18 January - Daniel Webster birth anniversary

 

Daniel Webster (1782–1852) was an American statesman, lawyer, and orator who played a key role in the early history of the United States. He was born on January 18, 1782, in Salisbury, New Hampshire, and died on October 24, 1852, in Marshfield, Massachusetts.

Webster was a prominent figure in 19th-century American politics and served in various capacities throughout his career. Some key aspects of his life and career include:

1. Early Life and Education:

   • Webster was born into a farming family and attended Dartmouth College, graduating in 1801.
   • He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1805, starting his legal career in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

2. Political Career:

   • Webster entered politics and served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1813–1817) and later in the U.S. Senate (1827–1841, 1845–1850).
   • He was known for his exceptional oratory skills and played a key role in debates over issues such as tariffs, the national bank, and states' rights.

3. Great Compromiser:

   • Webster earned the nickname "The Great Compromiser" for his efforts to find middle-ground solutions to sectional conflicts, particularly those related to slavery and the preservation of the Union.
   • He was involved in several compromise measures, including the Compromise of 1850.

4. Secretary of State:

   • Webster served as the Secretary of State under three presidents: William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Millard Fillmore.
   • His most notable achievement in this role was negotiating the Webster-Ashburton Treaty with Britain in 1842, which settled border disputes between the United States and Canada.

5. 7th of March Speech:

   • In 1850, Webster delivered his famous "Seventh of March Speech" in the Senate, expressing support for the Compromise of 1850 in an effort to preserve the Union.

6. Legacy:

   • Daniel Webster is remembered as one of the most influential and eloquent American statesmen of his time.
   • His speeches and writings, particularly on the importance of the Union, continue to be studied for their impact on American political thought.

Daniel Webster's legacy is intertwined with the complex issues and debates of his era, and his contributions to American political and legal history are significant.

 

18 January - The character Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared in print in 1926

 

The character Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared in print in 18 January 1926. He was created by English author A.A. Milne. The first collection of stories featuring Winnie-the-Pooh was titled "Winnie-the-Pooh" and was published in 1926. The book introduced readers to the lovable bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, including Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, and Roo. The charming illustrations for the book were done by E.H. Shepard.

A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories became immensely popular and have since become classic children's literature. The characters and their adventures have been adapted into various forms of media, including animated films, television series, and merchandise. The enduring appeal of Winnie-the-Pooh lies in the timeless and endearing nature of the characters, as well as the gentle and heartwarming stories crafted by A.A. Milne.

17 January - Amir Khusro birth anniversary

 

Amir Khusro, full name Ab'ul Hasan Yamīn ud-Dīn Khusrau (1253–1325), was a medieval Sufi poet, musician, scholar, and one of the most celebrated figures in the cultural and literary history of the Indian subcontinent. Here are some key points about Amir Khusro:

1. Birth and Early Life:

   • Amir Khusro was born in 17 January 1253 in Patiyali, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.
   • His father hailed from Central Asia, and his mother was of Turkish descent.

2. Education and Multilingualism:

   • Khusro was well-versed in various languages, including Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Sanskrit.
   • He received an excellent education in poetry, music, philosophy, and other disciplines.

3. Poetry and Literature:

   • Amir Khusro is known for his contributions to Persian and Urdu poetry.
   • He wrote ghazals, qawwalis, masnavis, and other forms of poetry.
   • He is often credited with the invention of the musical genre known as Qawwali.

4. Cultural Contributions:

   • Khusro played a significant role in the cultural fusion of the Indian subcontinent, contributing to the syncretic traditions of the region.
   • He was associated with several rulers, including the Delhi Sultanate and the courts of Alauddin Khilji and Muhammad Tughlaq.

5. Invention of Sitar:

   • Amir Khusro is sometimes credited with the invention of the sitar, a popular stringed musical instrument.

6. Death:

   • Amir Khusro passed away in 20 April 1325 in Delhi, India.

Amir Khusro's literary works and cultural contributions have left a lasting impact on the history of the Indian subcontinent. His poetry reflects a rich blend of various linguistic and cultural influences, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the fields of poetry and music during the medieval period.

17 January - Cable Car Day

 

Cable Car Day is celebrated every year on January 17. The day celebrates Andrew Smith Hallidie getting the patent for the cable car in 1871. It is believed that Hallidie saw horses struggle to pull cars up the steep hills of San Francisco, and worried about the news of people falling and dying. He decided to invent a system where strong cables would move the cars up and down the hill. Today, San Francisco is the last American city to still run any true cable cars! The Cable Car Museum in San Francisco is also a tourist attraction. In other American cities, you will find electric streetcars.
 

17 January - Shri Baldev Ramji Mirdha birth anniversary

 

Shri Baldev Ramji Mirdha was born on 17 January 1889 in a farmer’s family in village Kuchera in district Nagaur of Rajasthan. He passed the Matric examination and joined service in the former Jodhpur State. By dint of hard work and honestly, he rose to become a high police official. His interest and commitment however lay elsewhere.

Baldev Ramji Mirdha was a great social worker and made it the foundation of his political work. He started a movement for helping the backward classes and enabling them to take water from the village well. He started a movement for the abolition of customs like feasts after death. These activities enraged the entrenched leaders of society who carried on a tirade against him. He believed that education was necessary for liberating an individual and started a number of schools and hostels in rural areas. Students from these institutions are at the forefront of the political and social life of the State. His various activities for organizing the kisans fighting for their right to be masters of the land that they cultivated earned him the title of “Kisan Kesari”. He died on 25 August 1953 in harness while going to address a Kisan conference.

17 January - Krishnadevaraya birth anniversary

 

Krishnadevaraya, full name Sri Krishnadevaraya, was a powerful and celebrated ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India during the 16th century. His reign, which lasted from 1509 to 1529, is often considered a golden period in the history of the Vijayanagara Empire. Sri Krishnadevaraya was born on  16 January  1471, and he passed away on 17 October 1529.

Here are some key points about Krishnadevaraya:

1. Ascension to the Throne: Krishnadevaraya ascended to the throne in 1509 after the death of his predecessor Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. He belonged to the Tuluva dynasty.

2. Military Achievements: Krishnadevaraya was a skilled military commander and led his forces in numerous successful campaigns. One of his notable military achievements was the conquest of the Gajapati Kingdom of Odisha, leading to the annexation of territories like Udayagiri and Kondavidu.

3. Diplomacy and Alliances: Krishnadevaraya was known for his diplomatic skills and the ability to form strategic alliances. He maintained diplomatic ties with various neighboring states and cultivated friendly relations with the Portuguese.

4. Patronage of Arts and Culture: His reign is often described as a cultural renaissance. Krishnadevaraya was a great patron of arts and literature. The famous Telugu poet Allasani Peddana was one of his eight poets, known as the "Ashtadiggajas," who adorned his court.

5. Vijayanagara Empire's Prosperity: Under Krishnadevaraya's rule, the Vijayanagara Empire reached its zenith in terms of political power, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements. The empire extended from the Deccan Plateau to the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent.

6. Public Works: Krishnadevaraya initiated several public works projects, including the construction of irrigation tanks and the expansion of infrastructure. He paid particular attention to the improvement of the capital city, Hampi.

7. Literary Contributions: Krishnadevaraya himself was a scholar and author. His work "Amuktamalyada" is a notable Telugu literary composition, and he also patronized other poets and writers.

8. Legacy: Krishnadevaraya is remembered as one of the most illustrious rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. His reign is often referred to as a "golden age" due to the flourishing of arts, culture, and prosperity during that period. After his death in 1529, the Vijayanagara Empire faced challenges, leading to its eventual decline in the later part of the 16th century.

 

17 January - United Nations Security Council held its 1st meeting at Church House, Westminster, in London,

 

The United Nations Security Council held its first meeting on January 17, 1946. The Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. The establishment of the Security Council was a key component of the UN Charter, which had been adopted on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco.

The Security Council consists of 15 member states, with five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Each member has one vote, and decisions on substantive matters require nine affirmative votes, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members. This arrangement is known as the veto power held by the permanent members, which allows them to block any substantive resolution.

The Security Council has the authority to take various actions to address threats to international peace and security, including the imposition of economic sanctions, the establishment of peacekeeping missions, and, if necessary, the authorization of the use of force. It plays a central role in international efforts to prevent conflicts and respond to crises around the world.

The first meeting of the United Nations Security Council on January 17, 1946, marked the beginning of its important role in global security and diplomacy, as outlined in the UN Charter. Since then, the Security Council has been involved in addressing numerous conflicts, crises, and issues affecting international peace and stability.

 

16 January - The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution

The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on 16 January 1919, and effective a year later, marked the beginning of Prohibition. It imposed a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, reflecting the influence of the temperance movement, which advocated for alcohol prohibition to curb social issues such as crime, domestic violence, and poverty. The Volstead Act was enacted to enforce the amendment, but it faced widespread resistance. Prohibition led to the rise of illegal speakeasies, bootlegging operations, and organized crime syndicates, with figures like Al Capone becoming infamous. Despite its intent to improve social conditions, Prohibition often had the opposite effect, straining law enforcement and fostering a culture of defiance. The widespread unpopularity of the amendment eventually led to its repeal with the 21st Amendment in 1933, ending a tumultuous chapter in American history.

16 January - International Hot and Spicy Food Day

 

International Hot and Spicy Food Day is a celebration dedicated to the love of spicy foods. This day, observed annually on January 16th, encourages people to indulge in and appreciate the flavors and heat levels of spicy cuisine from around the world.

Spicy foods have a long history and are an integral part of various culinary traditions globally. The use of chili peppers and other hot spices not only adds heat to dishes but also enhances flavors and can be a source of cultural identity. Different regions and countries have their own unique spicy dishes, and International Hot and Spicy Food Day provides an opportunity for food enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the diverse world of fiery cuisines.

On this day, people might choose to prepare or order spicy dishes, attend events or food festivals that feature hot and spicy foods, or simply share their favorite spicy recipes with friends and family. It's a day to celebrate the bold and vibrant flavors that spicy ingredients bring to the table.

 

16 January - The Feast of St. Joseph Vaz

 

The Feast of St. Joseph Vaz is a religious observance in honor of St. Joseph Vaz, a Catholic saint who is particularly venerated in the Indian subcontinent. St. Joseph Vaz is also known as the Apostle of Sri Lanka. His feast day is celebrated on 16 January every year.

St. Joseph Vaz was born in 1651 in Goa, which was then part of Portuguese India. He dedicated his life to missionary work and played a significant role in spreading Christianity in Sri Lanka during a period when Catholicism faced persecution. St. Joseph Vaz is credited with revitalizing the Catholic faith in Sri Lanka and is revered for his piety and devotion to the service of God.

The Feast of St. Joseph Vaz is observed with special religious services, including Masses, prayers, and processions, in Catholic communities, particularly in regions where St. Joseph Vaz is venerated. It is a time for the faithful to reflect on the life and teachings of this saint and to seek his intercession for spiritual guidance and blessings.

While the level of celebration may vary, the feast is an important occasion for the Catholic community, especially in Sri Lanka, Goa, and other regions where St. Joseph Vaz is held in high esteem. The day is marked by both religious and cultural events that bring together communities to honor the saint and express gratitude for his contributions to the spread of Christianity in the region.