27 November - Harivansh Rai Bachchan birth anniversary

 

Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1907–2003) was a renowned Indian poet of the Hindi literature and a prominent literary figure. He is best known for his evocative poetry and meaningful compositions. Here are some key points about Harivansh Rai Bachchan:

1. Early Life: Harivansh Rai Bachchan was born on 27 November 1907, in Allahabad, British India (now in Uttar Pradesh, India). He belonged to a well-educated family and received his education from Allahabad University.

2. Literary Works: Bachchan's poetry is characterized by its deep philosophical themes, human values, and a reflection of the socio-political milieu of his time. His notable works include the poetry collections "Madhushala," "Madhubala," and "Agnipath." "Madhushala" is particularly famous and has been translated into multiple languages.

3. Educational Background: Bachchan earned his Doctorate in English Literature from Cambridge University. His academic background influenced his literary style and the themes he explored in his poetry.

4. Career: Harivansh Rai Bachchan served as a professor of English at Allahabad University. He later worked in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

5. Film Connection: In addition to his literary contributions, Bachchan also wrote for the Hindi film industry. He wrote the screenplay and dialogues for the Bollywood film "Pyaasa" (1957).

6. Personal Life: Harivansh Rai Bachchan was married to Teji Bachchan, and they had two sons, Amitabh Bachchan, who became a legendary actor in Indian cinema, and Ajitabh Bachchan.

7. Awards: He received several awards for his literary contributions, including the Sahitya Akademi Award for "Madhushala."

8. Death: Harivansh Rai Bachchan passed away on 18 January 2003, at the age of 95.

Harivansh Rai Bachchan's poetry continues to be celebrated for its profound messages and timeless relevance. His son, Amitabh Bachchan, is one of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema. The legacy of the Bachchan family has had a lasting impact on both literature and the film industry in India.

27 November - Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar

 

Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar (27 November 1888 – 27 February 1956) popularly known as Dadasaheb was an independence activist, the President (from 1946 to 1947) of the Central Legislative Assembly, then Speaker of the Constituent Assembly of India, and later the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India. His son Purushottam Mavalankar was later elected to the Lok Sabha twice from Gujarat.

26 November - National Milk Day

 

National Milk Day is observed on November 26th each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, also known as the "Father of the White Revolution" in India. Dr. Kurien was instrumental in transforming India into one of the world's largest milk producers through the cooperative dairy model.

The White Revolution, initiated by Dr. Kurien, aimed at increasing milk production and making dairy farming a sustainable livelihood for Indian farmers. The establishment of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the successful implementation of Operation Flood, the world's largest agricultural development program, were key components of this initiative.

National Milk Day serves to honor Dr. Verghese Kurien's contributions to the dairy industry and to promote the significance of milk and the dairy sector in India. The day is often marked by various events, programs, and awareness campaigns related to milk and dairy farming.

26 November - Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) India

 

Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated in India on November 26th each year. This day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1949 and its enforcement on January 26, 1950, marking the beginning of India as a republic.

On Constitution Day, various events and activities are organized across the country to honor the framers of the Indian Constitution and to promote awareness about the significance of the Constitution in shaping the nation. The Constitution of India is one of the longest written constitutions in the world, and it lays down the framework that defines the political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of the government institutions, and sets out the fundamental rights and duties of citizens.

The day is an occasion for citizens to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution and to reflect on the importance of democratic principles and the rule of law in the governance of the country.

25 November - Jhulan Goswami birthday

 

Jhulan Goswami is a highly regarded Indian women's cricketer who has represented the Indian national women's cricket team. She is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of women's cricket. Here are some key points about Jhulan Goswami:

1. Birth: Jhulan Goswami was born on November 25, 1982, in Nadia, West Bengal, India.

2. Playing Role: She is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and has been known for her ability to generate pace and swing.

3. Career Highlights:

   • Jhulan made her debut for the Indian women's cricket team in 2002.
   • She has been a crucial part of the Indian team for many years and has achieved numerous milestones in her career.
   • Goswami became the highest wicket-taker in women's One Day Internationals (ODIs) in February 2018, surpassing the previous record held by Australia's Cathryn Fitzpatrick.
   • She has represented India in multiple ICC Women's Cricket World Cups and has played a significant role in the team's performances.

4. Awards and Recognition:

   • Jhulan Goswami has received several awards for her contributions to Indian cricket. She was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2010 and the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 2012.

5. Retirement:

   • Jhulan Goswami announced her retirement from T20 Internationals in August 2018 but continued to play ODIs.
   • Jhulan Goswami played last ODI on 24 September 2022, and her retirement plans from the format were announced.

24 November - Guru Tegh Bahadur death anniversary

 

Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Guru of Sikhism, born on 01 April 1621, in Amritsar, India. He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, and Mata Nanaki. Guru Tegh Bahadur became the Sikh Guru on March 20, 1665, following the martyrdom of his father, Guru Harkrishan.

Guru Tegh Bahadur is particularly known for his martyrdom in defense of religious freedom. During his time as Guru, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was persecuting non-Muslims, and the Kashmiri Pandits sought his help to protect their right to practice their religion. In response to this, Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life for the cause of religious freedom and human rights.

In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was arrested in Delhi under the orders of Aurangzeb. He was given the choice to convert to Islam or face death. The Guru chose not to convert and was executed in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on November 24 , 1675. This event is commemorated annually in Sikhism as the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Guru Tegh Bahadur's teachings emphasize the principles of selfless service, humility, and devotion to God. His writings, which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism), continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide. He is also remembered for his commitment to the principles of justice and religious freedom.

24 November - Sir Chhotu Ram birth anniversary

 

Sir Chhotu Ram, whose full name was Sir Chhotu Ram Chaudhary, was a prominent politician and leader in British India, particularly known for his efforts to uplift the farming community. He was born on 24 November 1881, in Garhi Sampla, Rohtak district, Punjab Province, British India (now in Haryana, India), and he passed away on 09 January 1945.

Chhotu Ram was a key figure in the pre-independence political landscape, advocating for the rights of farmers and rural communities. He played a significant role in the formation of the Unionist Party in Punjab, which aimed to bridge the gap between different communities and promote the interests of peasants.

Sir Chhotu Ram served in various capacities, including as a minister in the British India government. He is remembered for his efforts to enact agricultural and land reforms, aiming to improve the conditions of farmers. His contributions to social and economic reforms in the agriculture sector earned him respect and recognition among the farming communities in Punjab.

Sir Chhotu Ram's legacy endures in the history of Indian politics, particularly for his dedication to the welfare of farmers and marginalized communities.

24 November - Mary Kom birthday

 

Mary Kom, also known as Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, is a renowned Indian boxer and a multiple-time world champion. She was born on 24 November 1982, in Kangathei, Manipur, India. Mary Kom is often referred to as "Magnificent Mary" and is considered one of the greatest female boxers in the history of the sport.

Key highlights of Mary Kom's career include:

1. World Championships: Mary Kom has won several gold medals at the AIBA World Boxing Championships. Her victories include titles in the 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2010 editions.

2. Olympics: Boxing became an Olympic sport for women in 2012, and Mary Kom represented India in the flyweight category at the London Olympics. Although she didn't win a medal, her participation was historic and paved the way for future Indian women boxers.

3. Asian Games: Mary Kom has won gold medals at the Asian Games, including the 2014 Incheon Games.

4. Commonwealth Games: She has also won gold at the Commonwealth Games.

5. Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri: Mary Kom has received numerous awards for her contributions to sports, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, two of the highest civilian honors in India.

In addition to her accomplishments in the ring, Mary Kom has been an inspirational figure, especially for aspiring female athletes in India. She has faced and overcome numerous challenges throughout her career, showcasing resilience and determination. Mary Kom continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of boxing.

24 November - Hira Lal Shastri birth anniversary

 

Hira Lal Shastri (24 November 1899 – 28 December 1974), the freedom fighters of India. He was counted among the famous politicians of the country. Hira Lal Shastri had the distinction of becoming the first Chief Minister of Rajasthan. He was the Chief Minister of Rajasthan from 30 March 1949 to 5 January 1951. His wish was that he should go to some village and devote his life in the service of the downtrodden. Hira Lal Shastri had established ‘Vanasthali Vidyapeeth’. Today this Vidyapeeth has assumed the form of a major national institution of women’s education. When a representative government was formed in the princely state of Jaipur in 1948, Hira Lal Shastri took over as its chief minister and on March 30, 1949, when the state of Rajasthan was formed, he became its first chief minister. He was Born on 24 November 1899 in Rajasthan.
 

23 November - Tulsi Vivah also known as Tulsi Pujan or Tulsi Utsav Hindu festival

 

Tulsi Vivah, also known as Tulsi Pujan or Tulsi Utsav, is a Hindu ceremonial festival that marks the symbolic marriage of the holy basil plant (Tulsi) to Lord Vishnu or his avatar Lord Krishna. The festival usually takes place on the eleventh or twelfth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls in October or November in the Gregorian calendar.

The Tulsi plant is considered sacred in Hinduism and is believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. The marriage of Tulsi with Lord Vishnu is a significant event in Hindu mythology and is performed with traditional rituals and ceremonies.

Key features of Tulsi Vivah:

1. Rituals: The ceremony involves the performance of various rituals, including the Tulsi Vivaah Puja, in which the marriage of the Tulsi plant to an image or idol of Lord Vishnu or Krishna is symbolically enacted. The marriage ceremony is conducted with great reverence and devotion.

2. Observance: Tulsi Vivah is observed by many Hindu households. Devotees prepare for the festival by cleaning and decorating their homes, and they often create a miniature wedding mandap (canopy) for the Tulsi plant.

3. Significance: The festival is considered auspicious, and it is believed that observing Tulsi Vivah brings blessings, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. It is also believed to ward off evil spirits.

4. Cultural Variations: While the basic rituals are similar, the way Tulsi Vivah is celebrated can vary across different regions of India. In some places, it is celebrated over several days with various ceremonies and cultural events.

Tulsi Vivah marks the beginning of the wedding season in Hindu culture. The festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural celebration that reinforces the significance of nature and its connection to spirituality in Hindu traditions.