28 December - National Short Film Day

 

National Short Film Day is celebrated annually on December 28 to honor the art and craft of short filmmaking. This date holds historical significance as it commemorates the first public screening of short films by the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, on December 28, 1895, in Paris. These pioneering filmmakers showcased a series of brief motion pictures, marking the birth of cinema and laying the foundation for the film industry.

Short films, typically running under 40 minutes, are celebrated for their ability to tell impactful stories, explore innovative ideas, and showcase emerging talent in a concise format. The day is an opportunity to appreciate the creativity and dedication of filmmakers who use the short film medium to experiment with storytelling and address diverse themes.

National Short Film Day encourages audiences to watch, discuss, and support short films, whether through local screenings, online platforms, or film festivals. It also inspires aspiring filmmakers to pursue their passion, using the medium as a stepping stone in the world of cinema.

28 December - Card Playing Day USA

 

Card Playing Day is celebrated annually on December 28 in the United States. This encourages people of all ages to gather with family and friends to enjoy a wide variety of card games, from classic favorites like poker, bridge, and rummy to modern collectible card games.

The day is perfectly timed during the holiday season, offering a relaxing and engaging way to bond and unwind after the Christmas festivities. Historically, card playing has been a popular pastime for centuries, cherished for its ability to blend strategy, skill, and chance. Card Playing Day is also an opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of card games, which trace their origins back to ancient China and spread worldwide over time.

Whether it’s competitive gaming or a casual family gathering, the day serves as a reminder of the simple joys of playing cards and connecting with others.

28 December - The Victoria Memorial Hall inaugurated in 1921

 

The Victoria Memorial Hall, an iconic symbol of Kolkata and a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, was inaugurated on 28 December 1921 by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII. Built in memory of Queen Victoria, the grand edifice was conceived as a tribute to the British Empire and its rule in India. The foundation stone of the memorial was laid by the then Viceroy, Lord Curzon, in 1906, following Queen Victoria’s death in 1901. Constructed using white Makrana marble, the memorial seamlessly blends British, Mughal, and Venetian architectural styles, featuring a central dome, high portals, and intricately carved details. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including paintings, manuscripts, and historical memorabilia from the British colonial period. Today, the Victoria Memorial stands as a prominent cultural and historical landmark, drawing visitors for its aesthetic grandeur and rich historical significance.

28 December - Arun Jaitley birth anniversary

 

Arun Jaitley (28 December 1952 – 24 August 2019) was an eminent Indian politician, lawyer, and statesman. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he held several key positions in the Indian government, leaving a significant impact on the country's governance and economic policies.

Jaitley served as the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs from 2014 to 2019 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), aimed at creating a unified national tax system. He also played a pivotal role in implementing demonetization in 2016, advocating for the move as a step toward curbing corruption and black money.

In addition to his financial expertise, Jaitley was a seasoned parliamentarian and an articulate spokesperson for his party. He held various portfolios in earlier governments, including the Ministry of Law and Justice, Defence, and Information and Broadcasting.

Before entering politics, Jaitley was a prominent lawyer at the Supreme Court of India, where he handled high-profile cases and earned a reputation for his legal acumen. Known for his eloquence and wit, he was respected across party lines for his intellectual depth and persuasive skills.

Arun Jaitley's legacy extends beyond his political achievements. He was instrumental in modernizing India's economic framework and championing reforms that shaped the nation's financial landscape. His contributions continue to influence policymaking and public discourse in India.

28 December - Commemorative postage stamp issued in 1994 on 200yrs. of the General Post Office Mumbai

 

The General Post Office (GPO) Mumbai, also known as the Mumbai GPO, is a historic and significant post office located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the most prominent post offices in the city and serves as the central hub for postal services in the region.

Key features and information about the General Post Office Mumbai:

1. Location: The Mumbai GPO is situated in the Fort area of Mumbai, near the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station.

2. Architecture: The building housing the GPO is a notable architectural structure, reflecting a blend of Victorian and Gothic architectural styles. The design is reminiscent of many colonial-era buildings in Mumbai.

3. Services: As a central post office, the Mumbai GPO provides a range of postal and financial services. These include mail and parcel services, money transfer services, and other traditional postal functions.

4. Historical Significance: The GPO Mumbai has historical significance, reflecting the colonial legacy of the city. It has been an integral part of Mumbai's infrastructure for many decades.

5. Landmark: The GPO building is often considered a landmark in the Fort area and is recognized for its architectural charm and historical importance.

The General Post Office in Mumbai, like GPOs in other major cities, remains an essential institution for postal services, serving the community's communication and mailing needs.

28 December - Dr. Shivajirao Ganesh birth anniversary

 

Dr. Shivajirao Ganesh Patwardhan, who devoted his entire life for the upliftment of leprosy patients, was born on 28 December 1892 in a small village Assangi of Jamkhandi District in karnataka. Gandhi memorial Leprosy Foundation, a pioneering organisation established in 1951 in the field of leprosy in India, institued the award titled “International Gandhi Award” in 1986

28 December - Vakkom Moulavi birth anniversary

 

Vakkom Moulavi, also known as Muhammad Abdul Rahman, was a prominent Indian social reformer, journalist, and freedom fighter. He was born on 28 December 1873, in Vakkom, a village in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India. Vakkom Moulavi played a crucial role in the socio-political and educational transformation of the Muslim community in Kerala during the early 20th century.

Key aspects of Vakkom Moulavi's life and contributions include:

1. Educational Reforms: Vakkom Moulavi was a strong advocate for education, especially for Muslims. He founded the Islam Dharma Paripalana Sangham (IDPS) in 1903, which aimed at promoting education and modernization among Muslims. He worked towards establishing schools and educational institutions to address the educational backwardness of the community.

2. Journalism: Moulavi was actively involved in journalism. He started the magazine "Swadeshabhimani" in 1905, which became a platform for him to voice his thoughts on social and political issues. The magazine played a significant role in the fight against social inequalities and colonial rule.

3. Political Activism: Vakkom Moulavi was a participant in the Indian independence movement. He was associated with the Indian National Congress and worked towards the upliftment of the marginalized sections of society.

4. Reformist Ideals: Moulavi was a reformist within the Muslim community, advocating for social and educational reforms. He aimed to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity and fought against orthodoxy and conservative practices.

Vakkom Moulavi passed away on 31 October 1932. His contributions to education, journalism, and social reforms have left a lasting impact on the history of Kerala and the broader Indian socio-political landscape.

 

28 December - Nanak Singh death anniversary

 

Nanak Singh (1897–1971) was a prominent Punjabi poet, novelist, and songwriter from India. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Punjabi literature and is known for his contributions to the fields of literature and Sikh thought. Born on 04 July 1897, in the city of Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan), Nanak Singh's literary career spanned several decades.

Nanak Singh wrote in Punjabi and is best known for his novels and poems that explored social and cultural issues. Some of his notable works include novels like "Chitta Lahu" (White Blood), "Ik Mian Do Talwaran" (One Meets Two Swords), and "Mera Dukh Mera Sukh" (My Sorrow, My Joy). His writings often reflected the struggles of the common people and addressed themes such as social injustice, inequality, and the impact of British colonialism.

Apart from his contributions to literature, Nanak Singh was also involved in the Sikh religious and cultural sphere. He played a role in the Akali movement, advocating for the rights of Sikhs.

Nanak Singh's literary legacy continues to be celebrated in Punjabi literature, and his works remain influential. His writings not only entertained but also served as a medium for social and cultural commentary during a critical period in Indian history.The renowned Punjabi writer, passed away on 28 December 1971.

 

28 December - King Birendra birth anniversary

 

King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev was the king of Nepal from 31 January 1972  until 01 June 2001. He was born on 28 December 1945 in Kathmandu, Nepal. King Birendra was the son of King Mahendra and the father of King Dipendra.

Tragically, King Birendra and several members of the royal family were killed in the Nepalese royal palace massacre on 01 June 2001. The exact circumstances surrounding the massacre remain a subject of controversy and conspiracy theories. After the incident, King Dipendra, who was initially declared the king while in a coma, later died, and Gyanendra, Birendra's brother, ascended the throne.

The royal palace massacre had significant political implications for Nepal, leading to changes in the country's political landscape and the eventual abolition of the monarchy in 2008.

27 December - Apollo 8 returned to Earth.

 

On 27 December 1968, Apollo 8, the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon, successfully returned to Earth. This historic mission, launched by NASA, marked a pivotal moment in the Space Race and laid the groundwork for the subsequent Apollo 11 Moon landing. Commanded by Frank Borman, with James Lovell as the Command Module Pilot and William Anders as the Lunar Module Pilot, the mission was the first to carry humans beyond low Earth orbit and into lunar orbit.

During its journey, Apollo 8 orbited the Moon ten times, providing humanity with its first close-up views of the lunar surface. It also captured the iconic "Earthrise" photograph, showcasing Earth as a fragile, distant sphere against the vastness of space. The mission concluded when the spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, successfully completing a mission that demonstrated the feasibility of a crewed lunar landing. Apollo 8 remains a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration.