14 October - Defender of Ukraine Day (Ukraine)

 

Defender of Ukraine Day (День захисника України) is celebrated annually on October 14. Established in 2014 by a presidential decree, it honors the men and women who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the country's veterans, volunteers, and those defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The date, October 14, is significant for several reasons:

1. Religious and historical symbolism: It coincides with the Feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos (Pokrova), a major religious holiday in Ukraine. The feast day has historically been important to Ukrainian Cossacks, who saw the Virgin Mary as their protector. The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which fought for Ukraine's independence in the mid-20th century, also recognized this day as significant.

2. Cossack Heritage: October 14 is also Ukrainian Cossacks Day, reflecting Ukraine’s proud Cossack tradition of defending their homeland. The modern military draws inspiration from this legacy.

Defender of Ukraine Day replaced the Soviet-era Defender of the Fatherland Day, traditionally observed on February 23. The change was part of broader efforts to move away from Soviet traditions and establish distinctly Ukrainian holidays, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The day is marked by ceremonies, military parades, and acts of remembrance for fallen soldiers. It also serves as a day of national unity and pride, particularly in the context of Ukraine's ongoing struggle for independence and security.

14 October - Dattopant Bapurao Thengadi death anniversary

 

Dattopant Bapurao Thengadi born on 10 November 1920. was a prominent Indian social activist and trade union leader who left an indelible mark on India's labor movement and economic philosophy. Born in 1920, Thengadi was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and the principles of self-reliance.

Thengadi's contributions to Indian society were multifaceted. He was a key figure in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and played a pivotal role in the foundation of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) in 1955. Under his leadership, BMS grew to become one of India's largest and most influential trade union organizations, working tirelessly to improve labor rights and working conditions.

Furthermore, Thengadi was a staunch advocate for Swadeshi economics, emphasizing the importance of indigenous industries and self-sufficiency. He was a co-founder of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, an organization dedicated to promoting economic self-reliance and reducing reliance on foreign goods and technology.

Dattopant Thengadi's life and work embodied his unwavering commitment to the betterment of laborers, the promotion of indigenous industries, and the preservation of India's cultural and economic heritage. His legacy continues to inspire various social, economic, and political movements in India. Dattopant Bapurao Thengadi passed away on 14 October 2004, but his ideas and principles endure as guiding lights for those who seek to build a self-reliant and culturally vibrant India.

 

14 October - B.R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism

 

On October 14, 1956, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a prominent Indian jurist, social reformer, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, converted to Buddhism along with thousands of his followers. This event is known as the "Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din" or the "Dhamma Conversion Day." The conversion took place at Deekshabhoomi, a stupa in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, which is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Dr. Ambedkar's decision to convert to Buddhism was a significant moment in his life and in the history of the Dalit (formerly known as "Untouchable") community in India. It was a deliberate and symbolic act of renouncing Hinduism, which had historically discriminated against and marginalized the Dalits. By embracing Buddhism, Ambedkar and his followers sought to escape the caste-based discrimination and inequality that had long oppressed them.

The conversion ceremony at Deekshabhoomi marked the beginning of a new chapter for Dr. Ambedkar and his followers, as they embraced Buddhism as a path of spiritual and social liberation. Ambedkar's teachings and the principles of Buddhism, with their emphasis on equality, non-violence, and social justice, provided a sense of empowerment and a new identity for many marginalized individuals in India.

Today, the conversion of B.R. Ambedkar to Buddhism is remembered and celebrated as an important moment in the struggle for the rights and dignity of the Dalit community and as a symbol of their pursuit of social justice and equality. It continues to be a significant event in the history of Buddhism in India and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social reform and inclusivity in the country.

 

14 October -Captain Charles Yeager, first human to break the sound barrier in level flight.

 

On October 14, 1947, the American test pilot, Captain Charles "Chuck" Yeager, became the first human to break the sound barrier in level flight. This historic event marked a significant milestone in aviation and aeronautical engineering.

Chuck Yeager accomplished this feat while flying the Bell X-1 aircraft, which he named "Glamorous Glennis" in honor of his wife. The X-1 was a rocket-powered research aircraft designed to reach and exceed the speed of sound, which is approximately 761 miles per hour (1,225 kilometers per hour) at sea level and depends on various factors like temperature and air pressure. Yeager achieved this milestone by flying the X-1 at a speed of Mach 1.06, which is about 807 miles per hour (1,300 kilometers per hour) at an altitude of 45,000 feet (13,700 meters) in the skies over the Mojave Desert in California.

Chuck Yeager's successful supersonic flight had a profound impact on the field of aviation and military technology, as it opened the door to the development of faster and more advanced aircraft. This achievement marked the beginning of the era of supersonic flight and paved the way for the development of supersonic and hypersonic aircraft that followed in the years and decades to come.

Yeager's courage and his role in pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in aviation made him a legendary figure in the history of aerospace, and his achievement on that October day in 1947 is remembered as a groundbreaking moment in the history of flight.

13 October - Ashok Kumar birth anniversary

 

Ashok Kumar, born as Kumudlal Ganguly, was a legendary Indian actor who made significant contributions to the Indian film industry.

• Birth Date: Ashok Kumar was born on 13 October  1911.

• Death Date: He passed away on 10 December 2001.

Key Points:

• Pioneering Actor: Ashok Kumar is often regarded as one of the pioneering actors in Indian cinema. He began his acting career in the 1930s, and over the decades, he appeared in numerous films, making him one of the most iconic and versatile actors in Indian film history.

• Versatility: Ashok Kumar was known for his versatility and ability to excel in a wide range of roles, from romantic leads to character roles. He played both comic and serious characters with equal finesse.

• Iconic Films: Some of his most famous films include "Kismet" (1943), which was one of the earliest blockbusters in Indian cinema, "Naya Sansar" (1941), and "Bandhan" (1940).

• Awards and Honors: Ashok Kumar received several awards during his career, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1999.

• Legacy: His contributions to Indian cinema have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered as the "Dada Muni" of Indian cinema. Ashok Kumar's work and influence continue to inspire generations of actors.

Ashok Kumar's long and illustrious career in Indian cinema made him a beloved figure and a true legend of the industry.

13 October - The Greenwich Meridian (0 degrees longitude) became the reference point for measuring time and longitude globally

 

The International Meridian Conference, which took place from October 1 to October 22, 1884, in Washington, D.C., established the Prime Meridian at the Greenwich Observatory in London, UK. This decision was a crucial step in the standardization of time and the establishment of time zones around the world. The Greenwich Meridian (0 degrees longitude) became the reference point for measuring time and longitude globally, and it is still the prime meridian used today. This conference also led to the adoption of the Universal Day system and the division of the world into 24 time zones, each one hour apart.

12 October - Vijaya Raje Scindia birth anniversary

 

Vijaya Raje Scindia, born on October 12, 1919, and passing away on January 25, 2001, was a prominent Indian political figure known for her involvement in politics and her contributions to the country's political landscape.

She was a member of the royal Maratha Scindia family of Gwalior. Her political career started in the 1950s when she joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP) and subsequently became a prominent leader of the party.

Vijaya Raje Scindia was known for her commitment to conservative and right-wing political ideologies. She was a strong advocate for the interests of the people of her region and served as a Member of Parliament in various capacities. Her political influence and leadership contributed to the growth of the BJP.

Her birth and death dates reflect her significant presence in Indian politics during the 20th century, and she remains a respected and influential figure in the country's political history.

12 October - Columbus Day

 

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is observed on the second Monday in October each year. Columbus Day was first celebrated as a holiday in the United States in 1792 to mark the 300th anniversary of Columbus's historic voyage.

The holiday has traditionally been associated with the Italian-American community, as Christopher Columbus was of Italian descent, and it serves as a day to celebrate Italian heritage and contributions to American culture. Parades, events, and festivities often take place in cities with significant Italian-American populations.

However, Columbus Day has also been a subject of controversy and debate. Some people argue that Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas initiated a period of European colonization that had devastating consequences for indigenous peoples, including violence, disease, and displacement. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day as an alternative to Columbus Day, which aims to acknowledge and celebrate the cultures, contributions, and resilience of Native Americans.

In response to these concerns and changing perspectives, some states and localities in the United States have chosen to either replace or rename Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day or another holiday that recognizes the history and contributions of indigenous peoples.

Columbus Day continues to be observed in various forms across the United States, but its significance and the way it is celebrated may vary from one region to another, reflecting the ongoing dialogue about the holiday's historical and cultural implications.

 

12 October - Luciano Pavarotti birth anniversary

 

Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007) was an acclaimed Italian operatic tenor, widely regarded as one of the greatest tenors of all time. Born on 12 October 1935, in Modena, Italy, Pavarotti gained international fame for his powerful and emotive voice, particularly in the bel canto repertoire.

Some key points about Luciano Pavarotti include:

1. Career Highlights:

   • Pavarotti's career took off in the early 1960s, and he achieved fame for his performances in various leading opera houses around the world.
   • He was known for his roles in operas by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti.
   • Pavarotti was one of the Three Tenors, along with Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, performing together during the 1990s and contributing to the popularization of opera.

2. Nessun Dorma:

   • One of Pavarotti's signature arias was "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's opera "Turandot." His rendition of this aria became widely popular, and it is often associated with him.

3. Contribution to Popular Music:

   • Pavarotti crossed over into popular music, collaborating with various artists from different genres. He performed with artists such as Bono, Sting, and Eric Clapton, reaching a broader audience.

4. Philanthropy:

   • Pavarotti was involved in several charitable activities and humanitarian efforts. He used his fame to raise funds for various causes, including medical research and children's charities.

5. Legacy:

   • Luciano Pavarotti's impact on opera and classical music is profound. His recordings continue to be celebrated, and his influence on subsequent generations of tenors is significant.
   • Pavarotti passed away on 06 September 2007, in Modena, Italy, after battling pancreatic cancer.

Luciano Pavarotti's contribution to the world of opera and classical music has left an

 

12 October - Kullu Dussehra

 

Kullu Dussehra is a renowned and vibrant festival celebrated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a unique and grand celebration of the Hindu festival of Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil. Kullu Dussehra holds a special place among the various Dussehra celebrations in India due to its rich cultural traditions and grand processions.

Key features of Kullu Dussehra:

1. Duration: Kullu Dussehra lasts for seven days, making it one of the longest Dussehra celebrations in the country. It usually falls in the month of October.

2. Legend: The festival has a historical and mythological significance. It is believed to commemorate the return of Lord Raghunath (an idol of Lord Rama) to Kullu after defeating the demon king Ravana. The idol of Lord Raghunath is a central focus of the celebrations.

3. Processions: The highlight of Kullu Dussehra is the grand processions featuring beautifully decorated idols and chariots of various deities. The deities from different temples in the Kullu Valley are brought to the Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu town in a procession. This is a visual spectacle, and thousands of devotees and tourists gather to witness it.

4. Fairs and Cultural Performances: The festival is not just a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza. It includes various fairs, folk dances, music, and other cultural performances. Traditional Himachali attire and folk dances add to the festive atmosphere.

5. Traditional Attire: People, especially women, dress in their traditional Himachali attire during the festival. It's a time when the local culture and heritage are prominently displayed.

6. Rathyatras (Chariot Processions): The festival features impressive chariot processions carrying the deities, and these are a significant part of the celebrations.

Kullu Dussehra is an important event for the local community and attracts visitors from different parts of India and around the world. It offers a unique blend of religious fervor, cultural richness, and the natural beauty of the Kullu Valley, making it a must-visit festival for those interested in the diverse cultural heritage of India.