21 July - Ernest Miller Hemingway birth anniversary

 

Ernest Miller Hemingway (July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961) was an American novelist, short story writer, and journalist. He is considered one of the most influential and celebrated writers of the 20th century. Hemingway's distinctive writing style was characterized by its simplicity and understated emotional depth, which had a profound impact on modern literature.

Hemingway was born in Oak Park, Illinois, USA. He began his writing career as a journalist for newspapers like the Kansas City Star and later worked as a foreign correspondent during World War I, the Spanish Civil War, and World War II. His experiences as a war correspondent greatly influenced his literary works.

21 July - Sivaji Ganesan death anniversary

Sivaji Ganesan (October 1, 1928 – July 21, 2001) was a legendary Indian actor, primarily known for his work in Tamil cinema. He was one of the most iconic and versatile actors in the history of Indian cinema and earned the title "Nadigar Thilagam," which translates to "The Pride of Actors."

Born as Villupuram Chinnaiah Ganesan, he later adopted the screen name "Sivaji Ganesan" as a tribute to the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji. Ganesan's acting career spanned over five decades, and he starred in more than 300 films, leaving an indelible mark on Tamil cinema.

Sivaji Ganesan was known for his exceptional acting skills, deep emotional portrayals, and ability to immerse himself in a wide range of characters, from dramatic roles to comedic ones. He was a master of dialogue delivery, and his powerful performances won him numerous awards and accolades.

Sivaji Ganesan's contributions to cinema earned him several awards, including multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. He also received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema, for his exceptional contribution to the film industry.

Sivaji Ganesan passed away on July 21, 2001, leaving behind a legacy as one of India's most celebrated actors and an inspiration to future generations of actors.

 

21 July - Gangubai Hangal death anniversary

 

Gangubai Hangal (1913 – 2009) was a renowned Indian classical vocalist, hailing from the Kirana gharana, a traditional school of music. She was born on March 5, 1913, in Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Gangubai was a prominent figure in the world of Hindustani classical music and was celebrated for her mesmerizing performances and soulful renditions.

Her musical journey began at a young age, and she received training from notable musicians like Sawai Gandharva, her guru and husband. Gangubai's singing style was characterized by her rich and emotive voice, and she was especially revered for her renditions of khayal, thumri, and bhajan genres.

Throughout her career, Gangubai Hangal performed extensively in India and abroad, earning accolades and appreciation from music enthusiasts and critics alike. She received several prestigious awards for her contributions to Indian classical music, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, which are among the highest civilian honors in India.

Apart from her musical pursuits, Gangubai was also known for her social activism and commitment to various social causes, including women's rights and education. She remained dedicated to her art until the very end, and her legacy continues to inspire aspiring musicians and music lovers around the world.

Gangubai Hangal passed away on July 21, 2009, at the age of 96, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of Indian classical music.

 

21 July - Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee death anniversary

 

Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (1844 – 1906) was a prominent Indian physician, barrister, and one of the early leaders of the Indian National Congress. He was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and went on to play a significant role in India's struggle for independence during the British colonial era.

Bonnerjee's career began as a doctor, and he earned a degree in medicine from Edinburgh University in 1868. Later, he also pursued law and became a barrister. He was one of the few Indians of his time to have such a diverse educational background.

In 1885, Bonnerjee played a pivotal role in the formation of the Indian National Congress, which was founded with the goal of presenting Indian political demands and seeking constitutional reforms from the British government. He presided over the first session of the Indian National Congress held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885.

Bonnerjee's leadership and contributions to the early years of the Indian National Congress were significant in laying the groundwork for the future struggle for India's independence. However, as the Congress evolved and its methods and ideologies changed over time, he gradually distanced himself from the organization.

Despite his involvement in public life, Bonnerjee continued his medical practice and remained active in legal circles. He passed away in 1906, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneering figures in India's nationalist movement.

Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee passed away on July 21, 1906. His death anniversary is observed on this date every year.

 

21 July : 1st Test Cricket match was played at Lord's in 1884

 

On 21 July 1884, 1st Test Cricket match was played at Lord's.

Lord's Cricket Ground, known as Lord's, is a cricket venue in St John's Wood, London. Named after its founder, Thomas Lord, it is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the European Cricket Council (ECC) and, until August 2005, the International Cricket Council (ICC). Lord's is widely referred to as the Home of Cricket and is home to the world's oldest sporting museum.

20 July - Bruce Lee death anniversary

 

Bruce Lee was born on 27 November 1940, in San Francisco, California, and raised in Hong Kong. He began studying martial arts at a young age, learning Wing Chun under the tutelage of Yip Man. Lee moved back to the United States in 1959 to attend college, where he studied philosophy and continued to develop his martial arts skills.

Career Highlights:

1. Television and Film:

   • "The Green Hornet" (1966-1967): Lee played Kato, the Green Hornet's sidekick, which introduced his martial arts prowess to American audiences.
   • Hong Kong Films: Returning to Hong Kong, Lee starred in several successful films, including "The Big Boss" (1971), "Fist of Fury" (1972), and "Way of the Dragon" (1972), where he fought Chuck Norris in an iconic battle scene.
   • "Enter the Dragon" (1973): His most famous film, released shortly after his death, became a worldwide success and cemented his legacy.

2. Martial Arts Philosophy:

   • Jeet Kune Do: Lee developed his own martial arts philosophy, Jeet Kune Do (The Way of the Intercepting Fist), which emphasized practicality, flexibility, and efficiency. It drew from various martial arts disciplines, advocating for a no-style approach.

3. Legacy:

   • Lee's influence extended beyond martial arts and cinema. He was a cultural icon who broke racial barriers in Hollywood, becoming the first Asian actor to achieve major international stardom.
   • His philosophy of personal growth, self-expression, and the integration of mind and body has inspired millions globally.
   • Bruce Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee, continues to promote his legacy through the Bruce Lee Foundation.

Death:

Bruce Lee's sudden death on 20 July 1973, at the age of 32, was a shock to the world. He died from cerebral edema, a swelling of the brain, possibly due to a reaction to a pain medication. Despite his untimely death, his influence has endured, with his teachings and films remaining relevant to this day.

Quotes:

Bruce Lee is known for his insightful quotes, which reflect his deep understanding of martial arts and philosophy:

• "Be water, my friend."
• "Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own."
• "Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do."

Bruce Lee's legacy lives on through his films, his philosophy, and the countless lives he touched with his teachings and inspiration.

20 July - International Moon Day

 

International Moon Day is celebrated on July 20th each year, commemorating the anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon during NASA's Apollo 11 mission in 1969. This day, recognized by the United Nations, highlights the importance of space exploration, scientific discovery, and international cooperation in space endeavors. On July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon, while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module. Armstrong's famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," marked a historic achievement in space exploration. The UN General Assembly officially declared July 20 as International Moon Day in December 2021, acknowledging the significance of this milestone and promoting the peaceful use of outer space. The day encourages awareness and interest in space science, technology, and exploration, highlighting the advancements made since the Apollo 11 mission and future prospects of lunar exploration. Emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in space missions and scientific research, it fosters a sense of global unity in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Celebrations often include public events hosted by space agencies, museums, and educational institutions, featuring lectures, exhibitions, and interactive activities related to lunar exploration. Schools and universities may conduct special classes and workshops, while documentaries, films, articles, and social media campaigns engage the public, spreading awareness about the significance of lunar exploration and its impact on science and technology. International Moon Day serves as a reminder of humanity's achievements in space and the potential for future exploration, encouraging curiosity and innovation in the quest to understand our universe.

20 July - Edmund Hillary birth anniversary

 

Edmund Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist who, along with Tenzing Norgay, became the first confirmed climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. He was born on July 20, 1919, in Auckland, New Zealand, and passed away on 11 January 2008.

Hillary's most significant achievement came on May 29, 1953, when he and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest as part of a British expedition led by Sir John Hunt. Their successful ascent of Everest was a remarkable feat and captured the world's attention, marking a significant moment in mountaineering history.

After his Everest expedition, Edmund Hillary continued to embark on various expeditions and adventures around the world. He explored the Antarctica, becoming part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1955-1958) and reaching the South Pole overland.

Apart from his mountaineering accomplishments, Hillary was also involved in philanthropy, particularly in Nepal. He established the Himalayan Trust, a charitable organization that worked to improve the lives of the Sherpa people and the communities in the Himalayas. The trust contributed to the building of schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure in the region.

20 July - World Jump Day

 

World Jump Day was an internet phenomenon that emerged in 2006. It was a proposed event that claimed that if a sufficient number of people simultaneously jumped in the air on a specific day, it would alter Earth's orbit and "move" the planet away from its current trajectory, thereby correcting climate change.

The origin of World Jump Day can be traced back to a website, worldjumpday.org, which was created to promote this idea. The website stated that if 600 million people jumped at the same time on July 20, 2006, it would create a shift in Earth's orbit and lead to a 2-millisecond change in the length of the day. The claim was not supported by any scientific evidence and was widely criticized by experts.

It's essential to note that the idea behind World Jump Day was purely fictional and not based on any scientific principles. Earth's orbit and climate are complex phenomena influenced by a vast array of factors, and a simple act of people jumping in unison would not have any impact on them.

In reality, to address climate change or any global issues, concerted efforts are required on a global scale, involving scientific research, policy changes, and widespread behavioral shifts. World Jump Day remains a curious internet event from the past, but it has no scientific basis or significance.

20 July - Mirabehn death anniversary

 

Mirabehn was born on November 22, 1892, in England. She came from a wealthy family and had a privileged upbringing. However, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of nonviolence and truth, she decided to renounce her privileged life and dedicate herself to the Indian independence movement.

In 1925, Mirabehn traveled to India and met Mahatma Gandhi. She became deeply involved in his work and embraced a simple lifestyle. Gandhi gave her the name "Mirabehn" as a reflection of her spiritual qualities.

Mirabehn actively participated in various nonviolent campaigns and protests during the freedom struggle. She worked closely with Gandhi, assisting him in his efforts and becoming one of his closest associates. Her commitment to Gandhian principles earned her respect and recognition among the Indian freedom fighters.

After India gained independence in 1947, Mirabehn continued to live in India, working on social and welfare projects. She spent the rest of her life promoting Gandhian ideals, simplicity, and rural development.

Mirabehn passed away on July 20, 1982, in India. Her life and dedication to Mahatma Gandhi's principles remain an important part of the history of India's struggle for freedom and the philosophy of nonviolence.