On This Day 9 February 2024 Friday

On this day, 9 February, history commemorates the valor and sacrifices of numerous Indian freedom fighters. This date marks the execution of brave souls like Guburdhurn, Jeetah, and others from Sarai Rohilla, Delhi, for their involvement in the 1857 Uprising against British rule. Their stories are a testament to the enduring fight for freedom. Additionally, significant events such as the execution of Afzal Guru in 2013 and the election of Rajendra Prasad as India’s first President in 1950 underline the day’s importance in India’s historical and political landscape. These moments, from acts of rebellion to milestones in India’s journey towards becoming a republic, reflect the multifaceted struggle for independence and democracy.

Sam Vikram: 2080 Purnimanta Mass: Magha Paksha: Tithi: Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi

Panchang / पंचांग

Virram Samvat / विरम संवत: 2080Shaka Samvat / शक संवत: 1945Amanta Month / अमान्त मास: PausaPurnimanta / पूर्णिमांत: MaghaTithi / तिथि: Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi

Today/ आज

Festivals Today: Bizanes, Maunee Bizanes
Festials Tomorrow: Shishir Rtu, Maagh Gupt Navaraatri
Day Today:
Day Tomorrow: International Day of the Arabian Leopard (A/RES/77/295)
World Pulses Day (A/RES/73/251)

Yoga / योग:

Vyatipata – Feb 08 11:09 PM – Feb 09 07:06 PM
Variyan – Feb 09 07:06 PM – Feb 10 02:53 PM

Karana / करण:

Shakuni: 09:43 PM – Feb 09 08:02 AM
Chatushpada: 08:02 AM – Feb 09 06:17 PM
Naga: 06:17 PM – Feb 10 04:29 AM

Sunrise / सूर्योदय: 7:08Sunset / सूर्यास्त: 18:01

Moonrise / चंद्रोदय: 6:44Moonset / चंद्रास्त: 17:25

Auspicious Time / शुभ समय

Inauspicious Time / अशुभ समय

Rahu – 11:13 AM – 12:35 PM
Yamaganda – 3:18 PM – 4:40 PM
Gulika – 8:30 AM – 9:51 AM
Dur Muhurat – 09:19 AM – 10:02 AM, 12:56 PM – 01:40 PM
Varjyam – 05:46 AM – 07:11 AM, 03:00 AM – 04:24 AM

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

On This Day Freedom Fighters sacrificed:  At Least: 7

Historical Events in Brief / ऐतिहासिक घटनाएँ संक्षेप में

2013: Execution of Afzal Guru

• Event: Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri separatist, was executed in Tihar Jail, New Delhi.
• Context: Guru was convicted for his involvement in the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, an event that escalated tensions between India and Pakistan and brought the two countries close to war.
• Significance: His execution was controversial and elicited a mixed response, with some viewing it as justice served for a terrorist act, while others criticized it for the manner in which his trial was conducted and the handling of his mercy petition.

1950: Rajendra Prasad Elected First President of India

• Event: The Constituent Assembly of India ratified the election of Rajendra Prasad as the first President of India.
• Context: This occurred shortly after India became a republic on January 26, 1950, adopting its Constitution.
• Significance: Rajendra Prasad’s election as the first President marked the beginning of the Republic of India’s journey, highlighting the establishment of a democratic government following centuries of colonial rule.

1973: Biju Patnaik Leader of Opposition in Orissa

• Event: Biju Patnaik was elected as the leader of the opposition in the Orissa (now Odisha) state assembly.
• Context: A prominent figure in Indian politics, Patnaik was known for his roles in both state and national politics.
• Significance: His leadership in the opposition underscored his significant influence in Odisha’s political landscape, contributing to various developmental and political changes in the state.

1977: Queen Alia of Jordan Killed in Helicopter Crash

• Event: Queen Alia, wife of King Hussein of Jordan, was killed in a helicopter crash.
• Context: She was known for her philanthropy and efforts to improve social conditions in Jordan.
• Significance: Her death was a significant loss to the Jordanian royal family and the nation, leading to widespread mourning and commemoration of her contributions to the country.

Anniversary / वर्षगांठ

February 9, 1899: Death of Balkrishna Chapekar, a freedom fighter.

The Chapekar brothers, Damodar, Balkrishna, and Vasudeo, were Indian revolutionaries who played a significant role in the fight against British colonial rule. They are best known for assassinating W.C. Rand, the British Plague Commissioner of Pune, in 1897, in retaliation for the harsh measures implemented during the bubonic plague epidemic. This act was a critical moment in the Indian independence movement, symbolizing the growing resistance against British oppression and highlighting the brothers’ commitment to securing India’s freedom. Their actions sparked a series of revolutionary activities, marking a pivotal shift towards more aggressive forms of protest against colonialism in India.

February 9, 2008: Death of Baba Amte, a social worker known for his services to leprosy patients.

Baba Amte was a revered Indian social activist known for his work in rehabilitation and empowerment of people suffering from leprosy. He founded the Anandwan ashram, a community rehabilitation center for leprosy patients and disabled individuals. Amte was deeply committed to Gandhi’s principles, especially to social justice and environmental sustainability. He led initiatives for the conservation of wildlife, forests, and rivers in India. Amte’s work extended beyond health care to include fighting for the rights of tribal people and the underprivileged, making him a symbol of selfless humanitarian efforts.

1993: Parimarjan Negi: Parimarjan Negi, an Indian chess grandmaster, was born in New Delhi on February 9, 1993.

1958: Amrita Singh: Amrita Singh, known for her acting career in Bollywood, marks her anniversary on February 9, 1958.

1990: Nicole Faria: Nicole Faria, celebrated for her achievements in the entertainment industry, was born on February 9, 1990.

1968: Rahul Roy: Rahul Roy, a celebrity known for his work in the Indian film industry, was born on February 9, 1968.

1987: Henry Cejudo: Henry Cejudo, celebrated for his career in martial arts and wrestling, was born in Los Angeles, California, USA, on February 9, 1987.

1964: Madusa: Madusa, a celebrated WWE wrestler, was born in Milan, Italy, on February 9, 1964.

1997: Saquon Barkley: Saquon Barkley, an American football player, was born in New York City, New York, on February 9, 1997.

1946: Vince Papale: Vince Papale, known for his career in American football, was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA, on February 9, 1946.

1975: Vladimir Guerrero: Vladimir Guerrero, known for his baseball career, was born in Nizao, Dominican Republic, on February 9, 1975.

February 9, 2020: Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” becomes the first South Korean film to win at the 92nd Academy Awards.

February 9, 1922: Birth of Chittarath Poovakkatt Krishnan Nair, founder of Hotel Leelaventure.

February 9, 1940: Birth of Vishnu Khare, a renowned Indian Hindi poet and critic.

February 9, 1945: Birth of Shyama Charan Gupta, a Bharatiya Janata Party politician.

February 9, 1993: Birth of Parimarjan Negi, celebrated chess grandmaster. (Note: The correct year is 1993, not 1994 as previously mentioned).

February 9, 2012: Death of O.P. Dutta, a significant figure in Indian cinema.

Freedom Fighters’ sacrifice / राष्ट्रवादियों के बलिदान

On the Day: The Gallows of 1858

On 9 February 1858, Sarai Rohilla, Delhi, witnessed the execution of its brave sons Guburdhurn, Jeetah, Mahsal, Munsah Ram, Nowsah, Pulsoo, and Ramroop. Participants in the 1857 Uprising, they were charged with rebellion and highway robbery, paying the ultimate price for their resistance against British rule.

On the Day: The Quit India Movement Martyr

Manilal Patel, a fervent advocate of Satyagraha, fell to British bullets on 18 August 1942, a college student turned preacher of freedom, his journey ended abruptly at Adas railway station.

The Assam Conspiracy

Piyali Barua, aligned with Maniram Dewan, aimed to dethrone British power in Assam in 1857. Their failed rebellion led to Barua’s execution on 26 February 1858, a tale of valor and sacrifice.

These narratives from “on the day” in history remind us of the indomitable spirit of those who fought for India’s freedom.

Feature Image: The painting vividly captures a poignant moment in the Indian freedom struggle, portraying a group of freedom fighters united in their defiance against colonial oppression. Their expressions, a blend of determination and solemn resolve, reflect the heavy price of their pursuit of independence. In the background, the ominous silhouette of the gallows looms, a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice many would face. Yet, against this somber backdrop, the rising sun emerges, symbolizing the hopeful dawn of a new, free India. This contrast is framed by the diverse landscapes of India, from its lush fields to rugged mountains, underscoring the nationwide unity in the struggle. The artwork encapsulates the enduring spirit of resistance, the deep sense of loss, and the fervent aspiration for freedom that characterized the Indian freedom movement. (Click here to view the image)