26 January - Australia Day

 

Australia Day is the national day of Australia, celebrated annually on January 26th. The day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson (now Sydney) in 1788 and the raising of the British flag, marking the beginning of British colonization in Australia. It is a day that reflects both the nation's diverse history and its contemporary multicultural society.

Key aspects of Australia Day:

1. Citizenship Ceremonies: Australia Day is a significant day for new citizens, and many citizenship ceremonies are held across the country on this day. People from diverse backgrounds become Australian citizens, contributing to the nation's cultural richness.

2. Community Events: Cities and towns throughout Australia host various events, including parades, concerts, festivals, barbecues, and fireworks displays. These events aim to bring communities together in celebration.

3. Honors and Awards: The Australia Day Honours List is announced, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community. The Australian of the Year Awards are also presented, acknowledging individuals who have excelled in various fields.

4. Controversies: Australia Day has been a subject of ongoing discussion and debate. Some Indigenous Australians view the day as a day of mourning, as it marks the beginning of colonization and the impact on Indigenous communities. Efforts to change the date or find a more inclusive national day continue to be part of public discourse.

5. Triple J Hottest 100: The Triple J Hottest 100 is an annual music countdown held on Australia Day. It is a popular event, with Australians voting for their favorite songs of the year.

While Australia Day is widely celebrated, the date has also prompted conversations about the need for a more inclusive national day that respects the perspectives of all Australians, including Indigenous peoples. Discussions about changing the date are ongoing.

26 January - Duarte Day

 

Duarte Day, also known as "Día de Duarte," is celebrated in the Dominican Republic on January 26th each year. The day commemorates the birth of Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic and a key figure in the country's struggle for independence.

Juan Pablo Duarte was born on 26 January 1813, in Santo Domingo. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the secret society La Trinitaria, which was instrumental in planning and executing the Dominican War of Independence against Haitian rule. The war ultimately led to the establishment of the Dominican Republic on 27 February 1844.

Duarte Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, and it is marked by various events and activities, including parades, ceremonies, and cultural performances. Schools, government offices, and businesses may be closed or have reduced hours on this day. The celebrations aim to honor Juan Pablo Duarte's legacy, his commitment to independence, and his contributions to the formation of the Dominican Republic.

26 January - Amar Jawan Jyoti was established at the India Gate in Delhi

 

Amar Jawan Jyoti, which translates to the "Flame of the Immortal Soldier," was established at India Gate in New Delhi on 26 January 1972. The ceremony took place on Republic Day, which is celebrated annually on January 26th in India.

Amar Jawan Jyoti serves as a memorial to honor and pay tribute to the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives for the country. The eternal flame symbolizes the indomitable spirit and bravery of the Indian military personnel.

The memorial consists of a black marble plinth, with a reversed rifle capped by a soldier's helmet symbolizing a war memorial. The flame is kept perpetually alive, and it serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who gave their lives in defense of the nation.

Amar Jawan Jyoti is an important landmark and a site of reverence, particularly during national events and ceremonies, such as Republic Day celebrations, where the President of India pays homage to the martyrs.

 

26 January - The Lions of the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh got the recognition of a national emblem.

 

The Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is part of the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, has been adopted as the National Emblem of India. The Lion Capital features four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolizing power, courage, confidence, and pride. It also includes the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law) at the center.

The decision to adopt the Lion Capital as the National Emblem was made on January 26, 1950, the same day that India formally became a republic. The significance of the Lion Capital lies in its association with Emperor Ashoka, a major figure in Indian history who embraced Buddhism and promoted principles of non-violence and moral conduct. The Lion Capital is considered a symbol of India's rich historical and cultural heritage.

The words "Satyameva Jayate," meaning "Truth Alone Triumphs," are inscribed below the Lion Capital and are also part of the State Emblem of India. The Lion Capital has since become an iconic representation of the country and is featured on various official documents, currency notes, and government insignia.

 

26 January - Republic Day India

 

Republic Day in India is celebrated on January 26th each year. It marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. On this day, India formally became a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

The main event on Republic Day is the Republic Day Parade held in the capital city, New Delhi. The parade showcases the rich cultural diversity and military strength of the country. It takes place on Rajpath, from Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence) to India Gate. The President of India, who is the ceremonial head of state, hoists the national flag, and the parade includes displays by the Indian Armed Forces, cultural performances, and tableaux representing various states and union territories.

Republic Day is a national holiday in India, and celebrations take place across the country. Schools, colleges, and government offices organize cultural programs, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and patriotic events to commemorate the day. It is a time for citizens to reflect on the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the principles that guide the nation.

26 January - Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and last Governor-General of independent India, resigned from his post

 

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, often referred to as Rajaji, served as the last Governor-General of India. He held this position from  21 June 1948  to 26 January 1950, which marked the transition period from British colonial rule to the establishment of the Republic of India. On 26 January 1950, India adopted its own constitution, and the office of the Governor-General was replaced by the ceremonial position of the President of India.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India on  26 January 1950, the same day that India officially became a republic. Rajagopalachari resigned as the Governor-General, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the President. This event is significant in India's history as it marked the country's transformation into a republic with its own constitution, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad played a key role as the first President.

 

26 January - International Customs Day

 

International Customs Day is observed annually on January 26th. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the role of customs officials and agencies in maintaining border security, facilitating international trade, and enforcing customs regulations. The day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of customs in protecting nations from illegal activities such as smuggling, trafficking, and customs fraud.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) plays a significant role in promoting the celebration of International Customs Day. Each year, the WCO selects a theme for the day, focusing on a particular aspect of customs work. The themes often address current challenges and issues faced by customs administrations globally.

Customs officials worldwide participate in various activities and events on International Customs Day, such as seminars, workshops, and conferences, to discuss and share best practices in customs management. It's also a time to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of customs officers who contribute to the efficient functioning of international trade and the protection of society.

26 January - Michigan was admitted as the 26th U.S. state in 1837

 

Michigan was admitted as the 26th U.S. state on 26 January 1837. It became a state after the passage of the Enabling Act of 1836, which authorized the residents of the Michigan Territory to draft a constitution and seek admission to the Union. Michigan's path to statehood was marked by some controversy, including the Toledo War with Ohio over a disputed boundary, which was eventually resolved in favor of Ohio. Michigan's capital is Lansing, and Detroit is its largest city.

26 January - Madhav Shrihari Aney death anniversary

 

Madhav Shrihari Aney (29 August 1880 – 26 January 1968) popularly referred to as Loknayak Bapuji Aney or Bapuji Aney, was an ardent educationist, freedom fighter, statesman, a modern Sanskrit poet and a politician. He was slso conferred with the title of "Loknayak Bapuji", which means "The People's Leader and Respected Father". He was one of the founders of the Congress Nationalist Party. He was first among the eminent disciples of Lokmanya Tilak such as N C Kelkar, Kakasaheb Khadilkar, Gangadhar Deshpande, Dr B S Munje, Abhyankar, T B Paranjpe and Vaman Malhar Joshi, who walked in the footsteps of Tilak.Accepting the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi on the death of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Aney persuaded his colleagues to see the writing on the wall. At the same time he was not blind in his loyalty. He disapproved Congress throwing itself in Khilafat Movement and warned against excessive wooing of Muslims at the cost of national interests. He regarded unity at any price as elusive and dangerous. Since the best safeguard for the minority was the goodwill of the majority. He never permitted his critical faculties to be blurred by emotion. Mahatma Gandhi admiring his calm logic, confided in him and often sought his counsel. He was chosen to arbitrate the disputes between Subhash Chandra Bose and Jatindra Mohan Sengupta. He was never a breaker or a destroyer but was always a cementing factor believing in synthesis and not in segregation.

26 January - Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected the nation’s first President

 

Rajendra Prasad born on 3 December, 1884, in Ziradei (in the Siwan district of Bihar), was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, scholar and subsequently, the first President of India.

He joined the Indian National Congress during the Indian Independence Movement and became a major leader from the region of Bihar. He was so greatly moved by the dedication, courage and conviction of Mahatma Gandhi that as soon as the motion of Non-Cooperation was passed by Indian National Congress in 1920, he retired from his lucrative career of lawyer to aid the movement. He was imprisoned by British authorities during the Salt Satyagraha of 1931 and the Quit India movement of 1942. After the 1946 elections, he served as Minister of Food and Agriculture in the central government. Upon independence in 1947, he was elected as President of the Constituent Assembly of India. Two and a half years after independence, on 26 January 1950, Prasad was elected the nation’s first President. He stayed in office for the longest term of around 12 years (from 1950 to 1962).

He took an active role in helping people affected by the 1914 floods that struck Bihar and Bengal. He served in various educational institutions as a teacher. He encouraged the development of education in India and advised the Nehru government on several occasions. He played a major role in forming the Bihari Students Conference in 1906. He died on 28 February, 1963, aged 78. Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya in Patna is dedicated to him.