22 July - C. V. Sridhar birth anniversary

 

C. V. Sridhar, born on 22 July 1933, in Chitthamur, Tamil Nadu, India, was a distinguished filmmaker, screenwriter, and playwright who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His career spanned several decades, during which he directed and wrote numerous successful films, primarily in Tamil but also in Hindi and Telugu.

Sridhar's entry into the film industry began as a playwright. His first major success came with his play "Raththa Paasam," which was adapted into a film. This success led to his debut as a director with the Tamil film Kalyana Parisu (1959), which was a significant commercial hit and established him as a notable filmmaker. The film was later remade in Hindi as Nazrana (1961), furthering his reputation.

He was known for his ability to craft compelling narratives that often explored themes of romance, social issues, and human emotions. His films were also notable for their music, with many of the songs becoming timeless hits. Some of his most acclaimed Tamil films include Nenjil Or Aalayam (1962), Kadhalikka Neramillai (1964), Sumaithaangi (1962), and Vennira Aadai (1965). In Hindi cinema, his film Dil Ek Mandir (1963) won the Filmfare Award for Best Story.

Sridhar was also innovative in his filmmaking techniques, often experimenting with storytelling styles and cinematic aesthetics that were ahead of his time. His ability to blend commercial appeal with artistic merit made his films popular with both audiences and critics.

In addition to his work in Tamil and Hindi, Sridhar also made successful films in Telugu, contributing significantly to the broader Indian film industry. His work earned him several awards and recognitions, including the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director.

C. V. Sridhar passed away on 20 October 2008, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His legacy continues to influence filmmakers, and his films remain beloved by audiences for their emotional depth, musical brilliance, and narrative excellence.

22 July - Takamine Jōkichi death anniversary

 

Takamine Jōkichi, born on 03 November 1854, in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, Japan, was a pioneering chemist whose work had profound impacts on biochemistry and industrial chemistry. He was the son of a doctor and showed an early aptitude for science. Takamine studied at Osaka Medical School and the University of Tokyo, before continuing his education in chemical engineering at the University of Glasgow and Anderson College in Scotland.

Upon returning to Japan, Takamine worked for the Japanese government and played a crucial role in the modernization of Japan’s chemical industry. In 1884, he moved to the United States, where he would spend much of his professional life. Takamine founded the Takamine Ferment Company and later the Sankyo Company, which became one of Japan's leading pharmaceutical companies.

One of Takamine's most significant achievements was the isolation and crystallization of the hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) in 1901. This groundbreaking work made Takamine the first person to isolate a hormone in pure form, marking a major milestone in the field of endocrinology. His discovery had immediate applications in medicine, particularly in the treatment of asthma and anaphylactic shock.

In addition to his work on adrenaline, Takamine developed Takadiastase, an enzyme derived from a fungus, which was used to aid digestion and treat digestive disorders. This product was the first commercially produced microbial enzyme and found widespread use in both the brewing and pharmaceutical industries.

Takamine was also instrumental in fostering Japan-U.S. relations. He was a key figure in the gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to the United States in 1912, which were planted in Washington, D.C., and continue to be a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

Takamine passed away on 22 July 1922, in New York City. His legacy is remembered through his pioneering scientific contributions and his role in enhancing international relations. His innovative spirit and dedication to scientific progress continue to inspire future generations.

22 July - Indra Lal Roy death anniversary

 

Indra Lal Roy, born on 02 December 1898, in Calcutta, India, was a trailblazing figure in military aviation history, becoming the first Indian to earn the title of flying ace during World War I. He was the son of Piera Lal Roy and Lolita Roy, a prominent family in British India. Educated at St. Paul's School, Hammersmith, and later at the University of Oxford, Roy's passion for aviation led him to join the Royal Flying Corps in April 1917.

Roy underwent pilot training and quickly demonstrated his prowess in the skies. By June 1918, he was posted to No. 40 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps (later the Royal Air Force). During his service, Roy flew the SE5a, a single-seat fighter aircraft. His exceptional flying skills and courage were evident in his numerous aerial combats. Between 06 July and 19 July 1918, Roy achieved ten aerial victories, an impressive feat that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

Roy's aerial victories included five enemy aircraft destroyed and five others driven down out of control. His last combat mission took place on 22 July 1918, when he was involved in a dogfight with German fighters over Carvin, France. Tragically, Roy was shot down and killed in action. He was only 19 years old at the time of his death.

Indra Lal Roy's short but impactful career left an enduring legacy. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his bravery and skill. His contributions to military aviation are remembered as a testament to his courage and pioneering spirit. Roy's story continues to inspire future generations of aviators and serves as a proud chapter in the history of Indian military service.

22 July - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won the Fort of Vellore

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj indeed captured the Fort of Vellore in Tamil Nadu during his extensive campaigns in South India. This event is an important part of his southern conquests and strategic military efforts to expand the Maratha Empire.

Historical Context

• Southern Campaigns: In the latter part of his reign, Shivaji undertook several campaigns in southern India to expand his empire and secure strategic forts and territories. This was part of his broader strategy to weaken the Mughal and Bijapur Sultanates.
• Fort of Vellore: The Fort of Vellore, known for its architectural beauty and strategic importance, was one of the key targets during these campaigns. It served as a crucial military base for controlling the surrounding region.

Capture of Vellore

• Date of Capture: Historical records suggest that the capture of Vellore took place around  22 July 1678 during his southern expedition.
• Strategic Importance: The fort's capture provided Shivaji with a stronghold in Tamil Nadu, further consolidating his power in the southern part of India and disrupting the control of his adversaries.

Legacy

• Military Genius: The capture of such significant forts underlined Shivaji's reputation as a brilliant military strategist and an astute leader capable of bold and effective campaigns far from his base in Maharashtra.
• Cultural Impact: His victories in the south also helped to spread Maratha influence and culture beyond their traditional heartlands.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's conquest of the Fort of Vellore remains a testament to his ambitious vision and military prowess in creating a formidable Maratha Empire.

22 July - Alexander Calder birth anniversary

 

Alexander Calder, the renowned American sculptor and artist, was born on July 22, 1898. He is best known for his innovative and influential work in the realm of modern art, particularly for his invention of the mobile, a type of kinetic sculpture that moves with the flow of air or when gently touched.

Calder was born into a family of artists in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, USA. He studied mechanical engineering before pursuing a career in art, which later proved to be a significant influence on his sculptural creations.

Throughout his career, Calder worked with various mediums, including wire, sheet metal, and other materials, to create sculptures that were both playful and elegant. His mobiles, characterized by their delicate balance and graceful movements, redefined the concept of sculpture and introduced a new dimension of space and motion to the art world.

In addition to his mobiles, Calder also created large-scale outdoor sculptures called "stabiles," which were stationary and often made from metal plates.

Calder's work had a profound impact on the development of modern art, and he is considered one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. His contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated and admired worldwide.

Alexander Calder passed away on November 11, 1976, but his artistic legacy lives on through his captivating sculptures and enduring influence on contemporary art.

22 July - Sir Sandford Fleming

 

Sir Sandford Fleming (January 7, 1827 – July 22, 1915) was a Scottish-Canadian engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the fields of railway engineering, telegraphy, and timekeeping. He is perhaps best known for his advocacy of standardized time zones.

Fleming was born in Scotland and immigrated to Canada in 1845. He played a crucial role in the development of the Canadian railway system and served as the chief engineer of the Canadian Pacific Railway, one of the most ambitious and challenging engineering projects of its time.

In the 1870s, Fleming proposed the concept of dividing the world into 24 time zones, each spanning 15 degrees of longitude, with a standard time for each zone. He believed that using a standardized time system would significantly benefit the railway industry and help avoid confusion and accidents caused by inconsistent timekeeping across different regions. His idea was adopted at the International Meridian Conference in Washington, D.C., in 1884, leading to the establishment of the modern system of time zones.

Fleming also played a significant role in the development of telegraphy in Canada and helped lay the first transatlantic telegraph cable, connecting North America and Europe.

In addition to his engineering work, Fleming was a passionate advocate for public health, education, and various social causes. He was knighted in 1897 in recognition of his contributions and achievements.

Sir Sandford Fleming passed away on July 22, 1915, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to impact global timekeeping and transportation systems to this day.

22 July - Randal Cremer death anniversary

 

Randal Cremer, born on March 18, 1828, and passing away on July 22, 1908, was a British politician, pacifist, and advocate for international arbitration. He is best known for his efforts in promoting peace and disarmament, and his significant contributions to the peace movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Cremer began his career as a carpenter and later became involved in labor activism and trade unionism. He joined the International Workingmen's Association, also known as the First International, and became a prominent trade union leader. He was involved in various labor and social reforms, advocating for better working conditions and fair wages for workers.

However, it was his work in the peace movement that brought him international recognition. Cremer was deeply affected by the horrors of war, particularly the Crimean War and the Franco-Prussian War. He became a staunch advocate for peace, believing that disputes between nations should be settled through peaceful means rather than armed conflict.

In 1903, Randal Cremer was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting peace and his work as the founder and first secretary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The IPU was established in 1889 with the aim of facilitating communication and dialogue between different countries' parliaments to resolve international issues and prevent conflicts.

Throughout his life, Cremer remained committed to the principles of pacifism, international arbitration, and disarmament. He continued to be active in politics and the peace movement until his passing in 1908.

 

21 July - Ernest Miller Hemingway birth anniversary

 

Ernest Miller Hemingway (July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961) was an American novelist, short story writer, and journalist. He is considered one of the most influential and celebrated writers of the 20th century. Hemingway's distinctive writing style was characterized by its simplicity and understated emotional depth, which had a profound impact on modern literature.

Hemingway was born in Oak Park, Illinois, USA. He began his writing career as a journalist for newspapers like the Kansas City Star and later worked as a foreign correspondent during World War I, the Spanish Civil War, and World War II. His experiences as a war correspondent greatly influenced his literary works.

21 July - Sivaji Ganesan death anniversary

Sivaji Ganesan (October 1, 1928 – July 21, 2001) was a legendary Indian actor, primarily known for his work in Tamil cinema. He was one of the most iconic and versatile actors in the history of Indian cinema and earned the title "Nadigar Thilagam," which translates to "The Pride of Actors."

Born as Villupuram Chinnaiah Ganesan, he later adopted the screen name "Sivaji Ganesan" as a tribute to the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji. Ganesan's acting career spanned over five decades, and he starred in more than 300 films, leaving an indelible mark on Tamil cinema.

Sivaji Ganesan was known for his exceptional acting skills, deep emotional portrayals, and ability to immerse himself in a wide range of characters, from dramatic roles to comedic ones. He was a master of dialogue delivery, and his powerful performances won him numerous awards and accolades.

Sivaji Ganesan's contributions to cinema earned him several awards, including multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. He also received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema, for his exceptional contribution to the film industry.

Sivaji Ganesan passed away on July 21, 2001, leaving behind a legacy as one of India's most celebrated actors and an inspiration to future generations of actors.

 

21 July - Gangubai Hangal death anniversary

 

Gangubai Hangal (1913 – 2009) was a renowned Indian classical vocalist, hailing from the Kirana gharana, a traditional school of music. She was born on March 5, 1913, in Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Gangubai was a prominent figure in the world of Hindustani classical music and was celebrated for her mesmerizing performances and soulful renditions.

Her musical journey began at a young age, and she received training from notable musicians like Sawai Gandharva, her guru and husband. Gangubai's singing style was characterized by her rich and emotive voice, and she was especially revered for her renditions of khayal, thumri, and bhajan genres.

Throughout her career, Gangubai Hangal performed extensively in India and abroad, earning accolades and appreciation from music enthusiasts and critics alike. She received several prestigious awards for her contributions to Indian classical music, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, which are among the highest civilian honors in India.

Apart from her musical pursuits, Gangubai was also known for her social activism and commitment to various social causes, including women's rights and education. She remained dedicated to her art until the very end, and her legacy continues to inspire aspiring musicians and music lovers around the world.

Gangubai Hangal passed away on July 21, 2009, at the age of 96, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of Indian classical music.