This Day in History: January 3

Savitribai Phule Jayanti (3rd January 1931)

India’s first teacher and social reformer Savitribai Phule’s birth anniversary is today. Born on January 3, 1931 in Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule promoted the education of the girl child in the country. She established 18 schools specially for girls. Her husband Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was a great social reformer. She died of plague on 10 March 1897.

National Women’s Day

On the occasion of Savitribai Phule’s birth anniversary, 3rd January is observed as ‘National Women’s Day’ every year in India.

Also Read: This Day in History: January 2

Veerapandiya Kattabomman Jayanti (3rd January 1760)

Today is the birth anniversary of Veerapandiya Kattabomman, the hero who faced the British. Born on January 3, 1760, Kattabomman was the king of parts of Tamil and Andhra region. He fought bravely against the British who tried to invade his kingdom ‘Panchalankurichi’. Finally, on 16 October 1799, Kattabomman was hanged by the British.

Invention of the Telescope (3rd January 1621)

The telescope, useful for researching distant objects, was invented today. On 3rd January 1621, the famous scientist Italian astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei invented the telescope. Telescopes are useful for sea voyages, space exploration and other scientific and technological studies.

Also Read: This Day in History: January 1

Telugu Actor Bellamkonda Srinivas’ Birthday (3rd January 1993)

Today is the birthday of young actor Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas. Sai Srinivas, the son of producer Bellamkonda Suresh, entered the industry with ‘Alludu Seenu’ in 2014 and is showing his strength as a hero. Currently, Sai Srinivas is doing a film under the direction of Sagar K. Chandra of ‘Bheemla Nayak’ fame.

Some More Notable Events on January 3rd:

• Today is considered as Mind-Body Wellness Day.
• Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin scored a century in his first Test match today.
• Today is Greta Thunberg’s birthday (3rd January 2003). She is a Swedish environmental activist and probably the most famous one at that.
• YouTube was acquired by Google today (January 3, 2006).