12 April - Dr. Rajkumar (Actor) death anniversary

 

Dr. Rajkumar, often referred to as Annavaru, was an iconic Indian actor and singer who primarily worked in Kannada cinema. Born on 24 April 1929, in Gajanur, Karnataka, he made his acting debut in the 1954 film "Bedara Kannappa."

Rajkumar's contribution to Kannada cinema is immense, spanning over five decades. He was known for his versatile acting skills and powerful performances in a wide range of roles, including mythological, historical, and social dramas. Some of his most memorable movies include "Bangarada Manushya," "Kasturi Nivasa," "Babruvahana," "Mayura," and "Jeevana Chaitra."

Apart from acting, Rajkumar was also a talented singer and lent his voice to numerous songs in his films. His melodious voice and soulful renditions earned him a special place in the hearts of millions of fans.

In addition to his artistic contributions, Rajkumar was also known for his philanthropic work and his efforts to promote Kannada language and culture. He was revered by his fans and received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in cinema.

Dr. Rajkumar's legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers in the Kannada film industry, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Indian cinema.

 

Dr. Rajkumar, the legendary Indian actor, passed away on 12 April 2006. His death was a moment of profound grief for millions of his fans, not just in Karnataka but across India. The news of his demise led to an outpouring of sorrow and tributes from people from all walks of life, highlighting the immense impact he had made through his work in cinema and his contributions to society.

Rajkumar's funeral was attended by an unprecedented number of mourners, with thousands of people gathering to pay their last respects. His passing marked the end of an era in Kannada cinema, but his legacy continues to live on through his timeless performances and his enduring influence on the industry.

Even years after his death, Dr. Rajkumar remains a beloved figure in Indian cinema, remembered not just for his acting prowess but also for his humility, philanthropy, and dedication to promoting Kannada language and culture.

12 April - International Day for Human Space Flight

 

The International Day of Human Space Flight, also known as Yuri's Night, is celebrated annually on April 12th. This significant date marks the anniversary of the first human space flight by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet astronaut, aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft in 1961. The event is observed to honor the pioneering achievements of humans in space exploration and to promote the exploration and peaceful use of outer space for the betterment of humanity. It serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress humanity has made in space exploration and inspires future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space.

12 April - World Hamster Day

 World Hamster Day is an adorable celebration dedicated to these tiny, fluffy creatures! It's a day to appreciate and learn more about hamsters, their care, and their importance as pets. Whether you own one or simply admire them from afar, it's a great opportunity to spread some love for these furry friend's

It’s estimated that hamsters have been around for at least 15 million years, but they weren’t domesticated until the 20th century. This exciting development started when the zoologist Israel Aharoni went on an expedition to look for Syrian hamsters in a cornfield on April 12th, 1930. The 13 captured critters were then bred to produce the first domesticated hamsters, with the entire population of pet Syrian hamsters (also known as golden hamsters) actually descendants of this original group.

Pet hamsters quickly spread to places such as the US and UK, although they remain in the wild in various European and Asian countries like China, Belgium and Greece. Sadly, the wild version of the Syrian hamster is now considered an endangered species.

These days the most popular type of household hamster is the Syrian variant, with dwarf hamsters also very common. Like their fellow rodents, they are widely used in laboratories as test subjects in the study of various diseases and medical conditions such as lung cancer, gallstones and pulmonary fibrosis.

No wonder these wonderful animals deserve a day of celebration!

12 April - National Big Wind Day

 

National Big Wind Day is observed each year in the United States on April 12. The day commemorates the recording of the highest natural wind gust measured on the Earth’s surface. It was on the afternoon of April 12, 1934, that winds blowing at 231 miles per hour were recorded by Mount Washington Observatory. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft. It is said to be the most notable mountain east of the Mississippi River. While it is difficult to say if the day will receive strong winds as it did in 1934, one can still expect that it will be windy on Mount Washington.

12 April - Punjab National Bank founded in 1894

 

Punjab National Bank (PNB) was indeed founded on 12 April 1894. It was established by Lala Lajpat Rai, E. C. Jessawala, and Lala Harkishan Lal in Lahore, which was then part of British India (now in Pakistan). PNB has since grown to become one of the largest public sector banks in India, with a significant presence both domestically and internationally.

Over the years, Punjab National Bank has played a crucial role in the Indian banking sector, providing a wide range of banking and financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. It has also contributed to various economic and social development initiatives in India.

PNB's founding date, April 12, is observed as its foundation day, and the bank celebrates this occasion annually to commemorate its establishment and honor its rich history and heritage.

The bank has over 180 million customers, 10,910 branches and 13,000+ ATMs post merger with United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce, effective from 1 April 2020

12 April - Kumaran Asan birth anniversary

Kumaran Asan, born Kumaru Pillai, was a prominent Malayalam poet from Kerala, India, known for his contributions to modern Malayalam literature. He was born on 12 April 1873, in Kayikkara, Travancore (present-day Kerala). Kumaran Asan's poetry addressed various social, philosophical, and spiritual themes, and he played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of Kerala during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Asan's works often reflected his deep spiritual insights and philosophical inquiries, exploring themes such as human suffering, the search for truth, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. He was deeply influenced by Indian philosophical traditions, particularly Vedanta and Advaita Vedanta.

One of Kumaran Asan's most acclaimed works is the epic poem "Veena Poovu" (The Fallen Flower), which explores the human condition and the transient nature of life. His other notable works include "Nalini," "Leela," and "Karuna."

Apart from his literary pursuits, Kumaran Asan was also involved in social reform movements and was an advocate for education and women's rights. He founded the journal "Vivekodayam" to promote social reform and progressive ideas.

Kumaran Asan's contributions to Malayalam literature and his role in promoting social reform have earned him a revered place in Kerala's cultural and literary history. He passed away on 16 January 1924, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and social activism.

12 April - Halifax Day (North Carolina)

 

Halifax Day is indeed celebrated in North Carolina, particularly in the town of Halifax. However, the exact date of Halifax Day can vary depending on the source. While some sources mention April 12th, others suggest that it is observed on April 12th, 1776, when the Fourth Provincial Congress of North Carolina authorized the Halifax Resolves.

The Halifax Resolves were a crucial step towards American independence. They were the first official action by an entire colony to recommend independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution. The Resolves instructed North Carolina's delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence from British rule.

Halifax Day is celebrated in honor of this historic event, recognizing the role of North Carolina in the fight for American independence. It typically involves various commemorative events, including reenactments, parades, speeches, and educational activities, to remember and honor the significance of the Halifax Resolves in shaping American history.

 

12 April - National Redemption Day Liberia

 

National Redemption Day commemorates a significant event in Liberian history - the overthrow of the True Whig Party government in a military coup on April 12, 1980. This event marked the end of more than a century of political dominance by the True Whig Party, which had ruled Liberia since its founding.

The military coup was led by Master Sergeant Samuel Doe, who seized power and ended the long-standing rule of the True Whig Party. This event was seen as a moment of liberation by many Liberians, particularly those who had been marginalized or oppressed under the previous regime.

National Redemption Day is observed annually in Liberia with various ceremonies, events, and reflections on the country's history and struggle for democracy. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting democracy and human rights, as well as a celebration of the nation's progress and resilience.

12 April - Girija Prasad Koirala was appointed the new Prime Minister of Nepal

 

Girija Prasad Koirala, a prominent Nepalese politician, became Prime Minister of Nepal on April 12, 2006. His appointment came during a period of significant political turmoil in Nepal.

Koirala was a key figure in Nepali politics, serving multiple terms as Prime Minister and playing a crucial role in shaping the country's political landscape. He was a prominent leader of the Nepali Congress party and a staunch advocate for democracy and social justice.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Koirala faced numerous challenges, including the Nepalese Civil War and the transition from a monarchy to a republic. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Nepal through these turbulent times.

Koirala's appointment as Prime Minister in 2006 was significant as it marked a crucial moment in Nepal's political history, leading to significant reforms and changes in the country's governance structure.

 

12 April - Jan Tinbergen, birth anniversary

 

Jan Tinbergen was a Dutch economist and pioneer in the field of econometrics. Here's an overview of his life and contributions:

Early Life and Education:

• Jan Tinbergen was born on April 12, 1903, in The Hague, Netherlands.
• He studied physics and mathematics at the University of Leiden, where he earned his doctorate in physics in 1929.

Career and Contributions:

• Tinbergen initially worked as a researcher at the League of Nations in Geneva, where he focused on international economic relations.
• He later returned to the Netherlands and became a professor of economics at the Netherlands School of Economics (now Erasmus University Rotterdam).
• Tinbergen is best known for his work in econometrics, which involves the application of statistical methods to economic data. He developed innovative techniques for analyzing economic relationships and forecasting economic trends.
• In 1936, Tinbergen published his seminal work, "Statistical Testing of Business-Cycle Theories," in which he applied statistical methods to macroeconomic data to analyze business cycles.
• He was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1969, along with Ragnar Frisch, for their pioneering work in econometrics.
• Tinbergen's research laid the foundation for modern econometric methods and greatly influenced the development of macroeconomics and economic policy.

Later Life and Legacy:

• In addition to his academic work, Tinbergen was actively involved in economic policy advising, particularly in the Netherlands.
• He served as an economic advisor to the Dutch government and played a key role in the reconstruction of the Dutch economy after World War II.
• Tinbergen was a strong advocate for using economic analysis to address social and environmental challenges. He emphasized the importance of economic policy in achieving social welfare and promoting sustainable development.
• Jan Tinbergen passed away on June 9, 1994, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential economists of the 20th century. His contributions to econometrics and economic policy continue to inspire economists and policymakers around the world.