22 December - Guru Gobind Singh born in 1666

 

 

Guru Gobind Singh born Gobind Das or Gobind Rai (22 December 1666 – 7 October 1708) was the tenth and last human Sikh Guru.He was also a warrior, poet, and philosopher. At the age of nine—after his father (Guru Tegh Bahadur) was executed by Emperor Aurangzeb—he was formally installed as the leader of the Sikhs.His four biological sons died during his lifetime – two in battle and two executed by the Mughal governor Wazir Khan.

Among his notable contributions to Sikhism are founding the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa in 1699 and introducing the Five Ks, the five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times. Guru Gobind Singh is credited with the Dasam Granth whose hymns are a sacred part of Sikh prayers and Khalsa rituals.He is also credited as the one who finalized and enshrined the Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism's primary scripture and eternal Guru

22 December - Srinivasa Ramanujan birth anniversary

 

Srinivasa Ramanujan was an extraordinary Indian mathematician who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of mathematics. Here's a short write-up about him, including his birth and death dates:

• Birth Date: Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India.

• Early Life: Ramanujan displayed an early aptitude for mathematics and developed a passion for the subject during his childhood. Lacking formal training, he relied on self-study and exploration of mathematical texts.

• Mathematical Genius: Ramanujan's mathematical insights and discoveries were truly exceptional. His work primarily focused on areas such as number theory, infinite series, and mathematical analysis. He had an innate ability to intuitively grasp complex mathematical concepts and formulate elegant theorems.

• Collaboration with G.H. Hardy: Ramanujan's talent was recognized by British mathematician G.H. Hardy, who invited him to the University of Cambridge in England. Their collaboration resulted in groundbreaking research and theorems. Ramanujan's work on partition functions, mock theta functions, and modular forms, among others, was particularly noteworthy.

• Contributions: Ramanujan's contributions to mathematics continue to be of immense importance. His formulas and theorems have applications in various areas of mathematics, including number theory, analysis, and algebra. Mathematicians around the world still study and build upon his work.

• Death Date: Tragically, Srinivasa Ramanujan's life was cut short. He passed away on April 26, 1920, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India, at the young age of 32.

• Legacy: Ramanujan's legacy is celebrated worldwide, and he is considered one of the greatest mathematicians in history. His story is a testament to the power of human curiosity, talent, and perseverance in the pursuit of knowledge.

Srinivasa Ramanujan's life and work continue to inspire mathematicians and students, and his contributions to the field of mathematics are remembered and revered to this day.

 

22 December - National Mathematics Day India

 

National Mathematics Day is celebrated in India on December 22nd each year to honor the birth anniversary of the renowned Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan. This day was established to recognize his exceptional contributions to the field of mathematics and to promote mathematics as a subject of importance and interest.

Key points about National Mathematics Day:

1. Srinivasa Ramanujan: Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India. He was a self-taught mathematical genius known for his extraordinary mathematical insights and discoveries. His work has had a profound and lasting impact on various areas of mathematics, including number theory and mathematical analysis.

2. Recognition of Talent: Ramanujan's mathematical talent was recognized by British mathematician G.H. Hardy, and he traveled to England to work with Hardy at the University of Cambridge. His collaboration with Hardy led to significant mathematical breakthroughs.

3. Contributions: Ramanujan made substantial contributions to areas such as infinite series, modular forms, and elliptic functions. Many of his formulas and theorems continue to be studied and applied in mathematics and related fields.

4. Celebrations: On National Mathematics Day in India, various educational institutions, mathematicians, and math enthusiasts organize events, seminars, workshops, and mathematical competitions to celebrate the beauty and importance of mathematics. The day also aims to inspire students to pursue mathematical studies and research.

5. National Mathematics Day Resolution: In 2012, the Indian government declared December 22nd as National Mathematics Day to recognize Ramanujan's contributions and to promote the development of mathematics in India.

National Mathematics Day serves as an occasion to remember and celebrate the achievements of Srinivasa Ramanujan and to promote the study and appreciation of mathematics among the youth of India.

22 December - Samrat Vikramaditya commemorative stamp issued in 2016

 

Vikramaditya was an emperor of ancient India, considered the legendary king. He is well known for his generosity, courage, and patronage of scholars. Samrat Vikramaditya began his rule after defeating Shakas in the VikramSamvat era in 57 BCE.

Samrat Vikramaditya is a feature in several traditional stories including BaitalPachisi and SinghasanBattisi. Some scholars claim that King Vikramaditya was probably based on the Gupta king Chandragupta II. Based on coins and the Supia pillar inscription, it is believed that Chandragupta II adopted the title Vikramaditya.

The government of India issued this commemorative stamp of SamratVikramaditya, on 22nd December 2016 to commemorate him. 

21 December - The Central Bank of India established in 1911

 

The Central Bank of India is one of the oldest and largest commercial banks in India. It was established on 21 December  1911. The bank was founded by Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala, with Sir Pherozeshah Mehta as the Chairman. The Central Bank of India was the first Indian commercial bank that was wholly owned and managed by Indians. Over the years, it has played a significant role in the economic development of the country and has expanded its operations to serve a diverse range of customers.

 

21 December - World Saree Day

 

World Saree Day is celebrated on 21 December every year. The day is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the traditional Indian attire, the saree. Saree is a traditional garment worn by women in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian countries. It is a symbol of grace and elegance and comes in various styles, fabrics, and designs.

World Saree Day aims to showcase the versatility of the saree and encourage people, especially women, to embrace and celebrate their cultural roots by wearing sarees. The initiative also seeks to revive and promote the traditional art of handloom weaving and support the weavers who create these beautiful pieces of clothing.

People celebrate World Saree Day by sharing pictures of themselves wearing sarees on social media platforms, organizing events, workshops, and fashion shows related to sarees, and participating in discussions about the cultural significance of this traditional attire. It is a day to appreciate the beauty of the saree and the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

 

21 December - Pandit Sundarlal Sharma birth anniversary

 

Pandit Sundarlal Sharma (21 December 1881 — 28 December 1940) was a key figure in the independence movement from Chhattisgarh. He was largely responsible for ushering in political and social consciousness to Chhattisgarh. In 1920, he started the canal satyagraha, also known as the Nahar satyagraha, at a village called Kandel in Dhamtari Tehsil. Chhattisgarh has a university in the name of Pandit Sundarlal Sharma .

21 December - Recognition of Nepal as an independent and sovereign state by Great Britain.

 

Nepal is often recognized as having never been colonized by a foreign power. While it was never formally colonized, it did experience some external influence and control at different times in its history.

On 21 December 1923, the United Kingdom formally recognized the independence of Nepal through the Nepal-Britain Treaty of Friendship. This treaty, also known as the Sugauli Treaty, was signed between Nepal and the British East India Company in 1815. The treaty established the River Kali (also known as the Kali Gandaki River) as the western boundary of Nepal, formalizing Nepal's sovereignty.

While this event is often cited as a key moment in recognizing Nepal's independence, it's important to note that Nepal was never a colony in the traditional sense. The country has a long history of self-rule, and the Sugauli Treaty formalized certain borders and diplomatic relations between Nepal and the British East India Company.

 

21 December - Heinrich Böll birth anniversary

 

Heinrich Böll (note the umlaut over the "o") was a German writer and Nobel laureate in literature. He was born on 21 December 1917, in Cologne, Germany, and died on 16 July 1985, in Langenbroich near Cologne.

Heinrich Böll gained international recognition for his novels and short stories that often explored the moral and political aspects of post-World War II Germany. His works reflect a concern with the consequences of war, the challenges of rebuilding a shattered society, and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals.

Some of his notable works include:

1. "The Train Was on Time" (1949)
2. "Billiards at Half-past Nine" (1959)
3. "The Clown" (1963)
4. "Group Portrait with Lady" (1971) - This novel won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972.

Heinrich Böll was known for his critical stance towards German society, and his writings often delved into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the impact of historical events on individuals. His literary contributions left a lasting impact on post-war German literature.

 

21 December - Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna death anniversary

 

Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and a key leader in the Ghadar Party. Born on 15 November 1870, in the Ropar district of Punjab, Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna played a crucial role in organizing and mobilizing the Indian diaspora, particularly in the United States and Canada, against British colonial rule.

The Ghadar Party, founded in 1913, sought to establish a free and independent India. Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna was associated with the party and played a vital role in its activities. He worked towards raising awareness about the political situation in India and encouraging support for the cause of Indian independence.

After the Ghadar Conspiracy in 1915, Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna faced imprisonment along with other leaders. Following his release, he continued to be active in political and social circles, advocating for the rights and freedom of the Indian people.

Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna passed away on 21 December 1968. His contributions to the Indian independence movement and his role in the Ghadar Party are remembered as significant chapters in the history of India's struggle for freedom.