23 January - National Clashing Clothes Day

 

National Clashing Clothes Day is celebrate on the fourth Thursday in January every year. On this day, people are encouraged to dress in clashing clothing items from head to toe. Anything that is in a neutral color like white, black, or gray is a no-go today! Navy and brown also match with most colors, and therefore they aren’t welcome on Clashing Clothes Day! Today is merely a day to have fun with your outfit and show up in the brightest, silliest of hues, without the fashion police raining on your parade. Mix colors, prints, and textures, and you’ll be clash-tastic in no time.

23 January - Shahaji Bhonsle death anniversary

 

Shahaji Bhonsle, commonly known as Shahaji Raje, was a prominent Maratha warrior and military leader in the 17th century. He played a crucial role in the early years of the Maratha Empire and was the father of the renowned Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj.

Key points about Shahaji Raje:

1. Birth and Background: Shahaji was born in 18 March 1594 in the Bhonsle family, a Maratha warrior clan. His father, Maloji Bhonsle, served the Deccan Sultanates.

2. Service to Adil Shah: Shahaji initially served the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur, and he held significant positions in the Deccan military.

3. Conflict with the Mughals: Shahaji had conflicts with the Mughals, and he shifted his allegiance to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for a brief period. However, he faced difficulties and ultimately returned to the Adil Shahi service.

4. Family and Children: Shahaji Raje had several wives, and among his notable children were Shivaji Maharaj, who went on to establish the Maratha Empire, and Venkoji (Ekoji), who became the first Maratha ruler of Thanjavur.

5. Role in Establishing Maratha Power: Shahaji's son, Shivaji, played a crucial role in establishing the Maratha Empire. However, Shahaji himself faced challenges, shifting alliances, and political complexities during his lifetime.

6. Later Years: Shahaji spent his later years in southern India, particularly in Karnataka. He passed away in 23 January 1664.

While Shahaji Raje is not as well-known as his son Shivaji, his contributions to the early Maratha state and his role in shaping the destiny of the Maratha people are significant. The legacy of the Bhonsle family, under both Shahaji and Shivaji, played a pivotal role in the history of the Maratha Empire.

 

23 January - The First Philippine Republic Day 1899

 

The First Philippine Republic Day refers to the proclamation of the First Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899. This event occurred during the Philippine-American War, which followed the Philippine Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898.

Here is a brief overview of the key events leading up to and surrounding the First Philippine Republic:

1. Declaration of Independence (June 12, 1898): On this day, General Emilio Aguinaldo, leader of the revolutionary forces, declared the independence of the Philippines from Spanish rule in Kawit, Cavite. The proclamation marked the birth of the First Philippine Republic.

2. Philippine-American War (1899-1902): After the Philippines declared independence, tensions arose between Filipino nationalists and American forces, leading to the Philippine-American War. This conflict began in February 1899.

3. Establishment of the First Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899): Despite ongoing hostilities with American forces, the Malolos Congress convened on January 21, 1899, and drafted the Malolos Constitution. Two days later, on January 23, 1899, the First Philippine Republic was formally inaugurated in Malolos, Bulacan, with Emilio Aguinaldo sworn in as the President.

4. Continued Conflict: The establishment of the republic did not bring an end to the Philippine-American War, which continued until 1902. The conflict resulted in the defeat of Filipino forces, and the Philippines ultimately became an American colony until gaining independence in 1946.

While January 23, 1899, marks the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic, June 12, 1898, is celebrated as the Philippine Independence Day, signifying the declaration of independence from Spanish rule.

 

23 January - William George Morgan birth anniversary

 

William George Morgan (23 January 1870 – 27 December 1942) was an American physical education instructor who is credited with the invention of the sport of volleyball. Morgan was born in Lockport, New York, and he developed volleyball in 1895 as a recreational activity that could be played indoors to provide a less strenuous alternative to basketball.

Originally called "Mintonette," Morgan's new game involved a net and was designed to be a combination of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball. The name "volleyball" was later adopted to better describe the nature of the game, as players volleyed a ball back and forth over a net. The first official game of volleyball was played at the International YMCA Training School in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where Morgan worked.

Volleyball quickly gained popularity and evolved into a widely played and organized sport around the world. Morgan's creation has become one of the most popular sports globally, played both recreationally and competitively. He left a lasting impact on the world of sports through the invention of volleyball.

 

23 January - Yogiji Maharaj death anniversary

 

Yogiji Maharaj (23 May 1892 – 23 January 1971), born Jina Vasani, was a Hindu swami and the fourth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan in the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS),a major branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. According to the metaphysics of BAPS, Yogiji Maharaj is considered to be the next iteration of Akshar after Shastriji Maharaj in the guru parampara, an unbroken line of "perfect devotees" who provide "authentication of office through Gunatitanand Swami and back to Swaminarayan himself." Together with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who acted as the administrative head of BAPS, he was instrumental in nurturing the growth of BAPS "through new programs, expansion into new areas, and the construction of temples".As guru, he consecrated over 60 temples and visited over 4000 towns and villages. He was particularly effective in attracting the devotion of youths and initiated a large number of them as ascetics.Furthermore, his multiple tours to Britain and East Africa were integral in the overseas expansion of BAPS. He died on 23 January 1971 after appointing Pramukh Swami Maharaj as his successor. 

23 January - National King Day

 

National King Day takes place on January 23. The name King is predominantly a male American name meaning ‘ruler.’ In a variety of contexts, a male ruler is referred to as a king. In religion, the word ‘king’ is significant. A prominent legend says that monarchs must die in order to ensure the welfare of their subjects. It’s documented in Sir James Frazer’s “Golden Bough,” which offers numerous examples of beliefs that a king “must be murdered as soon as his abilities begin to weaken.”

22 January - Ursula Kroeber Le Guin death anniversary

 

Ursula Kroeber Le Guin (October 21, 1929 – January 22, 2018) was an American author known for her contributions to speculative fiction, including science fiction and fantasy. Le Guin's work often explored themes of anthropology, sociology, psychology, and gender, making her a prominent figure in the literary world.

Some of her most famous works include:

1. The Left Hand of Darkness (1969): This novel is part of Le Guin's Hainish Cycle and explores themes of gender and sexuality on a distant planet.

2. A Wizard of Earthsea (1968): The first book in the Earthsea series, this novel is a coming-of-age story set in a world of magic.

3. The Dispossessed (1974): Another novel from the Hainish Cycle, it examines the contrasting social and political structures of two neighboring planets.

4. The Lathe of Heaven (1971): A novel that explores the consequences of a man whose dreams can alter reality.

Ursula K. Le Guin received numerous awards for her work, including multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards. Her contributions to speculative fiction and her thought-provoking exploration of social and philosophical themes have left a lasting impact on the genre. Le Guin passed away on January 22, 2018, but her legacy continues through her influential body of work.

 

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.