Born: January 28, 1865
Martyrdom: November17, 1928
Achievements: Popularly known as Lala Lajpat Rai; Founded the Indian Home League Society of America; became Congress President in 1920.
Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the foremost leaders who fought against British rule in India. He was popularly known as Punjab Kesari (Lion of the Punjab).
Lala Lajpat Rai was born on January 28, 1865 in village Dhudike, in present day Moga district of Punjab. He was the eldest son of Munshi Radha Kishan Azad and Gulab Devi. His father was an Aggarwal Bania by caste. His mother inculcated strong moral values in him.
Lala Lajpat Rai joined the Government College at Lahore in 1880 to study Law. While in college he came in contact with patriots and future freedom fighters like Lala Hans Raj and Pandit Guru Dutt. The three became fast friends and joined the Arya Samaj founded by Swami Daya Nand Saraswati. He passed his Vakilship Examination in Second Division from Government College in 1885 and started his legal practice in Hissar. Besides practicing, Lalaji collected funds for the Daya Nand College, attended Arya Samaj functions and participated in Congress activities. He was elected to the Hissar municipality as a member and later as secretary. He shifted to Lahore in 1892.
Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the three most prominent Hindu Nationalist members of the Indian National Congress. He was part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio. The other two members of the trio were Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal. They formed the extremist faction of the Indian National Congress, as opposed to the moderate one led first by Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Lalaji actively participated in the struggle against partition of Bengal. Along with Surendra Nath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal and Aurorbindo Ghosh, he galvanized Bengal and the nation in a vigorous campaign of Swadeshi. Lalaji was arrested on May 3, 1907 for creating "turmoil" in Rawalpindi. He was put in Mandalay jail for six months and was released on November 11, 1907.
Lalaji believed that it was important for the national cause to organize propaganda in foreign countries to explain India's position because the freedom struggle had taken a militant turn. He left for Britain in April 1914 for this purpose. At this time First World War broke out and he was unable to return to India. He went to USA to galvanize support for India. He founded the Indian Home League Society of America and wrote a book called "Young India". The book severely indicted British rule in India and was banned in Britain and India even before it was published. He was able to return to India in 1920 after the end of World War.
After his return, Lala Lajpat Rai,led the Punjab protests against the Jalianwala Bagh Massacre and the Non-Cooperation Movement. He was arrested several times. He disagreed with Gandhiji's suspension of Non-Cooperation movement due to the Chauri-Chaura incident, and formed the Congress Independence Party, which had a pro-Hindu slant.
In 1928, British Government decided to send Simon Commission to India to discuss constitutional reforms. The Commission had no Indian member. This greatly angered Indians. In 1929, when the Commisssion came to India there were protests all over India. Lala Lajpat Rai himself led one such procession against Simon Commission. While the procession was peaceful, British Government brutally lathicharged the procession. Lala Lajpat Rai received severe head injuries and died on November17, 1928.
Sunday, 21 October 2012
Biography of Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Born: May 9, 1866
Died: February 19, 1915
Achievements: Political guru of Mahatma Gandhi; one of the pioneers of the Indian national movement; founder of the Servants of India Society.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was one of the pioneers of the Indian national movement. He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. Gokhale gave voice to the aspirations of millions of Indians who were looking for freedom from the British rule. Gandhiji considered him as his political guru. Apart from being a political leader, Gopalkrishna Gokhale, was also a social reformer. He founded the "Servants of India Society"-an organization dedicated to the cause of common people. Gopal Krishna Gokhale's contribution to the making of Indian nation is invaluable.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on May 9, 1866 in Kothapur, Maharashtra. His father Krishna Rao was a farmer who was forced to work as clerk, as the soil of the region was not conducive for agriculture. His mother Valubai was a simple woman. Gokhale received his early education at the Rajaram High School in Kothapur with the help of financial assistance from his elder brother. Later on he moved on to Bombay and graduated from Elphinstone College, Bombay in 1884 at the age of 18.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was one of the first generations of Indians to receive college education. He was respected widely in the nascent Indian intellectual community and across India. Education influenced Gokhale greatly. His understanding of the English language allowed him to express himself without hesitation and with utmost clarity. His appreciation and knowledge of history instilled in him a respect for liberty, democracy, and the parliamentary system. After graduation, he moved on to teaching, and took a position as an Assistant Master in the New English School in Pune. In 1885, Gokhale moved on to Pune and became one of the founding members of Fergusson College, along with his colleagues in Deccan Education Society. Gopal Krishna Gokhale gave nearly two decades of his life to Fergusson College and rose to become principal of the college. During this time, Gokhale came in contact with Mahadev Govind Ranade. Ranade was a judge, scholar, and social reformer, whom Gokhale called his guru. Gokhale worked with Ranade in Poona Sarvajanik Sabha of which Gokhale became the Secretary.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale entered public life in 1886 at the age of 20. He delivered a public address on "India under the British Rule", which was highly appreciated. Gokhale regularly contributed articles to Bal Gangadhar Tilak's weekly "Mahratta". Through his articles he tried to awaken the latent patriotism of Indian people. Soon, Gokhale was promoted as Secretary of the Deccan Education Society. When the Indian National Congress held its session in Poona in 1895, he was the secretary of the Reception Committee. From this session, Gokhale became a prominent member of the Indian National Congress. Gokhale was twice elected as president of Pune Municipality. For a while Gokhale was also a member of the Bombay Legislative Council where he spoke strongly against the then Government.
In 1902, Gokhale left the Fergusson College. He became a Member of the Imperial Legislative Council in Delhi. There he spoke for the people of the country in an able manner. Gokhale had an excellent grasp of the economic problems of our country which he ably presented during the debates. In 1905, Gokhale started a new society called "Servants of India Society". This society trained workers for the service of the country. In the same year, Gokhale went to England to voice his concerns relating to the unfair treatment of the Indian people by the British government. In a span of 49 days, he spoke in front of 47 different audiences, captivating every one of them. Gokhale pleaded for gradual reforms to ultimately attain Swaraj, or self-government, in India. He was instrumental in the introduction of the Morley- Minto Reforms of 1909, which eventually became law. Though the reforms sowed the seeds of communal division in India, nevertheless, they gave Indian access to the seats of the highest authority within the government, and their voices were more audible in matters of public interest.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a diabetic and asthmatic. Excessive assertion took its toll on Gokhale's health and ultimately he died on February 19, 1915.
Died: February 19, 1915
Achievements: Political guru of Mahatma Gandhi; one of the pioneers of the Indian national movement; founder of the Servants of India Society.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was one of the pioneers of the Indian national movement. He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. Gokhale gave voice to the aspirations of millions of Indians who were looking for freedom from the British rule. Gandhiji considered him as his political guru. Apart from being a political leader, Gopalkrishna Gokhale, was also a social reformer. He founded the "Servants of India Society"-an organization dedicated to the cause of common people. Gopal Krishna Gokhale's contribution to the making of Indian nation is invaluable.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on May 9, 1866 in Kothapur, Maharashtra. His father Krishna Rao was a farmer who was forced to work as clerk, as the soil of the region was not conducive for agriculture. His mother Valubai was a simple woman. Gokhale received his early education at the Rajaram High School in Kothapur with the help of financial assistance from his elder brother. Later on he moved on to Bombay and graduated from Elphinstone College, Bombay in 1884 at the age of 18.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was one of the first generations of Indians to receive college education. He was respected widely in the nascent Indian intellectual community and across India. Education influenced Gokhale greatly. His understanding of the English language allowed him to express himself without hesitation and with utmost clarity. His appreciation and knowledge of history instilled in him a respect for liberty, democracy, and the parliamentary system. After graduation, he moved on to teaching, and took a position as an Assistant Master in the New English School in Pune. In 1885, Gokhale moved on to Pune and became one of the founding members of Fergusson College, along with his colleagues in Deccan Education Society. Gopal Krishna Gokhale gave nearly two decades of his life to Fergusson College and rose to become principal of the college. During this time, Gokhale came in contact with Mahadev Govind Ranade. Ranade was a judge, scholar, and social reformer, whom Gokhale called his guru. Gokhale worked with Ranade in Poona Sarvajanik Sabha of which Gokhale became the Secretary.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale entered public life in 1886 at the age of 20. He delivered a public address on "India under the British Rule", which was highly appreciated. Gokhale regularly contributed articles to Bal Gangadhar Tilak's weekly "Mahratta". Through his articles he tried to awaken the latent patriotism of Indian people. Soon, Gokhale was promoted as Secretary of the Deccan Education Society. When the Indian National Congress held its session in Poona in 1895, he was the secretary of the Reception Committee. From this session, Gokhale became a prominent member of the Indian National Congress. Gokhale was twice elected as president of Pune Municipality. For a while Gokhale was also a member of the Bombay Legislative Council where he spoke strongly against the then Government.
In 1902, Gokhale left the Fergusson College. He became a Member of the Imperial Legislative Council in Delhi. There he spoke for the people of the country in an able manner. Gokhale had an excellent grasp of the economic problems of our country which he ably presented during the debates. In 1905, Gokhale started a new society called "Servants of India Society". This society trained workers for the service of the country. In the same year, Gokhale went to England to voice his concerns relating to the unfair treatment of the Indian people by the British government. In a span of 49 days, he spoke in front of 47 different audiences, captivating every one of them. Gokhale pleaded for gradual reforms to ultimately attain Swaraj, or self-government, in India. He was instrumental in the introduction of the Morley- Minto Reforms of 1909, which eventually became law. Though the reforms sowed the seeds of communal division in India, nevertheless, they gave Indian access to the seats of the highest authority within the government, and their voices were more audible in matters of public interest.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a diabetic and asthmatic. Excessive assertion took its toll on Gokhale's health and ultimately he died on February 19, 1915.
5 Facts of Oman
The capital of Oman is Muscat
Oman has been one of the most isolated Arabian outposts that have
maintained the traditional Bedouin culture. Despite its exceptional
safety record, the Sultanate of Oman was seldom visited by foreigners
until 1970. Things have changed as modern Oman is on par with the
development pace set by neighboring Middle Eastern states such as UAE
and Qatar. Sultan Qaboos bin Said overtook government in 1970 and
propelled the nation towards economic reforms in health, education,
construction, and social welfare. Here are five interesting facts that
are bound to entice anyone to visit this beautiful land:
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
Oman has nearly 2,700 km of pristine coast untouched by hordes of
visitors. A network of tracks and graded highways from Filim to
Shwaymiyah makes these desolate sandy beaches accessible to public.
There are a number of world-class beach resorts offering an array of
activities including kite-surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Traditional fishing villages are only accessible by driving through
narrow dirt tracks.
2
The
first Oman World Fireworks Championships was held in 2010. It is one of
the largest and most spectacular firework events in the world. Teams
from six continents took part in the latest championship. The government
of Oman has announced ongoing annual championships that will enhance
the international reputation of Oman as a gateway to the Middle East.
3
Oman
is one of the few countries where every major city has its own fort.
Most of these forts were built around 1624 and 1744 during Al-Yarubi
dynasty when Oman was considered one of the citadels of Arab
civilization. Some of these forts such as Bahla and Nakhal are in
pristine conditions. There are functioning water wells and secret
tunnels ending many kilometers away from the edge of the fort wall.
4
Falajs
is a unique irrigation system in Oman that dates back more than 2000
years. These water tunnels still play an important role in the
irrigation system of the Sultanate. The World Heritage Committee has
named five Falajs in its list of international importance.
5
Oman
is famous for its world-renowned Frankincense route. Recent
documentaries on National Geographic and Discovery channels have
highlighted the importance of this route since the middle ages. In 2000,
numerous sites on Frankincense trails were incorporated as world
heritage sites including Frankincense land museum, Al Balid City, Khawr
al Baleed, Khawr Ruri, Awbar, and Wadi Dukah.5 Facts of Norway
The capital of Norway is Oslo
There are many interesting things about Norway as well as the history of
Norway. Norway is one of the countries where the terrifying vikings
came from. It is also a country with breaktaking views that would
appease any tourist, so if you're planning a trip to Norway, good
choice.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
Despite being the country where the vikings came from. Norway has been
given the honor of being considered to be the most peaceful country in
the entire world. This was determined by a survey that was done by the
Global Peace index in 2007.
2
Norwegians
also read more books than any other population in world. If you want to
get into an intellectual conversation, going to Norway and speaking
with some of the Norwegians is probably one of the best ways to do it.
They are considered to be a very intelligent people.
3
During
the middle of the 14th century, Norway had over one-third of its
population killed off by the black plague that ravaged most of europe.
Norway is believed to mean the path of the north.
4
Norway
is considered to be one of the richest countries in the world. The
reason for this is that Norwegians know what it means to work hard, and
what is interesting is that they also understand that it is equally
important to play just as hard. Norwegians are very active when it comes
to recreation and getting exercise on a daily basis.
5
Norway
is a part of the region that is considered Scandinavia. Scandinavian
countries are: Norway, Sweden and Denmark. These three countries are
where the vikings originated. Throughout ancient history, they were
famous for raiding and pillaging countries throughout Europe. The
vikings of that time have often been compared by historians to the
terrorists of this age.5 Facts of Northern Mariana Islands
The capital of Northern Mariana Islands is Saipan
The Northern Mariana Islands are located between Hawaii and the
Philippines comprising of fourteen islands. They are along the Mariana
Trench, which is the deepest area on earth at 35,810 feet. The Islands
have some interesting things you might like to know about.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
The people living there are U.S. citizens. The government is a
commonwealth who is politically united to the United States.
They are a self-governing people. The majority of the people are of
Asian or Pacific Islander descent, with the main religion on the
island being Roman Catholic.
2
They
have some fine tourist attractions. Tinian hosts The Tinian Dynasty, a
luxurious stay including a casino, extravagant pools and top food
choices. It is a haven in a most unexpected place full of play. This is
also the historical spot where the U.S. bombers left to bomb Japan.
Rota is another small, friendly island with pristine and little
known beaches.
3
The island
of Managaha has fine snorkeling. Situated with an intouched beach it is
teeming with abundant marine life and coral reefs. The Triana
Trench creates a view of blue and green waters specific to this little
spot on earth, with unrivaled beauty.
4
You
can sink to the bottom of the lagoon in a Submarine when you visit
Saipan. This submarine is a surprise with velvet seats, air
conditioning and wonderful portholes to view the awesome sea life as
well as sunken WW2 planes, boats, props and jeeps. It is an unreal
experiencing this underworld.
5
The
Northern Mariana Islands has the lowest death rate in the world. 2 .
229/1000 says something about this little paradise. Living daily
on the islands just might lengthen your life. One area that probably
contributes to this is the small island of Rota where day to day
living is a friendly and calm experience.5 Facts of Norfolk Island
The capital of Norfolk Island is Kingston
Norfolk Island is a three by five mile slice of heaven located in the
South Pacific, on volcanic rock. When you step onto Norfolk Island, you
take a step back in time, to a place where you can just lay back and
relax, leave all your cares and troubles on the mainland and enjoy the
unspoiled beauty of this island. Norfolk Island is easily accessible
from Australia or New Zealand by taking a short flight directly across
to the island. A holiday spent here lets you reconnect with yourself and
those around you and brings you into the peace and lush surroundings of
the island.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
There is not even one traffic light; Norfolk Island is a getaway of
peace and serenity, where you dine on fresh fish from the ocean and
fresh vegetables grown there on the island.
2
Many
of the buildings were built by convicts in the late 1700's and these
elegant Georgian buildings are still in use in the Kingston area and in
the Arthur Vale Historic Area, (KAVHA) which is now World Heritage.
These buildings are listed as a part of the Australia Convict Sites
Inscription today.
3
There is
much to do on Norfolk Island including Seaside Golf Course, which is a
beautiful nine hole golf course right on the ocean, horseback riding,
sea kayaking, shopping, tennis, scuba diving, target shooting and wind
surfing.
4
The history of
Norfolk Island is brutal. England took over the island in the 1800's and
established two penal colonies. The last one was absolutely violent,
but the inhabitants who also lived here took complete control of the
fertile island and the Pitcaim culture was established and still
maintains the island today. People come from all over the world to
experience this unique way of life.
5
There
is plenty of food and entertainment on the island with 20 restaurants,
six night clubs, and many of the hotels have restaurants inside or on
the deck.5 Facts of Niue
The capital of Niue is Alofi
There are many places of interest in our world, of which some people
have heard little about, and there are other beautiful, exotic places
that many did not know even existed. Niue is an island situated in the
South Pacific Ocean, and about 40 miles around, with a large coral reef
surrounding the island, except at Alfoi, the capital of Niue, where
there is about a 6 mile opening to the island. This island is company to
other islands in close proximity, such as, Tonga, Cook Islands and the
Samos. New Zealand services all of Niue's diplomatic relations, and
Queen Elizabeth II serves as Head of State.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
Niue has become the world's first free WiFi country, with Apple being
introduced to this country in the early 1980's. Each student has their
own laptop computer, furnished by a project, One Laptop per Child.
2
Fishing,
agriculture and tourisms lend to the economy of Niue. Most families
grow their own fruits and vegetables to use, and sell in the market
place. Exports include a wide variety of bananas, tapioca, yams,
kumaros, copra, passion fruit, limes, vanilla, noni and taro. Island
populations are migrating to New Zealand, so the island population
continues to decrease. Grants from New Zealand, continues to pay public
employees their wages.
3
Religious
affiliations include, Congregationalist, Latter Day Saints, Catholics,
Bahai, and Jehovah's Witnesses. English is mostly spoken with a New
Zealand accent and the Niuean language is slowly decreasing.
4
Niue
is a sports country with both men and women being involved in Rugby
teams. The women are involved in Netball. Teams for Football, soccer,
and lawn bowling have been organized. The island has a nine hole golf
course, with this sport also increasing in popularity.
5
New
Zealand is trying to increase the tourist industry, with Air New
Zealand being the only air company to Niue. There is no public
transportation so renting a vehicle or bicycle is a tourist must.5 Facts of Nigeria
The capital of Nigeria is Abuja
Viewed by most as a country characterized by poverty and political
warfare, Nigeria still has a lot of interesting things that can be
enjoyed by people who make the effort of taking a closer look at the
country. The culture of Nigeria and the community itself is quite
exciting as the country and its people date back at least 9000 BCE. If
you are planning to travel to Nigeria soon, you should at least know the
basic facts about Nigeria. Here are 5 things you might not know yet
about the Republic of Nigeria.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
Nigeria is officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria and is a
country composed of 36 states. The capital city of Nigeria is Abuja.
Nigeria is located in western Africa and shares borderlines with Benin
on its western side, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the
northern region. Nigeria's ethnic population is strongly influenced by a
mix of three groups, namely the Igbo, Yoruba and the Hausa.
2
Nigeria
has the biggest population of any country in the continent of Africa.
Exactly 1 out of 2 West Africans, 1 out of 4 Africans, and 1 out of
every 5 persons originating from Africa is Nigerian. In terms of
religion, Nigerians are roughly divided in half between Christians and
Muslims with very small numbers of people who practice conventional
religion.
3
The term
Nigeria was derived from the Niger River that runs deep into the
country. The name was given by Flora Shaw, who was the future wife of
Baron Lugard, a colonial administrator of Great Britain. The name was
coined during the late 19th century.
4
Nigeria
is the most populous country within Africa and the seventh to rank in
the world. Nigeria is also the most populous country around the globe
wherein the majority of the population is black people. The country is
also listed as one of the Next Eleven economies and is a component of
the Commonwealth of Nations.
5
In
terms of customs and responsibilities, travelers to Nigeria should
expect at least one comprehensive customs check when entering and
exiting Nigeria borders. Oftentimes, individual tourists are more
harassed as compared with couple or group travelers. This is due to the
fact that individual tourists may be foreign journalists, which to the
eye of Nigerian officials are the ultimate suspect category to watch out
for.5 Facts of Niger
The capital of Niger is Niamey
Niger is one of the world's poorest countries but is rich in culture and
history. Friendly locals love to show their country off to visitors and
will not hesitate guide you toward the best markets and parks. The
ancient towns of Agadez and Zinder are practically living museums and
the natural landscape is breathtaking. Read on to discover five more
things you might not know about this desert country.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
The W National Park spans areas in Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso. A
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park provides a safe habitat for
leopards, warthogs, buffalo, baboons, elephants, cheetahs, lions,
caracal and other exotic creatures. Over 350 species of birds can be
viewed throughout the 10,000 square kilometer reservation. Guided treks
and safaris offer the best opportunities for spotting the sometimes
elusive animals.
2
The
last known surviving herd of West African giraffes live near the
southwestern city of Koure. For a small fee, visitors can view the herd
at the local wildlife park.
3
The
town of Baleyara is a great place to buy traditional crafts. Handwoven
blankets in colorful patterns are a popular item. The country is also
known for its woodworking, including bowls and carved spoons.
4
Hippos
can be seen in the waters near Ayorou, a small riverside town in the
southwest. The best way to see the hippos is by boat with a local guide.
5
Porridge, rice, beans
and cous-cous are staple foods in Niger. Other popular foods are fari
massa, fried dough served with salsa, koudagou, fried sweet potatoes,
and kilishi, a beef jerkey that is covered in hot pepper sauce. Cool
drinks like apollo, made from the baobab fruit, and bisap, made from
hibiscus leaves, offer relief on a hot day.5 Facts of Nicaragua
The capital of Nicaragua is Managua
Compared to other countries in Latin America, Nicaragua is still in the
beginning phase of its tourist industry. This is the result of having
spent much of the last three decades embroiled in a violent civil war.
The country, however, does have a variety of unique things to see. These
include its volcanoes and remote, largely unexplored islands.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
The city of Granada, also the oldest city in Nicaragua, is a few miles
away from Managua, the nation's capital, and has colonial Spanish
architecture that may be of interest to some sightseers. Those who are
interested in old buildings may want to bring their cameras along and do
some exploring. The city has six churches, an 18th century fort and a
museum displaying ceramic artifacts from before the arrival of
Christopher Columbus.
2
The
volcanoes on Isla Ometepe are spectacular and largely unknown to most
people outside of Nicaragua. Those interested in outdoor activities and
exploration should find these extremely interesting, especially since
there are two volcanoes on the island.
3
There
is also Reservo Chacho Verde, also on Isla Ometepe, which is a nature
reserve wherein the visitor to Nicaragua can explore and partake in
such activities as kayaking, swimming and hiking. Apart from providing
some of the best views of the Concepcion volcano, Chaco Verde also has
beaches with volcanic sand. There are also organic farms and cabins on
the reserve that may be rented.
4
For
those who are interested in the local wildlife, the indigenous animals
that may be seen include armadillos, sloths, jaguars and anteaters.
5
Apart
from a problem with petty crime, the major dangers to the traveler to
the country will come in the form of the potential for illness.
Illnesses that can affect visitors include typhoid, hepatitis, and
malaria. As with most major urban areas in the world (and especially in
the Third World), it is best not to walk alone in Managua at night.
Visitors should also get booster shots and vaccines to keep them from
getting sick while on vacation in Nicaragua.Biography of Dadabhai Naoroji
Born: September 4, 1825
Died: June 30, 1917
Achievements: First Indian to become a professor of the college; instrumental in the establishment of the Indian National Congress; was President of the Indian National Congress thrice; the Congress' demand for swaraj (self-rule) was first expressed publicly by him in his presidential address in 1906
Dadabhai Naoroji is fondly called as the "Grand Old Man of India". He is viewed as the architect who laid the foundation of the Indian freedom struggle.
Dadabhai Naoroji was born in a poor Parsi family in Bombay on September 4, 1825. His father, Naoroji Palanji Dordi, died when Dadabhai Naoroji was only four years old. He was raised by her mother Maneckbai who despite being illiterate herself ensured that Dadabhai Naoroji got best English education possible. As a student Dada Bhai Naoroji was very good in Mathematics and English. He studied at Elphinstone Institution, Bombay and on completion of his education he was appointed the Head Native Assistant Master at the Elphinstone Institution. Dadabhai Naoroji became a professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Elphinstone Institution at the age of 27. He was the first Indian to become a professor of the college.
Dadabhai Nauroji entered the political fray in 1852. He strongly opposed the renewal of lease to the East India Company in 1853. He sent petitions to the English government in this regard. But the British government ignored his pleas and renewed the lease. Dadabhai Naoroji felt that the British misrule of India was because of ignorance of the Indian people. He set up the Gyan Prasarak Mandali (Society for Promotion of Knowledge) for the education of adult menfolk. He wrote several petitions to Governors and Viceroys regarding India's problems. Ultimately, he felt that the British people and the British Parliament must be made aware of India's plight. In 1855, at the age of 30 he sailed for England.
In England, Dadabhai Naoroji joined several learned societies, delivered many speeches and wrote articles on the plight of India. He founded the East Indian Association on December 1st, 1866. The association was comprised of high-ranking officers from India and people who had access to Members of the British Parliament. Dadabhai Naoroji was elected to the British Parliament in 1892 from Central Finsbury as the Liberal party candidate. He got a resolution passed in British Parliament for holding preliminary examinations for the I.C.S. in India and England simultaneously. He also got the Wiley Commission, the royal commission on India expenditure, to acknowledge the need for even distribution of administrative and military expenditure between India and England.
Dadabhai Naoroji was instrumental in the establishment of the Indian National Congress founded by A.O. Hume in 1885. Thrice he was elected to the post of the President of the Indian National Congress, in 1886, 1893 and in 1906. During his third term, he prevented a split between moderates and extremists in the party. The Congress' demand for swaraj (self-rule) was first expressed publicly by him in his presidential address in 1906. Dadabhai Naoroji believed in non-violent and constitutional methods of protest. He died at the age of 92 on June 30, 1917.
Died: June 30, 1917
Achievements: First Indian to become a professor of the college; instrumental in the establishment of the Indian National Congress; was President of the Indian National Congress thrice; the Congress' demand for swaraj (self-rule) was first expressed publicly by him in his presidential address in 1906
Dadabhai Naoroji is fondly called as the "Grand Old Man of India". He is viewed as the architect who laid the foundation of the Indian freedom struggle.
Dadabhai Naoroji was born in a poor Parsi family in Bombay on September 4, 1825. His father, Naoroji Palanji Dordi, died when Dadabhai Naoroji was only four years old. He was raised by her mother Maneckbai who despite being illiterate herself ensured that Dadabhai Naoroji got best English education possible. As a student Dada Bhai Naoroji was very good in Mathematics and English. He studied at Elphinstone Institution, Bombay and on completion of his education he was appointed the Head Native Assistant Master at the Elphinstone Institution. Dadabhai Naoroji became a professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Elphinstone Institution at the age of 27. He was the first Indian to become a professor of the college.
Dadabhai Nauroji entered the political fray in 1852. He strongly opposed the renewal of lease to the East India Company in 1853. He sent petitions to the English government in this regard. But the British government ignored his pleas and renewed the lease. Dadabhai Naoroji felt that the British misrule of India was because of ignorance of the Indian people. He set up the Gyan Prasarak Mandali (Society for Promotion of Knowledge) for the education of adult menfolk. He wrote several petitions to Governors and Viceroys regarding India's problems. Ultimately, he felt that the British people and the British Parliament must be made aware of India's plight. In 1855, at the age of 30 he sailed for England.
In England, Dadabhai Naoroji joined several learned societies, delivered many speeches and wrote articles on the plight of India. He founded the East Indian Association on December 1st, 1866. The association was comprised of high-ranking officers from India and people who had access to Members of the British Parliament. Dadabhai Naoroji was elected to the British Parliament in 1892 from Central Finsbury as the Liberal party candidate. He got a resolution passed in British Parliament for holding preliminary examinations for the I.C.S. in India and England simultaneously. He also got the Wiley Commission, the royal commission on India expenditure, to acknowledge the need for even distribution of administrative and military expenditure between India and England.
Dadabhai Naoroji was instrumental in the establishment of the Indian National Congress founded by A.O. Hume in 1885. Thrice he was elected to the post of the President of the Indian National Congress, in 1886, 1893 and in 1906. During his third term, he prevented a split between moderates and extremists in the party. The Congress' demand for swaraj (self-rule) was first expressed publicly by him in his presidential address in 1906. Dadabhai Naoroji believed in non-violent and constitutional methods of protest. He died at the age of 92 on June 30, 1917.
Saturday, 20 October 2012
Biography of Chandrashekhar Azad
Born: July 23,1906
Martyrdom: February 27, 1931
Achievements: Involved in Kakori Train Robbery (1926), the attempt to blow up the Viceroy's train (1926), and the shooting of Saunders at Lahore (1928) to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpatrai; formed Hindustan Socialist Republican Association with fellow compatriots Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.
Chandrashekhar Azad was a great Indian freedom fighter. His fierce patriotism and courage inspired others of his generation to enter freedom struggle. Chandrasekhar Azad was the mentor Bhagat Singh, another great freedom fighter, and along with Bhagat Singh he is considered as one of the greatest revolutionaries that India has produced.
Chandra Shekhar Azad was born on July 23,1906 in Badarka village of Unnao district in Uttar Pradesh. His parents were Pandit Sitaram Tiwari and Jagarani Devi.Pandit Sitaram Tiwari was serving in erstwhile estate of Alirajpur (situated in present day Madhya Pradesh) and Chandra Shekhar Azad's childhood was spent in the village Bhabra . On the insistence of her mother Jagrani Devi, Chandra Shekhar Azad went to Kashi Vidyapeeth, Benaras for studying Sanskrit.
Chandrashekhar Azad was deeply troubled by the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar in 1919. In 1921, when Mahatma Gandhi launched Non-Cooperation movement, Chandrasekhar Azad actively participated in revolutionary activities. He received his first punishment at the age of fifteen. Chandra Shekhar was caught while indulging in revolutionary activities. When the magistrate asked him his name, he said "Azad" (meaning free). Chandrashekhar Azad was sentenced to fifteen lashes. With each stroke of the whip the young Chandrasekhar shouted "Bart Mata Kid Jai". From then on Chandrashekhar assumed the title of Azad and came to known as Chandrashekhar Azad. Chandrashekhar Azad vowed that he would never be arrested by the British police and would die as free man.
After the suspension of non-cooperation movement Chandrashekhar Azad was attracted towards more aggressive and revolutionary ideals. He committed himself to complete independence by any means. Chandrashekhar Azad and his compatriots would target British officials known for their oppressive actions against ordinary people and freedom fighters. Chandrashekhar Azad was involved in Kakori Train Robbery (1926), the attempt to blow up the Viceroy's train (1926), and the shooting of Saunders at Lahore (1928) to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpatrai.
Along with Bhagat Singh and other compatriots like Sukhdev and Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad formed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HRSA). HRSA was committed to complete Indian independence and socialist principles for India's future progress.
Chandrashekhar Azad was a terror for British police. He was on their hit list and the British police badly wanted to capture him dead or alive. On February 27, 1931 Chandrashekhar Azad met two of his comrades at the Alfred Park Allah bad. He was betrayed by an informer who had informed the British police. The police surrounded the park and ordered Chandrashekhar Azad to surrender. Chandrashekhar Azad fought alone valiantly and killed three policemen. But finding himself surrounded and seeing no route for escape, Chandrashekhar Azad shot himself. Thus he kept his pledge of not being caught alive.
Martyrdom: February 27, 1931
Achievements: Involved in Kakori Train Robbery (1926), the attempt to blow up the Viceroy's train (1926), and the shooting of Saunders at Lahore (1928) to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpatrai; formed Hindustan Socialist Republican Association with fellow compatriots Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.
Chandrashekhar Azad was a great Indian freedom fighter. His fierce patriotism and courage inspired others of his generation to enter freedom struggle. Chandrasekhar Azad was the mentor Bhagat Singh, another great freedom fighter, and along with Bhagat Singh he is considered as one of the greatest revolutionaries that India has produced.
Chandra Shekhar Azad was born on July 23,1906 in Badarka village of Unnao district in Uttar Pradesh. His parents were Pandit Sitaram Tiwari and Jagarani Devi.Pandit Sitaram Tiwari was serving in erstwhile estate of Alirajpur (situated in present day Madhya Pradesh) and Chandra Shekhar Azad's childhood was spent in the village Bhabra . On the insistence of her mother Jagrani Devi, Chandra Shekhar Azad went to Kashi Vidyapeeth, Benaras for studying Sanskrit.
Chandrashekhar Azad was deeply troubled by the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar in 1919. In 1921, when Mahatma Gandhi launched Non-Cooperation movement, Chandrasekhar Azad actively participated in revolutionary activities. He received his first punishment at the age of fifteen. Chandra Shekhar was caught while indulging in revolutionary activities. When the magistrate asked him his name, he said "Azad" (meaning free). Chandrashekhar Azad was sentenced to fifteen lashes. With each stroke of the whip the young Chandrasekhar shouted "Bart Mata Kid Jai". From then on Chandrashekhar assumed the title of Azad and came to known as Chandrashekhar Azad. Chandrashekhar Azad vowed that he would never be arrested by the British police and would die as free man.
After the suspension of non-cooperation movement Chandrashekhar Azad was attracted towards more aggressive and revolutionary ideals. He committed himself to complete independence by any means. Chandrashekhar Azad and his compatriots would target British officials known for their oppressive actions against ordinary people and freedom fighters. Chandrashekhar Azad was involved in Kakori Train Robbery (1926), the attempt to blow up the Viceroy's train (1926), and the shooting of Saunders at Lahore (1928) to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpatrai.
Along with Bhagat Singh and other compatriots like Sukhdev and Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad formed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HRSA). HRSA was committed to complete Indian independence and socialist principles for India's future progress.
Chandrashekhar Azad was a terror for British police. He was on their hit list and the British police badly wanted to capture him dead or alive. On February 27, 1931 Chandrashekhar Azad met two of his comrades at the Alfred Park Allah bad. He was betrayed by an informer who had informed the British police. The police surrounded the park and ordered Chandrashekhar Azad to surrender. Chandrashekhar Azad fought alone valiantly and killed three policemen. But finding himself surrounded and seeing no route for escape, Chandrashekhar Azad shot himself. Thus he kept his pledge of not being caught alive.
Biography of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Born: April 14, 1891
Died: December 6, 1956
Achievements: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was elected as the chairman of the drafting committee that was constituted by the Constituent Assembly to draft a constitution for the independent India; he was the first Law Minister of India; conferred Bharat Ratna in 1990.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is viewed as messiah of dalits and downtrodden in India. He was the chairman of the drafting committee that was constituted by the Constituent Assembly in 1947 to draft a constitution for the independent India. He played a seminal role in the framing of the constitution. Bhimrao Ambedkar was also the first Law Minister of India. For his yeoman service to the nation, B.R. Ambedkar was bestowed with Bharat Ratna in 1990.
Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow (presently in Madhya Pradesh). He was the fourteenth child of Ramji and Bhimabai Sakpal Ambavedkar. B.R. Ambedkar belonged to the "untouchable" Mahar Caste. His father and grandfather served in the British Army. In those days, the government ensured that all the army personnel and their children were educated and ran special schools for this purpose. This ensured good education for Bhimrao Ambedkar, which would have otherwise been denied to him by the virtue of his caste.
Bhimrao Ambedkar experienced caste discrimination right from the childhood. After his retirement, Bhimrao's father settled in Satara Maharashtra. Bhimrao was enrolled in the local school. Here, he had to sit on the floor in one corner in the classroom and teachers would not touch his notebooks. In spite of these hardships, Bhimrao continued his studies and passed his Matriculation examination from Bombay University with flying colours in 1908. Bhim Rao Ambedkar joined the Elphinstone College for further education. In 1912, he graduated in Political Science and Economics from Bombay University and got a job in Baroda.
In 1913, Bhimrao Ambedkar lost his father. In the same year Maharaja of Baroda awarded scholarship to Bhim Rao Ambedkar and sent him to America for further studies. Bhimrao reached New York in July 1913. For the first time in his life, Bhim Rao was not demeaned for being a Mahar. He immersed himself in the studies and attained a degree in Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1916 for his thesis "National Dividend for India: A Historical and Analytical Study." From America, Dr.Ambedkar proceeded to London to study economics and political science. But the Baroda government terminated his scholarship and recalled him back.
The Maharaja of Baroda appointed Dr. Ambedkar as his political secretary. But no one would take orders from him because he was a Mahar. Bhimrao Ambedkar returned to Bombay in November 1917. With the help of Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, a sympathizer of the cause for the upliftment of the depressed classes, he started a fortnightly newspaper, the "Mooknayak" (Dumb Hero) on January 31, 1920. The Maharaja also convened many meetings and conferences of the "untouchables" which Bhimrao addressed. In September 1920, after accumulating sufficient funds, Ambedkar went back to London to complete his studies. He became a barrister and got a Doctorate in science.
After completing his studies in London, Ambedkar returned to India. In July 1924, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitkaraini Sabha (Outcastes Welfare Association). The aim of the Sabha was to uplift the downtrodden socially and politically and bring them to the level of the others in the Indian society. In 1927, he led the Mahad March at the Chowdar Tank at Colaba, near Bombay, to give the untouchables the right to draw water from the public tank where he burnt copies of the 'Manusmriti' publicly.
In 1929, Ambedkar made the controversial decision to co-operate with the all-British Simon Commission which was to look into setting up a responsible Indian Government in India. The Congress decided to boycott the Commission and drafted its own version of a constitution for free India. The Congress version had no provisions for the depressed classes. Ambedkar became more skeptical of the Congress's commitment to safeguard the rights of the depressed classes.
When a separate electorate was announced for the depressed classes under Ramsay McDonald 'Communal Award', Gandhiji went on a fast unto death against this decision. Leaders rushed to Dr. Ambedkar to drop his demand. On September 24, 1932, Dr. Ambedkar and Gandhiji reached an understanding, which became the famous Poona Pact. According to the pact the separate electorate demand was replaced with special concessions like reserved seats in the regional legislative assemblies and Central Council of States.
Dr. Ambedkar attended all the three Round Table Conferences in London and forcefully argued for the welfare of the "untouchables". Meanwhile, British Government decided to hold provincial elections in 1937. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar set up the "Independent Labor Party" in August 1936 to contest the elections in the Bombay province. He and many candidates of his party were elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly.
In 1937, Dr. Ambedkar introduced a Bill to abolish the "khoti" system of land tenure in the Konkan region, the serfdom of agricultural tenants and the Mahar "watan" system of working for the Government as slaves. A clause of an agrarian bill referred to the depressed classes as "Harijans," or people of God. Bhimrao was strongly opposed to this title for the untouchables. He argued that if the "untouchables" were people of God then all others would be people of monsters. He was against any such reference. But the Indian National Congress succeeded in introducing the term Harijan. Ambedkar felt bitter that they could not have any say in what they were called.
In 1947, when India became independent, the first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, invited Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, who had been elected as a Member of the Constituent Assembly from Bengal, to join his Cabinet as a Law Minister. The Constituent Assembly entrusted the job of drafting the Constitution to a committee and Dr. Ambedkar was elected as Chairman of this Drafting Committee. In February 1948, Dr. Ambedkar presented the Draft Constitution before the people of India; it was adopted on November 26, 1949.
In October 1948, Dr. Ambedkar submitted the Hindu Code Bill to the Constituent Assembly in an attempt to codify the Hindu law. The Bill caused great divisions even in the Congress party. Consideration for the bill was postponed to September 1951. When the Bill was taken up it was truncated. A dejected Ambedkar relinquished his position as Law Minister.
On May 24, 1956, on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, he declared in Bombay, that he would adopt Buddhism in October. On 0ctober 14, 1956 he embraced Buddhism along with many of his followers. On December 6, 1956, Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar died peacefully in his sleep.
Died: December 6, 1956
Achievements: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was elected as the chairman of the drafting committee that was constituted by the Constituent Assembly to draft a constitution for the independent India; he was the first Law Minister of India; conferred Bharat Ratna in 1990.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is viewed as messiah of dalits and downtrodden in India. He was the chairman of the drafting committee that was constituted by the Constituent Assembly in 1947 to draft a constitution for the independent India. He played a seminal role in the framing of the constitution. Bhimrao Ambedkar was also the first Law Minister of India. For his yeoman service to the nation, B.R. Ambedkar was bestowed with Bharat Ratna in 1990.
Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow (presently in Madhya Pradesh). He was the fourteenth child of Ramji and Bhimabai Sakpal Ambavedkar. B.R. Ambedkar belonged to the "untouchable" Mahar Caste. His father and grandfather served in the British Army. In those days, the government ensured that all the army personnel and their children were educated and ran special schools for this purpose. This ensured good education for Bhimrao Ambedkar, which would have otherwise been denied to him by the virtue of his caste.
Bhimrao Ambedkar experienced caste discrimination right from the childhood. After his retirement, Bhimrao's father settled in Satara Maharashtra. Bhimrao was enrolled in the local school. Here, he had to sit on the floor in one corner in the classroom and teachers would not touch his notebooks. In spite of these hardships, Bhimrao continued his studies and passed his Matriculation examination from Bombay University with flying colours in 1908. Bhim Rao Ambedkar joined the Elphinstone College for further education. In 1912, he graduated in Political Science and Economics from Bombay University and got a job in Baroda.
In 1913, Bhimrao Ambedkar lost his father. In the same year Maharaja of Baroda awarded scholarship to Bhim Rao Ambedkar and sent him to America for further studies. Bhimrao reached New York in July 1913. For the first time in his life, Bhim Rao was not demeaned for being a Mahar. He immersed himself in the studies and attained a degree in Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1916 for his thesis "National Dividend for India: A Historical and Analytical Study." From America, Dr.Ambedkar proceeded to London to study economics and political science. But the Baroda government terminated his scholarship and recalled him back.
The Maharaja of Baroda appointed Dr. Ambedkar as his political secretary. But no one would take orders from him because he was a Mahar. Bhimrao Ambedkar returned to Bombay in November 1917. With the help of Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, a sympathizer of the cause for the upliftment of the depressed classes, he started a fortnightly newspaper, the "Mooknayak" (Dumb Hero) on January 31, 1920. The Maharaja also convened many meetings and conferences of the "untouchables" which Bhimrao addressed. In September 1920, after accumulating sufficient funds, Ambedkar went back to London to complete his studies. He became a barrister and got a Doctorate in science.
After completing his studies in London, Ambedkar returned to India. In July 1924, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitkaraini Sabha (Outcastes Welfare Association). The aim of the Sabha was to uplift the downtrodden socially and politically and bring them to the level of the others in the Indian society. In 1927, he led the Mahad March at the Chowdar Tank at Colaba, near Bombay, to give the untouchables the right to draw water from the public tank where he burnt copies of the 'Manusmriti' publicly.
In 1929, Ambedkar made the controversial decision to co-operate with the all-British Simon Commission which was to look into setting up a responsible Indian Government in India. The Congress decided to boycott the Commission and drafted its own version of a constitution for free India. The Congress version had no provisions for the depressed classes. Ambedkar became more skeptical of the Congress's commitment to safeguard the rights of the depressed classes.
When a separate electorate was announced for the depressed classes under Ramsay McDonald 'Communal Award', Gandhiji went on a fast unto death against this decision. Leaders rushed to Dr. Ambedkar to drop his demand. On September 24, 1932, Dr. Ambedkar and Gandhiji reached an understanding, which became the famous Poona Pact. According to the pact the separate electorate demand was replaced with special concessions like reserved seats in the regional legislative assemblies and Central Council of States.
Dr. Ambedkar attended all the three Round Table Conferences in London and forcefully argued for the welfare of the "untouchables". Meanwhile, British Government decided to hold provincial elections in 1937. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar set up the "Independent Labor Party" in August 1936 to contest the elections in the Bombay province. He and many candidates of his party were elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly.
In 1937, Dr. Ambedkar introduced a Bill to abolish the "khoti" system of land tenure in the Konkan region, the serfdom of agricultural tenants and the Mahar "watan" system of working for the Government as slaves. A clause of an agrarian bill referred to the depressed classes as "Harijans," or people of God. Bhimrao was strongly opposed to this title for the untouchables. He argued that if the "untouchables" were people of God then all others would be people of monsters. He was against any such reference. But the Indian National Congress succeeded in introducing the term Harijan. Ambedkar felt bitter that they could not have any say in what they were called.
In 1947, when India became independent, the first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, invited Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, who had been elected as a Member of the Constituent Assembly from Bengal, to join his Cabinet as a Law Minister. The Constituent Assembly entrusted the job of drafting the Constitution to a committee and Dr. Ambedkar was elected as Chairman of this Drafting Committee. In February 1948, Dr. Ambedkar presented the Draft Constitution before the people of India; it was adopted on November 26, 1949.
In October 1948, Dr. Ambedkar submitted the Hindu Code Bill to the Constituent Assembly in an attempt to codify the Hindu law. The Bill caused great divisions even in the Congress party. Consideration for the bill was postponed to September 1951. When the Bill was taken up it was truncated. A dejected Ambedkar relinquished his position as Law Minister.
On May 24, 1956, on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, he declared in Bombay, that he would adopt Buddhism in October. On 0ctober 14, 1956 he embraced Buddhism along with many of his followers. On December 6, 1956, Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar died peacefully in his sleep.
Biography of Shaheed Bhagat Singh
Born: September 27, 1907
Martyrdom: March 23, 1931
Achievements: Gave a new direction to revolutionary movement in India, formed 'Naujavan Bharat Sabha' to spread the message of revolution in Punjab, formed 'Hindustan Samajvadi Prajatantra Sangha' along with Chandrasekhar Azad to establish a republic in India, assassinated police official Saunders to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, dropped bomb in Central Legislative Assembly along with Batukeshwar Dutt.
Bhagat Singh was one of the most prominent faces of Indian freedom struggle. He was a revolutionary ahead of his times. By Revolution he meant that the present order of things, which is based on manifest injustice must change. Bhagat Singh studied the European revolutionary movement and was greatly attracted towards socialism. He realised that the overthrow of British rule should be accompanied by the socialist reconstruction of Indian society and for this political power must be seized by the workers.
Though portrayed as a terrorist by the British, Sardar Bhagat Singh was critical of the individual terrorism which was prevalent among the revolutionary youth of his time and called for mass mobilization. Bhagat Singh gave a new direction to the revolutionary movement in India. He differed from his predecessors on two counts. Firstly, he accepted the logic of atheism and publicly proclaimed it. Secondly, until then revolutionaries had no conception of post-independence society. Their immediate goal was destruction of the British Empire and they had no inclination to work out a political alternative. Bhagat Singh, because of his interest in studying and his keen sense of history gave revolutionary movement a goal beyond the elimination of the British. A clarity of vision and determination of purpose distinguished Bhagat Singh from other leaders of the National Movement. He emerged as the only alternative to Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, especially for the youth.
Bhagat Singh was born in a Sikh family in village Khatkar Kalan in Nawanshahar district of Punjab. The district has now been renamed as Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar in his memory. He was the third son of Sardar Kishan Singh and Vidyavati. Bhagat Singh's family was actively involved in freedom struggle. His father Kishan Singh and uncle Ajit Singh were members of Ghadr Party founded in the U.S to oust British rule from India. Family atmosphere had a great effect on the mind of young Bhagat Singh and patriotism flowed in his veins from childhood.
While studying at the local D.A.V. School in Lahore, in 1916, young Bhagat Singh came into contact with some well-known political leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Ras Bihari Bose. Punjab was politically very charged in those days. In 1919, when Jalianwala Bagh massacre took place, Bhagat Singh was only 12 years old. The massacre deeply disturbed him. On the next day of massacre Bhagat Singh went to Jalianwala Bagh and collected soil from the spot and kept it as a memento for the rest of his life. The massacre strengthened his resolve to drive British out from India.
In response to Mahatma Gandhi's call for non-cooperation against British rule in 1921, Bhagat Singh left his school and actively participated in the movement. In 1922, when Mahatma Gandhi suspended Non-cooperation movement against violence at Chauri-chaura in Gorakhpur, Bhagat was greatly disappointed. His faith in non violence weakened and he came to the conclusion that armed revolution was the only practical way of winning freedom. To continue his studies, Bhagat Singh joined the National College in Lahore, founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. At this college, which was a centre of revolutionary activities, he came into contact with revolutionaries such as Bhagwati Charan, Sukhdev and others.
To avoid early marriage, Bhagat Singh ran away from home and went to Kanpur. Here, he came into contact with a revolutionary named Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, and learnt his first lessons as revolutionary. On hearing that his grandmother was ill, Bhagat Singh returned home. He continued his revolutionary activities from his village. He went to Lahore and formed a union of revolutionaries by name 'Naujavan Bharat Sabha'. He started spreading the message of revolution in Punjab. In 1928 he attended a meeting of revolutionaries in Delhi and came into contact with Chandrasekhar Azad. The two formed 'Hindustan Samajvadi Prajatantra Sangha'. Its aim was to establish a republic in India by means of an armed revolution.
In February 1928, a committee from England, called Simon Commission visited India. The purpose of its visit was to decide how much freedom and responsibility could be given to the people of India. But there was no Indian on the committee. This angered Indians and they decided to boycott Simon Commission. While protesting against Simon Commission in Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally Lathicharged and later on succumbed to injuries. Bhagat Singh was determined to avenge Lajpat Rai's death by shooting the British official responsible for the killing, Deputy Inspector General Scott. He shot down Assistant Superintendent Saunders instead, mistaking him for Scott. Bhagat Singh had to flee from Lahore to escape death punishment.
Instead of finding the root cause of discontent of Indians, the British government took to more repressive measures. Under the Defense of India Act, it gave more power to the police to arrest persons to stop processions with suspicious movements and actions. The Act brought in the Central Legislative Assembly was defeated by one vote. Even then it was to be passed in the form of an ordinance in the "interest of the public." Bhagat Singh who was in hiding all this while, volunteered to throw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly where the meeting to pass the ordinance was being held. It was a carefully laid out plot, not to cause death or injury but to draw the attention of the government, that the modes of its suppression could no more be tolerated. It was decided that Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt would court arrest after throwing the bomb.
On April 8, 1929 Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Assembly Hall while the Assembly was in session. The bombs did not hurt anyone. After throwing the bombs, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, deliberately courted arrest by refusing to run away from the scene. During his trial, Bhagat Singh refused to employ any defence counsel. In jail, he went on hunger strike to protest the inhuman treatment of fellow-political prisoners by jail authorities. On October 7, 1930 Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev and Raj Guru were awarded death sentence by a special tribunal. Despite great popular pressure and numerous appeals by political leaders of India, Bhagat Singh and his associates were hanged in the early hours of March 23, 1931.
Martyrdom: March 23, 1931
Achievements: Gave a new direction to revolutionary movement in India, formed 'Naujavan Bharat Sabha' to spread the message of revolution in Punjab, formed 'Hindustan Samajvadi Prajatantra Sangha' along with Chandrasekhar Azad to establish a republic in India, assassinated police official Saunders to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, dropped bomb in Central Legislative Assembly along with Batukeshwar Dutt.
Bhagat Singh was one of the most prominent faces of Indian freedom struggle. He was a revolutionary ahead of his times. By Revolution he meant that the present order of things, which is based on manifest injustice must change. Bhagat Singh studied the European revolutionary movement and was greatly attracted towards socialism. He realised that the overthrow of British rule should be accompanied by the socialist reconstruction of Indian society and for this political power must be seized by the workers.
Though portrayed as a terrorist by the British, Sardar Bhagat Singh was critical of the individual terrorism which was prevalent among the revolutionary youth of his time and called for mass mobilization. Bhagat Singh gave a new direction to the revolutionary movement in India. He differed from his predecessors on two counts. Firstly, he accepted the logic of atheism and publicly proclaimed it. Secondly, until then revolutionaries had no conception of post-independence society. Their immediate goal was destruction of the British Empire and they had no inclination to work out a political alternative. Bhagat Singh, because of his interest in studying and his keen sense of history gave revolutionary movement a goal beyond the elimination of the British. A clarity of vision and determination of purpose distinguished Bhagat Singh from other leaders of the National Movement. He emerged as the only alternative to Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, especially for the youth.
Bhagat Singh was born in a Sikh family in village Khatkar Kalan in Nawanshahar district of Punjab. The district has now been renamed as Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar in his memory. He was the third son of Sardar Kishan Singh and Vidyavati. Bhagat Singh's family was actively involved in freedom struggle. His father Kishan Singh and uncle Ajit Singh were members of Ghadr Party founded in the U.S to oust British rule from India. Family atmosphere had a great effect on the mind of young Bhagat Singh and patriotism flowed in his veins from childhood.
While studying at the local D.A.V. School in Lahore, in 1916, young Bhagat Singh came into contact with some well-known political leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Ras Bihari Bose. Punjab was politically very charged in those days. In 1919, when Jalianwala Bagh massacre took place, Bhagat Singh was only 12 years old. The massacre deeply disturbed him. On the next day of massacre Bhagat Singh went to Jalianwala Bagh and collected soil from the spot and kept it as a memento for the rest of his life. The massacre strengthened his resolve to drive British out from India.
In response to Mahatma Gandhi's call for non-cooperation against British rule in 1921, Bhagat Singh left his school and actively participated in the movement. In 1922, when Mahatma Gandhi suspended Non-cooperation movement against violence at Chauri-chaura in Gorakhpur, Bhagat was greatly disappointed. His faith in non violence weakened and he came to the conclusion that armed revolution was the only practical way of winning freedom. To continue his studies, Bhagat Singh joined the National College in Lahore, founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. At this college, which was a centre of revolutionary activities, he came into contact with revolutionaries such as Bhagwati Charan, Sukhdev and others.
To avoid early marriage, Bhagat Singh ran away from home and went to Kanpur. Here, he came into contact with a revolutionary named Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, and learnt his first lessons as revolutionary. On hearing that his grandmother was ill, Bhagat Singh returned home. He continued his revolutionary activities from his village. He went to Lahore and formed a union of revolutionaries by name 'Naujavan Bharat Sabha'. He started spreading the message of revolution in Punjab. In 1928 he attended a meeting of revolutionaries in Delhi and came into contact with Chandrasekhar Azad. The two formed 'Hindustan Samajvadi Prajatantra Sangha'. Its aim was to establish a republic in India by means of an armed revolution.
In February 1928, a committee from England, called Simon Commission visited India. The purpose of its visit was to decide how much freedom and responsibility could be given to the people of India. But there was no Indian on the committee. This angered Indians and they decided to boycott Simon Commission. While protesting against Simon Commission in Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally Lathicharged and later on succumbed to injuries. Bhagat Singh was determined to avenge Lajpat Rai's death by shooting the British official responsible for the killing, Deputy Inspector General Scott. He shot down Assistant Superintendent Saunders instead, mistaking him for Scott. Bhagat Singh had to flee from Lahore to escape death punishment.
Instead of finding the root cause of discontent of Indians, the British government took to more repressive measures. Under the Defense of India Act, it gave more power to the police to arrest persons to stop processions with suspicious movements and actions. The Act brought in the Central Legislative Assembly was defeated by one vote. Even then it was to be passed in the form of an ordinance in the "interest of the public." Bhagat Singh who was in hiding all this while, volunteered to throw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly where the meeting to pass the ordinance was being held. It was a carefully laid out plot, not to cause death or injury but to draw the attention of the government, that the modes of its suppression could no more be tolerated. It was decided that Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt would court arrest after throwing the bomb.
On April 8, 1929 Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Assembly Hall while the Assembly was in session. The bombs did not hurt anyone. After throwing the bombs, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, deliberately courted arrest by refusing to run away from the scene. During his trial, Bhagat Singh refused to employ any defence counsel. In jail, he went on hunger strike to protest the inhuman treatment of fellow-political prisoners by jail authorities. On October 7, 1930 Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev and Raj Guru were awarded death sentence by a special tribunal. Despite great popular pressure and numerous appeals by political leaders of India, Bhagat Singh and his associates were hanged in the early hours of March 23, 1931.
5 Facts of New Zealand
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington
New Zealand was the breath taking back drop to The Lord of the Rings
Trilogy. The landscape of this majestic country symbolizes great
adventure. The allure of this land down under is apparent but there are a
few hidden treasures you may not be aware of.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
Can't decide whether to pick a beach getaway, visit a rain forest,
climb a mountain or heat it up near a volcano, New Zealand will give you
all that and more. New Zealand is four different destinations in one.
You can actually drive and in a matter of a few hours experience these
different climates throughout the country. Start out in a desert and end
up near a snow covered volcano the journey is up to you.
2
There
are more sheep than people. New Zealand is populated by about 4 million
people matched by about 40 million sheep. Sheep are a huge part of
their culture, so much so you will even find mutton on most menu's
around the country.
3
Speaking
of restaurants don't worry about what you should tip your waitress. The
servers do not expect a tip and in rare cases certain establishments
will just add it on automatically to your bill.
4
Have
you ever wondered what it might feel like to be a hamster in one of
those round balls, well zorbing is for you. Zorbing was invented in New
Zealand and many find it thrilling. You jump in head first into this
giant rubber ball and are rolled down a hill. Definitely one to add to
your bucket list.
5
The
South Island in New Zealand has a celebration of chocolate that lasts
for one week in July. One activity takes place on Baldwin street the
steepest street in the world. Twenty five thousand pieces of chocolate
are rolled down the pavement as onlookers cheer.5 Facts of New Caledonia
The capital of New Caledonia is Nouméa
New Caledonia is an island that lies in the Southwest Pacific Ocean,
about 950 miles from Australia. New Caledonia is basically under French
rule, and is working towards their independence in the next few years,
and will be considered an independent territory. They have already been
working on their independence using its own country anthem, and motto.
Banknotes are being redesigned. This country has adopted the Kanak flag
which flies along side the French flag, making this the only country
that flies two official flags. Official languages are of the French
language, and the Kanak language that makes up the majority of populace.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
New Caledonia has their own Armed Forces made up of the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force.
2
Climate
is tropical, with weather risks for cyclones, effects of El Nino and
tropical depressions. There are just over 75,000 tourists per year, so
this island does not have nearly the amount of visitors that other
islands see. France supports the island in economy with about 25% per
year.
3
While humans are
great tool makers, New Caledonia is home to the New Caledonia Crow, a
super intelligent tropical bird that is known for its superior tool
making abilities to solve problems. No other creature on earth has this
ability except for the human.
4
Wood
crafting and basket weaving are part of the Caledonian culture.
Agriculture is almost non-existent, and most food sources must be
imported. This island does excel in the production of yams, coconuts,
plantains and taro. They are able to mass produce these items and are
considered one of largest producers in the world.
5
Football
is popular in New Caledonia. The people also enjoy horse racing. The
women of the island have women's cricket teams. The men have Rugby
teams. The Caledonians have swimming teams and they have excelled much
in this sport at home, now they travel abroad. This island will host
the Oceania in 2012.5 Facts of Netherlands Antilles
The capital of Netherlands Antilles is Willemstad
The Netherlands Antilles, also know as the Dutch Antilles, are a group
of Caribbean Islands located off the coast of Venezuela, South America.
Islands originally included in the Netherlands Antilles island group
were Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba, Saint Maarten, Saint Eustatius and Saba.
Settled during the 17th century, after conquest by the Dutch West India
Company, the Netherlands Antilles were officially dissolved in 2010.
Acts of Parliament allowed Aruba, Saint Maarten and Curacao to succeed
from the group, while allowing integration for Saba, Bonaire and Saint
Eustatius.
1
The Netherlands Antilles Windward Islands consist of Saint Martin,
Saint Eustatius and Saba. Its Leeward islands are Aruba, Bonaire and
Curacao, also known as the ABC islands. While all the islands have a
tropical climate, the Leeward Islands rarely experience the advent of
hurricanes. Windward island hurricanes occur in summer, with these
islands experiencing a wetter climate.
2
An
extreme ethnic and cultural variety of people live on the islands.
These populations descend from Latin American, European, African and
Portuguese populations. Languages spoken here comprise a mixture of
Dutch, Spanish, English, West African and Portuguese Creole. Papiamentu
is the name given a dialect, commonly spoken on some of the islands,
that combines these languages and lexicons.
3
Religious
faith in the Netherlands Antilles is made up of a Christian majority.
Protestants, Roman Catholics and Jewish followers comprise the largest
religious groups.
4
Import
of most capital and consumer products has allowed the islands of the
Netherlands Antilles to prosper, even with a scarcity of agricultural
resources. Income here is typically high when compared with many other
nearby countries. Tourism and petroleum refining and shipment have
allowed development of a sophisticated infrastructure, closely aligned
to powerful global economies.
5
In
2006, Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela, created a stir between his
country and Dutch government by accusing the Dutch defense minister of
being a puppet to the United States. The spat commenced as the
Netherlands gave permission for the US Navy to deploy military vessels
to the Dutch Antilles.5 Facts of Netherlands
The capital of Netherlands is Amsterdam
The Netherlands is located in Europe. The capital of the Netherlands is
Amsterdam, which is one of the most visited cities in the entire world.
Below are a few facts about the Netherlands that people may or may not
know.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
The Netherlands actually means low country in Dutch. It describes the
country perfectly because half of the Netherlands' surface is less than
about 3 feet above sea level. The highest point of the Netherlands is a
little over 1,000 feet above sea level.
2
Many
people do not know that Gin was created in the Netherlands. Gin was
originally used as medicine during the late 16th century.
3
A
known fact is that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, as long as
the workers are 18 and over. However, a lesser known fact is that
clients have to be at least 16 years old or older. The Netherlands is
very lenient when it comes to prostitution and most of the activity
takes place in the capital of the Netherlands.
4
The
Netherlands is actually one of the world's top producers of Tulips. The
country is also one of world's first exporters of Tulips. Tulips first
became very popular in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Many people
come to the Netherlands to admire the many types of flowers that are
found there, as well as admire the many Tulips that cam be found within
the Netherlands.
5
Not
many people know this but the Netherlands is one of the wealthiest
countries in the world. At one point in time the Netherlands had the
highest GDP per capita. As of now, the Netherlands has around the 4th
highest GDP per capita, but within the European Union.5 Facts of Nepal
The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu
Nepal is a landlocked country located in south Asia between the
countries of India and China. Although Nepal shares a border with
China, most of that border is mountinous and strong ties with China have
never been formed. Because of the rough and mountinous terrain Nepal
remains isolated from the world's major land, air and sea transport
routes, contributing to the poor status of the country. Agriculture is
by far the largest industry in Nepal, although it does have great
potential for tourism. 2011 was declared Nepal Tourism Year officially
on January 14, 2011. The year long tourism celebration was anticipated
to bring over 1 million tourists to Nepal as well as promoting and
improving Nepal tourism moving forward.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
Nepal is home to the highest location on earth. Mt. Everest is
located on the border of Nepal and Tibet and is estimated at 8850m above
sea level and growing! Mt. Everest grows by approimentaly 4mm per
year.
2
Nepal is one of
the poorest and least developed countries in the world with about half
its citizens living below the poverty level.. Roughly 80% of Nepal's
population depends on agriculture for survival and the average yearly
salary is About $1100 (2008 figure).
3
Nepal
is the only Hindu country in the world, with 90% of the population
being Hindu. Even though Nepal is associated with Buddhism in most
peoples minds Buddhists account for just 5% of the population. That
being said, Nepalese have embraced both Hinduism and Buddhism and
frequently worship in both fashions.
4
Kathmandu
is the largest city in Nepal as well as being the capital and has a
population of just under 1 million people. This is a fairly small
number considering the total population of Nepal is over 26 million
people and much of the country is uninhabitable due to the mountinous
ranges to the north.
5
There
are over 100 recognized languages spoken in Nepal, with Nepali being
the most common at 60%. Although Nepal is located in South Asia, the
Nepali language has its roots in Indo-Aryan languages, which are related
to European languages.5 Facts of Navassa Island
Navassa Island is a small island in the Caribbean Sea situated between
Jamaica and Haiti. The island is uninhabited. It is claimed by the US as
part of its territory. The US Fish and Wildlife Service overlook the
administration of the island. Haiti also makes the same claim, saying
Navassa is part of their territory since 1801. There are less known
facts about the island including the following:
1
Coral and limestone islet. The island's terrain is largely composed of
coral and limestone. Grasses do grow abundantly in the island,
sufficient to feed its herbivore inhabitants ' the goats. It is
surrounded by a white cliff made up of coral and limestone reaching up
to 50 feet in height. The island was formed more than 5 million years
ago.
2
Only four species
of tree grow in the island. The island has a forest with only four tree
species which are: poisonwood, mastic, short-leaf fig and pigeon plum.
3
Used to be a center of
guano mining. The island was claimed by the US on September 19, 1857
through Peter Duncan. The Guano Islands Act was enforced on August 18,
1856 due to its rich guano deposits. Guano phosphate is an excellent
fertilizer required by US agriculture industry at that time. Guano
mining operations commenced in the island in 1865 carried out by Navassa
Phosphate Company of Baltimore. The mining activities ended in 1898.
4
Nature reserve. A
scientific expedition to the island in 1998 led to the discovery of its
distinctive Caribbean biodiversity. Some 15 animal species are endemic
to the island including plants, snails and lizards particularly a rare
iguana thought to be extinct but is found in the island. A year later it
was declared a National Wildlife Reserve. Scientific expeditions to the
island still continue to this day.
5
Historic
lighthouse. The US Lighthouse Service established the Navassa Island
Light in 1917, a 46 meter lighthouse found on the south side of Navassa
island. The lighthouse was dismantled on August 29, 1996. After its
shutdown, Coast Guard also relinquished administration duties on the
island to the Department of the Interior.5 Facts of Nauru
The capital of Nauru is Yaren
Nauru is known as pleasant island. It is a small island in the south of
Pacific Ocean. Located just 26 miles from the equator, it has the
perfect warm and tropical climates. There are few things that you may
not know about the tiny island.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
The island economy is mainly depended on the phosphate deposits. They
do gain some revenue from selling fishing rights. There is little income
from tourism because there are not a lot of things to see and do.
2
The
life expectation is 65 years. Unhealthy conditions are to blame for the
many health issues. For their water supply, they dependent on rain
water that is collected from tanks on the rooftops of houses and reverse
osmosis desalination from plants. Nauru has the most obese people in
the world. Nauruan diets once included fish, vegetable and coconut but
they are forced to rely on imported food that is high in fat and sugar.
3
The climate change is
causing the sea level to rise. The rain forest once covered the island
but it scarred the land forcing most of the population to live in the
low lying areas on the perimeter of the island.
4
Male
homosexual acts are illegal. Public display of affection with a male
and male couple may offend Naurans. If found guilt of male
homosexuality, you can be sent to prison for up to 14 years of hard
labor.
5
Catching Noddy
Terns is a traditional activity. The men stand on the beach and throw
lassos at birds. The lasso is thrown in the air as a bird flies close.
It then hits or drapes over the bird bringing it to the ground. The
Noddy is then prepared to be eaten.5 Facts of Namibia
The capital of Namibia is Windhoek
Namibia is the 34th largest country in the world. Yet, it is the second
least populated in the world. The country is located on the southwest
coast of Africa and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Angola ,Zambia
and South Africa. The country is led by a President who is elected to a
five year term and the judicial and legislative branches.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
The
main economic sector of the Namibia economy is mining as the country is
the fourth largest producer of uranium and a large producer of gem
quality diamonds. It is in the process of becoming number one by 2015.
Other important parts of the economy include the white dominated
agriculture sector with a quick growth in wildlife conservatories, which
plan to employ many of the country's nearly 50 percent unemployed
residents. The third largest economic sector is manufacturing with the
production of cement, beverage and food production.
2
Namibia
has been named the fifth best tourist destination and the best value
for money destination in the world. It has a long history of valuing the
tourist industry starting with the establishment of its first national
park, Etosha Pan, in 1907. Popular animals at Elosha Pan's 50 watering
holes include African elephants, black rhinoceros, giraffes, black-faced
impalas, pelicans and flamingos.
3
The
largest city in Namibia is Windhoek which has 300,000 residents. The
city is served by a major airport, highways and the railroad. Major
tourist attractions in Windhoek include the National Museum, the Christ
Church, the National Library of Namibia and the Supreme Court of
Namibia's building.
4
Namibia
has a large problem with HIV with one of the largest rates per capita
in the world, leading to a life expectancy of just 49 years. HIV has
impacted approximately 17 percent of the nation's children with the
death of one parent. Malaria is also a large problem and helps to spread
the HIV virus.
5
Fish
River Canyon is the world's second largest canyon in the world. A
popular activity is hiking the canyon 53 mile trail starting at Hobas.
All hikers must have a medical certificate and hike with at least two
other people older than 12. The hike is open only from May 1 to
September 15 due to excessive summer temperatures.5 Facts of Mozambique
The capital of Mozambique is Maputo
The beautiful country of Mozambique, officially called The Republic Of
Mozambique is located on the southeastern border of the African
continent. Recent economic growth has caught the attention of many
international analyst and media outlets. Mozambique is a country with a
very rich and diverse history. The nation offers many famous natural
wonders and booming businesses. These are just two of many reasons to
visit Mozambique. Below we've listed a few interesting facts about this
great African nation.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
The
capital of Mozambique is Maputo. This city was original named
Louren'o Marques and was changed to Maputo in 1976 once the country
gained it's independence from Portugal. The strong influence of Latin
culture is very prevalent In Maputo. Many travelers describe the
capital as being lively and vibrant, with an atmosphere similarly to Rio
or Cape Town.
2
With A
large amount of natural resources Mozambique's current economy is
considered to be one of the best in Africa. Rapidly growing supplies of
aluminum, agricultural goods and petroleum production, are speeding up
GDP growth each year.
3
The
country of Mozambique is home to the many religions Including Islam and
tradition indigenous African faiths, but the predominant religion of
the nation is Christianity. The Baha faith has recently grown and its
nation membership proves that it's rapidly becoming a popular faith in
the nation.
4
Mozambique
is known to have some of the very best beaches on the east coast of
Africa. Quirimbas Archipelago and Bazaruto Archipelago are two of the
very best locations Mozambique has to offer visitors. Both of these
locations are world famous for there white sandy shores and beautiful
breezy settings. Many international travel enthusiasts enjoy indulging
in the luxury accommodations at both of these beaches.
5
The
country of Mozambique is the 35th largest nation in the world and one
of the largest in Africa. The land mass and size of the population is
similarly to that of Turkey and Iran.5 Facts of Morocco
The capital of Morocco is Rabat
1
Morocco's Arabic name is 'al-Mamlakat al-Maghribiyyah', which can be
translated as 'The Western Kingdom', although it is commonly known as
'Al-Maghrib', which means simply 'The West'. The English name of the
country derives from the Spanish word 'Marruecos' and the Portugese word
'Marrocos', which both come from 'Morroch' in old Latin, which derived
from 'Marrakech', the name of the ancient capital city of Almohad and
Almoravid. This meant 'Land of God' in the Berber language. Until very
recently, the country was called 'Marrakesh' in the Arabic languages of
the Middle East.
2
Agriculture
is vitally important to Morocco's economy. It employs nearly half of
the country's workforce, making it Morocco's largest employer. The
primary products are barley, wheat and other cereals; but on the plains
near the Atlantic coast the most commonly grown crops are olives,
grapes, citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, melons and apples,
watered by the system of artesian wells. Morocco is also responsible for
as much as 70 percent of the hashish, the resin produced from the
cannabis plant, shipped to Western Europe, where it is sold, often
illegally.
3
Moroccan
music is diverse and growing rapidly. Influenced by a wide range of
traditions, including Andalusian, African, Arab and Amazigh, it makes
use of traditional instruments including the 'nay' (flute), zither
(qanun), and assorted short-neck lutes such as the gimbri and the ud.
Percussion is often provided by a terracotta drum.
4
Moroccan
cuisine is famed for its use of spices, although many of these have
been imported to the country for thousands of years. However, saffron,
mint, olives and citrus flavours are all home-grown. Famous dishes
include couscous, tajine, harira, and pastilla. No visit to Morocco is
complete without sampling a cup of green tea with mint.
5
Morocco
will play host to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, Africa's largest
football championship. Football is the country's most popular and most
played sport, particularly popular amongst young people living in the
cities. In 1986, Morocco was the first country in the Arab-African
region to reach the second round of the football World Cup.5 Facts of Montserrat
The capital of Montserrat is Plymouth
Montserrat is an island in the Caribbean's Lesser Antilles chain. This
Leeward Island has a casual, laid back lifestyle that was severely
disrupted by eruptions of the Soufri're Hills volcano in 1995 and 1997.
In February 2005, a new airport that handles several daily flights was
officially opened by Princess Anne at Gerald's on the northern tip of
the island. A new capital and port facilities are being constructed at
Little Bay to replace those lost when the capital of Plymouth had to be
abandoned. Despite this volcanic activity, much of Montserrat remains
green and fertile. The inhabitants of Montserrat are as welcoming of
visitors as ever before.
5 Facts You Might Not Know
1
The island was claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus while on his
second voyage in 1493. The island was named Santa Mar'a de Montserrat
after the famous Catalonian Monastery. It was the British, however, who
colonized the island significantly, mostly with Irish Catholics fleeing
Oliver Cromwell.
2
Montserrat
is nicknamed the 'Emerald Isle of the Caribbean' due to its lush, green
countryside, the resemblance of its coast to that of Ireland and its
inhabitant's Irish ancestry.
3
As
with numerous Caribbean Islands, African slaves were imported to
support the sugar and Sea Island Cotton plantations. The commemoration
of the failed slave uprising that occurred on St. Patrick's Day 1768 has
become a weeklong national holiday. The festivities celebrate the
culture of Montserrat, through traditional costumes, dances, songs and
food of the island. Montserrat abolished slavery in 1834.
4
Like
countless isolated islands, Montserrat is home to various extremely
rare flora and fauna. The National Trust of Montserrat, along with the
Royal Botanic Gardens, has undertaken the job of conserving these
national treasures. They have rescued saved several specimens of the
endangered pribby and Montserrat orchid from the ravages of the recent
volcanic activity. There are also efforts to protect the ten species of
bats endemic to the coastal caves.
5
Visitors
looking for something different from the typical Caribbean island
vacation should take the opportunity to view the active Soufri're Hills
volcano from the Jack Boy Hill viewing platform. .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)