Major global variants include an Universal Children’s Day on November 20, by United Nations recommendation.

International Children’s Day

The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is not clear as to why June 1 was chosen as the International Children’s Day: one theory has it that the Chinese consul-general in San Francisco (USA) gathered a number of Chinese orphans to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in 1925, which happened to be on June 1 that year, and also coincided with the conference in Geneva.

The holiday is celebrated on 1 June each year. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and well being, children TV programs, parties, various actions involving or dedicated to children, families going out, etc.

Universal Children’s Day

Universal Children’s Day takes place on November 20 annually. First proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954, it was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children. It was also chosen as the day to celebrate childhood.

Universal Children’s Day is preceded by International Men’s Day on November 19 creating a 48 hour celebration of men and children respectively during which time the positive roles men play in children’s lives are recognized.

The holiday was first celebrated worldwide in October 1953, under the sponsorship of International Union for Child Welfare in Geneva. The idea of a Universal Children’s Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954.

November 20 is also the anniversary of the day when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959. The Convention on the Rights of the Child was then signed on the same day in 1989, which has since been ratified by 191 states.

Observance around the world (Examples)

1.Argentina

Children’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in August and it’s known as Día del Niño. Until the 1990s, the celebration was on the first Sunday of August. Because in some years most employees were not paid by the first Sunday, the celebration was changed to the second Sunday in August.

2.Australia

Children’s Day Australia is the second Sunday in July. Children’s Day Australia is a registered trademark.

Universal Children’s Day is always on the fourth Wednesday of October.

Universal Children’s Day calls society to a greater response to the plight of many millions of children around the world who are denied the basic necessities of a happy childhood and the education to develop their capacities. It also calls on Australians to consider those conditions in society which affect the lives and future of our own children.

Children’s Week includes Universal Children’s Day. Children’s Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. Thousands of children across Australia are involved in activities organised by schools, childcare centres, play groups, libraries, cultural and community groups.

Children’s Week is great opportunity for children to be able to display their talents, skills and achievements and simply celebrate the earlier years of childhood. Events and activities focus on language and literacy, health, sport and recreation, the arts and science, as well as children’s cultural, social and emotional needs.

3.India

The birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is celebrated as the Children’s Day in India. it is celebrated on November 14. He was the first Prime Minister of India after independence. This festival is celebrated in the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Figure:- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

India’s first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was born on November 14. After his death in 1964, his birthday has been celebrated as children’s Day in India.Children’s Day is not just a day to let the future generation have its say. It is a day to remember a leader who, in his quiet but determined way, laid the foundation to convert a nascent nation into a world power.

But why Children’s Day?

                                      Apart from being known for his skills as a statesman, Nehru was also immensely fond of children. The more popular and famous of Nehru’s pictures show him with children.

As a tribute to this great man and his love for the children, his birthday is celebrated all over India as ‘CHILDREN’S DAY’. Most schools have cultural programmes for the day, with the students managing it all. All over the country, various cultural, social, and even corporate, institutions conduct competitions for children.

Children’s Day is a day for children to engage in fun and frolic. Schools celebrate this day by organizing cultural programmes. Teachers of the school perform songs and dances for their students.

Children’s Day in India surrounds the celebration of childhood. The day is celebrated on 14th November across the nation to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Though the Universal Children’s Day is celebrated on 20th November, the date has been pre-poned in India since Nehru was very fond of children. The festival is marked on a national level to pay tribute to Nehru’s love and passion for children. He was known as Chacha Nehru out of respect and admiration.

Kids are encouraged to participate in different activities, such as painting, singing, dancing, fancy dress, field events, elocutions, poetry, and so on. They celebrate the day in their own way. Partying and get-togethers are quite common on this occasion. In case you are a planning to throw a Children’s Day party for your friends or your kids’ friends, this article is just the right stop. Find different ideas for planning invitations, decorations, food, themes and favors.

Also, if you want to celebrate it in a simple way, just present your child a Nice, Cute, RED ROSE. Chacha Nehru used to pin a Red Rose to his dress every time. So with a Red Rose, you are paying tribute to the leader as well as honouring your child.

Before I stop let me say,

                                 “HAPPY CHILDREN’S DAY……………!”

There is speculation made in financial quarters that in another decade, the Chinese currency Yuan (Remnimbi) will replace the US dollar as the most acceptable international currency. Analysts cite the growing clout of China in world economy and its military strength as the reason for their speculation. There is no doubt that China has many positives that could take its currency to international level in the foreseeable future.

China growing in double digits

First of all, China is growing in double digits for the last three decades. This is a record economic performance for any country in the world. In fact, had Mao Tse Tung died earlier, say in the fifties, China would already have become the superpower. Mao Tse Tung did not allow intellectuals to flourish in communist China. Mao viewed doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers, lecturers and other intellectuals as his enemies. So he killed all of them in the sixties in the name of Cultural Revolution. After Mao’s death, the Chinese leaders allowed the intellectuals to flourish in China. The result is for all to see. China has been growing tall for the last three decades, since Mao’s death.

Low cost economy

Secondly, Chinese government has control over its economy and people. Under a strict communist regime, Chinese people are denied freedom of expression. They have to do their allotted work and accept whatever wages paid by the government. This makes Chinese economy a low cost production base. Trade Unions are not allowed to function in Chinese factories.

Growing military might

Thirdly, China’s military has grown from strength to strength. Today, the Red Army is the largest armed force in the world. China is a nuclear power. It has helped Pakistan and North Korea to acquire nuclear power. It is helping Muslim countries like Iran to acquire nuclear weapons with the hope that these bombs will be dropped on US to destroy it. China senses that it will be the only superpower in the world once USA is destroyed by nuclear bombs. This is a very clever strategy and America has no reply to this Chinese proliferation of nuclear weapons.

China is proving untrustworthy

But there are many negatives that could spike the Dragon wheel’s movement. First, nobody trusts China. China lacks credibility. The late Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cheated by China. Chinese leaders agreed to abide by the Panchsheel (five principles) advocated by Nehru. Nehru was singing the praise of China with his famous words ‘Indo Chin Bhai Bhai’ (India and China are brothers). But China embarked on a sudden attack on India and captured 32000 sq km of its Territory and is still holding it. Ten countries like Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan etc do not trust China over the South China Sea policy. Even though Pakistan is China’s best friend, China kept quiet when the Indian troops entered East Pakistan and liberated it as a separate nation called Bangladesh in 1971. Recently, China promised support to Colonel Gadaffi of Libya in the UN. But when sanctions were imposed by the Western nations against Gadafi, China kept mum. When the Western nations attacked Libya with their military weapons, China kept mum. Because of all these reasons, nobody is trusting China today. Only Pakistan hugs China and calls it as is saviour.

Border disputes galore

Secondly, China has border disputes with almost every neighbouring country. It settled the dispute with Russia only recently and signed an agreement. McMahon line, the border between India and China is a scene of contention between the two. China makes intrusions into Indian Territory on one pretext or other and grabs small chunks of land every time.

Eyeing on other people’s land

Thirdly, China makes claim of other people’s land as its own. It is claiming that Arunachal Pradesh belongs to it. It is claiming that Taiwan belongs to it. It is claiming that the entire South China Sea belongs to it. It claims that Paracel and Spartley Islands also belong to it.

Nuclear proliferation

Fourthly, China secretly spreads nuclear proliferation. It has made Pakistan nuclear. It has made North Korea nuclear. It is assisting Iran to go nuclear. All these things are done covertly as well as overtly. But China does not realise that instead of dropping the nuclear bombs on USA, the terrorists may well drop the bombs on China itself in order to teach it a lesson for its suppression of the Uighur Muslims in its Xingjian Province bordering Pakistan.

Internal suppression

Fifthly, China suppresses its people brutally. When students demonstrated before the Tiananmen Square in 1989 demanding democracy and freedom, China used its military to crush the students’ revolt. All the students were mercilessly slaughtered. Mao Tse Tung killed more than hundred million people in the sixties in the name of Cultural Revolution. Any time the Chinese people may rebel and overthrow their government. In fact, China itself may break up because of the suppression of its people. No external enemies are needed for this.

China’s breaking up on the cards

Under the circumstances, the Chinese currency Yuan (Remnimbi) cannot attain the status that China is aiming at in a decade’s time. In fact, in a decade’s time, China may break up and there may not be a country by name China at all.

It is not that Nehru was clueless about engineering a modern state; indeed, his vision for a modern India contained secularism and urbanism that modern nations embraced. Modernism appealed to Nehru firstly because it “was free of the encumbrances of imperialism and was therefore acceptable for adaptation to an invented national identity” (Kalia 129). Modernism changed the way people thought, and Nehru’ recognized its potential to change society. Modernism had the potential to permeate the lives of people and establish new ambitions goals. Thus with evolving needs, India as a whole would be able to take a new road to economic prosperity and tolerance. Corbusier tore apart India’s ancient prejudices and colonial heritage by reinterpreting the purpose of the landscape for office buildings, factories, universities instead of temples and mosques. Modernist ideas helped shape Nehru’s vision for India by enabling him to build a national identity. Nehru reexamined the constraints of Indian society, “eliminating the unnecessary, while keeping what delighted the eye” (Kalia 128). While extensive repudiation of colonial and pre-colonial specters are impossible and unnecessary, Nehru tailored his vision for India by keeping intact what was necessary such and disposing of old obstacles. Kalia captures Nehru’s intent and states, “modernism, with its social and technological imperatives, appeared to be the natural answer and one that would facilitate a reconciliation of both modern technology and indigenous methods” (129).

The construction of three capital cities of Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar and Gandhinagar exemplify planned cities with modern architecture and materials. Hitherto cities had sprung up with numerous shantytowns decorating the landscape. The shantytowns then and now, unfortunately still have numerous scheduled castes and other backward communities that are economically and socially oppressed. The building of planned cities was the first step on a long journey to bring economic and social prosperity to the downtrodden.  Nehru’s vision was influenced by modernism secondly when Le Corbusier helped “the Indian prime minister embrace the machine age and its aesthetic potential” (Kalia 128). Corbusier reinforced Nehru’s his faith in modern manufacturing, technology and the power of human creativity. Nehru understood the power of the machine combined with human ingenuity. The ability to mass-produce anything from construction material to cheap T-shirts would greatly benefit India’s burgeoning population. Embracing modern manufacturing and construction methods that emphasize function for many instead of ornate splendor for a few, the new capital cities would the first of many to come. Nehru’s association with Corbusier influenced his vision for a modern India by changing the old school of thought. Though modernism cannot be attributed all the praise for modernizing India, it had its impact through one man who could promote it to the greatest extent possible.

Modernism assimilated into India in tangible intangible ways. The idea appealed to Nehru initially because it was not monolithic. It had great scope to potentially influence various areas of society. Modernism assimilated in to India firstly in urban planning. The capital cities of Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar and Gandhinagar are great examples of planned cities that incorporated modern roads, facilities and conveniences. Barbara and Thomas Metcalf note “the whole was set within a rigidly demarcated plan of ‘sectors’, in which everything from roadways and parks to residences for different classes of civil servants, each clustered by rank, was laid out in painstaking detail” (Metcalf and Metcalf 236). These planned cities incorporated large masses of people into the modern lifestyle more than ever before. The second area influenced by modernism was architecture. Nehru’s vision of modern India refused “the existing architectural styles, such as Indo-Saracenic, tainted by colonialism” (Metcalf and Metcalf 235). Instead buildings featuring brick, steel, glass, concrete with geometric shapes of cones and squares from the machine age were adopted because they were completely new to the eye. The most important contribution of modernist architecture is educational institutions.

Modernist architecture facilitated the establishment of larger universities that were capable of educating more people than ever before.  Institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science, National School of Design and many others were built to establish indigenous brainpower necessary for modernization. The third area modernism assimilated was in songs, films and television. Barbara and Thomas Metcalf note, “Nehruvian idealism can be seen in the Indian cinema of the 1950s. Popular and accessible, the products of the huge Bombay studios, soon to be known as ‘Bollywood’, commercial films . . . made explicit the ideals of nationalism as well as the challenges of development and urban life” (Metcalf and Metcalf 237). Films were avenues to express Nehru’s vision of an urbane and modern India. The general population understood the virtues of a secular, urban, and modern national identity instead of a religiously divided agrarian society through film. Movies enabled the masses to understand the scope of creativity, knowledge, education and technology.

The fourth avenue for modernism was clothing and fashion, and beauty pageants. Modernism slowly outdated the old fashion trends, materials and, methods of sewing and manufacturing. Clothing and fashion was revolutionized because of new materials like Polyester. Polyester became popular because it affordable and durable instead of expensive and delicate silks. The detailed dressing styles and elaborate embroidery on saris, and morning dresses and suits for men, were slowly changed or dying out as older generations passed away. Everyone could wear qualitative clothes and have a sizable closet. Also, since “modernism offered a shimmering vision of escape from everything conservative, traditional and limited,” partial credit can be given for change in the outlook on women (Kalia 2). India was top in beauty pageants featuring beauties such as Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutt, who were nominated for impressive titles of Miss Universe and Miss World. The traditional perspective of women as the protector and mother of society and country was very slowly being reinterpreted. Nehru’s modernist adoptions and adaptations were slowly incorporating themselves in to India.       

Part of Nehru’s vision was to build educational institutions to establish a sufficient pool of skilled workers to industrialize and modernize India. Creativity and innovation were encouraged in institutions built by notable modernists architect like Louis Kahn. These institutions produced engineers from all branches, designers, technocrats and scientists that are partially responsible for bringing economic prosperity in India. Thousands of engineers graduated annually to bring about the Information Technology age in India and the world. These experts went abroad notably to California’s Silicon Valley and began computer companies such as Sun Microsystems and Infosys that revolutionized information technology. These firms engineered easy access for information, communication and a multitude of benefits provided by desktops in homes. These technologies which once reserved for the armed forces were now everywhere because of the technological and scientific contributions made in part by these software designers and engineers.

The effects of computer need not be mentioned. Everything has digitized with faster accessing and processing capabilities to ease the difficulties of life. The computer penetrated every aspect of society from NASA to toys. The initial efforts of these engineers who graduated from institutions such as the IIT partially contributed to modernization. India’s fame for its superiority in computer technology encouraged many foreign firms to outsource skilled professions increasing India’s pool of skilled workers and jobs, which has brought great economic boom. While many people from the lower strata are left out of this prosperity, the computer age has brought a great influx of wealth and establishing a middle class. It is obvious that Nehru’s modernist and progressive aspirations paid off. Nehru’s vision for India included a modern and industrialized state, which he implemented by approving the building of new educational institutions as venues for modernization. While modernism is not solely responsible for India’s rise, it has definitely played a good role. Visions are not fulfilled the within a day. Modernism’s influences on Nehru’s vision for a modern India are laudable, and its goodness was realized as time passed.           

Works Cited

Metcalf, Thomas R. Metcalf. A Concise History of Modern India. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2006.

Kalia, Ravi. Gandhinagar: Building National Identity in Postcolonial India. Columbia, South Carolina: University of South Carolina Press. 2004

Most of the Indians, refer her as, The Iron Lady of India. She was an experienced strategist both in  internal and affairs of the state. She continued the projects, her father had initiated, Nagarjuna Sagar irrigation is the one of them, that was put into action during her tenure. She was instrumental in contending, Pakistan’s aggressive attitude during 1971 war. Due to the civil war in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) in 1971, people of that region, started migrating as refugees into India (West Bengal). This put an undue pressure on Indian government, to bring pressure over Pakistan, to end the massacre of people in its eastern part. Pakistan’s military regime, did not heed to India’s warning of action on the event of not complying to its demands. Apparently, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, went to Moscow, to sign a Treaty of Friendship of 20 years, for their moral & military support, incase if India goes for a war against Pakistan (NATO ally and had US support, militarily).

After, returning from Moscow, Pakistan airforce had attacked Indian air bases, followed by which India delcared war. Unlike, Pandit Nehru, Mrs. Gandhi, was aggressive and pro- active in implementing things for the welfare of the country, and have never let other countries interfere in Indian affairs. She taught the enemies, where they stood, by military action, on the account of not heeding to her warnings. USSR, supported India a lot during 1971 war, militarily and logistically. The war continued for thriteen days, followed by the victory of India and the formation of new state of Bangladesh. Till date, Pakistan could not digest this defeat and losing of its other half of the territory.

Mrs. Indira Gandhi, continued to support the development of Steel Industries, several irrigation projects initiated during her father’s tenure, and the development of nuclear technology. She was an advocate of ISRO programme, and the prominent nuclear reactors were set up during her tenure.

She had to declare emergency, for about 21 months, to implement several projects, and for economic development, to increase agricultural & industrial productivity, and to fight poverty, illiteracy. During emergency, she was the supreme power, and she ordered arrests of those who were defiant in supporting or not letting her implement the 20-point economic programme, laid for country’s development. Unfortunately, due to pressure from mass movements of the people, supported by opposition parties, she had to call off the emergency. Followed by which she had lost 1977 elections, however, she rose to power in the 1980 elections.

During early eighties, India saw an another problem of Sikh separatist movement, seeking a separate country of Khalistan. This movement was started, in view of the fact  that, there used to be a Sikh empire in the 18th century, and that some radical Sikhs had feeling of being ill treated in India. Hence, this feeling fuelled to attract youth to join militant groups for the fight of separate country. Besides, this they used to conduct their operations in, and around Golden Temple in Amritsar, which was being their base. Meanwhile, Mrs.Gandhi, saw the threat of these Sikh radicals for India’s internal and external security. First, she negotiated with them  to fulfill their demands, which was futile. Hence, she warned of a severe military action against those who would stand up for the radical movement. Thus, she implemented, Operation Blue Star, to clear out the Golden Temple off from the radical sikhs hiding inside. There was a curfew of 36 hours, in the state of Punjab, cutting out electricity supply all over the state. Followed by which the Indian Army, assaulted the Golden Temple and killed all the radicals, incuding their leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala. This was her third bold move during her tenure of 20 years. Unfortunately, she was shot by her own body guards, which is totally a different story.

For these reasons and events, she is still The Iron Lady of India. She was proactive, active in implementing her plans and projects, those she had planned for the country’s development.

1. Agricultural vision: Under his leadership, India saw the rise of various river valley projects like Bhakra Nangal, Tungabhadra and Gandhi sagar dam, various lands were made fertile, several fertiliser industries were setup. The drive in him to make India self sufficient in food, has resulted in the development of agriculture, with the introduction of modern machinery in land tilling etc.

2. Heavy Industry Vision: He had a keen interest towards, the way USSR had developed as a heavy industrial society depsite being a poor country, and he believed that, this is the reason why, USSR was able to drive out Nazis from Russia in the second world war. Hence, he implemented various plans of setting up steel industries, cement industries to exploit the mineral welath of India. He believed, that the heavy industries are the backbone of country’s economy.

These were the two visions, that were coming true during his tenure as the leader of India. Earlier, in his first tenure, he believed that, with limited resources and huge population, India needs planning to implement various developmental projects at various situations & conditions. Hence, under his leadership, the planning commission was set up, for which the Prime Minister is the chairman. This commission would meet and draft the plan for Indian developmental projects in various sectors, for every five years. Till date, eleven five year plans, have been drafted. The 11th plan being for the period of 2007-2012.Below is the planning commission website:

(http://planningcommission.gov.in/plans/planrel/index.php?state=planbody.htm)

Besides, above mentioned visions, Pandit Nehru, had started NAM (Non-Alignment Movement) alongwith President Nasser of Egypt, and Marshal Tito of Yugoslav, to refrain from being part of two power blocs of the Cold war era. The member countries of NAM were newly independent countries, unwilling to join either USSR or USA, among whom there was a war like situation called Cold War. The main objectives of NAM were:

1. Respect for each other’s territory.

2. Non-aggressive attitude.

3. Non-interference in other’s domestic affairs. (Thats why India refrained from voting for the no-fly zone in Libya in the UN Security Council voting).

4. Mutual co-existence in peace.

5. Equality and disarmament.

Thus, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, with a vision for the Independent India, took to certain level of development, that brought self sufficiency in agriculture and economy. All his actions, implementation of his plans, account his leadership qualities.

India was once known as the golden bird. India had a lot of wealth and gold but many rulers conquered India from time to time. Britishers also ruled India for more than 150 years. In this period, Britishers spoiled the resources of India for their self interest .

India got independence on 15th august 1947. After a long freedom struggle, Britishers left the country. But within these 150 years the resources of India were exploited and India lacked much behind.

The infrastructure of India was very weak , the only one thing which Britishers did in favor of India was the introduction of railways. When India gained freedom, rule came in hand of Pandit. Jawahar Lal Nehru ji (first prime minister of India) .In initial years he stressed upon the development of infrastructure and development of Indian industries , so that  Indian economy could get some stability and by doing this he laid the foundation of strong infrastructure and stable economy.

When Mr. Rajeev Gandhi became the P.M(prime minister) of India the era of modernization  begun . He was the only person to introduce computers in India . Later in 1990’s process of globalization started . In 90’s the economic police of India was changed . Before 1992 the Indian industries didn’t faced any competition from any outside firm . After 1947 till 1992 Indian government gave time to Indian firms to flourish but after 1992 the Indian markets were opened for direct foreign investment . Now Indian markets were open for trade. The Indian firms now face a tough competition from outside firms. This proved beneficial for the people as due to competition in market companies had to decrease the price of the products .

Many MNC’s (multi national corporations)  started investing in Indian market . The best example of multi national corporations in India are coca-cola, Sony , Samsung , etc.

Right now India is 11th largest economy according to nominal GDP(gross domestic production and fourth largest according to PPP i.e. purchasing power parity . Service sector of India accounts for 55% in GDP ,  agriculture and industrial sector accounts for about 17% and 28%. But despite of 52% of the total working population involved in primary sector , agriculture still contributes 17% in GDP. Service sector includes 34%of working population and secondary sector makes up further 14%.India in 2007 contributed 1.5 % in world trade according to (world trade organization) .

In agriculture sector India is the largest producer of tea , black pepper , milk , cashews ,  coconuts , etc and second largest producer of rice , wheat , sugar , cotton , silk , peanuts , and sugar. India is also largest producer of fruits with 10% of world’s fruit production.

The industrial sector of India has also become very powerful . Companies like Reliance , TATA , Aditya Birla group , Kingfisher and many other are now posing tough competition to multi national corporations not only in India , but also outside India . Recently TATA took over luxury car brands that are Jaguar and Land Rover . Also TATA had launched , world’s cheapest car Nano .

India is also producing large number of Doctors and Engineers every year . In NASA 30% of the total engineers are Indian.

It is also said that India’s GDP would cross the GDP of china by 2013. In near past , when whole world including the country like America was facing the problem of recession , even then also Indian economy was not much affected by it .

So if India would keep its GDP growth pace like this only then by 2020 Indian economy would be the most strongest economies of the world.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Children of today are citizens of tomorrow. On this special day, let us wish all the children of the world greater happiness, a peaceful world, harmony and oneness, and the very best of all things in this world.

Let us live in peace today by shunning terrorism, pollution, and bickering amongst ourselves and leave a beautiful world to its future citizens….

In conclusion, let me quote a few lines from the beautiful popular song:

“We are the world,
We are the children,
We are the one to make a brighter day,
So let`s start givin`,
There`s a chance we`re takin`,
We`re takin all our lives,
It`s true we`re make it a brighter day just you and me”.

A very happy Children’s Day to all the kids around the world…May you all live in peace and harmony always…The future is yours, make the best of it…

Ashoka (304 — 232 BC)

Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty. His rule started in 270 BC, and early in his rule, started a war with the empire of Kalinga. He conquered Kalinga, but was so sickened by war that he vowed to never battle again. Shortly after, Ashoka adopted Buddhism, and made it his state religion in 260 BC. He sought to spread it across Asia and built many Buddhist monuments and temples. Ashoka also adjusted India’s harsh laws, and focused on the well-being of his people. Much of our knowledge of this leader comes from many columns and boulders consisting of his teachings and words. Ashoka died in 232 BC, but he will live forever as the ruler who showed that conquest is not necessary in being a great leader.

Shah Jahan (January 5, 1592 ─ January 22, 1666)

Shah Jahan was the fifth Mogul emperor of India. His reign was called the Golden Age of Moguls. He wanted to expand his empire. Among his great achievements was destroying the civilization of Ahmadnagar. He built many beautiful buildings, including the Taj Mahal, which served as a tomb for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan had four sons, Dara Shukoh, Shah Shuja, Aurangzeb, and Murad Bakhsh. In 1657 Shah Jahan became seriously ill. His sons started fighting over the throne, expecting their father to die. Aurangzeb became the clear winner. Although he had made a full recovery, Aurangzeb threw Jahan in jail and declared himself king. Shah Jahan was kept in jail for eight years. With his health declining, he died on January 22, 1666. He was buried beside his wife in the Taj Mahal.

Mahatma Gandhi (October 2, 1869 ─ January 30, 1948)

Mahatma Gandhi was born at Probandar, India, into a family of Hindu merchants. At that time, India was in British rule. When Gandhi was 19, he went to University Collage in London. He then set up a law practice in Bombay after he returned from college, but had limited success. He went to another law firm in Durban, South Africa. He observed the treatment of Indian immigrants and fought for their basic rights. He was jailed many times. In 1915, Gandhi returned to India again. He tried to get the British government to treat Indian people better with a way called Satyagraha, which is a devotion to the truth. He tried to get Hindus and Muslims to live together peacefully. In January 30, 1948, he was shot and killed by a fanatic Muslim.

Jawaharlal Nehru (November 14, 1889 ─ May 27, 1964)

Jawaharlal Nehru was born in Allahabad, India. He went to Harrow School and Cambridge University in England to practice law. In 1919 he joined the Indian National Congress. Nehru soon became a leader of the nationalist movement. Between 1921 and1945 he was jailed nine times because of his activities for Indian independence. He was president of the Congress party from 1929 to 1931. In 1942 he replaced Mohatma K. Gandhi as the recognized leader of the National Congress party. In 1946, the British government invited him to form an interim government. In 1947, India became officially an independent country. Nehru was elected as the first prime minister of India. On May 27, 1964, Jawaharlal Nehru suffered a heart attack and later, a stroke and died early in the morning.

   He was shipped in a cattle van to a concentration camp noted for brutality. To keep himself sane, he moved into a world of his own, a world of logic and order, ‘numberland’. He did not have books, paper or pen but his mental concentration was stunning. He visualised gigantic numbers and set himself the task of adding them. He invented foolproof methods which could be used even by a small child. He spent every spare moment in devising short cuts for every calculation

  O Henry’s original name was William Sydney Porter and he was born in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1862.

  He worked in a bank as a book keeper before he bought a magazine which later became “The Rolling stone” in 1984. He was sentenced to five years in prison  for embezzling in the bank. At this time creatuve genius awaked in him inspiring him to compose stories with great twists and surprise endings.  After his release he went to new York and there he became the famous O Henry America’s and world’s greatest story tellers.

  Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru joined and supported Non Co-operation movement. Nehru spent more than nine years in jail. He occupied most of his prison time in writing during which he wrote “Glimpses of world History”, his autobiography and Discovery of India. Glimpses of world History is actually a series of letters written to his daughter Indira Priyadarshini