24 January - Winston Churchill death anniversary

 

Winston Churchill was born on 30 November 1874, and he passed away on 24 January 1965  he was a British statesman, military leader, and writer who played a prominent role in the United Kingdom during some of its most challenging periods, particularly during World War II. Some key points about Winston Churchill include:

1. Political Career: Churchill had a long political career, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for several decades. He held various government positions, including First Lord of the Admiralty, Minister of Munitions, and Chancellor of the Exchequer.

2. World War II: Perhaps his most significant role came during World War II. Churchill became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1940, just as Britain was facing the threat of Nazi Germany. His speeches, notably during the Battle of Britain, are still remembered for their inspirational and resolute tone.

3. Alliance with Allies: Churchill worked closely with leaders such as U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin as part of the Allied forces against the Axis powers.

4. Iron Curtain Speech: After World War II, Churchill delivered his famous "Iron Curtain" speech in 1946, warning about the division of Europe and the rise of Soviet influence. This speech is often considered a key moment in the beginning of the Cold War.

5. Second Term as Prime Minister: Churchill served a second term as Prime Minister from 1951 to 1955. During this time, he faced challenges related to the Korean War and issues of post-war reconstruction.

6. Literary Achievements: In addition to his political career, Churchill was a prolific writer and orator. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his mastery of historical and biographical description.

Winston Churchill is remembered as one of the greatest wartime leaders in modern history. His contributions during World War II and his influence on the global stage have left a lasting legacy.

 

 

24 January - Karpoori Thakur birth anniversary

 

Karpoori Thakur, full name Karpoori Thakur Mahto, was an Indian politician and a prominent leader in the state of Bihar. He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar for two non-consecutive terms and is remembered for his contributions to social justice and the upliftment of the marginalized sections of society.

Key points about Karpoori Thakur:

1. Birth and Early Life: Karpoori Thakur was born on 24 January 1924, in Pitaunjhia village in Samastipur district, Bihar.

2. Political Career: He began his political career in the 1950s and rose to prominence as a leader who championed the cause of social justice. He was associated with the Janata Party.

3. Chief Minister of Bihar: Karpoori Thakur served as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time from December 1970 to June 1971 and for the second time from December 1977 to February 1979. His tenure focused on issues such as land reform and social equality.

4. Reservation for Backward Classes: One of his significant contributions was the implementation of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in education and government jobs in Bihar. This move aimed at providing opportunities for the upliftment of socially and economically backward communities.

5. Simplicity: Karpoori Thakur was known for his simplicity and commitment to the welfare of the common people. He is often referred to as the "Jan Nayak" (People's Leader).

6. Death: Karpoori Thakur passed away on 17 February 1988.

Karpoori Thakur's legacy is remembered in Bihar for his efforts to address social inequalities and empower the marginalized sections of society. His contributions to the implementation of social justice measures, particularly in the form of reservations, have had a lasting impact on Indian politics.

24 January - Gustav III birth anniversary

 

Gustav III (24 January 1746 – 29 March 1792) was the King of Sweden from 1771 until his assassination in 1792. He ascended to the throne after orchestrating a coup against the parliamentarian "Caps" government in 1772. Gustav III was known for his attempts to strengthen the monarchy and limit the powers of the nobility.

His reign saw a period of enlightenment and cultural development in Sweden, with Gustav III actively promoting the arts, literature, and theater. However, he faced political opposition, and his attempts to centralize power were met with resistance.

Gustav III was fatally shot during a masked ball at the Royal Opera House in Stockholm on 16 March 1792. He succumbed to his injuries and died on 29 March 1792. The assassination is often attributed to political opponents. After his death, his son, Gustav IV Adolf, succeeded him as the King of Sweden.

24 January - Indira Gandhi became the third Prime Minister of India in 1966

 

She became the third Prime Minister of India on 24 January 1966. Indira Gandhi was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. After his death in 1964, Gulzarilal Nanda served as the acting Prime Minister until the Indian National Congress elected Indira Gandhi as their leader.

Following her election as the leader of the Congress Party, Indira Gandhi was appointed as the Prime Minister by President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Her political career was marked by both significant achievements and controversies. She served as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and later returned to office for a fourth term from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

 Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indira_Gandhi

24 January - Jan Gan Man got the status of the national anthem of India in 1950

 

The status of "Jana Gana Mana" as the national anthem of India was officially conferred on 24 January 1950. On this date, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted "Jana Gana Mana" as the national anthem, making it an integral part of the cultural and patriotic identity of the country.

"Jana Gana Mana" was written by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali and was first publicly sung at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress on 27 December 1911. The Hindi version of the anthem was later adopted as the national anthem of India.

The adoption of "Jana Gana Mana" as the national anthem marked a significant moment in India's history as it became an official symbol of unity and patriotism for the newly independent nation. The national anthem is played on various occasions, including official functions and ceremonies, to honor the country and its values.

24 January - Pandit Bhimsen Joshi death anniversary

 

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (1922–2011) was one of the most renowned and celebrated classical vocalists in the Hindustani classical music tradition. He was born on 04 February 1922, in Gadag, Karnataka, India, and became a legendary figure in the world of Indian classical music.

Key points about Pandit Bhimsen Joshi:

1. Musical Style: Bhimsen Joshi was known for his powerful and emotive voice. He was a master of the Kirana gharana, a tradition within Hindustani classical music. His renditions were characterized by a blend of technical virtuosity and deep emotional expression.

2. Early Life: Joshi showed an early interest in music and received initial training in music from his father, Gururaj Joshi. He later studied under various gurus, including Sawai Gandharva.

3. Career: Bhimsen Joshi's career spanned several decades, during which he gave numerous performances both in India and abroad. He was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to Indian classical music.

4. Notable Works: Some of his most famous compositions include the renditions of devotional and classical compositions such as the khayals, bhajans, and abhangas.

5. Awards and Recognitions: Pandit Bhimsen Joshi received several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, which is India's highest civilian award. He was also honored with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

6. Legacy: Bhimsen Joshi's impact on Indian classical music is immeasurable. His soulful renditions continue to inspire and influence aspiring musicians. He is remembered not only for his technical brilliance but also for his ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi passed away on 24 January 2011, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of Indian classical music.

23 January - Veer Surendra Sai birth anniversary

 

Veer Surendra Sai, also known as Surendra Sai, was an Indian freedom fighter and a key figure in the Indian independence movement. His birth and death dates are as follows:

• Born: 23 January 1809
• Died: 28 February  1884

Surendra Sai was a leader in the tribal uprising against the British East India Company's rule in the region of Sambalpur in present-day Odisha, India. He is remembered for his resistance against British colonization and for his efforts to protect the rights and interests of the local people. His legacy is celebrated in India, and he is remembered as a valiant freedom fighter.

23 January - Bounty Day (Pitcairn Islands)

 

Bounty Day, observed in the Pitcairn Islands, commemorates the arrival of the HMS Bounty mutineers on Pitcairn Island in 1790. This event is celebrated annually on January 23rd. The history behind Bounty Day is tied to the famous mutiny on the Bounty, which occurred in 1789.

After the mutiny, some of the mutineers, led by Fletcher Christian, along with a group of Tahitian men and women, sought a place to hide from the British authorities. They eventually found and settled on Pitcairn Island, a remote and uninhabited island in the South Pacific. The mutineers burned the HMS Bounty to avoid detection.

Bounty Day is an important cultural and historical event for the residents of Pitcairn Island, and the day is marked with various activities, including parades, traditional dances, and communal meals. It serves as a reminder of the island's unique history and the resilience of the community that descended from the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

 Reference: Link

23 January - Kapilavastu, the city of Gautama Buddha, was discovered in excavations

 

Kapilavastu is believed to have been the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha. The exact location of Kapilavastu has been a subject of historical and archaeological interest.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several archaeological explorations were conducted in search of Kapilavastu. The search was complicated by the fact that the ancient city was abandoned and its exact location became uncertain over time. In the early 20th century, Sir Aurel Stein, a Hungarian-British archaeologist, conducted excavations at a site in present-day Lumbini, Nepal, which is traditionally considered the birthplace of Buddha. However, his findings did not conclusively establish the location of Kapilavastu.

In recent years, there have been archaeological discoveries and excavations in the Tilaurakot area of Lumbini, Nepal, which is now considered by many scholars to be the likely location of Kapilavastu. The discoveries at Tilaurakot include ancient structures and artifacts associated with Buddhist traditions, providing valuable insights into the history of the region. However, the identification of Kapilavastu remains a subject of ongoing research and discussion among historians and archaeologists.

 

23 January - John Hancock birth anniversary

 

John Hancock (1737–1793) was an American statesman and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He played a significant role in the American Revolution and is best known for his prominent signature on the United States Declaration of Independence. Born on 23 January  1737, in Braintree, Massachusetts (now Quincy), Hancock became a successful merchant and a prominent figure in colonial Massachusetts.

Hancock served as the President of the Second Continental Congress and was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence on 04 July 1776. His large, flamboyant signature on the document has become synonymous with signing one's name.

Apart from his political contributions, John Hancock also served as the Governor of Massachusetts for several years. The term "John Hancock" has become synonymous with a person's signature in colloquial English, thanks to the bold and distinctive way Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence. The phrase "Put your John Hancock on it" is often used to mean signing a document.