Today’s Motto: ‘Don’t let Style interfere with your Principles’

This is Your Day-TODAY:  Take a Determined Step Forward and Make History! 

On this day,  Aug . 13………

1784 – British parliament accepts East India Company Act 1784, bringing the East India Company’s rule in India under the control of the British Government.

1889 – William Gray of Hartford, Connecticut, received a patent for a coin-operated telephone .

1913 – The first true stainless steel was cast in Sheffield, England. English metallurgist, Harry Brearley was developing a more erosion-resistant steel for rifle barrels. In order to examine the grain structure of the steel he needed to etch samples with acid before examining them under the microscope. The etching reagents he used were based on nitric acid, and he found that this new steel strongly resisted chemical attack. He then exposed samples to vinegar and other food acids such as lemon juice and found the same result. Brearley realized that this new steel could also revolutionise the cutlery industry.

1919 – British troops open fire on demonstrators in Amritsar, killing 350.

1956 – National Highways Act was approved by the Parliament of India.

1985 – Jamie Gavin, age 3, of Dublin, Ireland, became the world’s youngest heart and lung transplant patient.

1997 – The contentious women’s reservation bill put on the back burner with PM Gujral saying govt. would not push through such a major social legislation until there was a consensus on it.

2015 – Swedish Prosecutors announce they are dropping allegations against Wikileaks founderJulian Assange of sexual molestation and coercion (pic credit-Britannica).

2017 – More than 60 children reported to have died at Gorakhpur Hospital, prompting an investigation.

Born….

1936 – Vyjayathimala,  veteran Tamil and Bollywood actor, dancer and  parliamentarian.  Acted in several jubilee making films like Naagin, Devdas, Amrapali, Samgam,  Madhumati, Naya Daur, Ganga Jamuna  etc. Was awared with 5 Filmfare and 2 BFJA Awards. Honored with Padma Bhushan in 2024. ( Pic credit- IMDb & Video -Gold Vintage)

1952 – Yogeeta Bali, popular Bollywood actor of 1970s-80s. Known for roles in Parwana, Nagin,  Dhoop Chhaon, Beshaque,  Aakhri Badla etc.

1963 Sridevi Kapoor, Popular Southern cinema  and Bollywood talented actor. Acted in about 300 films like Judaai, Chandni, Sadma, English Vinglish,  Halla Bol, etc.  Won a National Film and 4 Filmfare awards , 3 Filmfare South and several other Satate and Nandi Awards (pic credit-The Quint).

RIP….

1795 – Ahilyabai Holkar, the Holkar Queen of the Maratha ruled Malwa kingdom situated at  Indore.  She tried to protect her kingdom from plundering Muslim invaders and personally led armies into battle. She was a great builder and patron of many Hindu temples and Shrines.

1910 – Florence Nightingale, the English nurse and statistician, “The Lady With The Lamp,” who established modern nursing practice.

1936 – Bhikaiji Cama, famous Freedom fighter politician.

1988 – Gajanan Jagirdar, veteran Bollywood actor/directorand screenwriter. Known for films like Ramshastri, Shejari, Babar, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Padosi, Aaadmi Sadak Ka etc.  Was awarded Shahi Parshuram Samman by Maharshtra Govt.

You may have known….

Hanging by hooks – Garudan Thookam, Kerala: This ritual art form performed in Kerala’s Kali temples is as fascinating as it as shocking. Dancers dress up as Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu who quenched the goddess Kali’s thirst with blood after slaying Darika the demon. After the dance performance, they hang like eagles(Garudan Thookam) from a shaft, by hooking the flesh on the backs! These hanging ‘ Garudas ‘ are taken around the city in a colourful procession. This ritual is carried out on Makara Bharani Day and Kumbha Bharani Day.

 

{Compiled by Lt. Gen. (R) Raj Kadyan}