10 October - Jananayak Debeswar Sarmah

 

Jananayak Debeswar Sarmah, also known as Debeswar Sarmah, was an Indian freedom fighter and social reformer.

• Birth: Jananayak Debeswar Sarmah was born on October 10, 1896, in Assam, India.

• Role in Freedom Struggle: Debeswar Sarmah was actively involved in the Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule. He was a staunch advocate for the rights of the Assamese people and worked to promote social reforms and cultural awareness.

• Assamese Literature: Sarmah was a prolific writer and poet who made significant contributions to Assamese literature. His writings often reflected his patriotism and commitment to social justice.

• Death: Jananayak Debeswar Sarmah passed away on August 1, 1993, leaving behind a legacy of social activism and literary achievements. He is remembered for his dedication to the welfare of Assam and his contributions to the cultural and literary heritage of the region.

 

10 October - RMS Leinster is torpedoed and sunk by UB-123.

 

On 10 October 1918, the RMS Leinster, a mail and passenger ship operated by the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company, was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UB-123 in the Irish Sea. This tragic event occurred during the final weeks of World War I, and it resulted in the loss of 564 lives, marking it as the worst maritime disaster ever recorded in the Irish Sea.

The RMS Leinster was on a routine voyage from Dublin to Holyhead, carrying civilians, military personnel, and mail. The war had made such crossings increasingly dangerous, as German U-boats patrolled the waters around Britain and Ireland. Despite this threat, the ship set sail on the morning of October 10, with over 700 passengers and crew on board.

As the Leinster approached the Welsh coast, UB-123, commanded by Oberleutnant Robert Ramm, fired three torpedoes at the ship. Two of them hit their target, causing catastrophic damage. The first struck the postal compartment, and the second hit the engine room. The ship sank rapidly, leaving many of the passengers and crew little time to escape. Despite efforts to launch lifeboats and assist survivors, the cold waters of the Irish Sea claimed hundreds of lives.

Of the approximately 771 people on board, only about 213 survived. The disaster was a devastating blow to both Ireland and Britain, with the majority of the victims being Irish civilians, British and Irish servicemen, and postal workers. The loss of the RMS Leinster came at a time when peace was on the horizon, with the Armistice of World War I just weeks away.

The sinking of the RMS Leinster is remembered as a significant wartime tragedy, and memorials have been erected in both Dublin and Holyhead to honor the lives lost. The disaster also highlighted the widespread devastation caused by unrestricted submarine warfare during the war, which targeted both military and civilian vessels indiscriminately.

10 October - The Battle of Karbala

 

The Battle of Karbala, fought on 10 October 680 CE (10th of Muharram, 61 AH), is one of the most defining and poignant events in Islamic history. It took place near the city of Karbala, in modern-day Iraq, between the forces of Yazid I, the Umayyad caliph, and Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. This battle holds immense significance for Shia Muslims, as it marks the martyrdom of Husayn and his companions, who stood against Yazid’s regime in defense of justice and moral integrity.

The conflict arose when Husayn refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, whose rule he viewed as illegitimate and corrupt, representing a departure from the principles of Islam. In response, Yazid sent an army to suppress Husayn’s challenge. Husayn, along with his small group of family members and supporters, numbering around 72, faced a much larger Umayyad force of thousands. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Husayn and his followers stood firm, choosing to sacrifice their lives rather than compromise their values.

The battle was short but brutal. Husayn's companions were killed one by one, and finally, Husayn himself was martyred. His death, along with the suffering endured by the women and children of his family, who were taken captive after the battle, left an indelible mark on Islamic history. For Shia Muslims, the event symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil, oppression and justice.

The commemoration of this event, especially during the month of Muharram, culminates on Ashura, the day of the battle, when millions of Muslims around the world remember Husayn’s sacrifice through mourning rituals, processions, and reenactments of the battle. Karbala has become a symbol of resistance against tyranny, and Husayn’s martyrdom is seen as a universal message of standing against injustice, regardless of the cost.

10 October - World Day Against The Death Penalty

 

The World Day Against the Death Penalty is observed on October 10th each year. This day serves as a global initiative to raise awareness about the use of the death penalty, promote the abolition of capital punishment, and advocate for a more humane and just criminal justice system.

The World Day Against the Death Penalty is an opportunity for governments, human rights organizations, and individuals worldwide to come together and express their opposition to the death penalty. It emphasizes the fundamental principles of human dignity, the right to life, and the need for fair and effective criminal justice systems.

Activities and events organized on this day often include seminars, conferences, rallies, and educational campaigns to shed light on the flaws and shortcomings of capital punishment. Advocates argue that the death penalty is irreversible, inhumane, and can result in the execution of innocent individuals. They call for its abolition and the implementation of alternative forms of punishment that respect human rights.

Various international organizations, including the United Nations, have endorsed the call to abolish the death penalty, and many countries around the world have either abolished it or put a moratorium on its use. The World Day Against the Death Penalty plays a vital role in maintaining and strengthening the global movement against this form of punishment, with the ultimate goal of achieving worldwide abolition.

10 October - K. Shivarama Karanth birth anniversary

 

Kota Shivarama Karanth, commonly known as K. Shivarama Karanth, was born on 10 October  1902, and he passed away on 09 December 1997. He was a renowned Indian polymath, known for his contributions as a writer, social activist, environmentalist, and Yakshagana artist. Karanth received several honors for his work, including the Jnanpith Award, which he won in 1977 for his novel "Mookajjiya Kanasugalu" (Dreams of a Silent Grandma).

 

10 October - Narendra Mohan birth anniversary

Narendra Mohan (10 October 1934 – 20 September 2002) was an Indian industrialist, chairman and managing director of the Jagran Prakashan, the publisher of an Indian newspaper published in Hindi, Dainik Jagran (Hindi: सबसे बिका हुआ अखबार).The late Narendra Mohan's eldest son, Sanjay Gupta, is Jagran's current editor and CEO. 

 

10 October - NAV DURGA (EIGHTH NIGHT) MAHAGAURI

 

MahaGauri is one of the forms of the Hindu goddess Durga and is honored on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Navratri festival. Navratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga in her various forms. Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific form or aspect of the goddess, and MahaGauri is the focus on the eighth day.

MahaGauri is often depicted as a radiant and pure goddess. Her name "MahaGauri" is derived from two words: "Maha," which means great, and "Gauri," which means fair or white. She is often depicted as having fair skin, symbolizing purity and serenity. She is often shown wearing white clothes and adorning herself with white flowers and jewelry.

Devotees pray to MahaGauri for purity, peace, and happiness. She is believed to bring calm and tranquillity to the lives of her devotees. Her worship is an important aspect of Navratri celebrations, and her blessings are sought for spiritual growth and inner purification.

Navratri is celebrated with various rituals, fasting, music, dance (such as Garba and Dandiya), and colorful decorations. It is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India and by Hindus worldwide.

 

10 October - United States Naval Academy established in 1845

 

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is a prestigious institution for the education and training of future officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. It was established on October 10, 1845, and is located in Annapolis, Maryland. The Naval Academy offers a four-year undergraduate program that combines a rigorous academic curriculum with military training.

Here are some key points about the United States Naval Academy:

1. Mission: The primary mission of the Naval Academy is to develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically, and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty. It prepares them for leadership roles in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

2. Academics: Midshipmen at the Naval Academy receive a comprehensive education in various fields, including mathematics, science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The curriculum is challenging and designed to prepare them for the technical and leadership demands of their future careers.

3. Military Training: In addition to academics, midshipmen undergo rigorous military training, including drills, physical fitness training, and leadership development. They also spend a portion of their summers on training cruises and field exercises.

4. Graduation and Commissioning: Upon successful completion of the four-year program, midshipmen graduate from the Naval Academy and are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. They then embark on their respective career paths within the military.

5. Notable Alumni: The Naval Academy has produced many distinguished alumni who have gone on to achieve significant accomplishments in both the military and civilian sectors. Some well-known graduates include Admiral William H. McRaven, Senator John McCain, and astronaut Alan Shepard.

6. Campus: The Naval Academy's campus is located on the shores of the Severn River in Annapolis, Maryland. It includes historic buildings, academic facilities, dormitories, and athletic fields.

7. Sports: The Naval Academy is known for its strong athletic programs and its participation in NCAA Division I sports. The Navy Midshipmen compete in various sports, and the annual Army-Navy football game is a significant event in American college football.

The United States Naval Academy plays a crucial role in shaping the future leaders of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and continues to uphold its tradition of excellence and service to the nation.

10 October - Independence Day Fiji

 

Fiji celebrates its Independence Day on October 10th each year. On this day in 1970, Fiji gained full independence from British colonial rule. Prior to this, Fiji had been a British colony since 1874 when it was ceded to the United Kingdom by its indigenous chiefs.

Independence Day in Fiji is a national holiday marked by various celebrations and events. These celebrations typically include parades, cultural performances, flag-raising ceremonies, and speeches by political leaders. It's a time for Fijians to reflect on their history, culture, and national identity.

Fiji's independence has allowed the country to govern itself and make its own decisions in both domestic and international matters. Over the years, Fiji has developed as an independent and sovereign nation in the South Pacific, with a unique blend of indigenous Fijian, Indo-Fijian, and other cultural influences shaping its society and traditions.

10 October - Independence Day Cuba

 

Cuba's Independence Day is celebrated on October 10th, also known as "Grito de Yara" or "Día de la Independencia de Cuba." This date commemorates the beginning of Cuba's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule.

On October 10, 1868, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, a Cuban lawyer and planter, issued the "Grito de Yara" (Cry of Yara) by freeing his slaves and starting a rebellion against Spanish colonial authorities on his plantation in Yara, Cuba. This event marked the beginning of the Ten Years' War (Guerra de los Diez Años), which was the first major war of independence against Spanish rule in Cuba.

While full independence was not achieved until many years later, October 10th is a significant date in Cuban history as it symbolizes the beginning of the country's long struggle for freedom. It is a day when Cubans remember and honor the heroes of their independence movement.