24 December - Vasco da Gama death anniversary

 

Vasco da Gama (22 November 1469 – 24 December 1524) was a Portuguese explorer and navigator who played a key role in the Age of Discovery and the establishment of maritime trade routes to India. He is best known for being the first European to reach India by sea, opening a sea route that connected Europe to the lucrative spice trade of the East.

Key points about Vasco da Gama:

1. First Voyage to India (1497–1499): Da Gama's historic journey to India began in 1497 when he set sail from Lisbon, Portugal, with a fleet of four ships. He rounded the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa and reached the shores of Calicut (now Kozhikode) on the southwestern coast of India in May 1498.

2. Impact on Trade: Da Gama's successful navigation to India by sea had a profound impact on European trade, as it opened a direct maritime route to the East. This route bypassed the overland routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire and the traditional land-based spice trade routes, reducing the cost of importing valuable spices and other goods.

3. Second Voyage (1502–1503): Da Gama returned to India on a second voyage as the Portuguese Crown sought to consolidate its influence in the region. During this expedition, he engaged in diplomatic efforts, established trading agreements, and encountered significant challenges in dealing with local rulers and competing European interests.

4. Later Career: Da Gama continued to serve the Portuguese Crown, holding various positions and participating in military campaigns. He played a role in Portuguese efforts to control strategic maritime routes, particularly in the Indian Ocean.

5. Death: Vasco da Gama died in Cochin (modern-day Kochi), India, on 24 December 1524. His body was initially buried in St. Francis Church in Cochin, but his remains were later repatriated to Portugal.

Vasco da Gama's voyages were instrumental in establishing Portugal as a major maritime and colonial power during the Age of Discovery. The sea route to India that he pioneered had a lasting impact on global trade and geopolitical dynamics.

 

24 December - M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) death anniversary

 

M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) was a prominent Indian actor, filmmaker, and politician, primarily associated with Tamil cinema and Tamil Nadu politics. He was born on 17 January 1917 , in Kandy, British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and he passed away on 24 December 1987. MGR had a multifaceted career that spanned the fields of cinema, politics, and philanthropy.

Key aspects of M. G. Ramachandran's life and career include:

1. Cinema Career: MGR began his career as a stage actor and later entered the film industry. He gained popularity as a leading actor in Tamil cinema during the mid-20th century. MGR appeared in numerous successful films, earning him a massive fan following.

2. Political Career: MGR's entry into politics was marked by his affiliation with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a prominent political party in Tamil Nadu. He later parted ways with the DMK and founded the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in 1972.

3. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: MGR served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for three consecutive terms from 1977 to 1987. His political career was marked by various populist measures and schemes aimed at the welfare of the people.

4. MGR's Legacy: MGR remains an iconic figure in Tamil Nadu's political and cultural history. He is often referred to as "Puratchi Thalaivar" (Revolutionary Leader) and is remembered for his charismatic leadership, especially among the economically disadvantaged sections of society.

5. Social Welfare Initiatives: MGR implemented several welfare programs, including the introduction of the noon-meal scheme in schools, the distribution of free uniforms to schoolchildren, and the popularization of the "Amma Unavagam" (Amma Canteen) concept, providing affordable food to the masses.

6. Philanthropy: Apart from his political career, MGR was involved in various philanthropic activities. His fans and followers established charitable trusts and organizations in his name to continue his legacy of social service.

M. G. Ramachandran's influence on Tamil Nadu politics and his enduring popularity as a film icon make him a significant figure in the cultural and political history of the state.

24 December - Periyar E. V. Ramasamy death anniversary

 

Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, commonly known as Periyar, was a prominent social reformer, politician, and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities in India. He was born on 17 September 1879, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, and passed away on 24 December 1973. Periyar is remembered for his tireless efforts in championing social justice, self-respect, and rationalism.

Key aspects of Periyar's life and contributions include:

1. Self-Respect Movement: Periyar founded the Self-Respect Movement in 1925, which aimed at promoting the principles of rationalism, self-respect, and equality. The movement focused on eradicating social inequalities, caste discrimination, and superstitions.

2. Dravidian Movement: Periyar played a crucial role in the Dravidian movement, which sought to emphasize the cultural and linguistic identity of the Dravidian people in South India. He was a strong advocate for the rights of Tamil-speaking people and worked towards establishing an egalitarian society.

3. Anti-Caste Activism: Periyar was a vocal critic of the caste system and worked towards the eradication of caste-based discrimination. He campaigned for social and economic equality and opposed Brahminical dominance.

4. Political Career: Periyar was involved in politics and played a significant role in the formation of the Justice Party in Tamil Nadu. Later, he transformed it into the Dravida Kazhagam (DK), which became a major political force in the state.

5. Rationalism: Periyar was a staunch advocate of rationalism and criticized religious practices that he deemed regressive. He propagated the idea of a rational and scientific approach to life.

6. Socio-Economic Reforms: Periyar worked towards the upliftment of backward classes, women's rights, and the eradication of untouchability. He advocated for education and employment opportunities for all.

Periyar's legacy continues to influence Tamil Nadu's socio-political landscape. The Dravidian political parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), have drawn inspiration from his ideologies. Periyar's contributions to social justice and his advocacy for the rights of the oppressed are widely acknowledged in India.

 

24 December - Mohammed Rafi born in 1924

 

Mohammed Rafi ( 24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980) was an Indian playback singer and musician. He is considered to have been one of the greatest and most influential singers of the Indian subcontinent.Rafi was notable for his versatility and range of voice; his songs varied from fast peppy numbers to patriotic songs, sad numbers to highly romantic songs, qawwalis to ghazals and bhajans to classical songs.He was known for his ability to mould his voice to the persona and style of the actor lip-syncing the song on screen in the movie.[8] He received six Filmfare Awards and one National Film Award. In 1967, he was honored with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India. In 2001, Rafi was honoured with the "Best Singer of the Millennium" title by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine. In 2013, Rafi was voted for the Greatest Voice in Hindi Cinema in the CNN-IBN's poll.

He recorded songs for over a thousand Hindi films and in many Indian languages as well as some foreign languages, though primarily in Urdu and Punjabi, over which he had a strong command. He recorded as many as 7,000 songs throughout his career, spanning several languages and dialects such as Konkani, Assamese, Bhojpuri, Odia, Bengali, Marathi, Sindhi, Kannada, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Magahi, Maithili, etc. Apart from Indian languages, he also sang in some foreign languages, including English, Farsi, Arabic, Sinhala, Mauritian Creole, and Dutch.

24 December - National Consumer Day

 

National Consumer Day is observed in India on 24 December every year. This day is dedicated to the recognition and promotion of consumer rights and responsibilities. It marks the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which aims to safeguard the rights of consumers.

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was a significant step in the direction of protecting consumers from unfair trade practices and ensuring that they have the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to be heard, and the right to seek redressal. This legislation established consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumer disputes and grievances.

On National Consumer Day, various events, seminars, and awareness programs are organized across the country to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities. The day serves as a reminder for businesses and service providers to adhere to ethical business practices and respect consumer rights. It also encourages consumers to be vigilant and make informed choices while purchasing goods and services.

 

24 December - Libya Independence Day

 

Libya celebrates its Independence Day on December 24th. On this day in 1951, Libya gained independence from Italian colonial rule. Before that, Libya had been an Italian colony since the early 20th century.

After World War II, the United Nations granted Libya the status of a United Nations trust territory, and in 1951, it became the Kingdom of Libya. The country achieved full sovereignty and independence with the withdrawal of Italian forces.

Libya has faced various political and social challenges in the years following its independence, including changes in government and leadership.

24 December - RAVENSHAW COLLEGE, CUTTACK stamp issued in 1978

 

Ravenshaw College is a prestigious educational institution located in Cuttack, Odisha, India. It has a rich history dating back to 1868 when it was founded as the Cuttack Zilla School. In 1875, it was upgraded to a college and later became Ravenshaw College.

The college was named after its benefactor, Sir Henry Ravenshaw, the then Commissioner of Cuttack. Over the years, the institution has evolved and expanded, becoming one of the oldest and most reputed colleges in the state of Odisha.

In 1943, Ravenshaw College was affiliated with the University of Calcutta, and later, it became a constituent college of Utkal University, established in 1943. Ravenshaw College gained autonomous status in 2004, allowing it to have more control over its academic programs and administration.

In 2006, the college was elevated to the status of a university and was renamed Ravenshaw University. It is now one of the premier universities in Odisha, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various disciplines, including arts, science, commerce, and management.

Ravenshaw University continues to maintain its reputation for academic excellence and has contributed significantly to the educational and cultural landscape of Odisha. The university's campus in Cuttack is spread over a large area and houses several departments, research centers, libraries, and other facilities for the benefit of its students and faculty.

23 December - Vaikunta Ekadashi

 

Vaikunta Ekadashi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The festival falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the Hindu calendar month of Margashirsha, which usually occurs in December or January of the Gregorian calendar. In year 2023 it is on 23 December.

Vaikunta Ekadashi holds special significance in the Vaishnavism tradition, and it is believed that on this day, the gates of Vaikunta, the celestial abode of Lord Vishnu, are opened. Devotees believe that observing fast and participating in prayers and rituals on this day will help cleanse them of sins and grant them entry into Vaikunta.

The day is marked by special ceremonies and rituals conducted in Vishnu temples. Devotees engage in singing devotional songs, listening to religious discourses, and performing acts of charity. Many people observe a fast on Vaikunta Ekadashi and break it on the following day, known as Dwadashi.

Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, especially those with a shrine dedicated to Vaikunta, witness a significant influx of devotees on this auspicious day. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in various parts of India. The belief in the significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is observed with varying traditions and customs in different regions.

 

23 December - : Anglo Bengali Inter College, Allahabad postage stamp issued in 2002

 

C.M. Anglo Bengali College also known as C.M. Anglo Bengali Inter College and as Anglo Bengali Inter College is a boys' school in Bhelupur, Varanasi, India. It was established in 1898 by Chintamani Mukherjee

C.M. Anglo Bengali College was established by Chintamani Mukherjee in the year 1898. The intermediate college is affiliated with U.P. Board and offers education under the 10+2 education system. School campus is situated in Bhelupur, a southern suburb of Varanasi.

23 December - Swami Shraddhanand death anniversary

 

Swami Shraddhanand (22 February 1856 – 23 December 1926), also known as Mahatma Munshi Ram Vij, was an Arya Samaj sannyasi and an Indian Independence activist who propagated the teachings of Dayananda Saraswati. This included the establishment of educational institutions, like the Gurukul Kangri University, and played a key role on the Sangathan (consolidation and organization) and the Shuddhi (purification), a Hindu reform movement in the 1920s