24 September - Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar agreed to the Poona Pact

 

On 24 September 1932, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar reached an agreement known as the Poona Pact. This compromise was a significant event in the Indian freedom struggle, specifically concerning the political representation of the Dalits (then referred to as "Depressed Classes").

Background:

The British government had proposed a separate electorate for Dalits in the Communal Award of 1932, which would have allowed them to elect their representatives separately from the Hindu electorate. While Dr. Ambedkar saw this as an opportunity for Dalits to have political autonomy and stronger representation, Mahatma Gandhi opposed it, fearing that separate electorates would divide Hindu society and weaken its unity.

The Pact:

After Gandhi began a fast-unto-death in Yerwada Jail against the separate electorate, intense negotiations took place. The Poona Pact was the result of these discussions. Its key provisions were:

1. Joint Electorates: Dalits would not have separate electorates but would participate in the general electorate.
2. Reserved Seats: A higher number of reserved seats for Dalits in provincial legislatures. Instead of the 71 seats promised by the Communal Award, the pact secured 148 seats for Dalits.
3. Social Reforms: The agreement highlighted the need for more significant social reform and upliftment of the Dalit community.

This agreement shaped the future of Dalit political representation in India and remains a critical moment in the relationship between Gandhi and Ambedkar.

24 September - World Gorilla Day

 

World Gorilla Day is celebrated annually on 24 September to raise awareness about the conservation of gorillas and their natural habitats. The day was established to honor the efforts made by scientists, conservationists, and organizations to protect these endangered great apes, particularly the mountain gorillas in Africa. It also commemorates the work of Dian Fossey, a pioneering primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and safeguarding gorillas, with the day coinciding with the founding of the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda by Fossey in 1967.

World Gorilla Day aims to educate the public about the threats facing gorillas, including habitat destruction, poaching, and diseases like Ebola. Gorillas are critically endangered, and efforts to protect them are vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. The day encourages support for conservation programs, wildlife protection policies, and sustainable practices to ensure the survival of gorillas for future generations.

Various activities take place globally, including fundraisers, educational events, and campaigns to adopt gorillas or support ranger programs, emphasizing the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures and their environment.

24 September - Honda Motor Company established in 1948

 

Honda Motor Company was established on 24 September 1948, by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa in Hamamatsu, Japan. Initially starting as a motorcycle manufacturer, Honda quickly gained recognition for its innovative engineering and high-quality products. The company produced its first motorcycle, the Honda Model D, in 1949.

Over the years, Honda expanded its operations and became one of the largest manufacturers of motorcycles and automobiles in the world. The company is known for its commitment to technology, quality, and sustainability, producing a wide range of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and power equipment.

Honda's achievements in motorsports, particularly in motorcycle racing and Formula 1, further solidified its reputation as a leading automotive manufacturer. Today, Honda is recognized globally for its contributions to the automotive industry and its ongoing efforts in research and development, including advancements in electric and hybrid vehicles.

24 September - Mohinder Amarnath birthday

 

Mohinder Amarnath is a celebrated figure in Indian cricket, known for his all-round abilities and pivotal role in India's cricketing history. Here are more details about his life and career:

Early Life and Education

• Birth: Mohinder Amarnath was born on 09 September 1950, in Patiala, Punjab, into a family with a strong cricketing background. His father, Lala Amarnath, was one of India's first cricketing stars and played a significant role in shaping Mohinder's early interest in the sport.

Domestic Career

• Amarnath made his debut in domestic cricket playing for Punjab in the early 1970s.
• He was known for his versatility, contributing significantly as a batsman and bowler.
• Over his domestic career, he scored more than 6,000 runs and took over 400 wickets in first-class cricket.

International Career

• Test Debut: Amarnath made his Test debut for India against New Zealand in 1969. He played 69 Test matches, scoring 4,378 runs with an average of 42.50, including 11 centuries.
• One Day Internationals (ODIs): He was also a key player in ODIs, participating in 85 matches and accumulating 2,200 runs at an average of 42.34, with 1 century.

1983 Cricket World Cup

• Amarnath's most memorable performances came during the 1983 Cricket World Cup.
• He scored 65 runs in the semi-final against England, which helped India secure a spot in the final.
• In the final against the West Indies, he played a crucial innings, scoring 47 runs and taking 3 wickets for 12 runs. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, making him a key figure in India’s historic victory.

Later Career and Coaching

• After retiring from international cricket in the late 1980s, Amarnath transitioned into coaching and cricket administration.
• He served as a coach for various teams and worked with the Indian national team as a selector.
• Amarnath has been involved in nurturing young talent and sharing his extensive knowledge of the game.

Legacy

• Mohinder Amarnath is celebrated not only for his contributions on the field but also for his cricketing intellect and leadership qualities.
• His journey is often cited as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, especially those coming from humble beginnings.
• He remains a prominent figure in discussions about Indian cricket's evolution and success on the international stage.

Overall, Amarnath's impact on Indian cricket is profound, making him a beloved and respected figure in the sport's history.

24 September - World Cancer Research Day

 

World Cancer Research Day is observed on 24 September each year. Established in 2016, this day aims to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research and to highlight the critical role that research plays in preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer.

The day is a collaborative initiative among various organizations, including the World Cancer Research Fund, and focuses on promoting the need for increased investment in cancer research. Events and activities on this day often include educational campaigns, seminars, and community outreach efforts to inform the public about cancer prevention, early detection, and the latest advancements in cancer treatment.

World Cancer Research Day encourages individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to support and prioritize research efforts, which are vital for improving cancer outcomes and reducing the global burden of the disease.

24 September - Mangalyaan successfully entered Martian orbit

On 24 September 2014, Mangalyaan, also known as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), successfully entered Martian orbit, making India the first country to achieve this feat on its maiden attempt. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on 05 November 2013, Mangalyaan was designed to explore Mars' surface features, morphology, atmosphere, and mineralogy from orbit.

This achievement marked a major milestone in space exploration, as India became the fourth space agency globally, after NASA, the Soviet space program, and the European Space Agency, to reach Mars. The mission's success garnered global attention due to its cost-effectiveness, with a budget of just $74 million, significantly lower than other Mars missions.

Mangalyaan's objectives included studying Martian weather systems, surface composition, and searching for methane, a potential indicator of life. The mission has been celebrated for advancing India's space capabilities and inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts.

24 September - Chandrayaan-1 made a monumental discovery by detecting water molecules on the Moon’s surface

 

 

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On 24 September  2009, India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, made a monumental discovery by detecting water molecules on the Moon’s surface, fundamentally changing the way scientists viewed Earth's only natural satellite. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 22 October 2008, Chandrayaan-1 was India's first deep-space mission. The spacecraft orbited the Moon and carried a suite of scientific instruments from ISRO and international partners, including NASA.

The discovery of water was made possible by NASA’s Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3), an advanced imaging spectrometer aboard Chandrayaan-1, which detected hydroxyl (OH) and water (H2O) molecules in the Moon's regolith (surface soil). These molecules were identified primarily in the Moon’s polar regions and in shadowed craters that receive minimal sunlight, where ice was likely to be preserved in a stable state.

This discovery was significant for several reasons:

1. Previous Theories Challenged: Before Chandrayaan-1, it was widely believed that the Moon was completely dry, aside from some possible traces of water in permanently shadowed craters at the poles. The detection of widespread molecular water across the surface challenged this view.
2. Future Exploration: The presence of water on the Moon opens the possibility of using lunar water resources for future human exploration and establishing a more permanent human presence on the Moon. Water could be used for drinking, growing food, or even converted into oxygen and hydrogen for breathable air and rocket fuel.
3. International Collaboration: Chandrayaan-1’s water discovery highlighted the importance of international collaboration in space exploration, with contributions from NASA and ISRO playing critical roles in the mission’s success.

Chandrayaan-1’s mission was officially concluded in August 2009, but its data continues to have a lasting impact on lunar science and future missions to the Moon, including ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 and future lunar missions by other space agencies.

24 September - Pratap Narayan Mishra birth anniversary

 

Pratap Narayan Mishra (24 September 1856 – 6 July 1894) was a Hindi essayist in British India. He is famous for exhorting all Indians to chant and believe in "Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan".^[1]

His famous literary works were Lokokti Shatak, Shriprem Puran, Prarthana Shatak, Kaut', Trupantam, Hathi Hammir, Braidala Swagat and Kanpur Mahamatya.

24 September - Theodor Seuss Geisel death anniversary

 

Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known by his pen name Dr. Seuss, was an American author and illustrator, widely recognized for his children's books. He was born on 02 March 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and he passed away on 24 September 1991, in La Jolla, California.

Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated numerous popular and beloved children's books, including "The Cat in the Hat," "Green Eggs and Ham," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!," and many more. His works often featured imaginative characters, whimsical illustrations, and playful rhymes, making them highly engaging for young readers. Dr. Seuss's books have had a lasting impact on children's literature and continue to be widely read and cherished around the world.

 

24 September - Bhikaiji Cama birth anniversary

 

Bhikaiji Cama, whose full name was Bhikaiji Rustom Cama, was an Indian independence activist and a prominent figure in the struggle for India's freedom from British colonial rule. She was born on September 24, 1861, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, and passed away on August 13, 1936, in Mumbai.

Key points about Bhikaiji Cama include:

1. Early Life and Education: She was born to a wealthy Parsi family and received a good education. She studied in London and was exposed to ideas of nationalism and freedom during her time in England.

2. Involvement in the Independence Movement: Bhikaiji Cama became actively involved in the Indian independence movement. She was associated with leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Dadabhai Naoroji. She was a member of organizations like the Indian National Congress and the Home Rule League.

3. The Flag of Indian Independence: Bhikaiji Cama is perhaps best known for designing and unfurling the first version of the Indian national flag in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907. The flag was green, saffron, and red, with symbols representing different aspects of India's struggle for freedom.

4. Exile: Due to her involvement in revolutionary activities, Bhikaiji Cama had to go into exile in Europe to escape British authorities. She continued her activism from abroad, publishing journals and participating in conferences to garner international support for India's independence.

5. Death: She returned to India in 1935 after a long exile. Sadly, she passed away in Mumbai the following year, in 1936.

Bhikaiji Cama's contributions to India's struggle for independence and her role in popularizing the Indian flag on the international stage are remembered and honored in Indian history and by those who continue to strive for freedom and social justice in India.