23 January - Veer Surendra Sai birth anniversary

 

Veer Surendra Sai, also known as Surendra Sai, was an Indian freedom fighter and a key figure in the Indian independence movement. His birth and death dates are as follows:

• Born: 23 January 1809
• Died: 28 February  1884

Surendra Sai was a leader in the tribal uprising against the British East India Company's rule in the region of Sambalpur in present-day Odisha, India. He is remembered for his resistance against British colonization and for his efforts to protect the rights and interests of the local people. His legacy is celebrated in India, and he is remembered as a valiant freedom fighter.

23 January - Bounty Day (Pitcairn Islands)

 

Bounty Day, observed in the Pitcairn Islands, commemorates the arrival of the HMS Bounty mutineers on Pitcairn Island in 1790. This event is celebrated annually on January 23rd. The history behind Bounty Day is tied to the famous mutiny on the Bounty, which occurred in 1789.

After the mutiny, some of the mutineers, led by Fletcher Christian, along with a group of Tahitian men and women, sought a place to hide from the British authorities. They eventually found and settled on Pitcairn Island, a remote and uninhabited island in the South Pacific. The mutineers burned the HMS Bounty to avoid detection.

Bounty Day is an important cultural and historical event for the residents of Pitcairn Island, and the day is marked with various activities, including parades, traditional dances, and communal meals. It serves as a reminder of the island's unique history and the resilience of the community that descended from the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

 Reference: Link

23 January - Kapilavastu, the city of Gautama Buddha, was discovered in excavations

 

Kapilavastu is believed to have been the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha. The exact location of Kapilavastu has been a subject of historical and archaeological interest.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several archaeological explorations were conducted in search of Kapilavastu. The search was complicated by the fact that the ancient city was abandoned and its exact location became uncertain over time. In the early 20th century, Sir Aurel Stein, a Hungarian-British archaeologist, conducted excavations at a site in present-day Lumbini, Nepal, which is traditionally considered the birthplace of Buddha. However, his findings did not conclusively establish the location of Kapilavastu.

In recent years, there have been archaeological discoveries and excavations in the Tilaurakot area of Lumbini, Nepal, which is now considered by many scholars to be the likely location of Kapilavastu. The discoveries at Tilaurakot include ancient structures and artifacts associated with Buddhist traditions, providing valuable insights into the history of the region. However, the identification of Kapilavastu remains a subject of ongoing research and discussion among historians and archaeologists.

 

23 January - John Hancock birth anniversary

 

John Hancock (1737–1793) was an American statesman and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He played a significant role in the American Revolution and is best known for his prominent signature on the United States Declaration of Independence. Born on 23 January  1737, in Braintree, Massachusetts (now Quincy), Hancock became a successful merchant and a prominent figure in colonial Massachusetts.

Hancock served as the President of the Second Continental Congress and was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence on 04 July 1776. His large, flamboyant signature on the document has become synonymous with signing one's name.

Apart from his political contributions, John Hancock also served as the Governor of Massachusetts for several years. The term "John Hancock" has become synonymous with a person's signature in colloquial English, thanks to the bold and distinctive way Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence. The phrase "Put your John Hancock on it" is often used to mean signing a document.

23 January - Parakram Divas

 

"Parakram Divas" refers to the celebration of the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British rule. The Indian government declared January 23rd as "Parakram Divas" to honor and commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's contributions to India's struggle for independence.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897. The decision to celebrate his birth anniversary as "Parakram Divas" is aimed at inspiring the spirit of courage and patriotism among the people of India. The term "Parakram" translates to courage or valor in Hindi.

23 January - Jože Plečnik death anniversary

Jože Plečnik passed away on 07 January 1957. He was born on 23 January 1872, and his death occurred at the age of 84.He was a Slovenian architect, known for his significant contributions to modern architecture, particularly in Central Europe. He is considered one of the most important architects of the 20th century. Plečnik's work is characterized by a synthesis of classical and modern elements, often incorporating a strong sense of local cultural and historical context.

Some key points about Jože Plečnik:

1. Early Life and Education: Jože Plečnik was born on 23 January 1872, in Ljubljana, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now the capital of Slovenia). He studied architecture at the Technical University in Vienna, where he was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and the teachings of Otto Wagner.

2. Career in Vienna: Plečnik worked in Vienna for several years, where he became known for his work on public buildings, including bridges, schools, and churches. His notable projects in Vienna include the Church of the Holy Spirit.

3. Return to Ljubljana: In 1921, Plečnik returned to Ljubljana, where he became the professor of architecture at the University of Ljubljana. He left a lasting impact on the city's architectural landscape, with projects such as the Triple Bridge, the Central Market, and the renovation of Ljubljana Castle.

4. Works in Prague: Plečnik also worked in Prague, where he contributed to the renovation of Prague Castle and the construction of various buildings, including the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord.

5. Architectural Style: Plečnik's architectural style is characterized by a combination of classical forms, elements of Slovene vernacular architecture, and a profound attention to detail. He often incorporated symbolic and religious motifs into his designs.

6. Legacy: Jože Plečnik left a lasting legacy, and his work has influenced subsequent generations of architects. Many of his buildings are considered cultural landmarks, and his vision for urban planning and design has had a profound impact on the cities where he worked.

Jože Plečnik's work is celebrated for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, making him a revered figure in the architectural history of Slovenia and Central Europe.

 

 

22 January - Ram Mandir India Inaguaration today

Five years after the Supreme Court decided that the disputed land will go to the Ram Temple, all roads lead to Ayodhya on 22 January 2024, when the nation will witness the historic opening of the Ram Temple there. On Monday, the country will witness the magnificent pran-pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla, a 51-inch black stone idol who will be formally crowned as the deity of the revered Ram Temple. The ritual will take place at precisely 12.30 p.m. There will be hundreds of leaders from many fields attending the occasion, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. *Glory to Shree Ram.*

Shri Ram Mandir, popularly known as Ram Mandir, is a Hindu temple located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Rama and is believed to have been built at Ram Janmabhoomi (the birthplace of Lord Shri Rama). This Ram Temple reflects the cultural and spiritual heritage associated with Lord Rama and holds immense cultural and religious significance for the Hindus.

Main Temple Details

Total Area:2.7 Acres

Total Built-up Area:57,400 Sq. ft.

Total length of the temple:360 feet

Total width of the temple:235 feet

The total height of the temple including the peak:161 feet

Total number of floors:3

Height of each floor:20 feet

Number of columns in the ground floor of the temple:160

Number of columns in the first floor of the temple:132

Number of columns in the second floor of the temple:74

Number of pedks and pavilions in the temple:5

Number of Gates in the temple:12

Prominent materials used in the construction of Ram Mandir are:

High Grade “Rolled Compacted Concrete” without Steel

Pink Sand Stone

Granite Stone

Shaligram Rock

Copper Plates

Gold and Ashtdhatu

Teakwood

The main temple of Ayodhya is surrounded by four temples dedicated to Sun God, Goddess Bhagwati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. Sitakoop from the mythological period will be present near the temple. Other proposed temples in the premises will be dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vashishtha, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Nishadraj, Mata Shabari, and Rishipatni Devi Ahilya.

 

 

22 January - Queen Victoria death anniversary

 

Queen Victoria, the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, indeed passed away on 22 January 1901. Queen Victoria's death marked the end of her long and influential reign, which had lasted for more than 63 years. She became queen in 1837 and was a key figure during a period known as the Victorian era. After her death, her son, Albert Edward, succeeded her as King Edward VII.

22 January Edward VII is proclaimed King of the United Kingdom in 1901

 

Edward VII was proclaimed King of the United Kingdom on 22 January 1901, following the death of his mother, Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria passed away on 22 January 1901, marking the end of her long reign. Edward VII, who had been Prince of Wales and heir apparent, ascended to the throne.

The formal proclamation of Edward VII as king took place on the same day of Queen Victoria's death. Edward VII's reign lasted until his own death in 1910, and it was characterized by a shift in the British monarchy and the beginning of the Edwardian era.

 

22 January - The Battle of Rorke's Drift

 

The Battle of Rorke's Drift occurred on January 22-23, 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War in South Africa. It was a significant engagement that took place shortly after the Battle of Isandlwana, where the British suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Zulu forces.

After the Zulus defeated the British at Isandlwana, a contingent of Zulu warriors moved to attack the British supply and field hospital at Rorke's Drift, a mission station and trading post. The defenders at Rorke's Drift included a small garrison of British and colonial troops.

The British forces, led by Lieutenant John Chard and Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, successfully defended Rorke's Drift against overwhelming odds. The battle lasted for several hours, and the defenders managed to repel the Zulu attacks, earning a notable victory for the British.

The defense of Rorke's Drift is celebrated for the bravery and tenacity displayed by the British soldiers during the intense battle. The engagement was later depicted in the 1964 film "Zulu," which dramatized the events of the Battle of Rorke's Drift.