18 December - Arabic Language Day

 

Arabic Language Day is celebrated annually on 18 December . The day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity, as well as to celebrate the Arabic language's role in connecting people across the globe.

Arabic is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, and it holds great cultural and historical significance. Arabic has a rich literary and cultural heritage, including contributions to fields such as science, mathematics, philosophy, and literature.

On Arabic Language Day, various events and activities are organized globally to highlight the importance of the Arabic language. These may include seminars, educational programs, cultural exhibitions, and other initiatives that showcase the language's beauty, history, and cultural impact. The day aims to promote linguistic diversity and encourage people to learn and appreciate the Arabic language.

18 December - Qatar National Day

 

Qatar National Day is celebrated annually on 18 December . It commemorates the day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar, succeeded his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani, as the ruler of the country. The day is a significant national holiday and is celebrated with various events and activities throughout Qatar.

Qatar National Day is a time for the people of Qatar to express their national pride and celebrate the country's heritage and achievements. The celebrations often include parades, fireworks, cultural events, exhibitions, and traditional performances. The national flag is displayed prominently, and many people wear traditional Qatari dress to mark the occasion.

In recent years, Qatar has also hosted various events and activities, including air shows, concerts, and festivals, to make the National Day celebrations more vibrant and inclusive. It's a day that fosters a sense of unity and patriotism among the citizens and residents of Qatar.

 

18 December - Guru Ghasidas birth anniversary

 

Guru Ghasidas, born on 18 December  1756, in Girodpuri (present-day Chhattisgarh, India), was a revered saint, social reformer, and the founder of the Satnami sect. He dedicated his life to promoting social equality and justice, advocating against caste discrimination and oppression. Guru Ghasidas emphasized simplicity in lifestyle, devotion to one God, and the rejection of idol worship. His teachings laid the foundation for the Satnami community, which continues to uphold the principles of equality, brotherhood, and social harmony.

Guru Ghasidas passed away on 09 December 1836, leaving behind a lasting legacy of social reform and spiritual teachings. His contributions have had a profound impact on the cultural and social landscape of Chhattisgarh, inspiring movements for social justice and equality. The followers of the Satnami sect commemorate his birth anniversary, known as Ghasidas Jayanti, as a tribute to his enduring influence.

 

18 December - General K.S.Thimayya Death anniversary

 

General Kodendera Subayya Thimayya DSO (31 March 1906 – 18 December 1965) was a distinguished soldier of the Indian Army who served as Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961 in the crucial years leading up to the conflict with China in 1962. Gen. Thimayya was the only Indian to command an Infantry brigade in battle during the Second World War and is regarded as the most distinguished combat officer the Indian Army has produced. After the Korean War, Thimayya headed a United Nations unit dealing with the repatriation of prisoners of war. After his retirement from the Army, he was appointed Commander of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus from July 1964 to December 1965 and died in Cyprus while on active duty on 18 December 1965.  

17 December - Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya death anniversary

 

Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya (24 November 1880 – 17 December 1959) was an Indian freedom fighter and politician. He is best known for his role in the Indian independence movement and his contributions to the development of the Indian National Congress.

Sitaramayya was born on 24 November 1880 in Gundugolanu, Andhra Pradesh, India. He pursued his education in law and joined the Indian National Congress during the early stages of the freedom struggle. He actively participated in various movements and played a crucial role in mobilizing public support for the cause of independence.

One of his significant contributions was during the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Sitaramayya was also associated with the Swaraj Party, formed by leaders like Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das.

In the political sphere, Sitaramayya served as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1948. His presidential tenure is notable for being a transitional period in the history of the Congress Party, as it marked the first session after India gained independence.

Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya passed away on 17 December 1959. His contributions to the independence movement and his role in Indian politics are remembered with respect.

 

17 December - Lala Amarnath scores a century in his Test Cricket debut.

 

Lala Amarnath, the Indian cricketer, he scores a century in his Test debut. His debut Test match was against England, and it took place at Bombay (now Mumbai) on 17 December 1933. In that match, Lala Amarnath made an impressive debut by scoring 118 runs. This century marked a notable beginning to his Test cricket career.

Lala Amarnath went on to become one of India's prominent cricketers of his time and played a significant role in the early development of Indian cricket. His contribution to the sport extended beyond his playing career, as he later became a respected cricket administrator.

17 December - Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru were involved in the killing of British police officer

 

Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru were involved in the killing of British police officer James A. Scott, not James Saunders. On December 17, 1928, in Lahore, India, these revolutionaries targeted James A. Scott, who was mistakenly identified as James A. Saunders.

Bhagat Singh and his associates were part of the Indian independence movement and engaged in various acts of protest and resistance against British colonial rule. The killing of James A. Scott was carried out in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, who had died from injuries sustained during a baton charge by the police. The plan had been to target James A. Scott, who was believed to be responsible for ordering the lathi charge on Lala Lajpat Rai. However, they ended up killing James A. Saunders by mistake.

The incident played a significant role in the events leading up to the more widely known Lahore Conspiracy Case, in which Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru were eventually tried and sentenced to death for their involvement in the killing of J.P. Saunders.

 

17 December - Wright Brothers Day

 

 

 

Wright Brothers Day (December 17) is a United States national observation. It is codified in the US Code, and commemorates the first successful flights in a heavier-than-air, mechanically propelled airplane, the Wright Flyer, that were made by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.On September 24, 1959, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared December 17 to be Wright Brothers Day.

Wright Brothers Day was announced as an official commemorative day in Ohio, on October 5, 2011, celebrating 100 years of practical flight for the Wright Brothers. 

17 December - Pope Francis birthday

 

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Elected on March 13, 2013, he is the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Americas. Known for his humility, compassion, and commitment to social justice, Pope Francis has emphasized issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental stewardship. His papacy has been characterized by a more inclusive and compassionate approach, reaching out to those on the margins of society. Pope Francis has also played a key role in fostering interfaith dialogue and addressing contemporary challenges facing the Church.

17 December - Saint Begga death anniversary

 

Saint Begga, also known as Saint Bega, was a Christian saint and noblewoman who lived in the early medieval period. She is primarily associated with the regions of Belgium and England. Here are some key details about Saint Begga:

1. Family Background: Saint Begga was born into a noble family. She was the daughter of Pepin of Landen, a powerful aristocrat in the Merovingian Frankish kingdom, and Saint Itta, a saintly noblewoman known for her charitable works and founding monastic communities.

2. Religious Devotion: Begga was known for her strong Christian faith and piety. Following the death of her husband, Ansegisel, she chose a life of celibacy and devoted herself to religious pursuits.

3. Founding Monastic Communities: Saint Begga is particularly remembered for her efforts in establishing monastic communities. She founded a convent at Andenne, Belgium, which she governed for many years. This convent became a center of Christian spirituality and education.

4. Commemoration: Saint Begga is venerated as a saint in the Christian tradition, particularly in Belgium and parts of England. Her feast day is celebrated on December 17th.

5. Patronage: Saint Begga is often invoked for assistance with issues related to fertility, as well as protection for women and children.

It's important to note that the details of Saint Begga's life are based on hagiographical accounts, which can sometimes be embellished with legends and myths. Nevertheless, she is recognized as a significant figure in early Christian history, known for her devotion to the faith and her contributions to monastic life.