14 October - University of Punjab was established in 1882

 

The University of Punjab was formally established with the convening of the first meeting of its Senate on October 14, 1882, at Simla.
 
The University of Punjab was formally established with the convening of the first meeting of its Senate on October 14, 1882, at Simla. It was the fourth university to be established by the British colonial authorities in the Indian Sub-continent. The first three universities were established by the British colonizers at their initial strongholds of Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta. The University of the Punjab came into existence as a result of a long-drawn struggle of the people of Punjab after the War of Independence in 1857. Different from the three previously established universities, which were only examining institutions, the University of Punjab was both a teaching as well as an examining body right from the beginning.

Dr. G. W. Leitner, an enlightened Hungarian and a naturalized Britisher, was instrumental in the establishment of this university. He became its first Registrar. Prof. A. C. Woolner, who remained Vice-Chancellor of this university during 1928-1936, played a key role in its development during the initial decades of this century. His statue still stands in front of the Allama Iqbal Campus of the university.

Until independence in 1947, the University of the Punjab fulfilled the educational needs of a vast region of the Subcontinent. Partition of the Subcontinent somewhat reduced the geographical limits of the jurisdiction of the university. However, for many years after independence, it still ranged over vast areas including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. New universities were later established in the country to share the responsibility for imparting higher education in the country.

The strength of the university faculty was greatly reduced because of the migration of non-Muslim teachers and scholars at the time of independence. The university's full functioning was restored, mainly due to the efforts of eminent educationists like Dr. Umar Hayat Malik, who became the first Vice-Chancellor after the independence. New academic programs and departments were initiated soon after the independence.

14 October - Dwight David Eisenhower birth anniversary

 

Dwight David Eisenhower, often referred to as Dwight D. Eisenhower or simply "Ike," was an American military general and statesman who played a prominent role in the 20th century. Here's a short note about him:

• Birth Date: Dwight David Eisenhower was born on October 14, 1890.

• Death Date: He passed away on March 28, 1969.

Key Points:

• Military Career: Eisenhower had a distinguished military career and served as a five-star general in the United States Army during World War II. He was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe, responsible for planning and executing Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Western Europe on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

• 34th President: Eisenhower was elected as the 34th President of the United States and served two terms from 1953 to 1961. His presidency was marked by a focus on the Cold War, the expansion of the U.S. highway system, and the establishment of NASA.

• Farewell Address: In his farewell address, Eisenhower famously warned against the growing influence of the "military-industrial complex" in American politics and called for a balance between military and civilian interests.

• Legacy: Eisenhower is often remembered for his leadership during World War II and for his contributions to the United States as both a military leader and a two-term President.

Dwight D. Eisenhower's life and career made a significant impact on both the military and political landscape of the United States in the 20th century.

14 October - Japan declared the independence of the Philippines in 1943

 

Japan declared the independence of the Philippines on October 14, 1943, during World War II. This declaration of independence was known as the Philippine Republic or the Second Philippine Republic. However, it's important to note that this "independence" was essentially a puppet state under Japanese control, and it was not recognized internationally. The Philippines did not gain true independence until July 4, 1946, when the United States formally recognized the sovereignty of the Philippines, following the end of World War II.

14 October - World Standards Day

 

World Standards Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of international standards and the role they play in facilitating global trade, promoting innovation, and ensuring the quality and safety of products and services. It is observed on October 14th each year.

The day is meant to honor the efforts and contributions of the thousands of experts who develop and maintain international standards through organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and many others. These standards help ensure that products and services meet certain criteria, are safe for use, and are compatible with other products and systems, thereby fostering international cooperation and economic growth.

World Standards Day is marked by various events, seminars, and activities organized by national and international standards organizations, as well as businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. These events aim to educate the public, industry professionals, and policymakers about the significance of standards in our daily lives and their role in global trade and innovation. Each year, the celebration focuses on a specific theme related to standardization and its impact on various sectors of the economy and society.

 

14 October - Gautam Gambhir birthday

 

Gautam Gambhir is a former Indian cricketer who had a successful international cricket career. He was born on October 14, 1981, in New Delhi, India. Gautam Gambhir was a left-handed opening batsman known for his gritty and determined style of play.

Some key highlights of his cricketing career include:

1. Test and ODI Captaincy: Gambhir served as the captain of the Indian cricket team in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) formats. He played a crucial role in India's success during his captaincy.

2. 2007 ICC World Twenty20: Gambhir played a vital role in India's victory at the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007. He was the top run-scorer for India in the tournament and played a match-winning innings in the final.

3. 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup: Gambhir was a crucial part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He played a match-winning innings in the final against Sri Lanka.

4. IPL Career: He had a successful Indian Premier League (IPL) career, playing for teams like the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and the Kolkata Knight Riders. Under his captaincy, Kolkata Knight Riders won IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.

Gautam Gambhir retired from all forms of cricket in December 2018. After his retirement, he has been involved in various philanthropic and social initiatives and has also ventured into politics.

13 October - Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna birth anniversary

 

Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and a leader in the Ghadar Movement, which aimed at freeing India from British colonial rule.

• Birth Date: Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was born on October 13, 1870, in the village of Riar, located in the Amritsar district of Punjab, India.

• Ghadar Movement: Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was a key leader in the Ghadar Movement, which was initiated by Punjabi immigrants in the United States and Canada in the early 20th century. The movement sought to mobilize overseas Indians to return to India and participate in armed struggle against British colonial rule. Bhakna played a significant role in organizing and supporting the Ghadar Party's activities.

• Activities and Legacy: Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna's dedication to the cause of Indian independence led him to work tirelessly for the Ghadar Movement and the Indian National Congress. His efforts were instrumental in fostering a sense of patriotism and unity among Indian immigrants in North America and beyond.

• Death Date: Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna passed away on November 21, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, United States.

Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna is remembered as a dedicated freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in the struggle for India's independence. His contributions to the Ghadar Movement and his commitment to the cause of freedom continue to be celebrated in Indian history and among the diaspora.

13 October - Margaret Thatcher birth anniversary

 

Margaret Thatcher, born on October 13, 1925, and passing away on April 8, 2013, was a prominent British stateswoman and the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and is known for her strong and conservative leadership style.

Thatcher, often referred to as the "Iron Lady," implemented a series of economic and political reforms during her tenure. Her policies, collectively known as Thatcherism, aimed to reduce the power of trade unions, privatize state-owned industries, and promote free-market principles. These policies led to significant changes in the British economy and society.

Notably, her leadership during the Falklands War in 1982, where British forces successfully reclaimed the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation, boosted her popularity and cemented her reputation as a resolute leader.

Margaret Thatcher's legacy remains a topic of debate and discussion, as her policies and leadership had a profound and lasting impact on the United Kingdom and its political landscape. Her death on 08 April 2013, marked the end of an era in British politics, but her influence and the debates surrounding her policies continue to shape political discourse.

13 October - Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Prime Minister of India for the third time

 

A man of the masses, firm in his political convictions. On October 13, 1999, he took charge as Prime Minister of India for the second consecutive term at the head of a new coalition government, the National Democratic Alliance. He was Prime Minister for a short period in 1996. He is the first Prime Minister since Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to have become Prime Minister of India with two successive mandates.

A veteran Parliamentarian whose career stretches over four decades, Shri Vajpayee has been elected to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) nine times and to the Rajya Sabha (House of the States) twice, a record by itself.

As India’s Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Chairperson of various important Standing Committees of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition, he has been an active participant in shaping India’s post-Independence domestic and foreign policy.

Shri Vajpayee’s first brush with nationalist politics was in his student days, when he joined the Quit India Movement of 1942 which hastened the end of British colonial rule. A student of political science and law, it was in college that he developed a keen interest in foreign affairs – an interest he has nourished over the years and put to skilful use while representing India at various multilateral and bilateral fora.

Shri Vajpayee had embarked upon a journalist’s career, which was cut short in 1951 when he joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the fore-runner of today’s Bharatiya Janata Party, the leading component of the National Democratic Alliance. A critically acclaimed poet, he still takes time off from affairs of state of indulge in music and in a bit of gourmet cooking.

Born in the family of a humble school teacher on December 25 1924, in the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior (now a part of the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh), Shri Vajpayee’s rise in public life is a tribute to both his political acumen and Indian democracy. Over the decades, he has emerged as a leader who commands respect for his liberal worldview and commitment to democratic ideals.

An ardent champion of women’s empowerment and social equality, Shri Vajpayee believes in a forward-looking, forward moving India, a strong and prosperous nation confident of its rightful place in the comity of nations. He stands for an India anchored in 5000 years of civilisational history, ever modernising, ever renewing, ever re-energising itself to meet the challenges of the next 1000 years.

India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan, was conferred upon him in recognition of his selfless dedication to his first and only love, India, and his more than half-a-century of service to society and the nation. In 1994, he was named India’s ‘Best Parliamentarian.’ The citation read: “True to his name, Atalji is an eminent national leader, an erudite politician, a selfless social worker, forceful orator, poet and litterateur, journalist and indeed a multi-faceted personality..Atalji articulates the aspirations of the masses.. his works ever echo total commitment to nationalism.

 

13 October - Sister Nivedita death anniversary

 

Sister Nivedita, born as Margaret Elizabeth Noble on October 28, 1867, in Ireland, was a prominent disciple of Swami Vivekananda and a dedicated social worker, educator, and nationalist. She is well-known for her significant contributions to the empowerment of women and education in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Nivedita was deeply inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, and she came to India in 1898 to work closely with him and support his mission. She became a disciple and adopted the name "Nivedita," which means "Dedicated to God."

Throughout her life in India, Sister Nivedita was actively involved in various social and educational initiatives. She established schools to provide quality education to girls and women, including the famous "Sister Nivedita Girls' School" in Calcutta. She was a champion of Indian culture, arts, and traditions and worked tirelessly to promote them.

Her contributions extended to supporting India's struggle for independence and advocating for the rights of Indian women. She was instrumental in various movements and reform activities in Bengal and played a crucial role in the Indian Nationalist Movement.

Sister Nivedita's unwavering commitment to India and its people made her a beloved figure in the country. Her tireless efforts to uplift and educate women and her contributions to the Indian freedom struggle have left a lasting legacy. She passed away on October 13, 1911, in Darjeeling, India, but her influence continues to be celebrated and remembered.

13 October - Rwagasore Day

 

Rwagasore Day is an important national holiday in Burundi, observed on October 13th each year. It commemorates the life and legacy of Prince Louis Rwagasore, a significant figure in Burundi's history and its struggle for independence.

Prince Louis Rwagasore, the eldest son of King Mwambutsa IV, was a key political leader who advocated for Burundi's independence from colonial rule. He founded the political party "Union for National Progress" (UPRONA) in 1959, which played a crucial role in the anti-colonial movement.

Rwagasore's leadership and vision for a free and independent Burundi were cut short when he was assassinated on October 13, 1961, just a few months before Burundi gained its independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. His assassination was a significant moment in the country's history.

Rwagasore Day is a day for Burundians to remember and honor his contributions to the nation's independence struggle and his vision for a united and free Burundi. It is a time for reflection on the country's history and the principles for which Prince Louis Rwagasore stood, including unity, justice, and self-determination. Various ceremonies, events, and activities are held across Burundi on this day to pay tribute to his memory and to celebrate the country's hard-fought independence.