29 October - The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library opened in 1891

 

The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, located in Patna, Bihar, India, is one of the most renowned libraries for Oriental studies. Established in 1891, the library has a rich collection of manuscripts, books, and documents, making it a treasure trove for scholars and researchers interested in Islamic and Oriental studies.

History

• Founder: The library was founded by Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh, an eminent lawyer and scholar. He donated his personal collection of over 4,000 manuscripts to establish the library.
• Inauguration: The library was formally inaugurated on  29 October 1891, by the then Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, Sir Charles Alfred Elliott.

Collections

• Manuscripts: The library houses over 21,000 manuscripts, including rare and valuable items in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Turkish, and other languages. Notable among these are the Persian translation of the Mahabharata, the Diwan of Hafiz, and several copies of the Quran from different periods.
• Printed Books: It also contains around 250,000 printed books covering a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, science, religion, and arts.
• Miniature Paintings: The library boasts a collection of exquisite miniature paintings, many of which are found in the manuscripts.
• Rare Documents: The collection includes rare farmans (royal decrees), letters, and other historical documents.

Features and Services

• Digital Library: The Khuda Bakhsh Library has embraced digital technology, providing online access to many of its rare manuscripts and books, thus making its resources available to a global audience.
• Research and Publications: The library is a hub for research in Oriental studies. It regularly publishes research papers, journals, and books based on its collections.
• Exhibitions and Seminars: The library organizes exhibitions and seminars to promote its collections and Oriental studies. These events attract scholars from around the world.
• Educational Programs: It conducts educational programs and workshops to train scholars in manuscriptology and other aspects of Oriental studies.

Preservation Efforts

• Conservation: The library has a dedicated conservation lab where experts work on preserving and restoring ancient manuscripts and books. Modern techniques and traditional methods are used to ensure the longevity of these precious items.

Recognition and Awards

• National Importance: The Government of India recognized the library as an institution of national importance due to its invaluable contribution to the preservation and promotion of Oriental heritage.
• Awards: The library and its staff have received several awards for their contributions to the field of library science and Oriental studies.

Notable Works and Collaborations

• Cataloguing: Extensive cataloguing efforts have been made to classify and describe the library's vast collection. These catalogues are essential tools for researchers.
• Collaborations: The library collaborates with national and international institutions to facilitate research and exchange knowledge. Partnerships with other libraries and universities enhance its reach and impact.

The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library stands as a beacon of knowledge and cultural preservation, continuing its founder's legacy of making Oriental literature and history accessible to scholars and the public.

29 October - Dhondo Keshav Karve, honoured by Bharat Ratna Award in 1958

 

Dhondo Keshav Karve, often referred to as Maharshi Karve, was a prominent social reformer and educator in India. He is best known for his efforts to promote women's education and welfare. His significant contributions led to him being honored with the Bharat Ratna Award on October 29, 1958.

Dhondo Keshav Karve was born on April 18, 1858, in Maharashtra, India, and he lived a long and impactful life. He was a pioneer in advocating for women's rights and education in a society where such ideas were not widely accepted. He founded the first women's university in India, the Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University, also known as SNDT Women's University. This institution became a symbol of women's empowerment and education.

Karve's work extended to other social issues, including widow remarriage, promoting birth control and family planning, and uplifting the status of women in Indian society. His tireless efforts earned him recognition and respect not only in India but also internationally. The Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was bestowed upon him in 1958, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to social reform and women's empowerment.

 

29 October - Dhanvantari Jayanti

 

Dhanvantari Jayanti is observed to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered the divine physician in Hinduism. This day is observed on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Ashwin (Ashwayuja), which typically falls in October or November of the Gregorian calendar.

Lord Dhanvantari is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and he is associated with Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine in Hinduism. On Dhanvantari Jayanti, people express gratitude for the healing powers of Lord Dhanvantari and seek his blessings for good health and well-being. Devotees may engage in prayers, visit temples dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, and participate in events that promote the knowledge and practice of Ayurveda.

While the exact date of Dhanvantari Jayanti may vary each year based on the Hindu calendar, it is generally an occasion for reverence and reflection on health and holistic well-being.

28 October - Julia Roberts birth anniversary

 

Julia Roberts, born on 28 October 1967, is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and warmth on screen. She gained worldwide fame in 1990 with her breakout role as the charismatic Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman, which solidified her as one of Hollywood’s leading stars. Over her career, Roberts has won multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich in the 2000 film of the same name.

Known for her iconic smile and approachable yet strong presence, Roberts has taken on a variety of roles across genres—from romantic comedies like Notting Hill and My Best Friend's Wedding to serious dramas like Closer and August: Osage County. Her career spans decades, and she continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood, known not only for her acting talent but also for her philanthropic work and commitment to family.

28 October - The Statue of Liberty is dedicated in New York Harbor.

On 28 October 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated in New York Harbor, a gift from France to the United States symbolizing friendship and shared democratic ideals. Sculpted by French artist Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was designed with input from engineer Gustave Eiffel, who created an internal iron framework to support its copper exterior. The statue depicts Liberty as a robed woman holding a torch in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of American independence in her left.

The dedication ceremony included speeches by prominent figures and a massive parade through New York City, celebrating the statue’s representation of freedom, hope, and opportunity. Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants arriving by sea, becoming an iconic symbol of America as a land of opportunity and diversity. Today, it stands as one of the world’s most recognizable monuments, reflecting ideals of liberty and justice that resonate globally.

28 October - Thomas Edison applied for his first patent, the electric vote recorder

 

On 28 October 1868, Thomas Edison filed his first patent for an invention: the electric vote recorder. This device was designed to speed up the voting process in legislative assemblies, allowing representatives to cast votes electronically. Edison’s vote recorder used a simple mechanism where representatives could press a switch for "yes" or "no," instantly registering their votes and displaying the totals.

Though innovative, Edison’s vote recorder failed to gain traction, as legislators were not interested in a device that eliminated delays, which they often used for political maneuvering. Despite this setback, the experience marked an important lesson for Edison about the need to create inventions with immediate commercial demand, shaping his approach to future innovations. This early venture launched Edison’s prolific career, eventually earning him over 1,000 patents and establishing him as one of history’s most influential inventors.

28 October - Christopher Columbus sight the island of Cuba in 1492

 

Christopher Columbus sight the island of Cuba on October 28, 1492, during his first voyage to the Americas. At the time, he believed he had reached the Asian continent and, thinking he had landed on an outlying island of Asia, he named it "Juana" in honor of Prince Juan, the son of Ferdinand and Isabella, who had sponsored his expedition. It wasn't until later voyages and further exploration that it became evident that he had reached the Caribbean islands and a previously unknown part of the world. Cuba played a significant role in the subsequent Spanish colonization of the Americas and was a key point in the development of trade and exploration in the New World.

28 October - Portugal's first railway line inaugurated

 

Portugal's first railway line was inaugurated on October 28, 1856, connecting Lisbon and Carregado. This marked a significant milestone in the country's transportation history, bringing about advancements in connectivity and trade. The introduction of the railway played a crucial role in the industrial and economic development of Portugal during that period.

28 October - Dr. V. Doreswamy Iyengar birth anniversary

 

Mysore Venkatesha Doreswamy Iyengar, born on June 29, 1911, and passing away on October 28, 1997, was an accomplished Indian physicist and educator. He is often referred to as M. V. D. Iyengar. His work primarily focused on nuclear physics and cosmic rays.

Dr. M. V. D. Iyengar made significant contributions to the study of cosmic rays, particularly their interactions with matter and high-energy particle physics. His research at the Kolar Gold Fields in India provided important insights into nuclear and particle physics, enhancing the understanding of cosmic ray phenomena.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Iyengar was actively involved in academia and played a crucial role in promoting science education and research in India. He held leadership positions in various Indian universities and scientific institutions, contributing to the development of scientific knowledge and educational infrastructure in the country.

Dr. M. V. D. Iyengar's legacy continues to be celebrated for his contributions to physics and his dedication to fostering scientific research and education in India.

28 October -Eli Whitney, applied for a patent on the Cotton Gin

 

Eli Whitney, an American inventor and engineer, applied for a patent on the cotton gin on October 28, 1793. The cotton gin, short for "cotton engine," was a revolutionary invention that greatly simplified the process of separating cotton fibers from their seeds. Prior to the cotton gin, this task was extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming, making it a major bottleneck in the production of cotton.

Whitney's cotton gin used a series of wire teeth on a rotating drum to grab and remove the seeds from the cotton fibers. This invention dramatically increased the efficiency of cotton processing, making it a key factor in the expansion of cotton production and the cotton industry in the American South. Unfortunately, Whitney faced challenges in protecting his patent, and despite its transformative impact on the cotton industry, he struggled to profit significantly from his invention. Nonetheless, the cotton gin played a significant role in the history of American agriculture and had far-reaching economic and social consequences, particularly related to the expansion of cotton farming and slavery in the Southern United States.