This Day in History: April 11

National Safe Motherhood Day

Every year on April 11, Safe Motherhood Day raises awareness of the significance of maternal health and wellness, assures access to high-quality maternal healthcare services, and encourages safe delivery practices. Various awareness programs are conducted to strengthen the bond between mother and child. The Government of India officially decided to observe National Safe Motherhood Day in 2003.

Jyotirao Phule’s Birthday

Jyotirao Phule, who worked towards the eradication of untouchability, the caste system, and the upliftment of women, was born in 1827 in the Satara district of Maharashtra. On September 24, 1873, Phule, along with his followers, established the Satyashodhak Samaj to ensure equal rights for the lower castes. He played a significant role in the social reform movement in Maharashtra. His wife, Savitribai Phule, is considered a pioneer of women’s education in India. They are known for founding the first school for girls in Pune in 1848 and also established a home for widows. They were among the first native Indians to start a school for girls in India. He was also the first reformer to advocate for the universalization of education.

Also Read: This Day in History: April 10

Kasturba Mohandas Gandhi’s Birthday

Kasturba Mohandas Gandhi, a freedom fighter, the first wife of Mahatma Gandhi, and a political activist, was born in 1869 in Porbandar, Kathiawad, Gujarat. With her husband’s encouragement and along with her son, she participated in the Indian independence movement. She lived with Gandhi for 62 years and participated in the struggle for the rights of the Indian diaspora in South Africa and the Indian independence movement.

Kundan Lal Saigal’s Birthday

The renowned singer and actor Kundan Lal Saigal was born in 1904 in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. He is considered the first superstar of Bollywood and acted in several hit movies. During his 15-year film career, he acted in 36 films.

Also Read: This Day in History: April 9

Joseph Carey Merrick’s Death

Joseph Carey Merrick, born with a severe physical deformity known as “The Elephant Man,” died in 1890 in London. He was born on August 5, 1862, in Leicester, England. After meeting Sir Frederick Treves, he lived at the London Hospital. He was exhibited in a freak show as “The Elephant Man.”

Paila Vasudevarao’s Death

The tribal armed revolutionary and leader Paila Vasudevarao died in 2010 in Hyderabad. Born on August 10, 1932, in Banapuram, Srikakulam district, he fought against the feudal system and worked for the upliftment of tribals. After the deaths of leaders like Adibhatla Kailasam and Vempatapu Satyam, he led the Naxalite movement in the district. Vasudeva Rao spent half of his life in hiding.

Other Glimpses from World History on April 11

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) was established in 1919 by the United Nations to promote social and economic justice for workers internationally. Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• India’s first payment bank, Airtel Payment Bank, was launched in 2017. Among the 11 applications granted permission for payment bank services in August 2015, this bank was also included.