21 January - Melchior Gafà birth anniversary

 

Melchior Gafà was born on 21 January 1636, and died on 16 December 1667 .Melchior Gafà, also known as Melchiorre Cafà, was a notable Maltese sculptor born in 1636 in Vittoriosa, Malta. He gained significant recognition for his contributions to Baroque art during the 17th century. Gafà's talent became evident early in his life, prompting him to move to Rome, where he studied under the renowned sculptor Ercole Ferrata. In Rome, Gafà quickly established himself as a master sculptor, receiving numerous commissions from the Church and prominent patrons.

Gafà's work is characterized by its dynamic movement, intricate detail, and emotional intensity, embodying the dramatic flair of the Baroque style. Some of his most celebrated pieces include religious sculptures such as the "St. Rose of Lima" in Santa Maria sopra Minerva and the "Ecstasy of St. Catherine" in Santa Caterina a Magnanapoli. These works exemplify his ability to convey deep spiritual fervor and human emotion through marble.

Tragically, Melchior Gafà's promising career was cut short when he died in 1667 at the young age of 31. Despite his brief life, his artistic legacy endures, and he remains one of Malta's most distinguished artists. His sculptures continue to be admired for their technical excellence and expressive power, securing his place in the annals of Baroque art history.

 

21 January - Joachim Alva birth anniversary

 

Joachim Ignatius Sebastian Alva or Joachim Piedade Alva was an Indian lawyer, journalist and politician from Mangalore. He was a prominent Mangalorean Christian figure involved in the Indian independence movement. After Independence, Alva was appointed Sheriff of Bombay in 1949 for the Bombay state.In 1950, he entered the Provisional Parliament of India. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1952, 1957, and 1962 from North Kanara. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1968 and retired from the Rajya Sabha in 1974. 

Joachim  Alva born on 21 January 1907 and death on  28 June 1979. The Government of India issued a stamp commemorating the couple in November 2008
 

21 January - Vaikom Muhammad Basheer birth anniversary

 

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (1908–1994) was a prominent Indian writer in the Malayalam language. He was known for his unique style of storytelling, humor, and social commentary. Basheer's works often portrayed the struggles of the common man and reflected his own experiences.

Here are some key points about Vaikom Muhammad Basheer:

1. Early Life: Basheer was born on 21 January 1908, in Thalayolaparambu, a town in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India.

2. Literary Contributions: He began his literary career with the novel "Premalekhanam" (Love Letter), which was published in 1943. Some of his other well-known works include "Balyakalasakhi" (Childhood Friend), "Shabdangal" (Voices), and "Mathilukal" (Walls).

3. Influence of Gandhian Philosophy: Basheer was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and simplicity. This is reflected in many of his works, where he often championed the cause of the downtrodden.

4. Imprisonment: Basheer had a rebellious streak, and his involvement in the Indian independence movement led to his imprisonment. He spent several years in jails during the British colonial rule.

5. Unconventional Lifestyle: Known for his simplicity and unorthodox lifestyle, Basheer lived a frugal life. He often walked barefoot and dressed in simple attire.

6. Awards: Basheer received several awards for his contributions to Malayalam literature, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award.

7. Legacy: Basheer's works continue to be widely read and appreciated in Malayalam literature. His writing style, which combines humor with social critique, has left a lasting impact on the literary landscape.

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's literary works have been translated into various languages, allowing a broader audience to appreciate his storytelling and the cultural nuances he captured in his writings.He passed away on 05 July 1994.

21 January - Feast day of Our Lady of Altagracia

 

Our Lady of Altagracia, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, is a title of the Virgin Mary in the Catholic faith. She is considered the patroness and protector of the Dominican Republic. The feast day of Our Lady of Altagracia is celebrated annually on 21January.

The devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia has deep roots in the Dominican Republic, dating back to the colonial period. The name "Altagracia" is derived from the Spanish words "alta" (high) and "gracia" (grace), meaning "high grace" or "sublime grace." The Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, located in Higüey, is a significant pilgrimage site and a place of devotion for many Catholics in the Dominican Republic.

On her feast day, believers gather for religious services, processions, and other celebrations to honor Our Lady of Altagracia. The devotion to her is not limited to the Dominican Republic, as people of Dominican descent around the world may also celebrate this important religious occasion.

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.