31 October - Saci Day (Brazil)

 

Saci Day, celebrated on 31 October in Brazil, is dedicated to one of the country's most iconic and mischievous folklore characters, Saci Pererê. This day was established as a cultural response to Halloween, aiming to celebrate Brazil's own rich folklore and encourage pride in its unique traditions. Saci Pererê is typically depicted as a one-legged young Afro-Brazilian boy who wears a magical red cap, smokes a pipe, and enjoys causing playful trouble. With his quick wit and supernatural abilities, Saci is known for playing pranks on people—tying knots in horses' manes, hiding everyday objects, or stirring up minor chaos around the home.

The origins of Saci Pererê lie in Indigenous and African traditions, blending the diverse cultural roots of Brazil. He has become a symbol of resistance and resilience, embodying a spirit of humor and rebellion. On Saci Day, people across Brazil engage in storytelling, art activities, puppet shows, and folk music, highlighting not only Saci but other Brazilian folk figures like Curupira, Boitatá, and Iara. Schools and community organizations often host events to educate children and families about these figures, ensuring that Brazil’s folklore remains alive and vibrant for future generations. The day serves as a reminder of the richness of Brazilian heritage, urging citizens to celebrate local legends and values in a world increasingly influenced by globalized culture.

31 October - Girl Scouts Founders Day (United States)

 

Girl Scouts Founders Day, observed on 31 October in the United States, commemorates the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Born in 1860 in Savannah, Georgia, Juliette Gordon Low established the Girl Scouts in 1912 with the mission of fostering self-reliance, leadership, and community service among young girls. Inspired by the Girl Guides in England, she returned to the U.S. with a vision to create an organization that would empower girls and encourage them to explore the world, gain practical skills, and build confidence.

Founders Day celebrates Low’s legacy and the values she instilled in the Girl Scouts, which now include millions of members across the country and around the world. Many local councils and troops mark the occasion with activities that honor Low’s contributions and her pioneering spirit. The day often includes community service projects, storytelling sessions about Low’s life and achievements, and events that emphasize core Girl Scout principles like courage, confidence, and character. Through her dedication, Low created an enduring movement that continues to inspire young women to be active, informed, and compassionate leaders in their communities and beyond

31 October - The "Day of Seven Billion" in 2011

 

The "Day of Seven Billion" refers to October 31, 2011, when the global population was estimated to have reached seven billion people. This milestone in world demographics was significant because it underscored concerns about the Earth's growing population and its impact on resources, the environment, and society.

The United Nations designated October 31, 2011, as a symbolic day to mark the estimated population milestone of seven billion. This event served as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities associated with global population growth. It highlighted issues such as access to resources, food security, healthcare, education, and sustainability.

It's important to note that estimating the exact moment when the world's population reached seven billion is challenging due to the continuous growth and dynamics of global demographics. However, the "Day of Seven Billion" was a symbolic moment to draw attention to population-related issues and the need for sustainable development practices to address them. It also served as a platform for discussions on how to ensure a better quality of life for all amid a growing global population.

 

31 October - Harry Houdini death anniversary

 

Harry Houdini, whose real name was Erik Weisz, was a legendary Hungarian-American magician and escape artist known for his incredible feats of escapism. Here is a short note about him along with his birth and death dates:

• Birth Date: March 24, 1874
• Death Date: October 31, 1926

Harry Houdini was born in Budapest, Hungary, and later moved to the United States with his family. He became one of the most famous magicians and escape artists in history. Houdini's stunts and performances often involved him escaping from seemingly impossible situations, such as handcuffs, straitjackets, and even water-filled tanks. His ability to free himself from restraints and confinement earned him the nickname "The Handcuff King."

Houdini was also known for his daring outdoor stunts, including jumping off bridges while bound in chains and escaping from locked crates submerged in water. His performances were filled with suspense, and he was a master of showmanship.

Apart from his escapology acts, Houdini was a debunker of spiritualists and mediums, often exposing their fraudulent practices. He was a strong advocate for rationality and skepticism.

Tragically, Harry Houdini passed away on October 31, 1926, from complications related to a ruptured appendix. His legacy as a master of magic and escapism continues to influence magicians and performers to this day, and he remains an iconic figure in the history of magic and entertainment.

31 October - Nevada is admitted as the 36th U.S. state.

 

Nevada, often referred to as the "Silver State" because of its significant silver deposits, was admitted as the 36th state of the United States on October 31, 1864. Nevada's entry into the Union came during the American Civil War and was driven in part by its silver and mineral wealth.

Nevada's admission as a state was significant not only because of its mineral resources but also because it played a role in the 1864 presidential election. At the time, President Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party were in favor of Nevada's statehood because it was expected to contribute Republican votes in the upcoming election. Nevada's entry as a state indeed contributed three electoral votes for Lincoln's re-election.

Today, Nevada is known for its diverse landscapes, including the famous Las Vegas Strip, and remains an important mining state, particularly in gold production. It's also known for its unique culture and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourism and entertainment.

30 October - Jacques Amyot birth anniversary

 

Jacques Amyot, a French Renaissance writer and translator, was born on 30 October 1513, and he passed away on 06 February 1593. He is perhaps best known for his influential translations of ancient Greek and Roman texts into French, particularly his translation of Plutarch's "Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans" (Les Vies des hommes illustres). Amyot's translations played a significant role in disseminating classical literature and ideas during the Renaissance in France.

30 October - Acharya Narendra Deva birth anniversary

 

Acharya Narendra Deva, also known as Acharya Narendra Dev or Narendra Deva, was born on October 30, 1889, and he passed away on February 19, 1956. He was a prominent Indian independence activist, educator, and a key figure in the socialist and communist movements in India.

Narendra Deva was deeply involved in the struggle for India's independence from British colonial rule. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played a crucial role in organizing various movements and campaigns. He was known for his commitment to non-violence and social justice.

After India gained independence, Narendra Deva continued to be active in politics and was associated with socialist and communist ideologies. He was a proponent of land reforms and workers' rights and contributed to the development of socialist thought in India.

Acharya Narendra Deva's life and work have left a lasting impact on India's political and social landscape. He is remembered as a freedom fighter, social reformer, and a leading advocate for the rights of the marginalized and the working class.

 

30 October - U. Muthuramalinga Thevar birth and death anniversary

 

U. Muthuramalinga Thevar, also known as Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, was born on October 30, 1908, and he passed away on October 30, 1963. He was a prominent political leader in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Muthuramalinga Thevar played a significant role in the Dravidian political movement, particularly in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

He was a champion of the rights and interests of the Thevar community, a socially and politically influential group in the region. Muthuramalinga Thevar was a key figure in the Justice Party and later joined the Forward Bloc. He was known for his efforts in advocating for social justice, especially for the marginalized and backward communities.

Muthuramalinga Thevar's legacy is still felt in Tamil Nadu, where he is celebrated as a leader who fought for the rights and dignity of his community and left a lasting impact on the state's political landscape.

 

30 October - Henry Dunant death anniversary

 

Henry Dunant was born on May 8, 1828, in Geneva, Switzerland, and passed away on October 30, 1910. He is best known as the co-founder of the Red Cross and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. Dunant's humanitarian work was inspired by his experiences during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, where he witnessed the suffering of wounded soldiers without adequate medical care. This led him to write the book "A Memory of Solferino" in 1862, which proposed the formation of national relief societies for the care of the wounded during wartime, a concept that laid the foundation for the Red Cross movement. Henry Dunant's legacy continues to influence humanitarian efforts around the world, and he is remembered for his contributions to the alleviation of human suffering during times of conflict and disaster.

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.