Today’s Motto: ‘The self is made, not given’

This is Your Day-TODAY: Take a Determined Step Forward and Make History !  

On this day, 19 Nov ….

1962 – Nehru asks more US aid as China attacks over India.  Americans  delayed the  help and China  seized large parts of Aksai  Chin in Ladakh and some areas in North Eastern region of Arunachal.

1978 – Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar gets   batting double-tons   for India for 2nd time, having scored 111 and 137 in the two innings of 3rd Test  against Pakistan in  Karachi. Though Pakistan won the match by 8 wickets.

1982 – The Ninth Asian Games ‘Asiad’82‘ started in Delhi.

1994 – Aishwarya Rai, 21, of India, crowned 44th Miss World. She is one of the most beautiful Indian actresses and is the daughter-in-law of veteran  actor Amitabh Bachchan (married to  actor  Abhishek Bachchan).

1998 – PM Atal  Bihari Vajpayee approves formation of the National Security Council, a new high-power hub, to give policy directions to safeguard the country’s security.

Born…. 1928 – Dara Singh, an undisputed Indian freestyle  wrestling  champion  of his time (1950-70s) who became Rustame-Hind and defeated many world  wrestlers including King Kong of China and others. He was also a popular cinema actor who  acted and produced several  successful films in Punjabi, Hindi like Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar,  Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun, Dhyanu Bhagat, Rab Diyan Rakhan, Bhagat Dhanna Jatt, King Kong, Sikandre Azam, Dulla Bhatti, Jab We Met etc. He was awarded Padma Shri, WWE Hall of Fame Legcy and secersl other accolades.

1917 – Indira (Pridarshani) Gandhi, the only  daughter of  Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru the first PM of India. She became first Indian Lady Prime Minister. She took active part in freedom movement by forming “Vanar Sena” (a team of young detectives). She later  led India in a successful war against Pakistan  in 1971,  to separate East and West Pakistans and establish the nation of Bangladesh.  Indira ruled over India from 1966 to 1977 and  1980 – 84.  She is believed to be a strong and bold leader but  an autocrat who  wanted to perpetuate  her dynastic  politics and  ruthless on Opposition.                             She is much discredited for imposing Emergency in  1975, following counteramanding  her Election to Lok Sabha by Allahabad High Court. She and her Party  were defeated in 1977 leading to installation of Janta Party govt. under PM Morarji Desai.  She came back to power again 1980 after Janta Party split  into various factions. Indira Gandhi was assasinated on Oct. 31, 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards, avenging the Operation Blue Star, raiding of Golden Temple by Indian Army on her orders on June 06, 1984. Her son Rajiv became the next PM subsequent to her death.

1922 – Salil Chowdhury  was an Indian music director, songwriter, lyricist, writer and poet who predominantly composed for Bengali, Hindi and Malayalam films. He composed music for films in 13 languages viz., Madhumati, Do Bigha Zamin,  Chhoti Si Baat, Anand,  Prem Patra, Parakh, Bhaiya, Mere Apne etc. He was awarded Filmfare, National Films award and Sangeet Natak Akademy award.

1950 –  Rehana Sultan, romantic and  flamboyant actor. Acted in Dastak, Chetna, Prem Parbat, Khote Sikke, Haar Jeet etc. She won a National Award, a Filmfare and some nominations. She married film producer/director BR IShara and left film industry..

1951 – Zeenat Aman, Indian  romantic actor and model. She won runner-up Miss India  at Femina  and  Asia Pecific pagent awards  in 1970.  Boomed in  career in Devanand directed film Hare Rama, Hare Krishna after Evil Within and Halchal. She also exelled in  Aznabi, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan,  Manoanjan, Dostana, Chori Mera Kaam, Lawaaris, Pukar, Ham Se Hai Zamana, Namak Haram,  etc.  in about 80 films. She won several nominations and awards. (pic credit-Getty Images).

1968 – Mani Shankar, director/producer of off-beat  films like Minishi, 16 December, Rudraksh, Tango Charlie, Mukhbir, Knock Out, Hey Kamini etc. under Bhairav Films banner.  Also launched Hologram in India and has been recognised by UNO and international  film fraternity (pic credit-cinetown.org)

1975 – Sushmita Sen,  Bengal and Bollywood’s  bold and romantic actor and former Miss Universe Pagent in 1994. She acted in Chingari, Alag, Karma, Mein Hoon Na, Ankhein (remake). Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, Aur Holi,  Do Knot Disturb, Dulha Mil Gaya etc.  Also acted in TV serials Taali, Arya etc.  She won 3 Filmfare nominations and awarrds for Support Actor roles.  (pic credit-Filmfare)

You may have known….  1. India’s unemployment rate in persons above 15 years is 5.2%.

2.  When adjusted for inflation, John D. Rockefeller is the richest man in the history of the world with a net worth 10 times more than Bill Gates. He was founder/owner of Standard
Oil and other companies in  Cleveland, Ohio, USA. (1839-1937). Pic credit-(photos.com)                                                                                                                                                {Compiled by Lt. Gen. (R)  Raj Kadyan}