This Day in History: March 28

Birth of Puttaparthi Narayanacharyulu (1914)

A prominent Telugu poet, born in 1914. He was known for his works that beautifully blended music and literature. Considered one of the greatest Telugu poets and a master of many languages (polyglot), his most celebrated work is the epic poem “Shiva Tandava Kavya”, which many scholars consider a modern-day masterpiece.

Death of Chittoor Nagayya (1904-1985):

A legendary figure in Telugu cinema, Chittoor Nagayya was a multifaceted talent who excelled as an actor, musician, singer, director, and producer. Born in 1904, his career spanned over several decades. He brought iconic characters like Pothana, Thyagaraja, Vemana, and Ramadasu to life on the silver screen, captivating audiences with his performances. His contributions were recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri award, making him the first South Indian actor to receive this honour.

Also Read: This Day in History: March 27

Death of Gooty Kesava Pillai (1860-1933):

Born in 1860, Diwan Bahadur Pattu Kesava Pillai was a remarkable freedom fighter, politician, and journalist. He actively participated in various movements against the British Raj, using his voice and pen to inspire the masses. His powerful articles in newspapers played a crucial role in raising awareness and igniting the fight for independence. He was also a dedicated member of the Congress party during 1916-17.

Death of Kala Venkata Rao (1900-1959):

A distinguished freedom fighter and a former minister of Andhra Pradesh, Kala Venkata Rao was born in 1900. His dedication to the cause of independence began early, with his participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement while still a student in 1921. He continued to be actively involved in the fight for freedom throughout his life, participating in movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement, Individual Satyagraha, and the Quit India Movement. He was imprisoned for his activism and played a key role within the Congress party.

Also Read: This Day in History: March 26

Other Historical Events on March 28

• 1891: Witnessing the birth of a new sporting tradition, the first-ever World Weightlifting Championship was held.
• 1922: Technology took a leap forward with American inventor Bradley A. Fiske receiving a patent for a revolutionary microfilm reading device.
• 1930: In a significant shift, Turkey made a name change for its largest city, replacing the historical name Constantinople with the current Istanbul.
• 1941: A daring escape unfolded as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who was under house arrest by the British, managed to flee Kolkata and make his way to Berlin.
• 2005: A powerful earthquake struck the island of Sumatra, sending tremors throughout Indonesia. This natural disaster ranked as the fourth-largest earthquake recorded since 1965.