This Day in History: January 13

Marri Chenna Reddy Jayanti (13 January 1919)

Today is the birth anniversary of Marri Chenna Reddy who served as the first Chief Minister from Telangana in United AP. Chenna Reddy, who was born on this day in 1919 in Vikarabad district, rose step by step in politics and took charge as Union and State Minister. Later, Marri Chenna Reddy was elected as Chief Minister. He served as CM from 3 December 1989 to 17 December 1990. Later he also worked as the Governor of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The first phase of the Telangana movement of 1969 continued under his leadership. Marri Chenna Reddy was also the one who kept the movement alive. Chenna Reddy, who was away from politics, passed away on 2 December 1996.

Birth Anniversary of Indian Astronaut Rakesh Sharma (13 January 1949)

Today is the birth anniversary of Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to enter space. Born on this day in 1954 in Patiala, Punjab, Rakesh Sharma was part of many space expeditions. Rakesh Sharma created history by stepping into space on 3rd April 1984 through the Russian Soyuz T-11 rocket on the back of his immense hard work. He became the first Indian to enter space.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Last Hunger Strike (13 January 1948)

On 13 January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi started the last hunger strike of his life. He went on a hunger strike for unity among the people to reduce the Hindu-Muslim conflicts raging in India. He retired the fast on the 18th of the same month. The initiation received a positive response from all quarters.

Lohri Festival (January 13, 14)

Lohri is the first festival of the year. Lohri is known as the festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season. Lohri festival is celebrated in Punjab, Haryana and other states. Like on Sakranti in Telugu states, people light bonfires, prepare bread dishes and spend time with family members happily.

A few more important events on January 13th

• Film actors Sayaji Shinde (1959), Vaishnav Tej (1995), and Imran Khan (1983) have birthdays today.
• Today is the death anniversary of yesteryear beauty and popular film actress Anjali Devi (2004).
• The first-ever public radio broadcast was transmitted on this day in 1910. A live opera was broadcast as part of this from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.