29 January - Laxmidas Purshottamdas Jai death anniversary

Laxmidas Purshottamdas Jai ( 01 April 1902 – 29 January 1968) was a major figure in Indian cricket between the wars.

Jai was born in a Gujarati family in Bombay. Jai was a graceful right-handed stroke-player. Most of his finer innings came in the Bombay Quadrangular competition. He captained Bombay to the title in the first-ever Ranji Trophy championship.

Because of the Hindu Gymkhana's opposition in protest against the jailing of Indian political leaders, Jai along with Vijay Merchant and Champak Mehta were unavailable for trial matches to select the Indian team that tours England in 1932.The tour included India's first ever Test match. His only Test was the first ever in India. He toured England in 1936 but a broken finger restricted his appearances.

He was a selector in the 1950s, before resigning over a dispute during the 1958/59 series against West Indies. The trophy awarded to the scorer of the fastest hundred in Ranji trophy every season was named after him. 

As was the case with cricketers prior to commercial sponsorships, Jai was employed by the Imperial Bank of India, later State Bank of India, by way of a job for life. This helped to nurture his hobby, philately. He became an eminent philatelist, being in a position to "rescue" every stamped envelope that came to the bank every day. He specialised in British Empire stamps.

Jai died on 29 January 1968 in Bombay from cardiac arrest
 

Above Travelled cover and FDC addressed to  Jai are a part of my collection

29 January - Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is first performed in 1895

 

On January 29, 1895, for the first time, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was performed in a theater. Romeo and Juliet performed at the theater in London, England. The theater opened in 1577 and is the main venue for Shakespearean plays.Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about the romance between two Italian youths from feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers.

29 January - Abdus Salam birth anniversary

 

Abdus Salam (January 29, 1926 – November 21, 1996) was a Pakistani theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics. He was born in Jhang, British India (now in Pakistan) and later became a British and Pakistani citizen.

Salam shared the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics with Sheldon Glashow and Steven Weinberg for their contributions to the electroweak unification, which combines electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force into a single theory. This unified theory forms a crucial component of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Despite his notable scientific achievements, Abdus Salam faced challenges and discrimination in his home country due to his religious beliefs. He was an Ahmadi Muslim, a sect that has faced persecution in Pakistan. Salam worked internationally, particularly in Europe, and held positions at institutions such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

Abdus Salam passed away on November 21, 1996, in Oxford, United Kingdom. While he is celebrated for his contributions to physics, his story also highlights the complexities and challenges faced by scientists working in diverse cultural and religious contexts.

 

29 January - Teresa Teng birth anniversary

 

Teresa Teng was a renowned Taiwanese singer. She was born on January 29, 1953, in Baozhong, Yunlin, Taiwan, and passed away on May 8, 1995. Teresa Teng was one of the most beloved and popular Mandarin-language singers in Asia during the late 20th century. Her sweet and emotive voice captured the hearts of millions of fans, and her music transcended national borders.

Teng's career spanned several decades, and she recorded songs in various languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Indonesian, and English. Some of her most famous songs include "The Moon Represents My Heart," "Sweet as Honey," and "I Only Care About You." Teresa Teng's music continues to be cherished by listeners around the world, and she is often remembered as an iconic figure in the history of Chinese pop music.

29 January - Romain Rolland birth anniversary

 

Romain Rolland (29 January 1866 – 30 December 1944) was a French writer, dramatist, essayist, art historian, and mystic. He was born in Clamecy, Nièvre, France. Rolland is best known for his extensive and influential literary works, particularly the novel series "Jean-Christophe," for which he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915. He was a versatile intellectual and made notable contributions to literature, philosophy, and musicology. Romain Rolland was a prominent figure in the cultural and intellectual life of his time.

29 January - George III of the United Kingdom death anniversary

 

George III, whose full name was George William Frederick, was the King of Great Britain and King of Ireland from October 25, 1760, until his death. Here are the details of his birth and death:

• Born: 04 June 1738, in Norfolk House, St James's Square, London, Great Britain
• Died: 29 January 1820, at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom

George III is often associated with the American Revolutionary War, during which the Thirteen Colonies declared their independence from British rule. His reign also witnessed significant political and social changes in Britain, including the emergence of the Industrial Revolution. However, in the later years of his reign, he faced health issues, including mental illness, which led to the appointment of a regent to carry out royal duties on his behalf.

 

29 January - Oprah Winfrey birth anniversary

 

Oprah Winfrey is a highly influential American media executive, television host, producer, actress, and philanthropist. Here are some key details about her:

• Born: 29 January 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, United States

Oprah Winfrey is best known for her long-running talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which aired from 1986 to 2011. The show became one of the highest-rated talk shows in television history and made Oprah a household name. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry.

Apart from her successful career in media, Oprah is also a successful businesswoman. She founded her own television network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), in 2011. Additionally, she has been involved in acting, producing, and philanthropy.

Oprah is known for her philanthropic work, including her support for education, health initiatives, and various charitable causes. She has received numerous accolades for her contributions to media and society, and she continues to be a prominent figure in American culture.

29 January - William McKinley birth anniversary

 

William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States. Here are some key details about him:

• Born: 29 January 1843, in Niles, Ohio, United States
• Died: 14 September 1901, in Buffalo, New York, United States

McKinley served as President from March 4, 1897, until his assassination in September 1901. He was known for leading the nation to victory in the Spanish-American War, which resulted in the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Unfortunately, McKinley's presidency was cut short when he was shot by an anarchist, Leon Czolgosz, on 06 September 1901, during a public event in Buffalo. McKinley succumbed to his wounds on 14 September 1901. After McKinley's death, Theodore Roosevelt, the Vice President, assumed the presidency.

 

29 January - Walt Disney’s animated film ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is released.

 

Walt Disney's animated film "Sleeping Beauty" was released on January 29, 1959. The film is based on the fairy tale "La Belle au bois dormant" (The Beauty Sleeping in the Wood) by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm's version, "Little Briar Rose."

"Sleeping Beauty" is known for its artistic and visual style, characterized by its use of hand-inked and hand-painted animation. The film features Princess Aurora, the evil Maleficent, and a cast of memorable characters. The musical score includes Tchaikovsky's compositions, adapting the ballet "Sleeping Beauty" into the film's soundtrack.

While "Sleeping Beauty" initially received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained recognition for its artistic achievements and has become a classic in the Disney animated film canon. The film's visual and artistic qualities, as well as its timeless story, have contributed to its enduring popularity over the years.

29 January - Karl Benz patents the gasoline-driven automobile.

 

Karl Benz, a German engineer and inventor, patented the gasoline-driven automobile on January 29, 1886. His patent, titled "Vehicle with gas engine operation," is considered a landmark in the history of the automobile.

Benz's invention was a three-wheeled vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline. The vehicle, known as the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, is widely regarded as the world's first true automobile. It featured a single-cylinder engine, a chassis, and other essential components that laid the foundation for the development of modern automobiles.

Karl Benz's groundbreaking invention revolutionized transportation, paving the way for the automotive industry. The Benz Patent-Motorwagen marked the beginning of a new era, ultimately leading to the widespread adoption of automobiles and the transformation of personal and industrial mobility.