Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Historical Events, February 11, Sacrifice And Wisdom, Dawn Of Enlightenment, Indian History, Freedom Fighters, Path To Progress, Spirit OfIndia, Cultural Heritage, on this dayDawn of Enlightenment: Remembering Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and the Historical Significance of February 11th

On This Day 11 February 2024 Sunday

On this day, February 11, there have been historical events that have impacted the world for ever. Have a look at the events together with Panchang and Hindu festivals.

Sam Vikram: 2080 Purnimanta Mass: Magha Paksha: Tithi: Sukla Paksha Dwitiya

Panchang / पंचांग

Virram Samvat / विरम संवत: 2080Shaka Samvat / शक संवत: 1945Amanta Month / अमान्त मास: MaghaPurnimanta / पूर्णिमांत: MaghaTithi / तिथि: Sukla Paksha Dwitiya

Today/ आज

Festivals Today: Chandr Darshan
Festials Tomorrow: Somavaar Vrat
Day Today: International Day of Women and Girls in Science (A/RES/70/212)
Day Tomorrow: International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism (A/RES/77/243)

Yoga / योग:

Parigha – Feb 10 02:53 PM – Feb 11 10:38 AM
Siva – Feb 11 10:38 AM – Feb 12 06:30 AM

Karana / करण:

Balava: 12:47 AM – Feb 11 10:57 AM
Kaulava: 10:57 AM – Feb 11 09:09 PM
Taitila: 09:09 PM – Feb 12 07:24 AM

Sunrise / सूर्योदय: 7:07Sunset / सूर्यास्त: 18:03

Moonrise / चंद्रोदय: 8:08Moonset / चंद्रास्त: 19:48

Auspicious Time / शुभ समय

Inauspicious Time / अशुभ समय

Rahu – 4:41 PM – 6:03 PM
Yamaganda – 12:35 PM – 1:57 PM
Gulika – 3:19 PM – 4:41 PM
Dur Muhurat – 04:35 PM – 05:19 PM
Varjyam – 11:20 PM – 12:45 AM

Information Source: https://www.prokerala.com/

Today / आज

Freedom Fighters sacrificed / राष्ट्रवादियों ने बलिदान दिया था At Least/ कम से कम: 25

Major Historical Events On This Day

  • 1856 – Annexation of the Kingdom of Awadh: On February 11, 1856, the British East India Company annexed the Kingdom of Awadh, deposing its king, Wajid Ali Shah. This event was part of the British colonial expansion in India, leading to significant political and social changes in the region.
  • -660 BC – Foundation of Japan: The traditional date for the foundation of Japan by Emperor Jimmu is February 11, 660 BC. This marks the beginning of the nation’s recorded history, with Emperor Jimmu being recognized as the first Emperor of Japan, establishing a continuous hereditary monarchy that lasts to this day.
  • 1388 – Reign Begins and Ends in Jaipur State: On February 11, 1388, there was a notable change in leadership in the Jaipur State, with Narsingh beginning his reign and Udaikarn’s reign coming to an end. This reflects the dynastic changes and political shifts within the princely states of India during the medieval period.

Historical Events in Brief On This Day

  • 1929 – Lateran Treaty: The Lateran Treaty was signed on February 11, 1929, between Pope Pius XI and the Italian leader Benito Mussolini. This treaty recognized Vatican City as a sovereign state, resolving the “Roman Question” and formalizing the independent status of the papacy within Italy.
  • 1933 – Publication of Harijan Weekly: Mahatma Gandhi commenced the publication of Harijan Weekly on February 11, 1933. This newspaper served as a platform for discussing social and economic issues, particularly focusing on the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of society and advocating for the eradication of untouchability.
  • 1945 – Yalta Conference Ends: The Yalta Conference, a meeting of the Allied leaders during World War II, concluded on February 11. This conference, held from February 4 to 11, 1945, involved discussions by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin on the post-war reorganization of Europe and was crucial in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the post-war world.
  • 1997 – UNESCO Kalinga Prize to Jayant V Narlikar: Indian astrophysicist Jayant V Narlikar was awarded the UNESCO Kalinga Prize on February 11, 1997, for his outstanding contributions to science. The prize recognized his work in making science accessible to a broad audience and his contributions to astrophysics.
  • 2016 – Detection of Gravitational Waves: On February 11, 2016, the detection of gravitational waves was confirmed by LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory). This landmark discovery provided the first direct evidence of gravitational waves, predicted by Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity, and opened new avenues for the study of the cosmos.

Anniversaries On This Day

Tilka Manjhi (1750-1785)

Tilka Manjhi, born on February 11, 1750, in Sultanganj, Bihar, was a pioneering Adivasi leader and the first Indian to initiate an armed rebellion against British colonialism, approximately 70 years before the well-documented rebellion by Mangal Pandey. His early life in the forests and valleys of Bihar instilled in him a profound connection with nature and a robust physical prowess. Witnessing the oppression and exploitation of his people by the British, he organized the Adivasis into an armed group to fight against the unjust resource grabbing and exploitation by the British East India Company around 1784. Despite being captured and subjected to brutal treatment, Manjhi’s spirit of resistance never wavered. He was ultimately executed by the British in 1785, but his legacy as a freedom fighter and a symbol of Adivasi resistance against colonial oppression endures​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Hakim Ajmal Khan (1868-1927)

Hakim Ajmal Khan, born on February 11, 1868, was a renowned Indian freedom fighter, Unani physician, and a visionary educationist. He played a significant role in the Indian struggle for independence and was a key figure in the establishment of Jamia Millia Islamia University, aiming to promote modern education among Indians while preserving their Islamic heritage and values. His contributions to the field of Unani medicine were profound, and he was instrumental in reviving and promoting this traditional system of medicine in India. Khan’s dedication to social reform and education made him a respected leader across different communities in India, and his efforts in the Indian freedom movement highlighted his commitment to the country’s liberation from British rule.

Damodar Swarup Seth (1896-1965)

Damodar Swarup Seth was a revolutionary freedom fighter, politician, and a prominent member of the Indian National Congress, who played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence. Born in February 1896 in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Seth was an alumnus of Reid Christian College, Lucknow. His political journey was marked by his revolutionary activities, notably his involvement in the 1925 Kakori Conspiracy Case, which aimed to protest against British rule by targeting the colonial government’s financial operations.

Seth’s contributions to the freedom movement were not limited to his revolutionary acts; he was also a notable orator who used his skills to mobilize public opinion against colonial rule. His speeches often highlighted the exploitative nature of British imperialism and called for united resistance against the colonial government. Throughout his life, Seth was arrested and convicted several times for his anti-colonial activities, showcasing his unwavering commitment to India’s independence.

His legacy includes his role in the Constituent Assembly of India, where he advocated for fundamental rights and argued against reservations on the basis of caste, emphasizing merit and efficiency in public employment. Despite facing opposition, Seth remained a staunch supporter of minority rights and secularism, reflecting his deep commitment to the ideals of equality and justice.

Jamnalal Bajaj (1884-1942)

Jamnalal Bajaj, born on November 4, 1889, was a distinguished Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Bajaj’s contributions to India’s independence movement and his efforts in social reform are noteworthy. As a devoted follower of Gandhi, Bajaj adopted Gandhian principles, focusing on promoting khadi and village industries to empower the rural economy. His philanthropic efforts extended to education and healthcare, significantly impacting the lives of many.

Bajaj’s role in the Indian freedom movement was marked by his participation in civil disobedience campaigns and his support for the Harijan movement, which aimed at eradicating untouchability. As the treasurer of the Indian National Congress, he played a crucial role in the party’s financial management, ensuring support for freedom fighters and political activities against British rule.

The legacy of Jamnalal Bajaj continues through the various institutions and awards established in his honor, reflecting his enduring contributions to Indian society and the country’s struggle for independence.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was assassubated on 11 February 1968

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, met a tragic end on February 11, 1968, under mysterious circumstances. He was traveling by train from Lucknow to Patna when he was last seen alive at Jaunpur, shortly after midnight. His journey, which included a brief stop at Varanasi, ended in tragedy when his body was found near the Mughalsarai train station. A five-rupee note was discovered in his hand. The investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) suggested that Upadhyaya had been pushed from the train by robbers. Despite arrests, the accused were acquitted of murder charges, and the case remains officially unresolved. Many believe Upadhyaya’s death was politically motivated, leading to calls for further investigation into the matter. His legacy is honored through various institutions named after him and a statue unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi

1957 – Tina Ambani: Indian actress turned chairperson, notable for her contributions to the Indian entertainment industry and various philanthropic efforts.

1909 – Max Baer: Celebrated American boxer from Omaha, Nebraska, known for his powerful punch and heavyweight championship titles.

1950 – Rao Inderjit Singh: Indian politician and sport shooter from Rewari, Punjab, recognized for his political career and participation in shooting sports.

1961 – Rajat Kapoor: Indian actor and filmmaker, celebrated for his contributions to Indian cinema, both in front of and behind the camera.

1964 – Ken Shamrock: American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler from Macon, Georgia, known as “The World’s Most Dangerous Man.”

1972 – Kelly Slater: World-renowned American professional surfer from Cocoa Beach, Florida, known for his record 11 world surfing championships.

1974 – Isaiah Mustafa: American actor and former NFL practice squad wide receiver from Portland, Oregon, famously known as the “Old Spice Guy” from the Old Spice commercials.

1983 – Stephen Thompson: American professional mixed martial artist from Simpsonville, South Carolina, known for his striking skills and karate-based fighting style.

1984 – Sherlyn Chopra: Indian actress and model, known for her work in Bollywood and for being the first Indian woman to pose for Playboy magazine.

1985 – Anushka Manchanda: Indian singer, model, and former VJ, recognized for her playback singing in Indian films and her participation in the pop group Viva.

1998 – Josh Jacobs: American football running back from Tulsa, Oklahoma, known for his dynamic performances in the NFL, currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Freedom Fighters’ sacrifice On This Day

On this day, February 11th, the annals of India’s struggle for freedom resonate with the echoes of valor and sacrifice. It was a day marked by the martyrdom of numerous freedom fighters across different epochs, from the First War of Independence in 1857 to the later phases of the Indian National Movement leading up to India’s independence in 1947 and beyond. This essay aims to honor those who laid down their lives on this day, their stories interwoven into the fabric of India’s journey to freedom.

On This Day in 1857: A Testament to Collective Bravery

The uprising of 1857, often termed as the First War of Independence, was a watershed moment in India’s colonial history. It saw unprecedented unity among Indians from various backgrounds against the British East India Company’s rule. On this day in 1858, several warriors from different parts of Delhi and its surroundings faced the ultimate penalty for their defiance against colonial oppression.

  • Haitth Alli, a resident of Palwal, Faridabad, and the thμanedμar of Shahdara, actively participated in the 1857 uprising. His engagement in the rebellion led to his capture, trial, and execution by the British.
  • Similarly, Hayat Ali and Lalloo Teli from Palwal and Delhi respectively, showcased extraordinary courage in the defense of Delhi. Their resistance, however, culminated in their execution by the colonial forces.
  • Madhosh Khan Pathan, Mohabutt, Nezamoodeen, Sahadut, and Shahadat Pathan stood against the might of the British army, their valiant efforts ending in martyrdom on this day.
  • The Ahir warriors, Ghassee, Jonkee, Khossallah, Lallah, Saddee, and Teeka, were pivotal in the uprising’s efforts to challenge British rule, paying the ultimate price for their participation.

The Indian National Army and the Quit India Movement

Moving forward to the 20th century, the Indian National Movement saw the emergence of the Indian National Army (INA) and the Quit India Movement as significant forces against British rule.

  • Babu Rao Awadh, Gian Bahadur Lama, and Raghunath Swain were among those who, disillusioned by their service in the British-Indian Army, pledged their allegiance to the INA. Their dedication to India’s liberation struggle was evident in their participation in critical battles on the Burma front, leading to their martyrdom on this day in 1945.
  • Bajirao Bisan‘s involvement in the Quit India Movement and his subsequent death due to police brutality in Nagpur Jail on February 11, 1943, underline the sacrifices made during this phase of the freedom struggle.
  • Behram Khan, Ganesh Upadhya, Gian Bahadur Lama (again noted for his role in the INA), Nizamuddin, Sukra Gotte, and Baga Pujari Munda represent a spectrum of freedom fighters from various parts of India, each contributing to the nationalistic cause in their unique ways, their lives culminating in sacrifice for the nation.

The Legacy of February 11

On this day, from the gallows in Delhi to the battlefields of Burma, and from the jails of Nagpur to the streets of Calcutta, the saga of bravery and sacrifice unfurled across the Indian subcontinent forms an indelible chapter in the history of India’s freedom struggle. These freedom fighters, from Haitth Alli to Amulya Kumar Bias, remind us of the price paid for the liberties we enjoy today.

Their stories, though separated by years and the diverse backgrounds from which they hailed, are united by a common thread of resistance against oppression and a quest for self-determination. On this day, we remember and honor their memory, their struggles, and their ultimate sacrifice for India’s independence. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and equality that they fought for.

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