2015 December 24

Christmas Eve
(India) National Consumer Day (1986)
(Libya) Independence Day, from Italy (1951)

Mohammed Rafi
Birth: 24 Dec 1924 in Amritsar, Punjab, India
Indian playback singer, in a career spanning 40 years, he received the National Award (1977) for ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’, six Filmfare Awards and the Padma Shri (1967). His singing style and songs continue to be copied to this day.

MG Ramachandran
Death: 24 Dec 1987 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Indian actor turned politician, he founded the AIADMK in 1972, became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1977-87) and was posthumously awarded the ‘Bharat Ratna’ (1988). His wife, Janaki was CM (Jan 1988), before Jayalalithaa took charge.

Vajpayee Opens Delhi Metro
Event: 24 Dec 2002 in New Delhi, Delhi, India
(India) The Delhi Metro (MRTS) was inaugurated by PM Vajpayee, with the opening of the 8.3 km, Shahdara – Tis Hazari section. Today it is 213 km long with 160 stations, and 2,000 trips carry over 2.5 million passengers daily.

Binayak Sen gets Life for Sedition
Event: 24 Dec 2010 in Chhattisgarh, India
(India) Human Rights activist, Dr Binayak Sen was awarded a life sentence by the Raipur Court on charges of ‘Sedition’, despite having been granted bail (May 2009) by the Supreme Court for lack of evidence. He was finally released in April 2011.

Anand is India’s 1st Chess Champion
Event: 24 Dec 2000 in Tehran, Iran
(India) Viswanathan Anand won the World Chess Championship (FIDE), becoming the first Indian to hold this title. He defeated (3.5 to 0.5) Alexei Shirov of Spain, winning three of the four games in the final, from a field of 100 players.

Vasco da Gama
Death: 24 Dec 1524 in Kochi, Kerala, India
Portuguese navigator, he opened up the sea route from Western Europe to India by way of the Cape of Good Hope (Africa), landed at Calicut (Kozhikode), Kerala on 20 May 1498, and thereby ushered in a new era in world history.

Howard Hughes
Birth: 24 Dec 1905 in Houston, Texas, USA
American aviation pioneer, film producer, businessman and a maverick billionaire, he founded the Hughes Aircraft Company, and in 1947 designed and test flew an aircraft (Spruce Goose) capable of carrying 750 passengers.

Kandahar Hijack (24-31 Dec 1999)
Event: 24 Dec 1999 in Kathmandu, Nepal
(India) IA IC 814 en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi, was hijacked by Taliban terrorists. It will finally land at Kandahar, Afghanistan on 25 Dec (0930hrs), where in exchange for prisoners the 160 passengers and crew are released on 31 Dec.

Bill Bowerman
Death: 24 Dec 1999 in Fossil, Oregon, USA
American athletic coach at the University of Oregon for 24 years, he is co-founder of Nike along with Phil Knight, and was the brain behind the experimentation and design of such revolutionary styles as the ‘Cortez’ training shoe in 1967.

Sqn Ldr AB Devayya MVC
Birth: 24 Dec 1932 in Coorg, Karnataka, India
Indian air force pilot (No 1 Sqd), flying a Mystere IVa fighter bomber he chose to attack a F-104 Starfighter over Sargodha Airfield in Pakistan and eventually destroyed it (Sep 1965). He was belatedly awarded Maha Vir Chakra (P) in 1988.

Flt Lt Harita Kaur Deol
Death: 25 Dec 1996 in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
Indian air force pilot (IAF: 1993), she was the first qualified woman pilot of the Indian Air Force (on 02 Sep 1994), but died in an Avro air crash near Dubagunta , due ‘Wing Fatigue’ (1996), during a ferry flight from Chennai to Hyderabad.

Jordanian Plane Down in Syria
Event: 24 Dec 2014 in Ar-Raqqah, Syria
(Syria) A Jordanian F-16 operating with the US-led coalition, crashed while attacking IS militants. The pilot, Flt Lt Yousef al-Kaseasbeh was captured alive, and the militants scored a propaganda coup, before burning him alive (03 Jan).

Sqn Ldr AB Devayya MVC
Birth: 24 Dec 1932 in Coorg, Karnataka, India
Indian air force pilot (No 1 Sqd), flying a Mystere IVa fighter bomber, he chose to attack an F-104 Starfighter over Sargodha Airfield in Pakistan and eventually destroyed it (Sep 1965). He was belatedly awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (posthumous) in 1988.

Flt Lt Harita Kaur Deol
Death: 25 Dec 1996 in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
Indian air force pilot (joined the IAF in 1993), she was the first qualified woman pilot of the Indian Air Force (on 02 Sep 1994), but died in an Avro air crash near Dubagunta , due to ‘Wing Fatigue’ (1996), during a routine flight from Chennai to Hyderabad.

2015 December 23

(India) Kisan Divas – Farmers Day
(Japan) Birthday of Emperor Akihito (1933)
(Sweden) Birthday of the Queen Silvia (1943).

HAL by Walchand Hirachand
Event: 23 Dec 1940 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India
(India) Hindustan Aircraft Limited was founded by Walchand Hirachand, in association with the princely State of Mysore. It became Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 01 Oct 1964, but 23 December is still celebrated as Foundation Day.

Shashikant Ruia
Birth: 23 Dec 1943 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Indian industrialist, he is the son of Nand Kishore Ruia, the founder of Essar Group, and serves as Chairman of the Board of the multinational conglomerate with a global footprint. He and his brother Ravi, together are worth $4 billion.

PV Narasimha Rao
Death: 23 Dec 2004 in Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Indian politician (INC) and scholar, he was Chief Minister (1971-73) of Andhra Pradesh, and the 10th Prime Minister (1991-96), when Dr Manmohan Singh laid the foundation for the economic revival of the country. A suitable recognition is due.

DAV School Fire
Event: 23 Dec 1995 in Dabwali, Haryana, India
(India) DAV Public School held its annual day function at Rajeev Palace with the Deputy Commissioner as chief guest. A fire (1345 hrs) claimed the lives of 446 children and parents, while the DC ran away from the scene of the disaster.

HAL by Walchand Hirachand
Event: 23-12-1940 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India
(India) Hindustan Aircraft Limited was founded by Walchand Hirachand, in association with the princely State of Mysore. It became Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 01 Oct 1964, but 23 December is still celebrated as Foundation Day.

Emperor Akihito
Birth: 23 Dec 1933 in Tokyo, Japan
The 125th Emperor of Japan, he succeeded his father, Emperor Hirohito to the throne in 1989, and was the first to marry a commoner, Shoda Michiko, who was the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Crown Prince Naruhito, was born on 23 Feb 1960.

Lord Irwin
Death: 23 Dec 1959 in Yorkshire, England, UK
British politician, he was the Viceroy (1926-31) of India. He inaugurated (18 Jan 1927) the Parliament House and his attempt to improve relations (Simon Commission) was met with Gandhiji’s demand for ‘Complete National Independence’.

Non Stop Around the World Flight
Event: 23 Dec 1986 in Los Angeles, California, USA
(USA) The experimental airplane ‘Voyager’ piloted by  Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, landed at Edwards Air Force Base, after a 42,432 km, 9 day (14-23 Dec) flight around the world, without any refuelling and without break for the crew.

Arthur Gillgian
Born: 23 Dec 1894 in England, UK
British cricketer and captain (1924), he was in India in 1927 when he helped lay the foundation for BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), and the first official Test in 1932. His younger brother Harold Gilligan also captained England.

USS Pueblo Seized by North Korea
Event: 23 Dec 1968 in DMZ, North Korea
(USA) The 82 crew members of the research ship, USS Pueblo were released, and crossed over the DMZ in to South Korea, 11 months after the USS Pueblo was seized by North Korea (23 Jan). The Pueblo is still in Pyongyang, as a war trophy.

Lt Gen Mikhail Kalashnikov
Death: 23 Dec 2013 in Izhevsk, Udmurtia, Russia
Russian engineer and soldier, he designed the AK-47 assault rifle (Avtomat Kalashnikov-1947) – one of the most widely used automatic weapon the world over and credited with killing more people than any other similar firearm.

VAdm RKS Ghandhi VrC
Death: 23 Dec 2014 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Indian naval officer (1945-82), he was ADC to Lord Mountbatten, CO of INS Mysore during the 1971 Indo-Pak War and a recipient of the Vir Chakra. He retired as C-in-C West, and was appointed Governor (1986-90) of Himachal Pradesh.

Mikhail Kalashnikov
Death: 23 Dec 2013 in Izhevsk, Russia
Russian engineer and soldier, he designed the AK-47 assault rifle (Avtomat Kalashnikov-1947) – one of the most widely used automatic weapon the world over and credited with killing more people than any other similar firearm.

USS Pueblo Seized by North Korea
Event: 23-12-1968 in DMZ, North Korea
(USA) The 82 crew members of the research ship, USS Pueblo were released, and crossed over the DMZ in to South Korea, 11 months after the USS Pueblo was seized by North Korea (23 Jan). The Pueblo is still in Pyongyang, as a war trophy.

 

2015 December 22

(India) National Mathematics Day (1887)
(Vietnam) Armed Forces Day (1944)
(Zimbabwe) Unity Day (1987).

National Mathematics Day for Ramanujan
22 Dec 1887 (His birthday)
Indian child prodigy and mathematician, his genius was noted by the British mathematician, GH Hardy who took him to Cambridge, and gave him international exposure. National Mathematics Day has been celebrated on his birthday since 2012.

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib
Birth: 22 Dec 1666 in Patna, Bihar, India
The 10th Guru of the Sikhs (1675-1708), he succeeded his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur and established the warrior class known as ‘Khalsa’ (13 April 1699). Before his death, he nominated Sri Guru Granth Sahib as the next Guru forever.

Vasant Desai
Death: 22 Dec 1975 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Indian actor and music composer, remembered for the devotional song, ‘Ae Malik Tere Bande Ham’ in ‘Do Aankhen Barah Haath’ (1957), and ‘Bole Re Papi Hara’ in Guddi (1971), among others. He died in a lift-accident at his apartment building.

Purulia Arms – Kim Davy Escapes
Event: 22 Dec 1995 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
(India) The AN-26 aircraft which dropped arms over Purulia on 18 Dec, was forced to land by IAF fighters on its journey back. Surprisingly, the police and customs are not informed (or reacted late) and Kim Davy made his escape.

Mary Mascarenhas
Born: 22 Dec 1937 in France
French educator turned missionary, known as ‘Mother Teresa of Bangalore’, she came to the Sumanahalli Society in 1978 to treat acute leprosy patients, and has since rehabilitated over 500 people. In 2010, her Visa was cancelled!

Ralph Fiennes
Birth: 22 Dec 1962 in Suffolk, England, UK
British stage and film actor, he rose to fame as Amon Goeth in “Schindler’s List” (1993) which earned him an Oscar nomination, and followed up with ‘The English Patient’ (1996). He plays the role of Lord Voldemort in four Harry Potter films.

Darryl Francis Zanuck
Death: 22 Dec 1979 in Palm Springs, California, USA
American movie producer, he was the co-founder (1933) of Twentieth Century Pictures, and later as Chairman and CEO, is known for the films, ‘The Longest Day’ (1962), ‘The Sound of Music’ (1965), ‘M*A*S*H*’ (1970) and Patton (1970).

Germany Unites at Brandenburg Gate
Event: 22 Dec 1989 in Berlin, Germany
(Germany) The Brandenburg Gate originally built in 1788, and closed for 30 years was ceremoniously opened. Helmut Kohl and Hans Modrow walked across and greeted each other, to mark the end of the division of East and West Germany.

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
Death: 22 Dec 1917 in Illinois, USA
Italian nun, she arrived in New York in 1889, founded an orphanage (now Saint Cabrini Home), became a US citizen in 1909, and set up 67 institutions to serve the sick and poor, before her death. She is the first US citizen to be canonized.

Ralph Fiennes
Born: 22 Dec 1962
Became famous with the role of Amon Goeth in “Schindler’s List”. Went on to play Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films. His most recent major role is as the second “M” in James Bond Spectre

Red Fort Attacked by Pak
Event: 22 Dec 2000 in Old Delhi, Delhi, India
(India) LeT militants armed with AK-47 rifles infiltrated the ‘Light and Sound Show’ at Red Fort, and later opened fire, killing two soldiers (7 Raj Rif) and a civilian. The master mind, Mohd Arif was sentenced to death, but is still in prison.

Need to Use the Nuclear Option
Event: 22 Dec 2008 in Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
(India) Mumbai 26/11: As the ‘war of words’ increased in intensity with India ‘exploring all options’, Pakistan reacted with ‘God forbid that we need to use the nuclear option’, from the Defence Minister, Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar.

Lt Gen HS Banga
Death: 22 Dec 2011 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Indian army officer (EME: 1978-82), he retired as DG EME (1978-82), joined Ashok Leyland (1982-89) and served as CEO (1989-98) of the Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai. His sons, Vindi and Ajay are CEOs of HLL and MasterCard.

Red Fort Attacked by Pak
Event: 22 Dec 2000 in Delhi, India
LeT militants armed with AK-47 rifles infiltrated the Red Fort, and opened fire, killing two soldiers (7 Rajputana Rifles) and a civilian. The master mind, Mohd Arif was sentenced to death, but is still in prison.

2015 December 21

(Sao Tome and Principe) Sao Tome Day (1471)
(Philippines) Armed Forces Day (1935).

Oberoi Grand Opened
Event: 21 Dec 1938 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
(India) The 500 room Grand Hotel, now known as Oberoi Grand was opened. Shut down in 1937 after a plague, it was acquired and renovated by Mohan Singh Oberoi, who appointed his earlier boss, DW Groove as the first manager.

Kris Srikkanth
Birth: 21 Dec 1959 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Indian cricketer (1981-92) and captain (1989-90), he was chairman of the selection committee (2008-12). He was known as an explosive batsman, opened with Sunil Gavaskar, and was a member of the 1983 Prudential World Cup team.

PK Iyengar
Death: 21 Dec 2011 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Indian scientist, he started (1952) his career in TIFR, then joined BARC, where he become Head of the Nuclear Physics Group, Director (1985-90), and later Chairman AEC. He was crucial to Pokhran I (1974) and awarded Padma Bhushan (1975).

James Parkinson
Death: 21 Dec 1824 in London, England, UK
British physician and palaeontologist, his work, ‘An Essay on the Shaking Palsy’ (1817) laid the foundation for what is now known as Parkinson’s disease, and his birthday is commemorated as Parkinson’s Day – devoted to educating people.

Joseph Stalin
Birth: 21 Dec 1879 in Gori, Georgia
Russian communist leader, he was Premier (1941-53) of the Soviet Union during World War II, and is credited with building Russia into a major world power, but will be remembered for his penchant for executing capable opponents.

Lockerbie Bombing
Event: 21 Dec 1988 in Lockerbie, Scotland, UK
(UK) PanAm flight 103, a Boeing 747 exploded in mid-air over Lockerbie, due to an improvised explosive device hidden in a radio, resulting in the death of 270 people. A Libyan agent was sentenced and eventually released (20 Aug 2009).

Jack Hobbs
Death: 21 Dec 1963 in England, UK
Most successful cricketer in 1st class cricket, with 61,237 runs and 199 centuries. Like Bradman he grew up playing cricket with only a wicket as a bat, which helped develop technique and accuracy.

Kurt Waldheim
Born: 21 Dec 1918 in Vienna, Austria
President of Austria (1986-1992) and Secretary General of the United Nations (1972-1987). In 1985, it was revealed that he had served with the Wermacht (German military) as an intelligence officer.

 

Saparmurat Niyazov
Death: 21 Dec 2006 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
The 1st president of Turkmenistan, he was elected soon after the country declared independence from the then, USSR. He was named “President for Life” by the Parliament.

 

Tehran Hostage Crisis
Event: 21 Dec 1980
On Nov 04th, 1979, 52 American nationals working at the embassy in Iran were taken hostage by violent protesters, when they stormed the building complex. On Dec 21st, 1980, the Government of Iran demanded a staggering 24 billion dollars for their return. The demand was refused by the US Government.

R Adm SK Gupta MVC
Birth: 21 Dec 1936 in Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India
Indian naval pilot, flying Seahawk aircraft from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant during the 1971 War, attacked coastal defences in Bangladesh, preventing any support to the besieged Pakistan army, and was awarded Maha Vir Chakra.

General Patton
Death: 21 Dec 1945 in Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
American army general, a veteran of First World War, he is known for his exploits during World War II, especially against Germany’s last-ditch offensive in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944 – Jan 1945). He died in a motor accident.

Samba Spy Scam
Event: 21 Dec 2000 in New Delhi, Delhi, India
(India) Two army officers, Capt Ranbir Singh Rathore and Ashok Kumar Rana, who were arrested, tried and convicted in the Samba Spy Scam (1978-79), were exonerated by the Delhi High Court, but those who ganged up are still free.

INS Satavahana – is the premier submarine training establishment of the Indian Navy, and is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Commissioned by Admiral SN Kohli.

R Adm SK Gupta MVC
Birth: 21 Dec 1936 in Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India
Indian naval pilot, flying Seahawk aircraft from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant during the 1971 War, attacked coastal defences in Bangladesh, preventing any support to the besieged Pakistan army, and was awarded Maha Vir Chakra.

2015 December 20

(Myanmar) Bo Aung Kyaw Day (1938)
(China) Establishment Day of Macao (1999)
(UN Day) International Human Solidarity Day (2005).

Yamini Krishnamurthi
Birth: 20-12-1940 in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India
Indian classical dancer (Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi) and educator, she is the founder of Yamini School of Dance (Hauz Khas, New Delhi) and is a recipient of Padma Shri (1968) and Padma Bhushan (2001). Autobiography – ‘A Passion For Dance’.

Justice for Jessica Lal
Event: 20-12-2006 in New Delhi, Delhi, India
(India) Manu Sharma (Siddarth Vashishtha) was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder (29 Apr 1999) of Jessica Lal, after public outcry and media campaign on his acquittal on 21 February. He is the son Venod Sharma, a former minister.

Leslie Claudis
Death: 20-12-2012 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Indian hockey player, with a record four Olympic medals (1948-60) – 3 Gold and 1 Silver, he is a recipient of the Padma Sri (1971). His son, Robert also played hockey – World Cup (1978) in Mexico, before he died in a road accident.

KM Binu
Born: 20 Dec 1980 in Idukki, Kerala, India
The athlete who broke Milkha Singh’s 400 meter record, that had stood for 44 years. He followed in the footsteps of his elder sister, Beenamol, who is an athlete also.

Leslie Claudius
Death: 20 Dec 2012 in Kolkata, India
Indian Hockey legend with four Olympic medals to his tally, three gold and one silver. He was part of the golden era of hockey, under Army administration, that dominated the world in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s.

Justice for Jessica Lal
Event: 20 Dec 2006 in New Delhi, India
Jessica Lal was a model working at a party as a celebrity barmaid when she was shot and killed in cold blood by Manu Sharma, the son of Politician, Venod Sharma. The murderer was initially acquitted, but after significant public outcry he was tried again and convicted for her murder.

Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad
Birth: 20-12-1925 in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
Malaysian physician and politician, he was Deputy Prime Minister (1976-81) and Prime Minister (1981-2003), a period of 22 years credited with economic development and industrialisation of the country. He remains active in politics.

Kunihiko Iwadare
Death: 20-12-1941 in Tokyo, Japan
Japanese engineer and entrepreneur, he co-founded (1898/ 89) Nippon Electric Company as a JV with Western Electric Company (USA), and pioneered the telephone and radio industry in Japan. It was renamed (1983) as NEC Corporation.

Cornelius Vander Starr
Death: 20-12-1968 in New York City, New York, USA
American salesman, he started by selling insurance to the Chinese, in Shanghai and founded American International Group (AIG) in 1919. In 1962, he handed over the company to Maurice R Greenberg. It is in India as a partner with Tata.

Harvey Firestone
Born: 20 Dec 1868 in Ohio, USA
The founder of the Firestone tire company. Firestone tires were used by Henry Ford on his Model T. They have since been used with great reverence by custom motorcycle builders to lend modern bikes a vintage feel.

ACM SK Kaul MVC
Birth: 20-12-1935 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Indian air force pilot (IAF: 1954-95), he was the 16th Chief of Air Staff (1993-95). Earlier, in command of No 37 Squadron (Hunters), he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra (1971), for undertaking low-altitude photo-missions over Bangladesh.

Col NJ Nair AC KC
Death: 20-12-1993 in Mokokchung, Nagaland, India
Indian army officer (16 MLI), he is the highest decorated officer of the Indian Army, winning the Kirti Chakra (1983: Mizoram), and the Ashok Chakra (1993: Nagaland). He is an alumnus of Sainik School Kazhakootam, and NDA (38, I Sqd).

Operation Parakram cost Rs 21,000 crore
Event: 20-12-2001 in New Delhi, Delhi, India
(India) After the Parliament attack (13 Dec), ‘Operation Parakram’ was launched mobilising a quarter million troops on the western border. Nothing was achieved in 11 months, but it cost the nation Rs 21,000 crore, and the lives of 700 soldiers.

Operation Parakram – the massive mobilisation of troops, tanks and artillery on the western border with Pakistan resulted in a 11-month standoff with Pak President, General Pervez Musharraf who refused to blink.
It cost Rs 21,000 crore, 700 lives and 1,000 were wounded.

Col NJ Nair AC KC (16 MLI) – the highest decorated officer of the Indian Army, is an alumnus of Sainik School Kazhakootam in Kerala, and NDA (38, I Sqd).

2015 December 19

(India) Liberation Day of Goa (1961)
(UN Day) South-South Cooperation (2003)

Kasturbhai Lalbhai
Birth: 19 Dec 1894 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Indian industrialist and nationalist, he contributed generously to the freedom movement. The founder (1931) of Arvind Mills, he was the driving force, behind setting up of the IIM (Ahmedabad), and is a recipient of Padma Bhushan (1969).

Nowrosjee N Wadia
Death: 19 Dec 1899 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Indian businessman and philanthropist, he laid the foundation for Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Co by starting a small dye works on 23 Aug 1879, now managed by Nusli Wadia. He is a descendant of Lovji Wadia, who built the Naval Dockyard.

Tendulkar’s 50th Test Century
Event: 19 Dec 2010 in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
On the 4th day of the 1st Test against South Africa, India facing a definite defeat found a defiant Sachin Tendulkar who scored 111 runs (not out) to reach his 50th Test century, at Centurion. Scores: India 136 and 459; S Africa 620-4.

Goa Liberated
Event: 19 Dec 1961 in Goa, India
Goa had been under Portuguese control since 1505, Daman & Diu, since 1529. After diplomatic options did not secure the release of these territories, the Indian Army moved in and liberated Goa, Daman and Diu in 1961. Despite actual combat by military personnel, no awards or recognition was given to the brave, as the move was classified as a “Police Operation”

Tendulkar’s 50th 100
Event: 19 Dec 2010 in Gauteng, South Africa
India had been bundled out for a paltry 136, before Jacques Kallis’ 201* led South Africa to 620-4. In the second innings, India walked out 484 runs behind. They needed something very special. Sachin Tendulkar delivered. His unbeaten 111 took India to 459 and him to 50 centuries. They still lost by an Innings and 25 runs.

Emily Bronte
Death: 19 Dec 1848 in Yorkshire, England, UK
British poet and novelist, she is the author of ‘Wuthering Heights’ (1847), an English literary classic, and the sister of the equally famous Charlotte Bronte, author of ‘Jane Eyre’ (1847); and Anne Bronte, author of ‘Agnes Grey’ (1847).

Ricky Ponting
Birth: 19 Dec 1974 in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Australian cricketer (1994-2012) and Captain (2002-11), he is the third batsman to score 13,000 Test runs, the only cricketer to be involved in 100 Test victories, and his captaincy win percentage stands at 62 (Test) and 72 (ODI).

Istanbul Police Chief Sacked
Event: 19 Dec 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey
(Turkey) Istanbul’s powerful police chief Huseyin Capkin was dismissed, after an anti-corruption action, in which he detained (17 Dec) sons of three ministers and some influential businessmen close to Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan.

Lee Myung-Bak
Born: 19 Dec 1941 in Osaka, Japan
He started his career in Hyundai, rose to become its youngest CEO (1976-1992), after which he entered politics and became the Mayor of Seoul (2002-06) followed by President of South Korea (2008-2013)

Leonid Brezhnev
Born: 19 Dec 1906 in Dniprodzerzhinsk, Ukraine
He was a Political Commissar during World War 2, and Premier of the Soviet Union (1964-1982) whose pro-active support to India in the 1971 Bangladesh War, to oppose the US 7th fleet, will always be remembered.

Air Marshal Ramaswami Rajaram
Birth: 19 Dec 1917 in Tamil Nadu, India
Indian IAF pilot (1939-69) and a recipient of DFC in World War II, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1965) for his contribution during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. He was Vice Chief of Air Staff at Delhi, when he died due cancer (Leukaemia).

Maj Gen AS Pathania MVC
Death: 19 Dec 2007 in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India
Indian army officer (1935: 1/5 Gorkha Rifles), he led his battalion to capture the vital ‘Anant’ feature in Zojila Pass area during the 1947-48 J&K war, and was awarded Maha Vir Chakra. He was later Director General (1961-62) of NCC.

Indian Soldiers Martyred in Sudan
Event: 19 Dec 2013 in Akobo, Jonglei, South Sudan
Two Indian peace-keepers were killed while stopping a 2,000 strong rebel army from entering the UN base, where ethnic Dinka civilians has sought refuge – Subedars Dharmesh Sangwan (Asian Games silver medallist in rowing) and Kumar Pal Singh.

Maj Gen AS Pathania MVC
Death: 19 Dec 2007 in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India
Indian army officer (1935: 1/5 Gorkha Rifles), he led his battalion to capture the vital ‘Anant’ feature in Zojila Pass area during the 1947-48 J&K war, and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. He was later Director General (1961-62) of the NCC.

2015 December 18

(Qatar) National Day (1878)
(Niger) Republic Day (1958)
(India) Minorities Rights Day (1992)
(UN Day) International Migrants Day (2000)

Vijay Mallya
Birth: 18 Dec 1955 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Indian businessman, he is the chairman of the United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines; owner of Royal Challengers (Cricket) and Force India (F1 racing) team; and a member (2002-16) of the Rajya Sabha. He is the son of Vittal Mallya.

Barkha Dutt
Birth: 18 Dec 1971 in New Delhi, Delhi, India
Indian journalist and columnist, she is the Managing Editor of NDTV, anchors the popular programmes, ‘We the People’ and ‘The Buck Stops Here’, and is a recipient of Padma Shri (2008). She also writes, ‘Third Eye’ for the Hindustan Times.

Purulia Arms Drop
Event: 18 Dec 1995 in Purulia, West Bengal, India
(India) At 0030 hrs, an AN-26 aircraft dropped 3 parachutes over Purulia and possibly 4 over Bangladesh, and then proceeded to Phuket (Thailand). The packages contained over 100 AK-47 rifles and some one million rounds of ammunition.

Vijay Mallya
Birth: 18 Dec 1955 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Indian businessman, he is the chairman of the United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines; owner of Royal Challengers (Cricket) and Force India (F1 racing) team; and a member (2002-16) of the Rajya Sabha. He is the son of Vittal Mallya.

Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel
Birth: 18 Dec 1865 in Dresden, Germany
German botanist who designed the layout for the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens in Bangalore. A book on him – ‘Whatever He Touched, He Adorned’ was released in 2011 by historian and artist Suresh Jayaram.

The 40 Crore Clerk
Event: 18 Dec 2011 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Ramendra Dhuldhoi, a clerk employed with the state Road Authority was raided by the Police, on a tip-off, and was found to have in his name property worth 40 crores – 49 bigha land, four plots, two houses and a hotel.

Brad Pitt
Birth: 18 Dec 1963 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA
American film actor and producer, he received Oscar nominations for ‘Twelve Monkeys’ (1995), ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ (2008) and Moneyball (2011). Rated the ‘Sexiest Man Alive ‘ by People, he is engaged to actress Angelina Jolie.

LTTE Bomb Attack on President
Event: 18 Dec 1999 in Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka) President Chandrika Kumaratunga was attacked by the LTTE, during an election rally in the Town Hall. She sustained injuries to her right eye and face, yet managed to defeat Ranil Wickremasinghe on Election Day – 21 December.

Joseph Barbera
Death: 18 Dec 2006 in New York, New York, USA
American artist and animator, he is remembered as the creator of ‘Tom and Jerry’, ‘The Flintstones’, ‘The Jetsons’ and Scooby-Doo, along with William Denby Hanna. They together won seven Academy Awards and eight Emmy awards.

Joseph Barbera
Death: 18 Dec 2006 in New York, New York, USA
American artist and animator, he is remembered as the creator of some of the World’s most beloved cartoons, along with William Denby Hanna. They together won seven Academy Awards and eight Emmy awards.

The First Sikh War (1845-46)
Event: 18 Dec 1845 in Mudki (Ferozpur), Punjab, India
(India) The war begins with a battle at Mudki, where the Khalsa army was routed by General Sir Hugh Gough, who however fails to pursue them. Three battles later, the Sikh state came under British domination in Feb 1846.

17 Div Enter Portuguese Goa
Event: 18 Dec 1961 in Goa, India
(India) The Indian army (17th Div) crossed the border in to Goa, and the Naval Task Force led by INS Delhi moved into Daman and Diu. The next day, all Portuguese settlements in the sub-continent were liberated, 13 years after independence.

General KS Thimayya
Death: 18 Dec 1965 in Nicosia, Cyprus
Indian general, he was a World War II veteran of the Burma campaign. After independence, he commanded the 19th Inf Div in the 1947-48 Indo Pak War, became the 4th Chief of Army Staff (1957 – 61), and later Commanded UN Forces in Cyprus.

General KS Thimayya
Death: 18 Dec 1965 in Nicosia, Cyprus
General KS Thimayya, popularly known as  Timmy.

Army Invades Goa
Event: 18 Dec 1961 in Goa, India
Indian Army enters Portuguese Goa – The 17th Div, led by 1 Para led the “Police Action” to liberate Goa, and a Naval Task Force led by INS Delhi sailed to Gujarat coast to take charge of the isolated enclaves of Daman and Diu. Maj Gen KP Candeth led Operation Vijay.

2015 December 17

(USA) Wright Brothers Day (1903)
(Bhutan) National Day – Ugyen Wangchuck (1907)
(Bahrain) Accession Day – Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (1961)
(USA) Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (2003)

Battle of Panipat
Event: 17 Dec 1398 in Delhi, India
(India) The Mongol invader, Timur (Tamerlane), defeated the Delhi sultan Mahmud Tughluq at the Battle of Panipat using his horde of 70,000 horse cavalry. At least 100,000 prisoners were executed and he entered Delhi on 18 December to plunder.

John Abraham
Birth: 17 Dec 1972 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Indian model (1999: Gladrags Manhunt Contest) and actor, he made his debut in the successful, but controversial movie ‘Jism’ (2003), and has continued to remain in the limelight with his striking looks and clean image. Vicky Donor (2012).

Ritesh Deshmukh
Birth: 17 Dec 1978 in Latur, Maharashtra, India
Indian actor, he rose to fame in ‘Masti’ (2004) with a Filmfare nomination and followed it up with ‘Bluffmaster’ and ‘Kya Kool Hain Hum’ (2005). He is the son of politician, Vilasrao Deshmukh and is married (03 Feb 2012) to Genelia D’Souza.

Timur’s invasion of India
Event: 17 Dec 1398 in Delhi, India
After conquering most of Persia and Russia, the Mongol ruler, Timur, crossed the Indus river on his way to Delhi, where he defeated the armies of the Sultan, Mahmud Tughluq.
On the 18th, he entered Delhi, and plundered the city.

Ludwig van Beethoven
Birth: 17 Dec 1770 in Bonn, Cologne, Germany
German pianist and composer, he was taught by his father, Johann, gave his first performance at the age of seven (Mar 1778), and is acknowledged as one of the great composers, in Western art music, although he was deaf in his last years.

First Flight by Wright Brothers
Event: 17 Dec 1903 in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, USA
(USA) The Wright brother made four flights, which will be the first powered flight of a heavier-than-air machine under the control of the pilot, at Kitty Hawk. Gustave Whitehead of Germany appears to have made one earlier (14 Aug 1901).

Manny Pacquiao
Birth: 17 Dec 1978 in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines
Filipino boxer, he is the first to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions, and was voted ‘Fighter of the Decade’ by BWAA in 2010, but lost to Mayweather in 2015. He is also a member of the House of Representatives.

Ludwig van Beethoven
Born: 17 Dec 1770 in Cologne, Germany
Amongst the World’s greatest musical composers. He was taught by his father, Johann and by composer Christian Gottlob Neefe. He gave his 1st concert at the age of seven and at 21 moved to Vienna, where he established himself as a Virtuoso
At the age of 30, his hearing began to deteriorate.

Manny Pacquiao
Birth: 17 Dec 1978 in Kibawe, Philippines
He is the first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions. Counted among the greatest boxers in the world. Voted by the BWAA as the “Fighter of the Decade” in 2010. He is also a member of the House of Representatives in the Philippines.

Pope Francis
Birth: 17 Dec 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Jorge Mario Bergoglio succeeded Pope Benedict XVI to the Papacy on March 13, 2013. He comes from humble beginnings in Argentina, born to Italian parents who immigrated to Argentina to escape the regime of Benito Mussolini

First Flight by the Wright Brothers
Event: 17 Dec 1903 in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
While not the first to test experimental flying machines, the Wright Brothers were the first to create and fly a sustained aircraft that could be effectively controlled by its pilot.
Similar (but more advanced) aircraft controls are still used today.

 

2nd Lt Shamsher Singh Samra MVC
Death: 17 Dec 1971 in Uthila, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Indian army officer (8 Guards), he single handedly destroyed a medium machine gun post and although wounded, he rushed onto the next bunker and paid with his life during the 1971 Bangladesh War. He was awarded Maha Vir Chakra (P).

Lance Naik Shangara Singh MVC
Death: 17 Dec 1971 in Amritsar, Punjab, India
Indian army soldier (2 Sikh), he single handedly destroyed two machine gun positions with grenades, to capture Pul Kanjri in the operations after the ceasefire. He died victorious, and was awarded Maha Vir Chakra (posthumous).

Sheikh Hasina Rescued by Army
Event: 17 Dec 1971 in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
(Bangladesh) A day after the liberation and surrender, the family of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman was rescued by an Indian army team led by Maj Ashok Tara. His wife, two daughters (including Sheikh Hasina) and son were captive since March.

Simo Hayha
The most successful sniper in history

Sheikh Hasina rescued by Indian Army – a group of Pak soldiers guarding the First Family, were shooting at random, when Major AK Tara at great risk to his own life, walked up to them and successfully persuaded them to release the captives.

Lt Shamsher Singh Samra, and LN Shangara Singh were pushed into battle after a signed-surrender and unilateral ceasefire (16 Dec). Was it necessary to sacrifice soldiers?

2015 December 16

(India) Victory Day (1971)
(Bangladesh)Victory Day (1971)
(Bahrain) Independence from British protection (1971)
(Kazakhstan) Independence Day, from USSR (1991)

Bangladesh Liberated
16 Dec 1971 in Dhaka Bangladesh
The 1971 Indo-Pak War came to an end in the East with the formal surrender by Lt Gen AAK Niazi of the Pakistan Army along with 91,400 soldiers at the Race Course. India lost 3,900 men, and 9,800 were wounded in the 14-day war.

Hawa Singh
Birth: 16 Dec 1937 in Bhiwani, Haryana, India
Indian army soldier and boxer, he was the national champion (1961-72) and a recipient of the Arjuna award (1966). He later founded the Bhiwani Boxing Club, trained Olympian Vijender Kumar and was awarded Dronacharya Award (1999).

Roop Singh
Death: 16 Dec 1977 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
Indian hockey player and Olympic Gold medallist (1932: Los Angeles and 1936: Germany), he holds the record for most goals in a match (12 against USA in 1932). He is the brother of Dhyan Chand, and the cricket stadium in Gwalior bears his name.

Nirbhaya Gang Rape Shocks Nation
Event: 16 Dec 2012 in New Delhi, Delhi, India
(India) A 23-year old medical student was gang raped in a moving bus, battered with an iron rod and thrown out of the white-line luxury bus, along with her male companion. A nation wide protest continued despite her death on 29 Dec.

Nirbhaya Gang Rape Shocks Nation
Event: 16-12-2012 in New Delhi, Delhi, India
(India) A 23-year old medical student was gang raped in a moving bus, battered with an iron rod and thrown out of the white-line luxury bus, along with her male companion. A nation wide protest continued despite her death on 29 Dec.

Jane Austen
Birth: 16 Dec 1775 in Hampshire, England, UK
British writer of romantic fiction, she is remembered for her novels, ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1811), ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813), ‘Mansfield Park’ (1814) and ‘Emma’ (1816), all of which are a must-read for a literature student.

Colonel Sanders
Death: 16 Dec 1980 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA
American entrepreneur, he struggled through life with various jobs, then developed a unique ‘pressure frying’ technique to cook chicken and founded (1952) Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). His iconic image remains its prominent trademark.

Peshawar School Massacre – 144 Dead
Event: 16 Dec 2014 in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
(Pakistan) Seven TTP gunmen wearing Frontier Corps uniform, attacked the Army Public School on Warsak Road, at 1030 hrs. By 1955 hrs, when SSG commandos cleared the complex, the death toll was 132 children, 9 teachers and 3 soldiers.

Belinda Clark
16 Dec 1997 in Maharashtra, India
(Australia) In a Group A match between Australia and Denmark, in the Hero Honda Women’s World Cup, Belinda Clark scored 229 runs (not out) off 155 balls to register the first double century in ODI history. Tendulkar followed in 2010.

Colonel Sanders
16 Dec 1980 in Kentucky, USA
American entrepreneur, he struggled through life with various jobs, then developed a unique ‘pressure frying’ technique to cook chicken and founded (1952) Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). His iconic image remains its prominent trademark.

Peshawar School Massacre – 144 Dead
Event: 16-12-2014 in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
(Pakistan) Seven TTP gunmen wearing Frontier Corps uniform, attacked the Army Public School on Warsak Road, at 1030 hrs. By 1955 hrs, when SSG commandos cleared the complex, the death toll was 132 children, 9 teachers and 3 soldiers.

The Gansu Earthquake tht

The Gansu Earthquake that claimed over 200,000 lives

2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal PVC
Death: 16 Dec 1971 in Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan
Indian army officer (17 Poona Horse), operating in Shakargarh sector during 1971 War, he took on a Pakistani tank regiment, knocked off the lead tanks and repulsed the attack from a burning tank. He was awarded Param Vir Chakra (P).

Jacob Met Niazi for Lunch and Surrender
Event: 16 Dec 1971 in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Maj Gen JFR Jacob, Chief of Staff of the Eastern Command, flew into the besieged capital of East Pakistan to have “lunch” with Gen AA Niazi, and ‘blackmailed’ him to agree to a public surrender, which was held in the Race Course.

Seven Soldiers Killed in Siachen
Event: 16 Dec 2012 in Siachen, Jammu & Kashmir, India
(India) An avalanche struck (0600 hrs) an army post in Hanif sub-sector, in Siachen glacier area, killing seven soldiers from the 1st Assam Regiment, located at an altitude of 15-16,000 feet. Pakistan lost 134 lives on 07 April 2012.

Arun Khetarpal PVC
16 Dec 1971 in Punjab, Pakistan
Indian army officer (17 Poona Horse), operating in Shakargarh sector during 1971 War, he took on a Pakistani tank regiment, knocked off the lead tanks and repulsed the attack from a burning tank. He was awarded Param Vir Chakra (P).

 

Jacob Met Niazi
16 Dec 1971 in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Maj Gen JFR Jacob, Chief of Staff of the Eastern Command, flew into the besieged capital of East Pakistan to have lunch with Gen AA Niazi, and ‘blackmailed’ him to agree to a public surrender, which was held in the Race Course.

2015 December 15

(USA) Bill of Rights (1791)
(Netherlands) Kingdom Day (1954)
(Russia) Journalists’ Remembrance Day (1991)

First Test Match in India * Sardar Vallbhbhai Patel * Baichung Bhutia

First Test Match in India

Jeev Milkha Singh

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (The Iron Man of India)

Gustave Eiffel * J Paul Getty * US Ends War in Iraq

Gustave Eiffel

US Ends the War in Iraq

Air Marshal Aspy Engineer * Capt Dara Dinshaw Mistry MVC * Lt Col Ved Prakash Ghai MVC

Captain Mistry and Colonel Ghai MVC