17 November - Lala Lajpat Rai death anniversary

 

Lala Lajpat Rai, born on 28 January 1865, in Dhudike, Punjab, British India (present-day Punjab, Pakistan), was a prominent Indian nationalist leader during the independence movement against British rule.

Key points about Lala Lajpat Rai:

1. Early Life and Education: Lajpat Rai studied law in Lahore and became actively involved in social and political issues during his college days.

2. Political Activism: Lajpat Rai played a crucial role in the struggle against colonial rule. He was associated with various political organizations, including the Indian National Congress.

3. Participation in Movements: Lajpat Rai actively participated in various movements such as the non-cooperation movement and the Swadeshi movement, advocating for self-reliance and the use of indigenous goods.

4. Simon Commission Protest: He led the protest against the Simon Commission in 1928, which resulted in the infamous Lathi Charge in Lahore. Lajpat Rai sustained severe injuries during the protest, contributing to his later death.

5. Death: Lala Lajpat Rai succumbed to injuries sustained during the police baton charge on 17 November 1928, in Lahore. His death fueled widespread public anger, and his sacrifice became a symbol of the Indian struggle for independence.

6. Legacy: Lala Lajpat Rai's legacy lives on as one of the key figures in India's fight against British colonialism. His contribution to the nationalist cause and his commitment to social and economic issues continue to be remembered and honored in Indian history.
   

17 November - The Suez Canal was officially inaugurated in 1869

 

The Suez Canal, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, was officially inaugurated on November 17, 1869. The construction of the canal was a significant engineering achievement and had a profound impact on global trade and transportation. The canal provided a direct maritime route between Europe and Asia, eliminating the need for a lengthy and dangerous journey around the southern tip of Africa.

The Suez Canal played a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods and reducing travel time for ships. It became a key strategic waterway and has been the focus of international attention and geopolitical considerations throughout its history. The control and management of the Suez Canal have been subjects of various conflicts and negotiations over the years.

 

17 November - Queen Elizabeth I ascended the throne of England

 

Queen Elizabeth I of England ascended to the throne on November 17, 1558. Her reign is known as the Elizabethan era and is considered one of the most significant periods in English history. Queen Elizabeth I ruled for 44 years until her death in 1603, overseeing a period of relative stability, economic growth, and cultural flourishing in England. Her reign is often remembered for the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the flourishing of literature and drama, with writers like William Shakespeare contributing to the cultural richness of the time.

17 November - SHILLONG CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL- 17-19 November 2023

 

The SHILLONG CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL over the past few editions has become the state's most loved festival concert, providing the biggest artist line-up and setup the state has ever seen. Being the first-ever Autumn Cherry Blossom Festival in the country the event has managed to garner a huge crowd of festival goes from all across the country.  

17 November - Mirra Alfassa death anniversary

 

Mirra Alfassa (21 February 1878 – 17 November 1973), known to her followers as The Mother or La Mère, was a spiritual guru, occultist and yoga teacher, and a collaborator of Sri Aurobindo, who considered her to be of equal yogic stature to him and called her by the name "The Mother". She founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and established the town of Auroville; she was influential on the subject of Integral Yoga.

Mirra Alfassa (Mother) was born in Paris in 1878 to a Sephardi Jewish bourgeois family. In her youth, she traveled to Algeria to practice occultism along with Max Théon. After returning, while living in Paris, she guided a group of spiritual seekers. In 1914, she traveled to Pondicherry, India and met Sri Aurobindo and found in him "the dark Asiatic figure" of whom she had had visions and called him Krishna. During this first visit, she helped publish a French version of the periodical Arya, which serialized most of Sri Aurobindo's post-political prose writings. During the First World war she was obliged to leave Pondicherry. After a 4-year stay in Japan, in 1920 she returned to Pondicherry for good. Gradually, as more and more people joined her and Sri Aurobindo, she organised and developed Sri Aurobindo Ashram. In 1943, she started a school in the ashram and in 1968 established Auroville, an experimental township dedicated to human unity and evolution. She died on 17 November 1973 in Pondicherry.

Satprem, who was one of her followers, captured the last thirty years of Alfassa's life in the 13-volume work, Mother's Agenda.

17 November - National Epilepsy Day

 

National Epilepsy Day is observed in India on November 17th each year. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy can affect people of all ages, and National Epilepsy Day aims to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition, promote understanding, and encourage support for individuals living with epilepsy.

On this day, various events and activities may be organized, including educational programs, seminars, and workshops to provide information about epilepsy, its causes, and how to respond during a seizure. The day also serves to highlight the importance of proper medical care, treatment, and social support for those affected by epilepsy.

 

17 November - Balasaheb Keshav Thackeray death anniversary

 

Balasaheb Keshav Thackeray, born on 23 January 1926, was an influential Indian political leader and the founder of the Shiv Sena, a right-wing regional political party based in the state of Maharashtra.

Key points about Balasaheb Thackeray:

1. Founding Shiv Sena: Balasaheb Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena on 19 June 1966 with the aim of advocating for the rights and interests of the people of Maharashtra, especially those belonging to the Marathi-speaking community.

2. Political Influence: He was known for his charismatic leadership and held significant sway in Maharashtra politics. Thackeray was a strong advocate for the rights of the locals and often espoused a regionalist and pro-Marathi agenda.

3. Political Career: Although he did not hold any official political position, Thackeray played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena, under his leadership, became a formidable force in the state.

4. Controversies: Thackeray was known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial statements. His political stance and strong opinions on various issues often sparked debates and drew both support and criticism.

5. Death: Balasaheb Thackeray passed away on 17 November 2012, in Mumbai, leaving a significant void in Maharashtra politics. His death was followed by a massive outpouring of grief and a large public funeral.

6. Legacy: Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy continues through the Shiv Sena, which has been a key player in Maharashtra politics. His influence on regional politics and his commitment to the welfare of the Marathi-speaking population have left a lasting impact on the state's political landscape.

17 November - Standard Chartered Bank postal stamp issued 2008

 

Standard Chartered plc is a British multinational bank with operations in consumer, corporate and institutional banking, and treasury services. Despite being headquartered in the United Kingdom, it does not conduct retail banking in the UK, and around 90% of its profits come from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Standard Chartered has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. It has secondary listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India, and OTC Markets Group Pink. Its largest shareholder is the Government of Singapore-owned Temasek Holdings.The Financial Stability Board considers it a systemically important bank.

Standard Chartered Bank Building, Bombay (Mumbai). Designed by Frederick William Stevens (1847-1900), with architectural sculpture by Roscoe Mullins (1848-1907). Built 1898-1902, in various types of stone (see below), it stands in a prominent position in the old Fort area at the end of M.G. (Mahatma Gandhi) Road.
This site was taken on a 99-year lease by the Bank and the building completed in 1902. It is in a neo-Classical style and designed by the illustrious F. W. Stevens, though he died before it could be built. Charles Stevens, his equally famous son, completed it through his partnership with David Ebenezer Gostling, another thriving Bombay architect who had joined the older Stevens in 1897

16 November - Maharaja Bijli Pasi stamp issued in year 2000

 

Bijli Pasi, also known as Raja Bijli Pasi, was a legendary figure in the folk traditions and oral histories of Uttar Pradesh, India. However, it's important to note that information about Bijli Pasi is primarily found in folklore and local legends, and there might not be much historical documentation available.

According to the folklore, Bijli Pasi was a powerful and benevolent ruler who hailed from the Pasi community, which is traditionally associated with leatherwork and tanning. He was believed to possess supernatural powers, including control over lightning (bijli in Hindi, which is where his name originates) and the ability to bring rainfall during droughts.

Bijli Pasi is often depicted as a just and fair ruler who fought against injustice and championed the cause of the marginalized sections of society. He was known for his courage, wisdom, and compassion.

The stories and legends about Bijli Pasi have been passed down through generations and are an integral part of the local folklore in parts of Uttar Pradesh. While the historical accuracy of the tales may be difficult to ascertain, the figure of Bijli Pasi remains an important cultural and folkloric symbol in the region, representing resilience, justice, and the power of the marginalized.

A commemorative postage stamp was issued on 16 Nov 2000 on Maharaja Bijli Pasi.

16 November - International day for Intolerance

 

This day was established to encourage mindfulness and faith in human rights. In an effort to encourage equality and diversity across the world, the United Nations introduced The International Day for Tolerance in 1996. This particular day was founded following the United Nations Year for Tolerance, which was 1995, in order to observe its teachings every year instead of just letting the ideas fall away. The UN Year for Tolerance was dedicated in honor of the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.

The United Nations defines tolerance as respect, appreciation and acceptance of the diversity of the world’s cultures and all the ways that people are human. It is considered to be a basic human right to receive tolerance, and should be expected to be practiced by not just individuals, but also by groups and states. Human rights is at the core of this thought – as such, it supports the notion that humanity has the right to live in peace.

Along with these thoughts, the International Day for Tolerance also supports the idea that education is a key factor in preventing intolerance across the human race. On this day, people across the world are encouraged to become more educated and learn how to practice solidarity between ethnic, social and cultural groups.

Each year, the common theme for the International Day for Tolerance is to promote “respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and our ways of being human”.