This Day in History: April 6

James Watson’s Birthday

James Dewey Watson, a renowned scientist who revolutionized biology, was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA in 1928. He is most recognized for co-discovering the double helix structure of DNA alongside Francis Crick. This groundbreaking discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962, at the age of 34. Watson’s work on DNA has had a profound impact on genetics, leading to advancements in gene cloning, gene banks, and genetic engineering.

Birth Anniversary of Mir Osman Ali Khan

Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of the Hyderabad State, was born in Purani Haveli, Hyderabad in 1886. His full name was Fateh Jang Nawab Mir Usman Ali Khan Asaf Jah VII. A philanthropist, he donated a significant portion of his personal estate, including 14,000 acres of land, to support Vinoba Bhave’s Bhudan movement, which aimed to provide landless farmers with property. Notably, he also contributed 5,000 kg of gold to the Indian war fund during the 1962 India-China war. His reign witnessed significant progress, including the establishment of educational institutions like Osmania University, industries like Sirpur Paper Mills and Bodhan Sugar Factory, and landmarks like the Charminar Cigarette Factory and Nizam State Railway. The Telangana High Court was inaugurated in 1920 and Raj Bhavan was constructed during his rule.

Birthday of Dilip Vengsarkar

Dilip Balwant Vengsarkar, a former Indian cricketer, was born in Rajapur, Maharashtra in 1956. He debuted for India as an opener in the 1975-76 Auckland Test against New Zealand. A crucial member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, Vengsarkar excelled with his unique playing style between 1985 and 1987. He took over the captaincy after the 1987 World Cup. Throughout his career, he amassed 6868 runs in 116 Test matches, including 17 centuries and 35 half-centuries. In ODIs, he scored a total of 3508 runs with a century across 129 matches. Vengsarkar also served as the Chairman of the BCCI Selection Committee.

James Mill’s Birthday

Scottish historian, economist, political theorist, and philosopher James Mill was born in 1773. He is known for his comprehensive, albeit controversial, six-volume “The History of British India.”

Death of Sujatha

Indian actress Sujatha (born Sujatha Shanmugham) passed away in Chennai in 2011. Born in Sri Lanka on December 10, 1952, she acted in films across various languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi. Dasari Narayana Rao launched her Telugu film career with the movie “Gorintaku” in 1979. Following its success, she received opportunities to work with prominent actors. Films like “Gorintaku,” “Sutradharulu,” and “Sri Ramadasu” established her reputation. She won a Nandi Award for her performance in the 1997 film “Pelli.”

Death of Pannalal Patel

Gujarati writer Pannalal Patel passed away in Ahmedabad in 1989. Born on May 7, 1912, in Mandli village, he was a renowned storyteller and novelist in the Gujarati language. His writings often depicted realism, social conditions, rural customs, and the complexities of human nature. He was awarded the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 1985 for his literary contributions. Notably, he received Gujarati’s highest literary honor, the “Suvarna Chandrak,” in 1950.

Other Glimpses from World History on April 6

• American writer and musician David Woodard was born in California, USA in 1964.
• Sribhashyam Appalacharya, a celebrated orator and literary commentator, was born in Padmanabham, Visakha district in 1922.
• Armed Telangana fighter Nallamala Giriprasad was born in Thondala Gopavaram, Khammam district in 1931.
• Science fiction author and magazine creator Isaac Asimov died in New York City in 1992.
• Telugu film director Veerabhadram Chaudhary, known for the movie “Aha Naa Pellanta” (2011) was born in West Godavari district in 1975.
• The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens.