This Day in History: April 23

World Book Day

Commemorated annually on April 23rd, World Book Day celebrates the joy of reading and promotes literacy worldwide. Founded in 1995 by UNESCO, the date was chosen to honour the death anniversaries of literary giants like William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of books, publishing, and copyright.

English Language Day

Established in 2010 by the United Nations Department of Public Information, English Language Day falls on April 23rd, coinciding with the death anniversary of William Shakespeare. This day celebrates the global influence of the English language and promotes its use amongst the six official languages recognized by the UN.

Also Read: This Day in History: April 22

Spanish Language Day (Cervantes Day)

Observed on April 23rd each year, Spanish Language Day (also known as Cervantes Day) honours the death anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes, the renowned Spanish writer responsible for the iconic novel “Don Quixote.” This day celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of the Spanish language.

Max Planck’s Birthday

German physicist Max Planck, born in 1858, is remembered on his birthday today. A Nobel laureate, Planck revolutionized physics by pioneering the theory of quantum mechanics in 1900. His groundbreaking work paved the way for further advancements in physics.

S Janaki’s Birthday

Celebrated playback singer S Janaki, was born in 1938. Renowned for her melodious voice, she sang in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, throughout her prolific career spanning over 50 years. Throughout her journey, she garnered numerous awards, including four national awards for best singer and 31 state awards.

Also Read: This Day in History: April 21

Death of William Shakespeare

The world-renowned English poet, playwright, and actor William Shakespeare passed away in 1616. Often hailed as England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon,” Shakespeare’s prolific career saw him write numerous acclaimed plays and literary masterpieces during the 16th century. His works continue to resonate with audiences globally.

Death of Satyajit Ray

India’s cinematic legend Satyajit Ray, a recipient of the Bharat Ratna, breathed his last in 1992. Widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of the 20th century, Ray’s filmmaking career yielded 37 films, including feature films, short films, and documentaries. His debut film, Pather Panchali, garnered international recognition and secured eleven awards at the Cannes Film Festival. Notably, Ray also received an honorary Oscar in 1992. He was the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna for his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema.

Manoj Bajpayee’s Birthday

Acclaimed Indian actor Manoj Bajpayee was born in 1969. He has predominantly acted in Hindi films while also featuring in Telugu cinema. A recipient of various prestigious acting awards, including a National Award for Best Actor and two for Best Supporting Actor, Bajpayee is known for his powerful performances and versatility.

Also Read: This Day in History: April 20

Shweta Menon’s Birthday

Indian actress, model, and television anchor Shweta Menon celebrates her birthday today. She rose to fame after winning the Femina Miss India Asia Pacific title in 1994. Throughout her career, Menon has graced the screens of Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema, captivating audiences with her talent. Additionally, she has participated in reality television shows like Bigg Boss Malayalam.

Other Glimpses from World History on April 23

• 1635: The first public school in America opens.
• 1863: Birth of Nadella Purushottama Kavi, a prominent Hindi dramatist and poet.
• 1891: Birth of renowned writer Sripada Subrahmanya Sastry.
• 1923: Birth of Telugu playwright and singer Koganti Gopalakrishnayya.
• 1949: Birth of Akkiraju Sundara Ramakrishna, a celebrated poet, stage actor, singer, and teacher.
• 2020: Passing of popular stage actress and director Usha Ganguly.