14 September - The death of Prophet Muhammad

 

The Death of Prophet Muhammad occurs annually on the 28th day of the Islamic month of Safar and this year, that falls on September 14. Each year the date of the public holiday in Iran changes based on the sightings of the moon. Not only does this day commemorate the Death of Prophet Muhammad but also the Martyrdom of Imam Hassan. Both of these are important events to Shi’a Muslims.

The day is observed with a simple dinner followed by prayers and a sermon at the mosque. The observance provides followers an opportunity to focus on the important teaching of the Prophet. The basic teachings are to be good and do good and to refrain from doing immoral things and committing vices.

14 September - Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay death anniversary

 

Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay (23 July 1898 – 14 September 1971) was a renowned Indian Bengali writer, novelist, and essayist. He is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in Bengali literature of the 20th century. His works often explored social and political themes and are known for their vivid portrayal of rural life in Bengal.

Some of his most notable works include:

1. Pather Panchali (The Song of the Road): This novel, published in 1929, is considered one of his masterpieces. It tells the story of a young boy named Apu and his family as they struggle to make a living in rural Bengal.

2. Dhatridebata (The Elder Sister): This novel deals with the life of an impoverished woman named Dhatridebata and her struggles in a male-dominated society.

3. Ganadevata (The People's God): Published in 1942, this novel explores the socio-political changes in rural Bengal during the British Raj and the role of religion in people's lives.

4. Hansuli Banker Upakatha (The Tale of the Hansuli Bank): This novel, published in 1947, is set in the backdrop of the Chhotanagpur plateau and portrays the lives of the tribal communities there.

5. Chandrasekhar (Chandrasekhar): This historical novel tells the story of Chandrasekhar Azad, a prominent freedom fighter during India's struggle for independence.

Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Bengali literature, including the Rabindra Puraskar and the Jnanpith Award, one of India's most prestigious literary awards. His works continue to be celebrated for their rich storytelling and deep insights into human nature and society.

 

14 September - Hindi national language in India

 

On 14th September 1949 Hindi was adopted as the Official Language of the Union of India. Later in 1950, the Constitution of India declared Hindi in the Devanagari script as the Official language of India. Apart from Hindi, English is also recognized as an Official Language of India. Different states of India identify their own official languages through legislation.

 

Hindi is one of the main languages of India and is spoken by around 40% of the Indian population. In 1950 it was declared that the use of English was to be put to an end, 15 years after the formation of the Constitution (by 26th January 1965). This decision was not met with gladly by non-Hindi speaking areas of India, such as South India (since their languages are not remotely similar to Hindi). Keeping this in mind, the Parliament brought into force the Official Languages Act 1963 which allowed the continuation of the use of English along with Hindi for official purposes after 1965. Some North Eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have English as their official language.

 

 

12 September - Timur Lang reached the banks of the river Indus on this day.

 

Timur, also known as Tamerlane, reached the banks of the river Indus in the year 1398 on 12 September, during his military campaign in the Indian subcontinent. This campaign is often referred to as Timur's invasion of India. On his way to the Indus River, Timur had already captured and sacked several cities in North India, including Delhi.

Timur's invasion of India marked a brutal and devastating chapter in the region's history. The sacking of Delhi in particular was infamous for its violence and destruction. Timur's forces committed widespread atrocities, leading to significant loss of life and the plundering of valuable treasures.

It's important to note that Timur's invasion of India was not a long-term occupation, and he eventually returned to his own empire in Central Asia. His campaign did not result in the establishment of a lasting Timurid presence in the Indian subcontinent. However, it left a lasting impact on the history and memory of the region.

12 September - Jaikishan death anniversary

 Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal, often simply referred to as Jaikishan, was one half of the iconic Indian music composer duo Shankar-Jaikishan. He was born on November 4, 1929, and passed away on September 12, 1971. Alongside his partner, Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi, Jaikishan played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Bollywood music during the golden era of Indian cinema.

Shankar-Jaikishan's music transcended boundaries and genres, leaving an indelible mark on Indian film music. Known for their versatility, the duo created memorable melodies that ranged from classical to folk to contemporary, reflecting the changing musical trends in Indian cinema. They composed music for numerous blockbuster movies, establishing themselves as one of the most successful and innovative music composers in the industry.

Some of their most celebrated compositions include the timeless songs from movies like "Barsaat," "Chhalia," "Anari," "Junglee," and "Mera Naam Joker." These songs continue to be cherished by music enthusiasts and are often heard on the airwaves and in various forms of media.

Tragically, Jaikishan's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 41. His untimely death was a great loss to the world of music. However, his contributions, along with Shankar's, continue to resonate with music lovers, and Shankar-Jaikishan's melodies remain an integral part of the rich tapestry of Bollywood music history. Jaikishan's legacy endures through his timeless compositions that evoke nostalgia and continue to be celebrated in Indian cinema.

12 September - Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay birth anniversary

Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay (pronounced "Bibhootibhushon Bondopaddhae" in Bengali) was a renowned Indian Bengali author and novelist. He was born on September 12, 1894, in the town of Ghoshpara, in the Dinajpur district of present-day Bangladesh, which was then part of British India. He is best known for his vivid and evocative portrayal of rural life in Bengal, especially in the novels and stories set in the countryside.

Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's most famous work is the novel "Pather Panchali," published in 1929. This novel, along with its sequels "Aparajito" and "Apur Sansar," collectively known as the "Apu Trilogy," gained international recognition when they were adapted into films by the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray. The films are considered classics of Indian cinema and have received numerous awards and accolades.

Bandyopadhyay's writing often focused on the lives of the common people, their struggles, and the beauty of nature in rural Bengal. His prose is known for its lyrical and poetic quality, and he had a profound influence on Bengali literature. His other notable works include "Aranyak," "Ichhamati," "Chander Pahar," and "Adarsha Hindu Hotel," among others.

Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's literary contributions have left a lasting legacy in Indian literature, and his works continue to be celebrated and cherished by readers and scholars alike. He passed away on November 1, 1950, leaving behind a rich literary heritage that continues to inspire generations of readers and writers.

11 September - Subramania Bharati death anniversary

C. Subramania Bharathi(11 December 1882 – 11 September 1921) was a Tamil writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist, social reformer and polyglot. He was bestowed the title "Bharathi" for his excellence in poetry. He was a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry and is considered one of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time. He is popularly known by his mononymous title "Bharathi/ Bharathiyaar," and also by the other title "Mahakavi Bharathi" ("the great poet Bharathi"). His numerous works included fiery songs kindling patriotism during the Indian Independence movement.He fought for the emancipation of women, against child marriage, vehemently opposed the caste system, and stood for reforming society and religion. He was also in solidarity with Dalits and Muslims.

11 September - National Day of Catalonia

 

The National Day of Catalonia, known as "La Diada" in Catalan, is a holiday celebrated in the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain. It is held annually on September 11th to commemorate the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714, which led to Catalonia losing its political and institutional autonomy within the Crown of Aragon. The day is a symbol of Catalan identity, culture, and the desire for greater autonomy or independence from Spain for many Catalans.

On La Diada, you can expect to see various events and demonstrations throughout Catalonia, including parades, concerts, and gatherings. Many people display the Catalan flag, known as the "Estelada," and participate in peaceful marches to express their support for Catalonia's cultural and political distinctiveness.

In recent years, the National Day of Catalonia has also been a platform for demonstrations advocating for Catalan independence, reflecting the ongoing political debate and movement in the region. The celebration of La Diada has gained significance as Catalonia continues to grapple with questions of its identity and relationship with the Spanish state.

11 September - World Wildlife Fund established in 1961

 

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was established on September 11, 1961. It is one of the world's largest and most well-known conservation organizations, dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the preservation of the natural environment. WWF was founded in Switzerland, and its establishment marked a significant milestone in the global conservation movement.

The primary mission of WWF is to conserve biodiversity, protect endangered species, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources to ensure a healthy planet for future generations. To achieve these goals, WWF engages in a wide range of activities, including:

1. Conservation Projects: WWF supports conservation projects around the world, working in partnership with governments, local communities, and other organizations to protect critical habitats, wildlife species, and ecosystems.

2. Advocacy and Policy: WWF advocates for policies and practices that promote conservation and sustainable development. They work with governments, businesses, and international organizations to address environmental challenges and influence policy decisions.

3. Research and Science: WWF conducts scientific research to better understand the natural world and the threats it faces. This research informs their conservation strategies and helps raise awareness about environmental issues.

4. Education and Outreach: WWF is actively involved in education and public awareness campaigns to inform people about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

5. Fundraising: WWF relies on fundraising efforts to support its initiatives and projects. They often use the iconic panda logo to symbolize their commitment to protecting endangered species.

Over the years, WWF has expanded its reach and impact, with offices and projects in numerous countries. They work on a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, habitat destruction, poaching, and the conservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

WWF's work has been instrumental in raising awareness about environmental issues and driving positive change in conservation and sustainable development practices worldwide.

11 September - Mahadevi Verma death anniversary

 

Mahadevi Verma (March 26, 1907 – September 11, 1987) was a revered Indian poet, freedom fighter, and champion of women's rights and education. Born in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, she grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment that nurtured her literary talents.

Mahadevi Verma's literary career was marked by her exquisite poetry, which often explored themes of nature, love, and the struggles of women. She was a leading figure in the Chhayavaad literary movement, and her works like "Yama" and "Sparsh" continue to be celebrated for their depth and beauty.

Beyond her literary prowess, Mahadevi Verma was a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and education. She believed that education could transform the lives of women and tirelessly worked to promote women's education in India.

During India's fight for independence, Mahadevi Verma played an active role as a freedom fighter, using her poetic talents to inspire and motivate others to join the struggle against British colonial rule.

Her contributions to literature earned her prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan and the Jnanpith Award, making her one of the most influential Hindi poets of the 20th century.

Mahadevi Verma's legacy lives on in her poetry and her tireless efforts to empower women through education. Her work continues to inspire poets and writers, and her advocacy for women's rights remains a source of inspiration for generations to come. She passed away on September 11, 1987, leaving behind a lasting impact on Indian literature and society.