On This Day 8 April 2024 Monday
On This Day 8 April, Sam Vikram: 2081 Purnimanta Mass: Chaitra Paksha: Tithi: Krishna Paksha Amavasya – Apr 08 03:21 AM – Apr 08 11:50 PM, let us have a quick look of the events and anniversaries of India and the world
Panchang /
Virram Samvat: 2081
Shaka Samvat: 1945
Purnimanta: Chaitra
Tithi: Krishna Paksha Amavasya – Apr 08 03:21 AM – Apr 08 11:50 PM
On This Day
Festivals Today: Durbhaagyashaalee, Somavaar Vrat
Festials Tomorrow: Vasant Rtu, Chandr Darshan, Gudee Padava
Day Today:
Day Tomorrow:
Yoga:
Indra – Apr 07 10:17 PM – Apr 08 06:13 PM
Vaidhruthi – Apr 08 06:13 PM – Apr 09 02:18 PM
Karana:
Chatushpada – Apr 08 03:21 AM – Apr 08 01:35 PM
Naga – Apr 08 01:35 PM – Apr 08 11:50 PM
Kimstughna – Apr 08 11:50 PM – Apr 09 10:09 AM”
Sunrise: 6:06
Sunset: 18:38
Moonrise: 5:39
Moonset: 18:24
Auspicious Time
Abhijit Muhurat – 11:57 AM – 12:47 PM
Amrit Kaal – 05:57 AM – 07:22 AM, 05:22 AM – 06:48 AM
Brahma Muhurat – 04:29 AM – 05:17 AM
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Inauspicious Time
Rahu – 7:40 AM – 9:14 AM
Yamaganda – 10:48 AM – 12:22 PM
Gulika – 1:56 PM – 3:30 PM
Dur Muhurat – 12:47 PM – 01:37 PM, 03:18 PM – 04:08 PM
Varjyam – 08:52 PM – 10:17 PM
Information Source: https://www.prokerala.com/
Today / आज
Freedom Fighters sacrificed- At Least: 7
Major Historical Events
Liaquat–Nehru Pact – 1950
On April 8, 1950, a landmark agreement known as the Liaquat–Nehru Pact was signed between India and Pakistan. Named after the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, Jawaharlal Nehru and Liaquat Ali Khan, respectively, this pact was a mutual commitment to ensure the protection and fair treatment of minorities within their borders. It represented a crucial step towards addressing communal tensions and fostering peace in the aftermath of partition.
India-Pakistan Border Fight – 1965
April 8, 1965, saw a flare-up in the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan, with forces from both nations engaging in a border fight. This confrontation was part of a series of clashes that eventually escalated into the second Indo-Pakistan war over Kashmir. The conflict underscored the volatile relationship between the two countries and the enduring dispute over the Kashmir region.
Bhopal Disaster Lawsuit – 1985
The tragic Bhopal disaster, which occurred in December 1984 due to a gas leak at a Union Carbide plant, led to one of the most devastating industrial accidents in history. On April 8, 1985, the Government of India took a significant step by filing a lawsuit against Union Carbide Corporation, seeking justice and compensation for the victims of this catastrophe. This legal action highlighted the need for corporate accountability and stringent safety standards in industrial operations worldwide.
Bhagat Singh’s Assembly Attack – 1929
A Bold Statement for Independence
On April 8, 1929, in an act that would forever etch their names into the annals of Indian history, freedom fighters Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt executed a daring protest against British colonial rule. In the heart of the British administrative establishment, the Delhi Central Assembly, they threw bombs and scattered handouts, not with the intention to harm, but to make their voices heard against the oppressive policies of the British government. This calculated act of defiance was aimed at courting arrest, a strategic move to draw international attention to the Indian independence movement.
Echoing the Call for Freedom
The bombs were carefully designed to avoid casualty, underscoring the protestors’ commitment to non-lethal methods of protest. The handouts thrown in the assembly hall bore the message of revolution, calling for an end to British imperialism and the establishment of “Purna Swaraj” or complete self-rule for India. This act of civil disobedience was a symbolic gesture, showcasing the courage and self-sacrifice of those fighting for India’s freedom.
A Turning Point
The Assembly Incident was a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle, highlighting the extent to which young revolutionaries were willing to go to make their struggle known. Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt’s subsequent arrest, trial, and the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh became rallying points for the independence movement, inspiring a generation to rise against colonial rule.
This daring act on April 8, 1929, not only demonstrated the resolve and bravery of Indian revolutionaries but also spotlighted the Indian demand for independence on the global stage, making it a pivotal moment in the history of India’s fight for sovereignty.
British Troops in Masulipatam – 1759
Two Thieves Fighting for booty
On April 8, 1759, a significant yet often overlooked chapter unfolded in the coastal town of Masulipatam (now Machilipatnam) in India. British forces achieved a decisive victory by expelling French troops from the region, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for dominance in the Indian subcontinent between these two colonial powers.
The Battle for Supremacy
This event was part of the larger conflict known as the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763), which saw Britain and France vying for global supremacy. In India, this rivalry manifested as part of the broader struggle for control over the lucrative trade routes and territories, pivotal to their colonial ambitions. Masulipatam, with its strategic port on the Bay of Bengal, was a valuable prize in this contest.
The Aftermath and Its Impact
The expulsion of the French from Masulipatam significantly weakened their position in the region and bolstered British influence, setting the stage for the eventual establishment of British hegemony in India. This victory was not just a military success but also a crucial step in the East India Company’s expansion, influencing the geopolitical landscape of the subcontinent.
The events of April 8, 1759, in Masulipatam underscore the complexities of colonial interactions and their lasting impact on India’s history. This day symbolizes a key moment in the shift of power that would shape the future of India and its colonial history.
History in Brief On This Day
17th Amendment Ratification – 1913: The 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, requiring direct election of U.S. senators, was ratified on April 8, 1913.
Truman Seizes Steel Mills – 1952: On April 8, 1952, President Harry S. Truman seized control of America’s steel mills to avert a strike, a move later ruled unconstitutional.
Entente Cordiale Signed – 1904: The Entente Cordiale, marking a series of agreements, was signed between Britain and France on April 8, 1904.
Anniversaries On This Day
Mangal Pandey: The Spark of the 1857 Rebellion
The End of a Revolutionary
On April 8, 1857, the Indian subcontinent lost one of its earliest revolutionaries, Mangal Pandey, whose actions ignited the first spark of what would become the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British colonial rule. His death on this day marked both an end and a beginning: the end of his personal battle against the oppressors and the start of a widespread uprising that sought to overthrow British dominion in India.
A Defiant Stand Against Oppression
Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in the British East India Company’s army, became a symbol of defiance and courage when he attacked British officers at the Barrackpore garrison. His act of rebellion was driven by a deep-seated resistance to the injustices and exploitative practices of the British colonial administration, including the introduction of rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim religious sensibilities.
Legacy of a Martyr
Pandey’s execution by hanging, merely days after his act of rebellion, was intended to quell dissent but instead had the opposite effect, inspiring a multitude of soldiers and civilians alike to rise up in rebellion across the region. His martyrdom is commemorated as a pivotal moment that galvanized the Indian populace into collective action against British rule.
Mangal Pandey’s death on April 8, 1857, remains etched in history as the catalyst that spurred the Indian Rebellion of 1857, making him an enduring symbol of the fight for freedom and justice in the face of colonial oppression.
Other Anniversaries
Hemchandra Kanungo – Death – 1950: Freedom activist Hemchandra Kanungo, known for his involvement in the Indian independence movement, passed away on April 8, 1950.
Bhupinder Singh – Birthday – 1939: Bhupinder Singh, notable for his contributions in various fields, celebrates his birthday on April 8, 1939.
Amit Trivedi – Birthday – 1979: Renowned musician Amit Trivedi was born on April 8, 1979.
Saqib Saleem – Birthday – 1988: Actor Saqib Saleem, known for his roles in Indian cinema, was born on April 8, 1988.
Ryan White – Death – 1990: Ryan White, an AIDS activist who contracted the disease through a blood transfusion, died on April 8, 1990, at the age of 18.
Sonja Henie – Birthday – 1912: Norwegian figure skater and actress Sonja Henie was born on April 8, 1912.
John Havlicek – Birthday – 1940: Legendary basketball player John Havlicek was born on April 8, 1940.
Gary Carter – Birthday – 1954: Hall of Fame baseball player Gary Carter was born on April 8, 1954.
Gennady Golovkin – Birthday – 1982: Professional boxer Gennady Golovkin celebrates his birthday on April 8, 1982.
CeeDee Lamb – Birthday – 1999: American football player CeeDee Lamb was born on April 8, 1999.
The Ultimate Warrior – Death – 2014: WWE wrestler The Ultimate Warrior passed away on April 8, 2014.
Freedom Fighters’ sacrifice
On This Day, April 8: Sacrifice and Valor in India’s Freedom Struggle
April 8th has been a significant date in the history of India’s struggle for freedom, witnessing acts of bravery, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of revolutionaries who fought against colonial oppression. This essay commemorates the lives and contributions of several freedom fighters whose actions on this day have left an indelible mark on the narrative of India’s fight for independence.
The Babbar Akalis and the Quest for Freedom
Karam Singh, a prominent figure in the militant Babbar Akali movement in Punjab, met a tragic end on April 8, 1938, in Multan Jail. Arrested for his active participation in the movement and involvement in the killing of British sympathizers, Karam Singh’s life was a testament to the fierce resistance against British rule in Punjab. His sacrifice symbolizes the relentless struggle of the Babbar Akalis, a group known for their uncompromising stance against colonialism.
The Shahidi Jatha and the Jaito Gurdwara Episode
Rattan Singh was part of the peaceful Shahidi Jatha to Jaito Gurdwara in 1925, a protest against the British prohibition of prayer meetings. His detention in Nabha Bir Jail and subsequent death on April 8, 1925, due to torture, highlights the brutal measures employed by colonial authorities to suppress political dissent. Rattan Singh’s martyrdom is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for the right to religious freedom and self-determination.
The Dholpur Flag Hoisting and the Ultimate Sacrifice
On April 8, 1947, Pancham Singh and others hoisted the national flag in Tasimon, Dholpur State, in defiance of British orders. The violent crackdown by police that led to Pancham Singh’s death exemplifies the risks taken by freedom fighters to assert India’s sovereignty. This act of valor underscores the widespread resistance across princely states against colonial and autocratic rule.
The First Martyr of the Revolt of 1857: Mangal Pandey
Mangal Pandey’s rebellion on March 29, 1857, against the use of greased cartridges sparked the first war of Indian independence. His execution on April 8, 1857, marked him as the first martyr of the 1857 Revolt, a symbol of the uprising against British military practices that disrespected the religious beliefs of Indian soldiers. Mangal Pandey’s defiance is celebrated as the ignition of India’s struggle for independence.
Reflecting on Courage and Commitment
The actions of these freedom fighters on April 8th across different years embody the courage, commitment, and sacrifice that fueled India’s fight for independence. From the plains of Punjab to the jail cells of Multan and Dholpur, the spirit of resistance against colonial oppression resonated deeply. These narratives not only honor the memory of those who fought and fell but also serve as a lasting inspiration for the values of freedom and justice.
On this day, April 8, we remember and pay tribute to the brave souls who played pivotal roles in shaping India’s destiny, their stories woven into the fabric of the nation’s rich history.
Feature Image: The image vividly portrays a courtroom scene, central to the legal battle for the Bhopal disaster. Dominating the composition is a judge’s gavel, a universal symbol of legal proceedings. Above the stand, scales of justice are imbalanced, with one side aflame, alluding to the disaster’s catastrophic consequences. In the background, the stark industrial skyline, with smokestacks bellowing out dark clouds, encapsulates the industrial setting of the tragedy. Stricken faces of victims, the chaos of the event, and a torn legal document with “Liaquat Pact” visible on it, speak to the failed human assurances and the gravity of the aftermath. The overall atmosphere is one of despair and a desperate cry for justice, reflecting the depth of the human tragedy and the complex legal struggle that followed. (Click here to see image)
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