30 December - Joseph Rudyard Kipling born in 1865

 

 

Joseph Rudyard Kipling ( 30 December 1865 – 18 January 1936) was an English novelist, short-story writer, poet, and journalist. He was born in British India, which inspired much of his work.

Kipling's works of fiction include the Jungle Book duology (The Jungle Book, 1894; The Second Jungle Book, 1895), Kim (1901), the Just So Stories (1902) and many short stories, including "The Man Who Would Be King" (1888).His poems include "Mandalay" (1890), "Gunga Din" (1890), "The Gods of the Copybook Headings" (1919), "The White Man's Burden" (1899), and "If—" (1910). He is seen as an innovator in the art of the short story. His children's books are classics; one critic noted "a versatile and luminous narrative gift".

Kipling in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was among the United Kingdom's most popular writers.Henry James said "Kipling strikes me personally as the most complete man of genius, as distinct from fine intelligence, that I have ever known."[3] In 1907, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, as the first English-language writer to receive the prize, and at 41, its youngest recipient to date.He was also sounded out for the British Poet Laureateship and several times for a knighthood, but declined both.Following his death in 1936, his ashes were interred at Poets' Corner, part of the South Transept of Westminster Abbey.

Kipling's subsequent reputation has changed with the political and social climate of the age.The contrasting views of him continued for much of the 20th century.Literary critic Douglas Kerr wrote: "[Kipling] is still an author who can inspire passionate disagreement and his place in literary and cultural history is far from settled. But as the age of the European empires recedes, he is recognised as an incomparable, if controversial, interpreter of how empire was experienced. That, and an increasing recognition of his extraordinary narrative gifts, make him a force to be reckoned with

30 December - Ramana Maharshi birth anniversary

 

Ramana Maharshi, born as Venkataraman Iyer, was a renowned Indian sage and spiritual teacher who lived in the 20th century. He was born on 30 December 1879, in Tiruchuli, Tamil Nadu, India, and he passed away on  14 April 1950, at the age of 70. Ramana Maharshi is widely regarded as one of the most important spiritual figures in modern Hinduism.

Ramana Maharshi's spiritual journey began at the age of 16 when he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He became intensely focused on the question of self-inquiry, asking himself, "Who am I?" This question became the focal point of his teachings and practices.

He left his home and went to the sacred hill of Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai, where he spent the rest of his life in deep contemplation and meditation. His teachings emphasized the practice of self-inquiry as a means to realize the true nature of the self (atman) and attain liberation (moksha).

Ramana Maharshi advocated a direct path to self-realization through self-inquiry, encouraging individuals to turn their attention inward and question the nature of their own existence. He believed that the true self, or the "I," could be discovered by persistent self-examination and questioning.

Throughout his life, Ramana Maharshi attracted a following of devotees and seekers who were drawn to his silent presence and profound spiritual wisdom. He did not prescribe rigid rituals or elaborate practices, emphasizing instead the simplicity of self-inquiry and self-awareness.

Ramana Maharshi's teachings have had a significant impact on the spiritual landscape of India and have influenced numerous individuals worldwide. His ashram, Sri Ramanasramam, continues to be a spiritual center in Tiruvannamalai, attracting visitors and seekers from various parts of the world. His teachings are also preserved in various writings, including conversations recorded by his disciples and his seminal work, "Who Am I?"

30 December - Saddam Hussein death anniversary

 

Saddam Hussein (1937–2006) was the President of Iraq from 1979 until his overthrow and capture by U.S. forces in 2003. His full name was Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti. Here are some key points about Saddam Hussein:

1. Early Life: Saddam Hussein was born on 28 April 1937, in the town of Al-Awja, near Tikrit, in present-day Iraq. He came from a poor family and grew up in a troubled environment.

2. Rise to Power: Saddam initially joined the Ba'ath Party, a secular Arab nationalist party, and became involved in political activities. He played a role in the coup that brought the Ba'ath Party to power in Iraq in 1968.

3. Presidency: Saddam became the President of Iraq in 1979 after a series of political maneuvers, including purges of political rivals and consolidating power within the Ba'ath Party.

4. Iran-Iraq War: One of the major events during Saddam's presidency was the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). The conflict began when Iraq, under Saddam's leadership, invaded Iran. The war had devastating consequences for both countries.

5. Invasion of Kuwait: In 1990, Saddam ordered the invasion of Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War (1990-1991). A coalition of international forces, led by the United States, intervened, and Kuwait was liberated. Saddam's forces were forced to withdraw.

6. Post-Gulf War Sanctions: After the Gulf War, Iraq faced international sanctions, which had a severe impact on the country's economy and its people.

7. 2003 Invasion of Iraq: In 2003, the United States, along with a coalition of allies, invaded Iraq, citing concerns about weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and ties to terrorism. Saddam Hussein was eventually captured by U.S. forces in December 2003.

8. Trial and Execution: Saddam Hussein faced trial for crimes against humanity, including the suppression of political opponents and the killing of Iraqi Kurds. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. Saddam was executed by hanging on 30 December 2006.

Saddam Hussein's regime was marked by authoritarian rule, human rights abuses, and military conflicts. His removal from power and subsequent execution marked a significant chapter in Iraq's recent history, but the aftermath of the Iraq War and the fall of Saddam's regime have also been associated with complex challenges in the region.

 

30 December - U Kiang Nangbah death anniversary

 

U Kiang Nangbah, also known as U Tirot Sing, was a Khasi leader and a freedom fighter from Meghalaya, India. Unfortunately, specific birth date for U Kiang Nangbah is not readily available.His death date mentioned is 30 December 1862. Historical records from that period may not be as comprehensive, and the details of his life might be based more on oral traditions.

U Kiang Nangbah played a significant role in resisting British colonial rule in the Khasi Hills during the 19th century. He led the Khasi people in their struggle against the British East India Company's attempts to annex the Khasi territories. His efforts were part of the broader resistance against British imperialism in various parts of India.

While specific dates might be elusive, U Kiang Nangbah is remembered and celebrated for his contributions to the fight for independence in the region. His legacy is honored, and he is considered a hero in the history of Meghalaya and the broader context of India's struggle for freedom.

30 December - Subhash Chandra Bose waved India's independence flag at Port Blair in 1943

 

Subhas Chandra Bose did indeed play a significant role in India's struggle for independence, and he is remembered for his efforts to free India from British rule. However, there is some historical controversy surrounding the claim that he waved India's independence flag in Port Blair in 1943.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a key leader in the Indian National Congress during the pre-independence era. However, due to ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders, Bose eventually formed the Forward Bloc and later sought support from Axis powers during World War II to fight against British colonial rule.

In 1943, Bose led the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, with the aim of liberating India from British control. The INA, composed of Indian prisoners of war and civilians in Southeast Asia, played a role in the Burma Campaign against the British.

There is historical evidence that Subhas Chandra Bose visited the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Port Blair, during this period. However, the specific claim that he waved India's independence flag at Port Blair in 1943 is not universally accepted by historians, and details about such an event may be subject to differing accounts.

While Netaji's contributions to India's struggle for independence and his leadership of the INA are widely acknowledged, it's essential to approach historical claims with a critical perspective, considering the complexity of events during that time.

30 December - Rizal Day

 

Rizal Day is a national holiday in the Philippines observed on 30 December each year. It commemorates the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines. Dr. Jose Rizal was a key figure in the country's struggle for independence during the late 19th century. He was a multifaceted intellectual, a novelist, poet, ophthalmologist, and a nationalist who played a crucial role in inspiring Filipinos to seek freedom from Spanish colonial rule.

The significance of Rizal Day goes beyond just remembering the life of Jose Rizal; it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Filipino revolutionaries and the continuing quest for national sovereignty and independence. On this day, various events, ceremonies, and programs are organized across the country to honor Rizal's legacy and to reflect on the struggles and aspirations of the Filipino people for freedom and self-determination. The observance of Rizal Day is also a time for Filipinos to renew their commitment to the values of patriotism, nationalism, and social justice.

 

30 December - Dushyant Kumar death anniversary

 

Dushyant Kumar (1933–1975) was a prominent Hindi poet and lyricist from India. He was born in the town of Narsinghpur in Madhya Pradesh. Dushyant Kumar is known for his poignant and socially relevant poetry, which often reflected the struggles and aspirations of the common people.

He was born on 01 September 1933 and he passed away on 30 December 1975

His poetry touched upon various themes, including love, social justice, and the challenges faced by the underprivileged. Dushyant Kumar was part of the Nayi Kavita (New Poetry) movement in Hindi literature, which sought to break away from traditional forms and explore new expressions.

One of his well-known works is the poem "Ho Gayi Hai Peer Parvat Si, Pighalni Chahiye," which addresses the need for change and transformation in society. His poems often carried a deep sense of empathy and a call for social reform.

Dushyant Kumar's life was cut short at the age of 42 when he met with a fatal accident in 1975. Despite his relatively short literary career, his impact on Hindi poetry remains significant, and his verses are still remembered and recited by poetry enthusiasts in India. His work continues to be celebrated for its emotional intensity and its connection to the social fabric of the time.

29 December - Rajesh Khanna birth anniversary

 

Rajesh Khanna born Jatin Khanna (29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. He is called as the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema",he consecutively starred in a record 15 solo hero successful films between 1969 and 1971.He was the highest-paid actor in Hindi cinema throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His accolades include four BFJA Awards and five Filmfare Awards, and in 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour.

Khanna made his debut in 1966 Aakhri Khat which was India's first official Oscar Entry in 1967. In 2005, he was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award on the 50th anniversary of the Filmfare Awards.He was a Member of Parliament in the 10th Lok Sabha from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency between 1992 and 1996, elected in the 1992 New Delhi by-election as an Indian National Congress candidate.He was married to Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, eight months before her debut film Bobby was released and had two daughters from the marriage. Their elder daughter Twinkle Khanna is an actress who is married to actor Akshay Kumar, while they also have a younger daughter Rinke Khanna.

Khanna died on 18 July 2012, after a period of illness.He has been honoured with a stamp and statue in his likeness, and a road renamed after him by the Prime Minister of India. In 2014, his biography Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India's First Superstar by Yasser Usman was published by Penguin Books.In 2022, his biography "Rajesh Khanna The Most Versatile Superstar Actor of Hindi Cinema" written by Narayanan Subramanian was released.In 2018, a one kilometre fitness trail in Lajpat Nagar National Park was named after Khanna, which was inaugurated by his wife Dimple Kapadia.

29 December - Andrew Johnson birth anniversary

 

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. Here are some key points about Andrew Johnson:

1. Early Life: Andrew Johnson was born on 29 December 1808, in Raleigh, North Carolina, in a poor family. He had little formal education and apprenticed as a tailor.

2. Political Career in Tennessee: Johnson entered politics in Tennessee and served in various local and state offices, including as governor and U.S. senator. He was the only senator from a Confederate state who did not resign when the Southern states seceded during the Civil War.

3. Vice Presidency: Johnson became Abraham Lincoln's running mate as Vice President in the 1864 election, representing the National Union Party. His selection was aimed at fostering a sense of national unity during the Civil War.

4. Presidency: Johnson became President on 15 April 1865, following the assassination of President Lincoln. As President, he faced the complex task of Reconstruction in the aftermath of the Civil War.

5. Reconstruction Policies: Johnson's approach to Reconstruction was lenient towards the Southern states. He favored quick restoration of the former Confederate states to the Union with minimal federal intervention. This approach conflicted with the more radical Republican Congress, leading to significant political tension.

6. Impeachment: Johnson's resistance to the Radical Republican agenda, including his vetoes of key Reconstruction legislation, led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1868. He was charged with violating the Tenure of Office Act, but he narrowly avoided removal from office when the Senate fell one vote short of the necessary two-thirds majority for conviction.

7. Later Years: After leaving the presidency, Johnson returned to Tennessee and later served again in the U.S. Senate. He sought but did not win the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 1868.

8. Death: Andrew Johnson died on 31 July 1875, in Carter County, Tennessee.

Andrew Johnson's presidency is often viewed as one of the most challenging periods in American history, marked by the difficulties of Reconstruction and the post-Civil War era. The conflicts between the executive and legislative branches during his presidency left a lasting impact on the balance of power between these branches of government.

 

29 December - K. V. Puttappa birth anniversary

 

K. V. Puttappa, also known as Kuvempu, was a prominent Indian poet, playwright, novelist, and critic who wrote predominantly in the Kannada language. He was born on 29 December 1904, in Hirekodige near Bommalapura in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, India. Kuvempu is widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures in the Kannada language and played a significant role in the modernization of Kannada literature.

Some key points about K. V. Puttappa (Kuvempu) include:

1. Literary Contributions: Kuvempu's literary works encompass various genres, including poetry, plays, novels, essays, and short stories. He wrote with a strong emphasis on human values, social issues, and the need for a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

2. Magnum Opus: His epic poetic work, "Sri Ramayana Darshanam," is considered a masterpiece. It is a modern rendering of the Indian epic Ramayana, and Kuvempu received the Jnanpith Award, one of the highest literary honors in India, for this work in 1967.

3. Philosopher and Educationist: Kuvempu was not only a literary figure but also a philosopher and educationist. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore and made significant contributions to the field of education.

4. Rashtrakavi: Kuvempu was conferred with the title "Rashtrakavi" (National Poet) by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian literature.

5. Legacy: Kuvempu's influence extends beyond literature. He was an advocate for social reform, environmental conservation, and the promotion of Kannada language and culture.

Kuvempu passed away on 11 November 1994, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire readers and scholars in Karnataka and beyond. His contributions have had a lasting impact on Kannada literature and cultural life in India.