputed World Champion in 2007 by winning a tournament that included the reigning champion, Vladimir Kramnik.

2. Defenses and Challengers: Anand successfully defended his title in matches against challengers, including victories over Veselin Topalov in 2010 and Boris Gelfand in 2012.

3. Chess Olympiads: Anand has represented India in numerous Chess Olympiads, contributing to the success of the Indian chess team.

4. Career Achievements: Anand has won several prestigious chess tournaments throughout his career, showcasing his consistency and dominance in the world of chess.

Vishy Anand's approach to the game is known for its combination of deep strategic understanding and tactical brilliance. His contributions to Indian chess have also played a significant role in popularizing the game in the country.

While Anand stepped down from the World Chess Championship in 2013, he continues to be an active and respected figure in the chess world. His legacy has left a lasting impact on the global chess community, and he remains an inspiration for aspiring chess players, especially in India.

 

11 December - International Mountain Day

 

International Mountain Day is observed annually on December 11th. This day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of mountains and the role they play in providing valuable resources to billions of people around the world.

Mountains cover about 22% of the Earth's land surface, and they are home to diverse ecosystems and numerous plant and animal species. They also provide essential resources such as fresh water, energy, and food. Additionally, mountains play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly those living in mountainous regions.

The theme of International Mountain Day varies each year, focusing on different aspects of sustainable mountain development. The day serves as an opportunity to promote the conservation and sustainable development of mountainous areas, as well as to highlight the challenges and opportunities they present.

Activities and events organized on International Mountain Day include conferences, seminars, and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of mountains and encourage sustainable practices in mountain regions. The celebration of this day is part of the broader efforts to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development worldwide.