2 January in Indian and World History is celebrated, observed, and remembered for various reasons. 2 January is the birth anniversary of Mannattu Padmanabhan, Jainendra Kumar, and Dara Nusserwanji Khurode.
2 January is also observed as the death anniversary of Dr. Radhabai, Harekrishna Mahatab, and Safdar Hashmi.
Birth Anniversary on 2 January
2 January in Indian history is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the following personalities:
Mannattu Padmanabhan (2 January 1878 – 25 February 1970), was one of the famous social reformers of Kerala. The financial condition of the house was not good. Facing many difficulties, he had passed the magisterial examination, so that he could start advocacy. Mannattu Padmanabhan had established an organization called ‘Nair Service Society’ to remove the superstition and hypocrisy which was prevalent in the Nair society at that time. He also had to go to jail at the age of 68 in the movement for the merger of Kerala with India. He was awarded the ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 1966 for his versatile service work. He was born on 2 January 1878.
Jainendra Kumar (2 January 1905 – 24 December 1988), was a famous psychological story writer, novelist, and essayist in Hindi literature. He is recognized as the originator of the psychoanalytic tradition in the history of Hindi novels. Jainendra presents them with great skill by discovering the inherent subtle signs in the general movement of his characters. The characteristic features of their characters emerge together for this reason. He was born on 2 January 1905.
Dara Nusserwanji Khurode (2 January 1906 – 1 January 1983), was a noted Indian entrepreneur, known for his contributions to India’s milk industry. He worked in many private and government organizations at the beginning of his career. Later, he also served in many government high posts. D. N. Khurode also served as the Milk Commissioner of Mumbai from 1946 to 1952. In the 1950s in India, their name became synonymous with dairy. In the year 1963, D.N. Khurode was presented the Ramon Magsaysay Award jointly with Verghese Kurien. The Government of India honored him with ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 1964. He was born on 2 January 1906.
Read More: 1 January in Indian and World History
Death Anniversary on 2 January
2 January in Indian history is observed as the death anniversary of the following personalities:
Dr. Radhabai (1875 – 2 January 1950), was one of the famous women freedom fighters and social reformers. She was ahead in all the movements of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. His role in all these movements was very important for national unity, swadeshi, women’s awakening, anti-untouchability, and prohibition of alcohol. Radhabai’s contribution is also unforgettable in ending many evil practices prevalent in society. He died on 2 January 1950.
Harekrishna Mahatab (21 November 1899 – 2 January 1987), was one of the prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress. Counted among the architects of modern Orissa, Harekrishna Mahtab was a pioneer in India’s freedom struggle. He was also the Chief Minister of Orissa from 1946 to 1950 and again from 1956 to 1961. Hare Krishna Mahtab was also known by the title of ‘Utkal Kesari’ in Orissa. He was born on 2 January 1987.
Safdar Hashmi (12 April 1954 – 2 January 1989), was a Marxist playwright, artist, director, lyricist, and artist. Safdar Hashmi is known for his association with street plays. Safdar Hashmi was a founding member of ‘Jana Natya Manch’ and the Students Federation of India (SFI) in Delhi. The foundation of Jan Natya Manch was laid in 1973 by separating from the Bharatiya Jana Natya Sangh (IPTA). He died on 2 January 1989.
Read More: 31 December in Indian and World History
Notable events on 2 January in Indian and World History
2 January 1757 – British troops captured the Indian city of Calcutta (now Kolkata).
2 January 1839 – French photographer Louis Daguerre displayed the first photograph of the moon.
2 January 1905 – Jainendra Kumar, an Indian writer, and poet, was
2 January 1909 – Tawhida Ben Cheikh, a Tunisian physician and activist who played a pioneering role in promoting women’s rights and gender equality in Tunisia, was born.
2 January 1989 – Popular playwright Safdar Hashmi was brutally thrashed by anti-social elements during a play due to which he died on this day.
2 January 1899 – After the orders of Ramakrishna, the sadhus started living in Belur Math in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
2 January 1913 – Hussein Amin Bicar, one of Egypt‘s most prominent artists, was born.
2 January 1942 – During World War II, Japanese forces captured Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
2 January 1954 – The Padma Vibhushan Award was instituted.
2 January 1954 – The Bharat Ratna Award was instituted.
2 January 1963 – Amaka Igwe, a noted Nigerian filmmaker was born.
2 January 1971–  Usmar Ismail, a Norwegian playwright and theatre director, died.
2 January 1989 – Ranasinde Premadasa became the President of Sri Lanka.
2 January 1991 – Thiruvananthapuram airport was made of international standard.
2 January Historical Significance
On January 2, several significant historical events have occurred over the years. One notable event is the capture of Granada in 1492 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, which marked the end of the Reconquista and the conclusion of centuries-long efforts to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. In 1788, Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, solidifying its place as one of the original thirteen colonies. Additionally, on January 2, 1905, the Russian-Japanese War saw a pivotal moment with the surrender of the Russian garrison at Port Arthur to Japanese forces, significantly impacting the balance of power in East Asia. These events underscore January 2 as a day of pivotal military, political, and historical developments.
Important Days of 2Â January in History
National Science Fiction Day (USA): This day celebrates the genre of science fiction, recognizing its impact on literature, film, and popular culture. It coincides with the birthday of famous science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.
Berchtold’s Day (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Alsace region of France): This holiday is celebrated with various local traditions and customs, often involving community gatherings and activities.
National Buffet Day (USA): A day to celebrate and enjoy the wide variety of foods offered at buffets.
National Personal Trainer Awareness Day (USA): This day honors personal trainers and their contributions to helping people achieve their fitness goals.
National Motivation and Inspiration Day (USA): Established after the events of September 11, 2001, this day aims to inspire people to set goals and motivate themselves towards achieving them.
