What happened on 21st January in history: The most significant events over the years |
January 21 has marked a range of political, scientific and cultural moments that continue to shape public memory in India and beyond. The date is associated with milestones in governance, technological progress and regional reorganisation, alongside the birth and death anniversaries of influential figures from literature, fashion, sport and public life. From the early years of independent India to developments during the Cold War era, events linked to this day reflect shifts in power, ideas and innovation. It is also a day remembered for contributions made by writers, artists, scientists and freedom fighters whose work left a lasting imprint. Together, these moments place January 21 within a broader historical context, connecting national developments with global change across the twentieth century.
Historical events that happened on 21st January
1952 – Jawaharlal Nehru’s Indian National Congress won India’s first general electionWith 364 out of 489 seats, Jawaharlal Nehru’s Indian National Congress won India’s first general election, which took place between October 1951 and February 1952. This victory cemented Nehru’s status as the country’s first prime minister when the first cabinet was established in May 1952. 1954 – The USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the first nuclear-powered submarine, was launchedOn January 21, 1954, the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the first nuclear-powered submarine, was launched into the Thames River at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. With the help of a nuclear reactor, this innovative ship might remain underwater for months.1972- Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya became full states of IndiaEnacted under the North Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya became full states of India on January 21, 1972, while Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh remained Union Territories. The contemporary northeastern states were created by this major reorganisation, which gave statehood to erstwhile princely states (Manipur, Tripura) and an autonomous area (Meghalaya from Assam).
On this day in history : Key events of 21st January
Birth anniversary
21st January in history is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the following personalities:Pratibha Ray (born 21 January 1944) She is a well-known writer in Orissa. Through her novels, she advocated against corruption and social injustice. “Adhibhoomi” is the title of her anthropological research on the Bonda tribe of the Bonda hills in the state of Orissa. It is regarded as a masterwork of anthropological research. The 1999 Maha cyclone served as the inspiration for Pratibha Rai’s book “Maganmati.” This is her finest work. Christian Dior (January 21, 1905 – October 24, 1957)was a French fashion designer who dominated the post-World War II fashion industry with his “New Look”, which featured wide skirts and tight waists, the French designer transformed fashion in the 1940s. , which was defined by ultrafeminine and highly sculptured apparel. One of the most recognisable fashion houses in the world is his own.Jack William Nicklaus (21 January 1940)Nicknamed as “the Golden Bear” and is a retired professional golfer and golf course designer from the United States. He is regarded by many as one of the all-time greats in golf. During his career, he won 117 professional competitions, including a record 18 major titles. Sushant Singh Rajput (21 January 1986 – 14 June 2020)was an Indian actor who gained notoriety for his roles in Hindi films. His roles in a number of well-known films, such as Kai Po Che!, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kedarnath, and Chhichhore, brought him praise.
Death anniversary
21st January in history is observed as the death anniversary of the following personalities:Rash Behari Bose (May 25, 1886 – Jan 21, 1945) Was a crucial Indian revolutionary, freedom fighter, and strategist who led important anti-British movements, including the Ghadar Mutiny, and established the Indian National Army (INA) and Indian Independence League (IIL) in Japan. He carried on the fight for India’s liberation from exile until his death in Tokyo. Gyan Chandra Ghosh (1894-1959)Was a well-known Indian chemist and powerful scientific administrator who made significant contributions to the advancement of science, education, and industry in India. He is renowned for his work on physical chemistry (catalysis, electrolytes), for founding India’s top technical universities, such as IIT Kharagpur, and for leading the Indian Institute of Science & Calcutta University.Acharya Shivpujan Sahay (Aug 9, 1893 – Jan 21, 1963)Was a key Indian author, editor, and pioneer of contemporary Hindi and Bhojpuri literature. His works, such as the autobiographical story “Mata ka Anchal” and the novel Dehati Duniya, were included in school textbooks. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1960 for his important contributions to language, journalism (editing Matwala, Madhuri), and nationalist ideals, which helped to bridge the gap between traditional and modern literary styles.
