This Day in History: April 5

National Maritime Day

India celebrates its 61st National Maritime Day today, April 5th. The day aims to raise awareness about the significance of oceans for international trade and the global economy. While World Maritime Day is observed globally, India has its own separate celebration on this date. The National Maritime Day Awards of Excellence are presented on this occasion to recognize individuals with distinguished service and outstanding achievements in the Indian maritime sector.

Babu Jagjivan Ram is Born

Freedom fighter, social reformer, and politician Babu Jagjivan Ram was born on April 5, 1908, in Chandwa, Bihar. He championed the upliftment of backward castes in the state. Throughout his 40-year political career, he held various ministerial positions, including serving as Deputy Prime Minister at the Center. Notably, he played a key role in establishing the All India Depressed Classes League in 1935, an organization dedicated to abolishing untouchability. He also served as India’s first Labour Minister and Defence Minister during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Also Read: This Day in History: April 4

Chegondi Harirama Jogaiah is Born

Former state minister, MP, and film producer Chegondi Venkata Harirama Jogaiah was born on April 5, 1937 in Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh. He held ministerial positions in various departments of the United Andhra Pradesh government. He secured a parliamentary win from Narasapuram in 2004 on a Congress party ticket. Harirama Jogaiah, as he was popularly known in the film industry, also produced several films.

Talasila Kranthi Kumar is Born

Tollywood producer and director Talasila Kranthi Kumar was born on April 5, 1942. He began his career as a screenwriter and has received recognition for his contributions to cinema, including two Filmfare Awards and four Nandi Awards. Notably, his film Sravathi won the National Award for Best Telugu Film, and Sitaramaiyagari Manavaralu was screened at the International Film Festival of India. Additionally, his film 9 Months starring Soundarya was featured at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Also Read: This Day in History: April 3

Bitthiri Sathi’s Birthday

TV anchor and actor Bitthiri Sathi, born Kavali Ravikumar (Chevella Ravi) on April 5, 1979, gained recognition for his work on Theinmar news alongside Savitri. He began his career participating in the Telugu reality show Comedy Club in 2012 and joined the popular channel V6 in 2015. He has also lent his voice to over 150 movies and acted in films like Seema Shastri, Rudramadevi, and Tupaki Ramadu (2019).

Rashmika Mandanna’s Birthday

Popular actress Rashmika Mandanna was born on April 5, 1996. She started her career in Kannada films and gained critical acclaim for her debut in Kirik Party (2016). She successfully transitioned to Tollywood with Chalo and rose to prominence with Geethagovindam. In addition to Telugu and Kannada films, she has acted in Tamil and Bollywood movies, including Mission Majnu and Animal, establishing herself as a national crush in India.

Also Read: This Day in History: April 1

Poonam Bajwa’s Birthday

Actress Poonam Bajwa, born on April 5, 1985, has acted in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada films. After winning the Miss Pune pageant in 2005, she made her Telugu debut with Boss alongside Akkineni Nagarjuna. She has appeared in numerous films throughout her career.

SP Kodandapani Passes Away

Noted Telugu film music director Sripathi Panditharadhyula Kodandapani passed away on April 5, 1974. Born in 1932, he began his musical journey as a singer in 1953 and went on to compose music for over 100 films.

Also Read: This Day in History: April 2

Divya Bharathi’s Untimely Death

Actress Divya Bharathi, who achieved success in the South Indian film industry, died under mysterious circumstances on April 5, 1993, at the young age of 19. Introduced to Telugu audiences by Rama Naidu with Bobbili Raja, she acted in several hit movies before entering Bollywood with Vishwatma in 1992.

Other Glimpses from World History on April 5

• On April 5, 1957, the Communist Party led by E. M. S. Namboodiripad secured its first victory in the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections.
• Popular actor Chandramouli passed away in Hyderabad on April 5, 2018. He was known for his work in numerous serials and movies.