Amrita Shergill   India : An Artist Born : AD 1913           Died : AD 1956 The credit for modernising art in India goes to Amrita Shergill. Her work display an assimilation of Indian and Western art. Amrita Shergill, who gave new dimensions to Indian art, was herself influenced by Mughal and Rajasthani style. The many art exhibitions she held gave impetus to her art. Her best known paintings are: An...

Joseph Priestly   England : Inventor of Oxygen Born : AD 1733                    Died : AD 1804 The world today spends millions and trillions of rupees on aerated drinks like Coca-Cola. Did Joseph Priestly know that by mixing carbon-dioxide in water he would be giving the world a new business and that a transaction in millions would ensue? He was awarded a gold medal for this invention. But, the discovery of...

Amrita Pritam   India : Punjabi Author of World Fame Born : AD 1919   Death AD 2005 Amrita Pritam is one of the great writers of modem India. A Gyanpeeth award-winner for 1983 for her Kagaz to Kanvas (Punjabi), Amrita Pritam has authored more than 60 books. Her works have been translated in as many as 30 languages. Besides Punjabi, she has mastery over Hindi and Urdu. She was nominated as...

Birju Maharaj   India : A Kathak Dance Wizard Born : AD 1938 If one were to refer to Kathak Dance, the name to be conjured with will be Ilirju Maharaj. It is he who has established Kathak as a classical dance-form. He is a great guru who has produced renowned artists, evolved different styles and new traditions. Kathak dance form flowered due to his efforts. If it is popular and...

Abu Nidal   Palestine : International Terrorist Born : AD 1937    Death AD 2002 In the last few years acts of terrorism are growing constantly. Thousands of people have lost their lives in air crashes. Sometime back a Pan-Am aircraft exploded in mid-air causing death to 239 persons. Many similar tragedies have occurred in the past. All these acts are linked to Abu Nidal, the dreaded terrorist from Palestine. The...

Rukmabai Tuller India : A Woman of Fortitude Rukmabai Tuller is an ideal woman to be emulated. She is an inspiration for Indian woman to get up and walk on the path of life despite troubles and tribulations. Life was not smooth for Rukmabai. It dealt her harsh blows but her spirit could not be broken by the difficulties it posed. Married at 12, a mother at 14, and widow at...

Dr. Swaminathan   India : Agricultural Scientist Born : AD 1925 Dr. Swaminathan is not only a famous scientist but also an able administrator and an efficient organisor of projects. He has served the country by holding many significant positions. His researches in the field of agriculture and his efforts for improving the quality of wheat in particular, have won him laurels. Dr Borlogue has highly appreciated his works. Dr Swaminathan...