26 December - Earthquake in Iran in 2003

 

A powerful earthquake struck southeastern Iran on December 26, 2003, killing over 43,000 people, injured 20,000, left 60,000 homeless and destroyed much of the city of Bam. The USGS National Earthquake information center is reported a magnitude of 6.6 for the quake, which was located just southwest of the city. About 60 percent of the buildings in Bam were destroyed. The old quarter and a 2,000-year-old citadel (severely damaged by the earthquake) were built primarily of mud brick. 

26 December - Charles Babbage birth anniversary

 

Charles Babbage (born 26 December 1791, died 18 October 1871) was an English mathematician, philosopher, inventor, and mechanical engineer. He is often referred to as the "Father of the Computer" due to his pioneering work on early mechanical computing devices. His most famous invention was the "Analytical Engine," a theoretical, general-purpose mechanical computer that he designed in the 1830s. The Analytical Engine had many of the key elements of modern computers, including an arithmetic logic unit, control flow through conditional branching and loops, and memory.

Babbage's work laid the foundation for modern computing and programming concepts. His ideas about algorithms and the separation of data and instructions are fundamental to computer science. While he was not able to build a working version of the Analytical Engine during his lifetime due to technological limitations, his visionary ideas have had a lasting impact on the field of computer science and technology.

26 December - Marie and Pierre Curie announced the isolation of radium

 

Marie and Pierre Curie announced the isolation of radium on December 26, 1898. The discovery of radium was a significant milestone in the Curies' groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Marie Curie, along with her husband Pierre Curie, conducted pioneering work in the field of radioactivity, leading to the discovery of radium and polonium.

The Curies isolated radium from the mineral pitchblende (now known as uraninite) through a series of complex chemical processes. Radium is a highly radioactive element, and its discovery contributed to the understanding of the nature of radioactivity.

Marie Curie went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 (shared with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel) for their joint research on the radiation phenomena. Later, she received another Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry in 1911, for her discovery and isolation of radium and polonium and her investigation of their properties.

The Curies' work laid the foundation for further advancements in nuclear physics and had a profound impact on medical science, leading to the development of radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. The legacy of Marie and Pierre Curie continues to be celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions to science and their pioneering efforts in the study of radioactivity.

26 December - The Battle of Trenton in 1776

 

The Battle of Trenton took place during the American Revolutionary War and is considered a pivotal moment in the conflict. It occurred on the morning of December 26, 1776, near Trenton, New Jersey.

Prior to the battle, the American Continental Army, led by General George Washington, had faced a series of defeats and setbacks. The morale of the American forces was low, and many enlistments were set to expire at the end of the year. To boost morale and prevent further losses, Washington devised a daring plan to cross the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night and launch a surprise attack on the Hessian forces stationed in Trenton.

The Hessian troops, mercenaries hired by the British, were led by Colonel Johann Rall. They were caught off guard by the American assault, and despite the harsh winter conditions, Washington's forces successfully crossed the river and attacked the Hessian garrison on the morning of December 26, 1776.

The element of surprise played a crucial role, and the Americans overwhelmed the Hessian defenses. The battle was relatively short, but it resulted in a significant American victory. The Hessians suffered heavy casualties, and many were captured. The American forces, on the other hand, suffered minimal losses.

The Battle of Trenton was a morale-boosting win for the Continental Army. It demonstrated Washington's strategic acumen and ability to rally his troops during challenging times. The victory at Trenton had broader implications, helping to restore confidence in the American cause and inspiring new recruits to join the Continental Army. It was followed by another successful engagement at the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, further solidifying the American position in the region.

 

26 December - Veer Baal Diwas

 

Veer Baal Diwas is commemmorated to honour the martyrdom of Baba Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, the Sahibzade of 10th Guru Govind Singh Ji on 26th December every year.

Baba Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh were the youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The martyrdom of Baba Fateh Singh (age 6) and Zorawar Singh (age 9) is a significant event in Sikh history.

During the early 18th century, the two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh were captured by the Mughal forces under the command of Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind. The young princes were offered a choice: convert to Islam or face death. Despite their tender age, both Baba Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh chose not to abandon their Sikh faith.

On December 26, 1705, the young brothers were bricked alive into a wall, a punishment ordered by Wazir Khan. The wall was being constructed in the chilling cold of winter. The young boys faced this gruesome fate with great courage and resolve, never wavering from their faith.

The martyrdom of Baba Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh is commemorated in Sikh history as an example of unwavering commitment to one's beliefs and the sacrifice for religious freedom. Sikhs remember their bravery and sacrifice, especially during religious events and commemorations, and their story serves as an inspiration for generations. The Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab, India, marks the site where this tragic event took place, and Sikhs pay their respects to these young martyrs at this sacred location.

 

26 December - Slovenian Independence Day

 

Slovenian Independence and Unity Day (Slovene: Dan samostojnosti in enotnosti) is celebrated on December 26th. On this day in 1990, the Republic of Slovenia formally declared independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The declaration followed a referendum held earlier in the year in which the majority of Slovenian voters expressed their desire for independence.

The process of gaining independence was largely peaceful for Slovenia, and the country officially became independent on June 25, 1991. However, December 26th is recognized as the official day when the Slovenian parliament adopted the Basic Constitutional Charter on the Independence and Sovereignty of the Republic of Slovenia.

Independence and Unity Day is a national holiday in Slovenia and is marked by various events, ceremonies, and celebrations throughout the country. It is a day to commemorate Slovenia's path to sovereignty and reflect on the significance of independence and unity.

26 December - Baba Amte birth anniversary

 

Baba Amte, whose full name was Murlidhar Devidas Amte, was an Indian social activist known for his humanitarian work and dedication to the upliftment of the marginalized and disabled. Here are some key details about Baba Amte:

• Birth: 26 December 1914
• Death: 09 February 2008

Notable Aspects of Baba Amte's Life and Work:

1. Social Activism: Baba Amte devoted his life to social causes, particularly the welfare of people affected by leprosy. He founded Anandwan (Forest of Joy), a community rehabilitation center, for leprosy patients in Maharashtra, India.

2. Anandwan: Established in 1951, Anandwan aimed to create a self-sufficient and sustainable community for people affected by leprosy. The project included facilities for education, vocational training, and medical care.

3. Maitri: Baba Amte also founded the Maitri community, which focuses on providing support and care to individuals affected by different physical and mental challenges.

4. Humanitarian Awards: For his exceptional contributions to social service, Baba Amte received numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award (for Community Leadership), the Padma Vibhushan (the second-highest civilian award in India), and the United Nations Human Rights Prize.

5. Environmental Activism: In addition to his work with leprosy patients, Baba Amte was involved in environmental and ecological causes, advocating for sustainable development.

Baba Amte's life and work exemplify a commitment to social justice, compassion, and service to humanity. His efforts continue to inspire individuals and organizations working in the field of social service and human rights.

26 December - Bina Das death anniversary

 

Special cover on Bina Das was released at Krishnanagar on 13th October 2021

Bina Das (24 August 1911 – 26 December 1986) was the women revolutionaries of India. His inclination was towards public works from the very beginning. He founded the ‘Punyashram Sanstha’, which provided shelter to destitute women. Bina Das had contact with the revolutionaries of ‘Yugantar Dal’. At a convocation, he shot at the British governor Stanley Jackson, but in this act, the governor narrowly escaped, and Bina was arrested. After the formation of the Congress government in 1937, Bina Das was also released along with many Rajbandis. She was Born on 24 August 1911 in Uttarakhand.
 

25 December - Sir Hari Singh Gour death anniversary

 

Sir Hari Singh Gour, also known as Sir Hari Singh Gour CIE (Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire), was an eminent jurist, educationist, and the founder of the University of Sagar (now Dr. Hari Singh Gour University) in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India.

• Born: 26 November 1870, in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
• Died: 25 December 1949 in New Delhi, India

Hari Singh Gour was a distinguished legal scholar and served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. He played a crucial role in the development of legal education in India. His efforts led to the establishment of the Indian Law Institute in New Delhi.

One of his notable contributions was the establishment of the University of Sagar (now Dr. Hari Singh Gour University) in 1946. The university, named in his honor, is known for its focus on law, arts, science, and technology.

Sir Hari Singh Gour was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2014, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of education and law.

 

25 December - Madan Mohan Malaviya birth anniversary

 

Madan Mohan Malaviya (1861–1946) was an Indian educationist, politician, and freedom fighter who played a key role in the Indian independence movement. He was a prominent leader and a multifaceted personality known for his contributions to education and social reform. Here are some key points about Madan Mohan Malaviya:

1. Early Life: Malaviya was born on 25 December 1861, in Allahabad, British India (present-day Prayagraj, India). He belonged to a Brahmin family and showed early academic brilliance.

2. Education: Madan Mohan Malaviya studied at the University of Calcutta and later at the University of Allahabad. He was well-versed in various languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, English, and Urdu.

3. Journalism: Malaviya was actively involved in journalism and played a crucial role in the publication of various newspapers and journals. He used these platforms to express his views on social and political issues.

4. Educationist: One of Malaviya's significant contributions was in the field of education. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi in 1916. BHU remains one of the largest residential universities in Asia.

5. Political Career: Madan Mohan Malaviya was involved in politics and was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress. He served as the President of the Indian National Congress on four occasions.

6. Social Reforms: Malaviya was an advocate for social reforms, including the promotion of widow remarriage and the upliftment of the downtrodden. He worked towards eradicating caste discrimination and untouchability.

7. Independence Movement: Madan Mohan Malaviya actively participated in the Indian independence movement. He was a key member of the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

8. Posthumous Honors: Malaviya was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2014.

Madan Mohan Malaviya's legacy is remembered for his contributions to education, social reform, and the Indian independence movement. The Banaras Hindu University stands as a testament to his vision for education and nation-building.