02 January - World Introvert Day

 

World Introvert Day is observed on 02 January each year. It is a day to celebrate and appreciate the qualities and contributions of introverts. This day recognizes the importance of introverted individuals and encourages understanding and acceptance of their unique traits, such as a preference for solitude, deep thinking, and reflective qualities.

The day aims to dispel misconceptions about introversion and to highlight the value introverts bring to various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and society as a whole. It is an opportunity for introverts to feel seen and acknowledged in a world that often emphasizes extroverted qualities. World Introvert Day promotes inclusivity and encourages a more nuanced understanding of personality traits.

Many important and influential individuals throughout history have been known to exhibit introverted qualities. It's important to note that introversion is just one aspect of personality and doesn't limit a person's ability to achieve greatness. Some notable introverts include:Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, J.K. Rowling, Warren Buffett,

It's important to recognize that introversion is a spectrum, and individuals may exhibit introverted traits to varying degrees. Additionally, many successful people may display a mix of introverted and extroverted qualities depending on the context.

02 January - Gilbert & Ellice Islands issues its first postage stamps.

 

On 02 January 1976  overprinted Gilbert & Ellice Islands stamps were issued for Gilbert Islands. Illustrated is a 1¢ stamp overprinted “THE GILBERT ISLANDS”. A red bar across the bottom of the stamp obliterates the original “GILBERT&ELLICE ISLANDS.”

Gilbert Islands stamps continued to be produced through 1979, when the colony became an independent republic named Kiribati.

The republic’s first stamp, issued July 12, 1979, proudly proclaims “INDEPENDENCE 1979” above its new national flag.

Meanwhile, the status of the nine Ellice Islands was changing as well. The group remained a crown colony until 1975, when Ellice Islands became a separate British dependency with its own government and was renamed Tuvalu.

Maps of each of the nation’s islands and atolls appeared on Tuvalu’s stamps in 1976.

Shown nearby is a 1¢ stamp with a map of the reef island of Niulakita

Tuvalu gained independence on Oct. 1, 1978, and marked the occasion by overprinting seven stamps issued in 1976 with the words “INDEPENDENCE 1ST OCTOBER 1978.”

The overprinted stamps are Tuvalu Scott 85-91. The overprinted 20¢ stamp  is shown nearby, with a map of Vaitupu and a maneapa (house).

The geopolitics of faraway Gilbert & Ellice Islands from long ago to the present day is fascinating, and collecting the attractive stamps that document the history and beauty of the islands is equally absorbing. Give it a try!

 

02 January - Australia issued its first postage stamps in 1913

 

Australia issued its first postage stamps on 02 January 1913. These stamps are collectively known as the "Kangaroo and Map" series and are considered iconic in Australian philately. The set featured a kangaroo in motion and an outline map of Australia. This series marked the beginning of Australia's use of its own postage stamps, reflecting its move toward greater independence.

Prior to 1913, the Australian states issued their own stamps. The introduction of a unified postal system and the issuance of Commonwealth stamps represented a significant step in the nation's history. The "Kangaroo and Map" series is still notable among collectors and enthusiasts for its historical and cultural significance.

 

02 January - British South Africa Company issues its first postage stamps.

 

The first stamps of Rhodesia were those issued on 2 January 1892. They were inscribed “British South Africa Company”. This is an inscription common amongst all stamps until the territory administered by the BSAC was transferred to other colonies in the 1920s.“Rhodesia” did not appear on any stamps until the overprinted Arms issue of 1909-12

02 January - Mahatma Gandhi left the Tolstoy Farm in Transvaal, South Africa.

 

 On 02 January 1913 Mahatma Gandhi left the Tolstoy Farm in Transvaal, South Africa. The Tolstoy Farm was an intentional community or ashram established by Gandhi during his time in South Africa. It was named after the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, whose philosophy of nonviolent resistance greatly influenced Gandhi.

Gandhi used the Tolstoy Farm as a center for his satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) campaigns in South Africa. During his stay there, he and his followers engaged in various activities aimed at promoting self-sufficiency, simplicity, and communal living. The experiences at the Tolstoy Farm played a significant role in shaping Gandhi's philosophy and methods of nonviolent protest, which he later applied in the Indian independence movement.

 

02 January - Motivation and Inspiration Day in USA

 

Motivation and Inspiration Day is annually celebrated on January 2 in the United States of America. It is a day to sober up after all the festivities of New Year’s Eve and really get to work on those resolutions. At the start of each new year, we all swear to heaven, and beyond that, that this is the year we will achieve our set goals and improve ourselves in general. Motivation and Inspiration Day is the perfect day to get off your butt and start working towards that. It is also a day to remember the tragic events of 9/11 in the U.S. and get a renewed focus in your daily life.

02 January - Purandara Dasa death anniversary

 

Purandara Dasa, also known as Saint Purandara Dasa, was a prominent 16th-century composer and saint from the Indian state of Karnataka. He passed away on 02 January 1565

Purandara Dasa is considered the father of Carnatic music and made significant contributions to the development of classical music in South India. He composed numerous devotional songs (kirtanas) in Kannada, praising Lord Krishna and emphasizing the values of dharma (righteousness) and bhakti (devotion). His compositions are still widely revered and sung in classical music performances today.

 

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.