26 October - Saint Namdeo birth anniversary

 

Saint Namdeo, also known as Namdev or Sant Namdeo, was a prominent Bhakti saint and poet-saint in India. He was born in 26 October 1270 CE in the village of Narsi Bahmani, located in the present-day state of Maharashtra. Namdeo's devotional hymns and abhangas (devotional songs) are widely revered in the Bhakti movement, a spiritual and social reform movement in India that emphasized a personal and direct connection with the divine.

Namdeo's devotion was primarily directed towards Lord Vithoba, a form of Lord Krishna. He composed numerous devotional songs and poems in praise of Vithoba and traveled extensively to spread the message of love and devotion. His works emphasize the universality of God and the importance of devotion and humility.

Saint Namdeo's life and teachings had a profound influence on the Bhakti movement in India, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in the form of devotional music and poetry. He passed away in 1350 CE, leaving behind a rich literary and spiritual heritage that continues to inspire people to this day.

 

Information Post : Shri Ram Janmabhoomi

 

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, often referred to as Ayodhya or Ram Janmabhoomi, is a sacred site in the city of Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered figure in Hinduism and the central character of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana.

The significance of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is deeply rooted in Hindu religious and cultural traditions. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama is considered the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his birthplace holds great importance to millions of Hindus around the world.

The site gained prominence and became a subject of controversy and disputes due to the presence of a mosque known as the Babri Masjid, which was built in the 16th century during the Mughal period. The dispute over the land and conflicting claims by Hindu and Muslim communities led to a long-standing legal and political battle.

The Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute came to a head in 1992 when the Babri Masjid was demolished by a group of Hindu activists, leading to communal tensions and violence in parts of India. The demolition of the mosque further intensified the legal and political disputes surrounding the site.

In 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered a historic judgment, settling the long-standing dispute. The court ruled that the entire disputed land, including the site where the Babri Masjid once stood, would be handed over to a trust for the construction of a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama. It also directed the government to provide an alternative five-acre plot of land to the Sunni Waqf Board for the construction of a mosque.

Since then, plans have been underway to construct the Ram Temple at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya. This development has been a significant moment in Indian history and has had implications for both religious and political matters in the country.

The construction of the Ram Temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is seen as a fulfillment of a long-cherished aspiration for many Hindus and a symbol of their faith. It is also a site of historical and cultural significance that continues to play a central role in India's cultural and religious landscape.

26 October - Raja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir accepted the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India

 

Raja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir indeed signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, officially acceding the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to India. This accession came during a turbulent period when the region was facing invasion by tribal militias from Pakistan. The decision to accede to India was taken to seek assistance in repelling the invasion.

The Instrument of Accession was a legal document that allowed the Indian government to extend its jurisdiction to Jammu and Kashmir, and it was accepted by the then-Governor-General of India, Lord Louis Mountbatten, on October 27, 1947. This marked the beginning of the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union of India and set the stage for the subsequent developments and conflicts in the region.

25 October - George III became King of Great Britain and Ireland

 

George III became King of Great Britain and Ireland on October 25, 1760, following the death of his grandfather, George II. His reign as king lasted for 59 years, making him one of the longest-reigning British monarchs. He was the third monarch from the House of Hanover and is perhaps best known for his role as King during the American Revolutionary War and for facing challenges such as the loss of the American colonies. George III's reign had a significant impact on British and world history.

25 October - Taiwan and Penghu Retrocession Day

 

Taiwan and Penghu Retrocession Day, also known as Double Tenth Day, is a public holiday observed in Taiwan on October 25th each year. It commemorates the end of Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan and the formal handover of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to the Republic of China (ROC) on October 25, 1945, at the conclusion of World War II.

Key points about Taiwan and Penghu Retrocession Day:

1. End of Japanese Rule: Taiwan had been under Japanese colonial rule from 1895 to 1945, following the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the First Sino-Japanese War. The retrocession marked the end of Japanese colonial administration in Taiwan.

2. Return to Chinese Control: On October 25, 1945, representatives of the Allied forces and the ROC government officially took control of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands from the Japanese. This marked the return of these territories to Chinese sovereignty.

3. Double Tenth: The term "Double Tenth" refers to the date October 10, which is significant in Taiwanese history. It was on October 10, 1911, that the Wuchang Uprising in mainland China began, leading to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the ROC. Therefore, October 10 is celebrated as National Day in Taiwan, and the retrocession day on October 25 is also sometimes referred to as Double Tenth Day.

4. National Celebration: Taiwan and Penghu Retrocession Day is celebrated with various events and activities, including parades, fireworks, cultural performances, and exhibitions. The day is an occasion to celebrate Taiwan's freedom from Japanese colonial rule and its return to Chinese sovereignty, as well as to reflect on Taiwan's complex history and the development of its distinct identity.

While the day is observed as a national holiday in Taiwan, it also reflects the historical complexities of Taiwan's status, as the government of the Republic of China (ROC) retreated to Taiwan after losing the Chinese Civil War to the Chinese Communist Party in 1949. Today, Taiwan's political status is a subject of international debate and diplomatic dispute between various countries, including China.

 

24 October - Rafi Ahmed Kidwai death anniversary

 

Rafi Ahmed Kidwai (February 18, 1894 – October  24 ,1954) was a politician, an Indian independence activist and a socialist. He hailed from Barabanki District of Uttar Pradesh, in north India

Kidwai died in Delhi on 24 October 1954. He had heart failure after experiencing an attack of asthma while delivering a speech. His burial site, at his home village, was covered by a Mughal-style mausoleum.

24 October - R.K. Laxman birth anniversary

 

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Laxman, commonly known as R.K. Laxman, was one of India's most renowned and beloved cartoonists and humorists. He was born on 24 October 1921, in Mysore, India, and he passed away on 26 January 2015. R.K. Laxman is best known for his iconic and satirical cartoons that often depicted the socio-political and cultural landscape of India.

Key highlights about R.K. Laxman's life and work include:

1. Common Man: Laxman's most famous creation was the "Common Man," a character featured in his cartoons that represented the ordinary Indian citizen. The Common Man observed and commented on the various issues and challenges faced by the people of India.

2. The Times of India: For over five decades, Laxman worked as a cartoonist for "The Times of India," one of India's leading English-language newspapers. His daily cartoon strip, "You Said It," was immensely popular and enjoyed a wide readership.

3. Political and Social Satire: Laxman's cartoons were known for their sharp wit and humor, which often critiqued and commented on the political and social issues of the day. He had a unique ability to use humor to shed light on serious matters.

4. Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career, Laxman received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian journalism and art. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India's highest civilian awards.

5. Books: Laxman was also a prolific author, writing several books that captured his experiences and observations, including "The Distorted Mirror" and "The Tunnel of Time."

6. Legacy: R.K. Laxman's work and the character of the Common Man continue to have a lasting impact on Indian journalism, art, and public discourse. He is remembered as an artist who used humor to hold a mirror to society.

R.K. Laxman's cartoons and the character of the Common Man remain iconic in Indian culture and have contributed significantly to the development of political and social satire in the country. His work has left a lasting imprint on the way India views its political and social issues.

24 October - Bahadur Shah Zafar birth anniversary

 

Bahadur Shah Zafar II, whose birth name was Mirza Abu Zafar Siraj-ud-din Muhammad, was the last Mughal emperor of India. He was born on October 24, 1775, in Delhi, and he played a significant role in the history of India during a tumultuous period of British colonial rule. Here are some key points about Bahadur Shah Zafar:

1. Mughal Emperor: Bahadur Shah Zafar ascended to the Mughal throne in 1837 after the death of his father, Akbar Shah II. His reign was largely symbolic, as the British East India Company had already taken control of most of India.

2. The Indian Rebellion of 1857: Bahadur Shah Zafar's name is most prominently associated with the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence. During this uprising, Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, rebelled against British rule. Zafar was seen as a figurehead and became a rallying point for the rebels, who declared him the emperor of India.

3. Role in the Rebellion: Zafar initially hesitated to support the rebellion but eventually issued a royal proclamation supporting the uprising. He was declared the leader of the rebellion and his nominal authority was restored as the "Emperor of India." However, the rebellion was ultimately suppressed by the British.

4. Exile and Trial: After the failure of the rebellion, Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured by the British. He was put on trial, found guilty of sedition, and exiled to Rangoon, British Burma (present-day Yangon, Myanmar), along with some family members.

5. Death: Bahadur Shah Zafar spent the last years of his life in exile, far from his homeland. He died on  07 November 1862, in Rangoon. His death marked the end of the Mughal Empire.

6. Poet: Bahadur Shah Zafar was also a noted Urdu poet. He wrote poetry under the pen name "Zafar," and his ghazals and other poetic works are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and themes of love, loss, and nostalgia.

Bahadur Shah Zafar's life is a symbol of the decline and fall of the Mughal Empire in India and the onset of British colonial rule. He is remembered as a tragic figure who became a reluctant symbol of resistance during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which ultimately led to the end of the Mughal dynasty and the firm establishment of British dominion in India.

24 October - Manna Dey death anniversary

 

Manna Dey, whose birth name was Prabodh Chandra Dey, was a legendary Indian playback singer renowned for his versatile and melodious singing. He was born on May 1, 1919, in Kolkata, India, and he passed away on October 24, 2013. Here's a brief note about his life and career:

Manna Dey was one of the most celebrated playback singers in the history of Indian music. He had a remarkable singing career that spanned several decades and included singing in multiple languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and many others. His rich and melodious voice allowed him to master a wide range of musical genres, from classical and semi-classical to folk and popular music.

Some key highlights of Manna Dey's career include:

1. Versatile Singing: Manna Dey was known for his remarkable versatility. He could sing both classical and popular music with equal ease. He was particularly renowned for his classical and semi-classical renditions.

2. Bollywood: He was a prominent playback singer for the Indian film industry, particularly Bollywood. He lent his voice to numerous iconic songs and was known for his ability to adapt to various styles and moods, making him a favorite of music directors and composers.

3. Collaborations: Manna Dey collaborated with many music directors, including R.D. Burman, S.D. Burman, and Salil Chowdhury. Some of his most famous songs were composed by these maestros.

4. Awards and Honors: He received numerous accolades during his career, including the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer and the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors.

Manna Dey's contribution to Indian music is immeasurable, and his melodious voice continues to resonate with music enthusiasts around the world. He left behind a rich legacy of timeless songs that are cherished by generations of music lovers.

 

24 October - DISARMAMENT WEEK

 

Disarmament Week is an annual event observed from October 24th to October 30th each year. It is dedicated to promoting awareness and advocacy for disarmament, the reduction or elimination of weapons, and the pursuit of global peace and security. Disarmament Week was established by the United Nations (UN) to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the UN on October 24, 1945.

The primary objectives of Disarmament Week are as follows:

1. Raise Awareness: The week serves as a platform to educate people about the importance of disarmament in preventing armed conflicts and the devastating impact of the arms race on global peace and stability.

2. Advocate for Disarmament: It encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to advocate for arms control measures, non-proliferation agreements, and disarmament initiatives.

3. Promote Peace: Disarmament is closely tied to the pursuit of peace and security. The week promotes peaceful coexistence and encourages the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

4. Highlight the Role of the United Nations: As the international organization responsible for promoting global peace and security, the UN plays a central role in disarmament efforts. Disarmament Week emphasizes the UN's role in these important endeavors.

5. Engage in Educational Activities: Various events, seminars, workshops, and educational programs are organized during Disarmament Week to engage communities, students, and the general public in discussions about disarmament and its significance.

6. Support Arms Control Treaties: The week often calls attention to specific arms control agreements and encourages countries to sign and adhere to these treaties. Prominent examples include the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Disarmament Week is an opportunity for governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to work together in the pursuit of a world free from the threat of excessive and dangerous weaponry. It emphasizes the need for collective global efforts to reduce arms and promote peace, a goal that remains essential in a world marked by ongoing conflicts and tensions.