19 November - James A. Garfield birth anniversary

 

James Abram Garfield, born on 19 November 1831, in Orange Township, Ohio, was an American statesman and the 20th President of the United States. His presidency was cut short when he succumbed to injuries from an assassination attempt. Here are some key points about James A. Garfield:

1. Military Service: Garfield began his career as a teacher and later entered politics. During the American Civil War, he served as a major general in the Union Army, distinguishing himself in several battles.

2. Congressional Career: Garfield was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served from 1863 to 1880. He was a strong advocate for civil rights and became the only sitting member of the House to be elected president.

3. Presidential Election of 1880: Garfield was the Republican candidate in the 1880 presidential election. He won a close contest against Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock, securing the presidency.

4. Assassination Attempt: Just months into his presidency, on July 2, 1881, Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker. Garfield survived for over two months while doctors attempted to locate the bullet and treat his wounds.

5. Death: James A. Garfield succumbed to complications from his gunshot wounds on 19 September 1881, at the age of 49. His death marked the second presidential assassination in U.S. history after Abraham Lincoln.

6. Legacy: Garfield's presidency was brief, and he did not have the opportunity to enact significant policies. However, he advocated for civil service reform and worked towards reducing political patronage.

7. Educational Background: Garfield was largely self-taught and had a strong passion for education. He was an advocate for educational opportunities and served as the president of what is now Hiram College in Ohio.

8. Monument: A monument at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, honors James A. Garfield. The Garfield Monument stands as a tribute to the fallen president and is the final resting place for both James and Lucretia Garfield.

James A. Garfield's presidency was marked by the tragedy of his assassination, preventing him from fully realizing his policy agenda. Despite the brevity of his time in office, Garfield is remembered for his contributions to civil rights and his commitment to education.

19 November - Women's Entrepreneurship Day

 

Women's Entrepreneurship Day (WED) is observed annually on November 19th. It is a global initiative that aims to celebrate, support, and empower women entrepreneurs around the world. The day provides a platform to recognize the significant contributions of women entrepreneurs to economic development and the positive impact they have on their communities.

WED was first launched in 2014 and has since grown into a movement that spans more than 144 countries. The day focuses on inspiring women to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors, providing resources and mentorship, and fostering an environment that encourages the growth of women-led businesses.

Activities on Women's Entrepreneurship Day may include conferences, workshops, networking events, and discussions that address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and explore ways to create a more supportive ecosystem. It also serves as an opportunity to showcase successful women entrepreneurs as role models and to promote the idea that empowering women economically has broader positive effects on society.

The goal of Women's Entrepreneurship Day is not only to celebrate the achievements of women in business but also to encourage ongoing efforts to break down barriers, promote gender equality, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.

 

19 November - International Men's Day

 

International Men's Day is celebrated annually on November 19th. The day aims to focus on men's and boys' health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion to address issues that affect men and boys globally, such as mental health, toxic masculinity, and the importance of positive fatherhood and male role models.

The day encourages discussions around men's well-being and the challenges they may face in various aspects of life, including physical and mental health, relationships, and societal expectations. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate positive male contributions to communities, families, and society at large.

International Men's Day complements International Women's Day, which is celebrated on March 8th. Both days are part of the broader conversation on gender equality, recognizing that addressing issues affecting both men and women is crucial for building a more inclusive and equitable world. Activities on International Men's Day may include seminars, panel discussions, awareness campaigns, and events that promote positive messages about men's health and well-being.

19 November - Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian woman to go to space

 

Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-American astronaut, became the first woman of Indian origin in space. She achieved this historic milestone on November 19, 1997, as part of the Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-87. Kalpana Chawla, born in Karnal, Haryana, India, was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1994.

Tragically, Kalpana Chawla lost her life during the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003, when the shuttle disintegrated during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Her achievements and contributions to space exploration are remembered as part of her lasting legacy.

 

19 November - Aishwarya Rai of India was elected Miss World

 

Aishwarya Rai, the Indian actress and former Miss World, was crowned Miss World on November 19, 1994. The pageant took place in Sun City, South Africa. Aishwarya Rai's victory in the Miss World competition marked a significant moment in her career and contributed to her later success in the entertainment industry. After winning the title, she went on to become one of the most prominent and internationally recognized actresses in the Indian film industry, earning accolades for her performances in various films.

19 November - Ninth Asian Games started in Delhi iin 1982

 

The ninth Asian Games were held in New Delhi, India, and they officially began on November 19, 1982. The event continued until December 4, 1982. The Asian Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, with athletes from various Asian countries participating in a wide range of sports.

The 1982 Asian Games in Delhi featured competitions in disciplines such as athletics, swimming, basketball, football, gymnastics, and many others. The event provided a platform for athletes from across Asia to showcase their talents and compete at an international level.

These games were significant not only for the sporting achievements but also for the cultural exchange and diplomatic interactions that took place among participating nations. The opening ceremony marked the beginning of a two-week celebration of sportsmanship and friendly competition.

18 November - Remembrance Day of the Sacrifice of Vukovar in 1991 (Croatia)

 

The Remembrance Day of the Sacrifice of Vukovar in 1991 is observed annually in Croatia on 18 November This solemn day commemorates the suffering and heroism of the city of Vukovar and its defenders during the Homeland War (Croatian War of Independence).

Historical Context:

• Siege of Vukovar:
  The siege lasted from August 25 to November 18, 1991, during which the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and Serbian paramilitary forces heavily bombarded the city. Vukovar was left in ruins, and thousands of civilians and soldiers were killed or displaced.

• Fall of Vukovar:
  On November 18, 1991, Vukovar fell to the JNA after months of relentless fighting. The city's fall symbolized immense suffering and resistance and became a turning point in the war.

• Tragedies and War Crimes:
  After the occupation, atrocities were committed, including the massacre at the Ovčara farm, where over 200 Croatian prisoners were executed.

Significance of the Day:

1. Honoring Victims and Defenders:
   The day honors the courage of the city's defenders and the memory of those who lost their lives.

2. Symbol of National Unity and Resistance:
   Vukovar is a symbol of Croatia's fight for independence and the resilience of its people.

3. Reflection on Peace:
   It is also a time for reflection on the importance of peace, reconciliation, and the prevention of future conflicts.

Observances:

• Commemorative March:
  A "Procession of Remembrance" is held in Vukovar, where thousands walk from the Vukovar Hospital to the city's Memorial Cemetery.

• Lighting of Candles:
  Croatians across the country light candles in windows and public spaces as a sign of remembrance.

• Memorial Services:
  Religious services and ceremonies are conducted to honor the victims and pray for peace.

The Remembrance Day of the Sacrifice of Vukovar in 1991 is a deeply emotional and important event in Croatia, serving as a reminder of the cost of war and the enduring spirit of the Croatian people.

18 November - Major Shaitan Singh Bhati death anniversary

 

Major Shaitan Singh Bhati was an Indian Army officer who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration for valor, for his actions during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. Major Shaitan Singh was born on 01 December 1924 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

During the war, Major Shaitan Singh was in command of a company of the 13th Kumaon Regiment. His company was assigned the task of defending the strategic Rezang La pass in Ladakh. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Major Shaitan Singh and his men fought valiantly against the Chinese forces. He displayed exemplary leadership and courage, inspiring his troops to resist the enemy advance.

Major Shaitan Singh Bhati fought to the last, refusing to leave his position even when wounded. He succumbed to his injuries on November 18, 1962. His bravery and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds are remembered with deep respect, and he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his extraordinary courage and leadership during the battle.

 

18 November - Nainital was discovered by P. Barron in 1839

 

Nainital was discovered by P. Barron, an European sugar merchant and an enthusiastic hunter from Rosa, near Shahjahanpur. He had no sooner caught a glimpse of the lake in its sylvan setting than he realized its potential as a hill resort and went full steam a colonizing it. Moved by the beauty of the sparkling lake he wrote: "It is by far the best site I have witnessed in the course of a 1,500 miles trek in the Himalayas".

Nainital history figures in ancient India too. In the Manas Khand of the Skand Puranas, Nainital Lake is called Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, hinting at the story of three sages (or rishis), Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha, who, upon finding no water in Nainital, dug a large hole at the location of the present day lake (sarovar = lake) and filled it with water from the holy lake Manasarovar in Tibet. According to lore, a dip in Naini Lake, “the lesser Manasarovar,” earns merit equal to a dip in the great lake.

It is also believed that The Naini Lake is one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, Sati’s eyes (or Nain) fell, came to be called Nain-tal or lake of the eye. The goddess Shakti is worshipped at the Naina Devi Temple on the north shore of the present day lake

18 November - The first push-button telephone came into service in 1963

 

The first push-button telephone system was introduced to the public on November 18, 1963. This system, known as the Bell System's Touch-Tone system, was first installed in Carnegie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T).

The push-button telephone replaced the traditional rotary dial with a set of buttons, each representing a different number. The Touch-Tone system allowed for quicker and more convenient dialing, and it eventually became the standard for telephone systems worldwide. This innovation was a significant step forward in telecommunications technology and contributed to the modernization of telephone systems.