25 April - Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan death anniversary

 

Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was one of the most renowned classical vocalists in the Indian subcontinent. Born on April 2, 1902, in Kasur, British India (now in Pakistan), he belonged to the Patiala Gharana (a school of Hindustani classical music). Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was known for his exceptional mastery over the Hindustani classical music tradition, particularly the khayal and thumri genres.

His powerful and emotive voice, along with his intricate knowledge of raga (melodic modes) and tala (rhythmic cycles), earned him immense acclaim both in India and abroad. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan's renditions were characterized by their depth, versatility, and ability to evoke intense emotions in listeners.

Apart from his mastery of classical music, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan also experimented with blending elements of other musical styles, resulting in a unique and innovative approach to his performances. He recorded numerous albums and gave memorable live performances throughout his illustrious career.

Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan's contributions to Hindustani classical music have left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring generations of musicians and earning him a lasting legacy as one of the greatest vocalists in the history of Indian classical music. He passed away on April 25, 1968, leaving behind a rich treasure trove of musical compositions and recordings.

25 April - Ella Fitzgerald birth anniversary

Ella Fitzgerald, often referred to as the "First Lady of Song" or the "Queen of Jazz," was an iconic American jazz vocalist. She was born on 25 April 1917, in Newport News, Virginia, and passed away on 15 June 1996, in Beverly Hills, California.

Fitzgerald's career spanned several decades, and she is widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. Her vocal range, impeccable technique, and ability to improvise made her a true virtuoso in her field. Fitzgerald's contributions to jazz music are immense, and her recordings continue to be celebrated for their artistry and innovation.

Throughout her career, Fitzgerald collaborated with many notable jazz musicians, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie, among others. She recorded numerous albums and singles, covering a wide range of musical styles, from swing and bebop to ballads and scat singing.

Among her many achievements, Fitzgerald won a total of 14 Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in recognition of her contributions to music and culture.

Ella Fitzgerald's legacy extends far beyond her remarkable vocal talent. She broke down racial barriers in the music industry and became an inspiration to countless artists around the world. Her recordings continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians, ensuring that her influence on jazz music will endure for years to come.

24 April - The fall of the city of Troy 1184 BC

 

On 24 April 1184 BC, The fall of the city of Troy.

Trojan War, legendary conflict between the early Greeks and the people of Troy in western Anatolia, dated by later Greek authors to the 12th or 13th century BCE. The war stirred the imagination of the ancient Greeks more than any other event in their history and was celebrated in the Iliad and the Odyssey of Homer, as well as a number of other early works now lost, and frequently provided material for the great dramatists of the Classical Age. It also figures in the literature of the Romans (e.g., Virgil’s Aeneid) and of later peoples down to modern times.

In the traditional accounts, Paris, son of the Trojan king, ran off with Helen, wife of Menelaus of Sparta, whose brother Agamemnon then led a Greek expedition against Troy. The ensuing war lasted 10 years, finally ending when the Greeks pretended to withdraw, leaving behind them a large wooden horse with a raiding party concealed inside. When the Trojans brought the horse into their city, the hidden Greeks opened the gates to their comrades, who then sacked Troy, massacred its men, and carried off its women. This version was recorded centuries later; the extent to which it reflects actual historical events is not known.

24 April - Dr. Rajkumar (actor) birth anniversary

 

Dr. Rajkumar (actor), born on 24 April 1929, was a popular Indian film actor and playback singer in the Kannada cinema. Widely acclaimed as one of the finest actors in the history of Indian cinema, he is considered a cultural icon and holds a matinée idol status in the Kannada diaspora. He was honored by Padma Bhushan Award in 1983, several national and state awards. His films have been remade more than 50 times in various languages. His 31 movies have been remade 53 times in 7 languages

23 April - William Wordsworth death anniversary

 

William Wordsworth, passed away on 23 April 1850, was an English Romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication Lyrical Ballads (1798).

Wordsworth's magnum opus is generally considered to be The Prelude, a semi-autobiographical poem of his early years that he revised and expanded a number of times. It was posthumously titled and published by his wife in the year of his death, before which it was generally known as "the poem to Coleridge".

Wordsworth was Poet Laureate from 1843 until his death from pleurisy.

22 April - Baldev Raj Chopra birth anniversary

 

Baldev Raj Chopra (22 April 1914 – 05 November 2008) was a famous Indian director and producer of Bollywood industry and television series . Best known for directing Hindi films like Naya Daur (1957), Sadhna (1958), Kanoon (1961), Gumrah (1963), Humraaz (1967), Insaf Ka Tarazu (1980), Nikaah (1982), Awam (1987), and the producer of TV series, Mahabharat in 1988. He was awarded Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in cinema, for the year 1998, and Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, in 2001.He died in Mumbai at the age of 94 on 5 November 2008

21 April - Mohammad Iqbal death anniversary

Muhammad Iqbal passed away on 21st April 1938 in Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan).

Muhammad Iqbal, often referred to as Allama Iqbal, was a renowned poet, philosopher, and politician in British India who is widely regarded as having inspired the Pakistan Movement. Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, British India (now in Pakistan), Iqbal was educated in both the East and the West, earning degrees from Government College Lahore and the University of Cambridge.

His poetry, written in Urdu and Persian, reflects a deep spiritual and philosophical exploration, often focusing on themes of self-discovery, national identity, and the revitalization of the Islamic world. Some of his notable works include "Asrar-e-Khudi" (Secrets of the Self), "Bang-e-Dra" (The Call of the Marching Bell), and "Zabur-e-Ajam" (Persian Psalms).

Iqbal's vision for a separate Muslim state eventually culminated in the creation of Pakistan in 1947, though he passed away in 1938, well before its establishment. His ideas and poetry played a significant role in shaping the ideology of Pakistan and continue to inspire people across the world. He is widely respected as the national poet of Pakistan.

 

 

21 April - Queen Elizabeth II birth Anniversary

 

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth).

Elizabeth's early life was spent primarily in the care of governesses and tutors. In 1936, her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne, and Elizabeth's father became King George VI. Elizabeth became heir presumptive to the throne, and her education included learning about the duties and responsibilities that came with the monarchy.

During World War II, Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, were evacuated to Windsor Castle for their safety. Elizabeth joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she trained as a mechanic and driver. She also made her first radio broadcast to the children of the Commonwealth during this time.

In 1947, Elizabeth married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. They have four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.

Elizabeth ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father. Her coronation was held the following year on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey. Since then, she has become the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing Queen Victoria's record in 2015.

During her reign, Elizabeth has seen many changes in the world, including the end of the British Empire and the rise of the Commonwealth of Nations. She has also witnessed many political and social changes within the United Kingdom, including the devolution of power to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the introduction of same-sex marriage.

Despite her ceremonial role, Elizabeth has played a significant role in shaping the monarchy and its relationship with the public. She is known for her dedication to duty and her commitment to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She has traveled extensively throughout her reign, visiting more than 120 countries and meeting with countless world leaders.

Elizabeth is also known for her love of horses and horse racing, and she is a passionate supporter of the arts and sciences. She is the patron of many charitable organizations and has received numerous honors and awards for her service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

In recent years, Elizabeth has begun to scale back her official duties, passing many of them on to her children and grandchildren. However, she continues to be a beloved and respected figure in the United Kingdom and around the world.

21 April - Brasília founded in 1960

 

Brasília is the capital city of Brazil, located in the Federal District in the central part of the country. It was founded on 21 April 1960 and is known for its unique modernist architecture and urban planning.  On 21 April 2012, Google celebrated Brasilia’s Anniversary.

Brasília was planned and built as the new capital of Brazil to promote the country’s interior development and reduce the concentration of political and economic power in coastal cities. The decision to construct a new capital was made in 1956, and the city was designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa. Construction began in 1957, and the city was officially inaugurated as the capital of Brazil on April 21, 1960.

Brasília is famous for its unique modernist architecture, characterized by its innovative and futuristic design. Many of the city’s buildings were designed by Oscar Niemeyer, known for his curved lines, bold forms, and use of reinforced concrete. The city’s architecture includes notable landmarks such as the National Congress of Brazil, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of Brasília, and the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, among others.

21 April - Friedrich Frobel birth anniversary

 

Friedrich Wilhelm August Fröbel or Froebel (21 April 1782 – 21 June 1852) was a German pedagogue, a student of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, who laid the foundation for modern education based on the recognition that children have unique needs and capabilities. He created the concept of the kindergarten and coined the word, which soon entered the English language as well. He also developed the educational toys known as Froebel gifts.