20 January - Converted horse box for mail transportation in 1838

 

The use of a converted horse box for mail transportation on the Grand Junction Railway took place, on 20 January 1838. On this day, the first experimental mail train, using a converted horse box with letter sorting frames, successfully operated between Birmingham and Liverpool on the Grand Junction Railway. This event marked an early innovation in the transportation of mail by trains, eventually leading to the development of dedicated mail services and the integration of rail transport into postal systems.Specially built dedicated Travelling Post Office (TPO) carriages began running soon after. These TPOs continued to operate until the night of 9 January 2004.

More at

https://www.postalmuseum.org/blog/victorian-mail-transport

20 January - First English parliament to include not only Lords but also representatives of the major towns in 1265

 

On 20 January 1265, The first English parliament to include not only Lords but also representatives of the major towns holds its first meeting in the Palace of Westminster, now commonly known as the "Houses of Parliament".

20 January - Jagdish Chandra Jain birth anniversary

 

Jagdish Chandra Jain (20 January 1909 – 28 July 1993) was a scholar, indologist, educationist, writer, and freedom fighter during the freedom struggle of India. He authored over 80 books on a variety of subjects, including Jain philosophy, Prakrit literature, and Hindi textbooks for children. Jain was the chief prosecution witness in Gandhi's murder trial. He repeatedly tried to warn the government of the conspiracy to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi, which became to known to him after Madan Lal Pahwa, a Punjabi refugee and one of the conspirators of the murder of Mahatma Gandhi, confided to him of their plan. Jain's attempts to warn the government met deaf ears. He recounted his personal experiences in two books: I Could Not Save Bapu and The Forgotten Mahatma. He died from cardiac arrest in July 1993 in Bombay at the age of 84. 

In July 1993, Jain died from cardiac arrest in Bombay (Mumbai).To pay tribute, the government of India released a commemorative postal stamp in his memory. The Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) also named the street of his residence after his name.

 

19 January - Kuladhor Chaliha death anniversary

Kuladhor Chaliha  (20 September 1887 in Sivasagar – 19 January 1963) was an important Indian freedom fighter and social reformer from Assam. He played a key role in the Indian independence movement and made significant contributions to the social and cultural development of Assam. Chaliha was known for his commitment to fighting British colonial rule, as well as his efforts to uplift Assamese society.

Early Life and Education:

• Born: 20 September 1887 in Assam, India.
• Kuladhor Chaliha belonged to a middle-class family and grew up in a politically conscious environment. His education gave him an understanding of the socio-political challenges faced by the people of Assam during British rule.

Role in the Indian Independence Movement:

Kuladhor Chaliha was deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence (ahimsa) and civil disobedience. He became actively involved in the Indian National Congress and was a key figure in Assam’s participation in the independence struggle.

1. Non-Cooperation Movement: He was a strong supporter of Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, which called for the rejection of British goods and institutions. Chaliha mobilized people in Assam to participate in boycotting British schools, courts, and government services.

2. Salt March: He took part in the Salt Satyagraha, a major campaign initiated by Gandhi in 1930 as a protest against the British monopoly on salt production. Chaliha’s participation in this movement helped spread the ideals of resistance and self-reliance across Assam.

3. Quit India Movement: During the 1942 Quit India Movement, which demanded an end to British rule, Chaliha played a crucial role in organizing protests and rallies in Assam. He was imprisoned multiple times for his activities but remained steadfast in his dedication to India’s freedom.

Social and Cultural Reforms:

• Education and Social Upliftment: Apart from his political work, Kuladhor Chaliha was a strong advocate for education and worked to improve access to education in Assam. He believed that an educated population would be crucial for the future of an independent India.

• Assamese Language and Culture: Chaliha was also a champion of Assamese culture and sought to promote the language and cultural heritage of the region. He encouraged the development of Assamese literature, music, and arts as a means of preserving regional identity during colonial rule.

• Caste Discrimination: Chaliha was a vocal critic of the caste system and other forms of social discrimination. He believed in social equality and worked for the upliftment of marginalized communities, advocating for their integration into mainstream society.

Legacy:

Kuladhor Chaliha's contribution to the freedom struggle and his efforts for social reform left a lasting impact on Assam. His dedication to the principles of non-violence, education, and equality made him a respected figure in both the political and social spheres of the region.

Chaliha passed away in 1963, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations in Assam, particularly in terms of political activism, cultural pride, and social justice. He is remembered as one of Assam’s great freedom fighters who not only helped achieve independence but also worked to shape a more inclusive and progressive society.

19 January - World Snow Day

 

The International Ski Federation (also known as FIS—from their official French title, Fédération internationale de ski et de snowboard) is the organization that founded World Snow Day. The FIS was begun back in 1910, when delegates from ten different countries got together in Norway. Now the world’s foremost governing body for Olympic events such as skiing and snowboarding, the International Ski Federation includes at least 180 groups of different national skiing organizations.

World Snow Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in January each year; the inaugural celebration started in 2012. World Snow Day, however, was the second phase of the FIS campaign to get more kids involved with snow sports. The first phase, which was called ‘Bring Children to the Snow’, began five years earlier.

The purpose of World Snow Day is to encourage families to make lasting memories with their children, as well as to offer opportunities for kids to have experiences with winter sports like snowboarding and skiing. 

 Reference: Link

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19 January - World Religion Day

 

World Religion Day is an observance that aims to promote interfaith understanding and harmony by encouraging people to recognize and appreciate the commonalities among different religions. It is typically observed on the third Sunday of January each year.

The concept of World Religion Day originated with the Bahá'í Faith. The Bahá'í community proposed the idea in the early 20th century as a way to foster unity and understanding among followers of different religions. The first World Religion Day was held in 1950.

World Religion Day encourages individuals to explore and appreciate the teachings of various religions, emphasizing the underlying principles that promote unity, compassion, and tolerance. Events and activities related to World Religion Day may include interfaith dialogues, discussions on common religious values, educational programs, and community gatherings.

It's worth noting that the specific activities and events may vary depending on local communities and organizations observing World Religion Day.

19 January - Sawai Gandharva birth anniversary

 

Sawai Gandharva, also known as Rambhau Kundgolkar, was a renowned Indian classical vocalist. He was born on 19 January 1886, in Kundgol, Dharwad, Karnataka, India, and passed away on 12 September 1952. Sawai Gandharva was a disciple of the legendary Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, who was the founder of the Kirana gharana, a school of Hindustani classical music.

Sawai Gandharva made significant contributions to the development and popularization of Hindustani classical music. He was particularly known for his mastery over the khayal form of classical singing. He played a crucial role in promoting Indian classical music, both as a performer and as a teacher. Sawai Gandharva was also actively involved in organizing the Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav, an annual classical music festival held in Pune, Maharashtra, in his honor.

The Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav has grown to become one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in India, attracting renowned artists and enthusiasts from around the world. The festival continues to be a significant platform for the promotion and preservation of classical music in the country.

Sawai Gandharva's legacy lives on through his disciples and the impact he had on the world of Indian classical music. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of India.

 

19 January - International Flower day

 

The day celebrates the beauty of flowers and their importance in our lives. Flowers are a symbol of life and they bring joy to people all over the world. On this day, people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the power of flowers.

Flowers have been used for centuries to show love, appreciation, and congratulations. They are given on birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and many other special occasions. Flowers are also used to show sympathy and support during times of loss and grief. The beauty of flowers brings comfort and hope to those who are grieving.

International Flower day is a day to celebrate the gift of flowers and their impact on our lives. It is a day to appreciate the hard work of florists and growers who bring us these beautiful gifts. It is also a day to reflect on the important role that flowers play in our lives.

Reference:  https://www.geziverse.com/

 

 

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.