01 January - His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Goswami death anniversary

 

His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Goswami (1874–1937) was a prominent spiritual leader and the founder of the Gaudiya Math, a significant institution within the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. He played a crucial role in reviving and spreading the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 15th-century saint and the founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.

Here are some key points about Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaj:

1. Lineage: Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati was born Bimala Prasad Datta in 1874 in Jagannath Puri, Orissa, India. He was the son of Bhaktivinoda Thakur, another prominent Gaudiya Vaishnav saint and a key figure in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism revival.

2. Education: He received a Western-style education in Calcutta but later dedicated himself to the study and propagation of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.

3. Founder of Gaudiya Math: In 1918, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati founded the Gaudiya Math, which became a center for the study and practice of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The Gaudiya Math played a crucial role in disseminating Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's teachings in India and beyond.

4. Preaching and Writing: Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaj was a prolific writer and speaker. He wrote extensively on the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and gave numerous lectures to both scholars and the general public.

5. Emphasis on Pure Devotion: Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati emphasized the importance of pure devotion (bhakti) to Krishna and taught the significance of following the principles of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. He stressed the importance of sincere and dedicated practice of devotional service.

6. Disciples: One of his prominent disciples was A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who later went on to establish the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and spread Gaudiya Vaishnavism globally.

Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaj passed away on 01 January 1937. His contributions to the revival and propagation of Gaudiya Vaishnavism have left a lasting impact on the tradition, and he is revered by followers as a saint and spiritual leader.

01 January - Money Order system was introduced in India

 

The money order system was indeed introduced in India on 01 January 1880. This system was implemented by Warren Hastings, the then Governor-General of India, as a way to facilitate safe and convenient transfer of funds within the country. Money orders have historically played a crucial role in financial transactions, especially in regions where traditional banking services were not readily available. The introduction of the money order system marked a significant step in improving financial services and accessibility in India.

01 January - Canberra becomes the capital of Australia

 

Canberra officially became the capital of Australia on 01 January 1901. Prior to this, Australia did not have a designated capital, and there was a debate over whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the capital. To resolve this issue, the government decided to create a new capital city, and the location was chosen to be in a neutral area between Sydney and Melbourne.

The site for Canberra was selected in 1908, and American architect Walter Burley Griffin won an international design competition for the layout of the new city. Construction began, and on 01 January 1911, the city was officially named Canberra. However, it wasn't until 01 January 1927, that the government officially moved from Melbourne to Canberra, completing the transition of the capital. Today, Canberra is the political and administrative center of Australia, housing the Parliament House and serving as the seat of the Australian government.

01 January - Feast day for Saint Basil

 

Basil of Caesarea, also known as Saint Basil the Great, was born around the year 330 AD in Caesarea Mazaca, Cappadocia (in present-day Kayseri, Turkey). He died on 01 January 379 AD. Basil was an influential Christian theologian, bishop of Caesarea, and one of the Cappadocian Fathers, along with Gregory of Nazianzus and Gregory of Nyssa. His theological writings and contributions played a significant role in the development of early Christian doctrine, particularly in the areas of the Trinity and the Nicene Creed. Basil is recognized as a saint in various Christian traditions.

01 January - Heinrich Rudolf Hertz death anniversary

 

Heinrich Rudolf Hertz (born 22 February 1857, in Hamburg, Germany; died 01 January 1894, in Bonn, Germany) was a German physicist who made significant contributions to the field of electromagnetism. Hertz is best known for his experimental verification of James Clerk Maxwell's theory of electromagnetic waves, which laid the foundation for the development of wireless communication.

In the late 19th century, Hertz conducted a series of experiments that demonstrated the existence of electromagnetic waves and confirmed their properties predicted by Maxwell's equations. He produced and detected radio waves, providing experimental proof of their existence and properties.

The unit of frequency, hertz (Hz), is named in his honor, and it is used to measure cycles per second in the International System of Units (SI). Heinrich Hertz's work laid the groundwork for the later development of radio communication and other wireless technologies.

01 January - Great Britain and Ireland were formally united to create the United Kingdom

 

On 01 January 1801 the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland were formally united to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The union was established through the Acts of Union, which were passed by both the British and Irish Parliaments. This legislative merger brought together the two kingdoms into a single political entity.

The Acts of Union of 1800, which came into effect on January 1, 1801, had been preceded by negotiations and debates aimed at addressing issues of governance, representation, and economic concerns. The result was the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, a political union that lasted until the establishment of the present-day United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1922, following the partition of Ireland.

 

01 January - First sunrise of the Millennium was received at Katchal Island

 

First sunrise of the Millennium (2000) was received at Katchal Island

• One of the best sunrise points of Andaman is Katchal, a small island near the Nicobar Islands. This Island was supposedly the first inhabited place of earth which caught the first rays of the sun in the millennium year.
• This event was captured by the Indian Post with the release of a commemorative stamp.
• Also commonly known by its nickname- Tihanyu, the Katchal Island is home to many indigenous and non-indigenous tribes. However, this island is not accessible to tourists, until presented with a special tribal pass.
• The island is situated about 1600km away from the mainland and was one of the worst affected Islands during the tsunami of 2004.

 

01 January - Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was proclaimed Empress of India in 1877

 

On 01 January 1877  Queen Victoria, who was the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, was proclaimed Empress of India. This proclamation marked a significant event in British history and imperial expansion. The formal title assumed by Queen Victoria was "Victoria, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India."

The decision to confer the title of Empress of India on Queen Victoria was in recognition of her role as the head of the British Empire and its expanding interests in the Indian subcontinent. It was a symbolic representation of the British Crown's authority over India, which had become a significant part of the British Empire.

The proclamation of Queen Victoria as Empress of India took place during a grand Durbar (a traditional court or formal meeting) held in Delhi, where she was formally presented with the new title. This event signified the British Empire's control over India and marked the height of the imperial era.

Queen Victoria held the title of Empress of India until her death in 1901. Subsequent British monarchs did not use this title, as it was officially discontinued with the passage of the Government of India Act 1947, which led to the independence of India and the creation of the Republic of India in 1950.

31 December - Sir Ben Kingsley birth anniversary

 

Sir Ben Kingsley, born Krishna Pandit Bhanji on 31 December 1943, in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, is a renowned British actor known for his versatility and powerful performances across film, television, and stage. With a career spanning over five decades, Kingsley has become one of the most respected figures in the entertainment industry.

Born to an Indian father, Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, a physician of Gujarati descent, and an English mother, Anna Lyna Mary, an actress and model, Kingsley grew up with a diverse cultural heritage. He adopted the stage name "Ben Kingsley" to avoid typecasting due to his ethnic name as he pursued a career in acting.

Kingsley achieved international acclaim for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough's film Gandhi (1982), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. The role remains one of his most iconic performances. Over the years, he has demonstrated his range by taking on a wide array of roles, from historical figures and dramatic leads to villains and comedic characters.

His extensive filmography includes celebrated works such as Schindler's List (1993), House of Sand and Fog (2003), Hugo (2011), Iron Man 3 (2013), and Sexy Beast (2000). Kingsley has earned numerous accolades, including a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, in addition to his Oscar.

In 2002, Kingsley was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the arts. Beyond acting, he is an advocate for humanitarian causes and uses his platform to raise awareness about social issues.

Sir Ben Kingsley's legacy is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication to his craft, and ability to bridge cultures through his work.

31 December - Tupolev Tu-144 first civilian supersonic transport aircraft, took to the skies

 

On 31 December 1968, the Tupolev Tu-144, the world's first civilian supersonic transport aircraft, took to the skies for its maiden flight. Developed by the Soviet Union's Tupolev design bureau, the Tu-144 was a groundbreaking achievement in aviation, preceding its Western counterpart, the Concorde, by two months.

The maiden flight, piloted by Eduard Yelyan, lasted 37 minutes and marked a milestone in aerospace technology, showcasing the Soviet Union's capability to produce cutting-edge aircraft. The Tu-144 was designed to reach speeds exceeding Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) and was envisioned to revolutionize air travel by drastically reducing flight times for long-haul routes.

Despite its technological achievements, the Tu-144 faced numerous challenges, including high operational costs, limited range, and safety concerns. These issues, combined with competition from Concorde and a lack of commercial viability, led to its limited use. The Tu-144 entered passenger service in 1977 but was retired from commercial operation in 1978 after only 55 flights.

While its operational lifespan was short, the Tu-144 remains a symbol of Cold War-era innovation and ambition. It contributed valuable knowledge to supersonic aviation and inspired further research in high-speed air travel.