20 September - Narayana Guru death anniversary

 

Narayana Guru, born on 28 August 1855, and passing away on 20 September 1928, was a revered Indian social reformer, philosopher, and spiritual leader. He hailed from the state of Kerala, which was marked by rigid caste hierarchies and social inequalities during his time.

Narayana Guru dedicated his life to advocating for social justice, equality, and spiritual enlightenment. He strongly opposed the caste system and believed in the unity of humanity regardless of caste, creed, or religion. He promoted the idea of "One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man," emphasizing the universality of spiritual values and the need to eradicate discrimination.

His teachings and actions led to the formation of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, an organization that aimed to uplift the marginalized and backward communities in Kerala. He also emphasized education as a means of empowerment and established schools and temples that were open to people of all castes.

Narayana Guru's philosophy and efforts for social reform left a profound impact on Kerala and the broader Indian society. His teachings continue to inspire social and religious harmony and remain relevant in the quest for a more equitable and just society.

20 September - National Cinema Day

 

National Cinema Day in India is celebrated to recognize and promote the love for cinema across the country. It serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of the film industry, its cultural influence, and its impact on society. While National Cinema Day was introduced globally, the celebration in India took off in 2022, driven by the Multiplex Association of India (MAI).

National Cinema Day 2024 is celebrated on 20 September 2024. Organized by the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), this event offers moviegoers the chance to watch films at a discounted price of ₹99 per ticket across 4,000+ screens, including major chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis. The discount applies to regular screenings, while premium formats like IMAX and 4DX are excluded. This day aims to bring audiences back to theaters and promote the love for cinema​

20 September - Independence Day of South Ossetia

 

The Independence Day of South Ossetia is celebrated on 20th September each year. This marks the date in 1990 when the region declared its independence from Georgia, following growing tensions and nationalist movements in the final years of the Soviet Union. However, South Ossetia's independence remains largely unrecognized internationally, with most of the world considering it part of Georgia.

Historical Background:

• South Ossetia, located in the Caucasus, has been a contentious region for many years, with a significant Ossetian population seeking separation from Georgia, while Georgia views it as an integral part of its territory.
• On 20 September 1990, the South Ossetian authorities declared the establishment of the South Ossetian Soviet Democratic Republic and later, full independence from Georgia, leading to heightened tensions and violent conflicts.
• The situation escalated into the 1991–1992 South Ossetia War, which resulted in significant devastation and a de facto separation of South Ossetia from Georgia, though its independence was not internationally recognized.

Conflict and Recognition:

• In 2008, following the brief Russo-Georgian War, Russia officially recognized South Ossetia as an independent country. This recognition was followed by only a handful of countries, including Nicaragua, Venezuela, Syria, and a few Pacific island nations.
• Most of the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, and NATO, still regard South Ossetia as part of Georgia, and the region is not recognized as an independent state by the majority of nations.

Current Situation:

• South Ossetia operates as a de facto independent state with its own government and Russian military presence, though it remains economically and politically dependent on Russia.
• Georgia continues to assert its claim over South Ossetia, considering it as part of its sovereign territory, and tensions between the two sides remain unresolved.

20 September - National Youth Day (Thailand)

 

National Youth Day in Thailand is celebrated annually on 20th September . This day honors the importance of the country's youth, recognizing their role in shaping Thailand's future. The day encourages young people to be responsible citizens, develop leadership skills, and contribute positively to society.

Historical Background:

The celebration of National Youth Day in Thailand was established to commemorate the birthdays of two former kings who were considered significant youth figures:

• King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), born on 20 September 1853.
• King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), born on 20 September 1925.

Both monarchs made significant contributions to Thailand’s progress, and their birthdays on the same date make the occasion doubly symbolic. King Chulalongkorn is known for modernizing the country, while King Ananda Mahidol is remembered for his short but impactful reign.

Objectives and Activities:

• Youth Development: The day highlights the importance of providing opportunities for the youth to develop their skills and talents. It emphasizes education, innovation, and leadership development.
• Promoting Social Responsibility: Schools, universities, and youth organizations hold special events, seminars, and activities that focus on encouraging young people to contribute to social causes, environmental conservation, and community service.
• Celebrations: There are often youth competitions, sports events, exhibitions, and cultural performances held across the country to honor the potential and accomplishments of young people.

National Youth Day is a reminder of the country's belief in its youth as the driving force for Thailand’s future, promoting values of education, civic duty, and national pride.

20 September - George Raymond Richard Martin birth anniversary

 

George Raymond Richard Martin, often referred to as George R.R. Martin, is a renowned American author best known for his epic fantasy series, "A Song of Ice and Fire." He was born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey, USA.

George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, which includes novels like "A Game of Thrones," "A Clash of Kings," "A Storm of Swords," "A Feast for Crows," and "A Dance with Dragons," has gained immense popularity and acclaim for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and intricate political and social dynamics. The series was adapted into the highly successful HBO television series "Game of Thrones."

Before achieving fame with "A Song of Ice and Fire," Martin had a prolific career as a science fiction and fantasy writer. He worked in television, including writing for the TV series "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits."

George R.R. Martin's writing is known for its realism and willingness to subvert traditional fantasy tropes, which has resonated with a broad readership. However, the lengthy gaps between the releases of his novels in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series have led to anticipation and speculation among his fans regarding the forthcoming books, notably "The Winds of Winter" and "A Dream of Spring," which will conclude the series.

George R.R. Martin's contributions to the world of fantasy literature have made him a prominent and influential figure in the genre, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

19 September - Yuvraj Singh made history by hitting six sixes in a single over against England in T20 World Cup match

 

On 19 September 2007, during the ICC T20 World Cup, Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh made history by hitting six sixes in a single over against England's bowler Stuart Broad. This incredible feat occurred in the 19th over of India's innings, and Yuvraj reached his half-century in just 12 balls, setting the record for the fastest fifty in T20 internationals. This moment remains one of the most iconic achievements in cricket, contributing to India's eventual win and their successful campaign to lift the T20 World Cup that year.

19 September - New Zealand became first country to grant women the right to vote 1893

On 19 September 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to grant women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. This historic achievement was largely due to the efforts of women's suffrage activists like Kate Sheppard, whose tireless campaigning helped bring about this groundbreaking change in voting rights.

Here are more details about the events leading up to and following the landmark decision:

Background and Campaign

• Early Advocacy: The campaign for women's suffrage began in the 1870s but gained significant momentum in the 1880s. Advocates like Kate Sheppard believed that granting women the right to vote would improve society by allowing women to influence laws, particularly regarding social reforms like temperance.

• Petitions: A series of petitions were organized throughout the 1890s, with the largest one submitted in 1893, bearing over 32,000 signatures. This massive petition was a key moment that pressured New Zealand's Parliament to take the matter seriously. It was known as the largest petition in New Zealand at the time.

• Political Struggle: Despite significant opposition, including concerns that women's involvement in politics would disrupt the family structure, a suffrage bill was introduced several times in the 1890s. Each time it was narrowly defeated. However, by 1893, public support had reached a tipping point.

• Passage of the Electoral Act 1893: On September 19, 1893, the Governor, Lord Glasgow, signed the Electoral Act into law, officially granting women the right to vote. This act made New Zealand the first self-governing nation to allow women to participate in national elections.

First Women's Election

• The law took effect just in time for the 1893 general election. A huge number of women, approximately 85% of those eligible, registered to vote, and on 28 November 1893, women cast their ballots for the first time in New Zealand’s history.

Impact and Legacy

• International Influence: New Zealand's action had a ripple effect worldwide, encouraging women's suffrage movements in other countries like the United Kingdom and the United States. Australia followed by granting women the right to vote in 1902, though other countries took decades to follow suit.

• Kate Sheppard's Legacy: Kate Sheppard became a symbol of the suffrage movement, both in New Zealand and globally. Her portrait is featured on the New Zealand $10 note, and she remains an enduring figure in feminist history.

• Continued Progress: While women were granted the right to vote, it wasn't until 1919 that they were allowed to stand for election to Parliament. New Zealand elected its first female MP, Elizabeth McCombs, in 1933.

New Zealand’s achievement is remembered as a defining moment in the global struggle for gender equality, setting an important precedent for women’s rights around the world.

19 September - Karnam Malleswari becomes the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in 2000

 

On 19 September 2000, Karnam Malleswari made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. She achieved this feat at the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in weightlifting, competing in the women's 69 kg category.

Malleswari lifted a total of 240 kg, securing her place on the podium and marking a significant milestone for Indian women in sports. Her achievement was particularly groundbreaking, as it showcased Indian women's potential on the global sports stage and inspired many future athletes.

Her victory remains a celebrated moment in Indian Olympic history, and she is regarded as a trailblazer for women athletes in the country.

Early Life and Career:

• Born on 01 June 1975, in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, Malleswari began weightlifting at the age of 12. Coming from a humble background, she had to overcome several obstacles, including financial constraints and limited resources.
• She trained rigorously under the guidance of prominent coaches and quickly rose to prominence in the national and international weightlifting scene.

Achievements Prior to Sydney Olympics:

• Before her Olympic glory, Malleswari had already established herself as one of the top weightlifters in the world.
• She won the World Weightlifting Championship in 1994 and 1995, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat.
• At the 1998 Asian Games, she earned a bronze medal, further solidifying her place among elite weightlifters.

Sydney 2000 Olympics:

• At the Sydney Olympics, Malleswari competed in the 69 kg weightlifting category.
• She successfully lifted 110 kg in the snatch and 130 kg in the clean and jerk, for a total of 240 kg, which earned her the bronze medal.
• Malleswari had the potential to win gold but missed a 137.5 kg lift in her final attempt in the clean and jerk, which would have propelled her to the top spot.
• Despite this, her achievement of winning India’s first-ever women’s Olympic medal was a historic and proud moment for the country.

Significance of the Win:

• Malleswari’s bronze medal was India's first Olympic medal in 4 years, after Leander Paes's bronze in tennis at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
• More importantly, it was India's first-ever Olympic medal by a woman, breaking gender barriers and inspiring future generations of female athletes in a nation where sports, particularly for women, did not receive as much attention or investment.
• Her win also boosted the visibility of weightlifting in India and encouraged more young women to take up the sport.

Legacy:

• Karnam Malleswari's triumph paved the way for future women Olympic medalists like Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Sakshi Malik.
• For her contributions to Indian sports, she was honored with prestigious awards, including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (India’s highest sporting honor) and the Padma Shri (India’s fourth-highest civilian award).
• After her retirement from competitive sports, she continues to contribute to weightlifting in India as a coach and mentor, and in 2021, she was appointed as the first vice-chancellor of Delhi Sports University.

Malleswari's Olympic success remains a symbol of perseverance and determination, and she is celebrated as a trailblazer who shattered societal norms and achieved greatness on the world stage.

19 September - International Talk Like a Pirate Day

 

International Talk Like a Pirate Day is celebrated annually on September 19th. It began in 1995 as a fun and lighthearted holiday created by two friends, John Baur ("Ol' Chumbucket") and Mark Summers ("Cap'n Slappy"). The idea behind the day is to encourage people to speak in pirate lingo for fun, using expressions like "Arrr!" and "Ahoy, matey!"

While it started as a joke between friends, the holiday gained popularity when humor columnist Dave Barry mentioned it in a syndicated article in 2002. Since then, it has become an international phenomenon, with events, parties, and social media posts celebrating the pirate-speak.

The day is known for its playful spirit, with people dressing up in pirate costumes, organizing pirate-themed events, and even using it as a fundraiser for various charities.

18 September - Samuel Johnson birth anniversary

 

Samuel Johnson (born 18 September 1709 – died 13 December 1784) was a towering figure in English literature, best known for his contributions as a writer, poet, essayist, and lexicographer. He is most famous for compiling "A Dictionary of the English Language" in 1755, which became one of the most influential dictionaries in the history of the English language. Johnson's works also include literary criticism, political pamphlets, and a biography of his friend, the poet Richard Savage.

Born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, Johnson faced early struggles, including poverty and illness, yet his remarkable intellect and wit helped him rise to prominence. His literary club, known as The Club, included distinguished members like Edmund Burke and James Boswell, the latter of whom would go on to write Johnson's celebrated biography, "The Life of Samuel Johnson".

In addition to his lexicographical work, Johnson's essays, particularly those written for The Rambler and The Idler, showcased his moral philosophy and insight into human nature. Despite enduring bouts of depression and illness, he became a revered moral authority and a central figure in London’s literary scene. Johnson's legacy continues to influence English literature and lexicography to this day.