Fact 1: The Birth of Mahatma Gandhi
October 02 marks the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, widely known as Mahatma Gandhi. Born in 1869, the revered Indian leader, who is largely known for his doctrine of non-violent protest (Satyagraha) to achieve political and social progress, became an international symbol for peaceful resistance.
Fact 2: International Day of Non-Violence
In recognition of Mahatma Gandhi's birth, the United Nations has declared October 02 as the International Day of Non-Violence. The decision, which was taken on June 15, 2007, serves as a promotion for non-violence through education and public awareness.
Fact 3: The End and Beginning of Wars
On October 02, 1944, the Warsaw Uprising came to an end, marking a significant event during World War II. On a brighter note, the same date in 1990 marked the end of the East and West Germany divide, culminating with the Day of German Unity.
Fact 4: England’s Deadliest Aviation Disaster
October 02 witnessed England's deadliest aviation disaster in 1940 when a Wellington bomber crashed in Thames Haven, Essex. The crash resulted in the death of 30 people on the ground, and tragically, no-one on the bomber survived.
Fact 5: A Cartoon Favourite Premieres
October 02 has a fun side; on this day, the first episode of the much-loved animated television sitcom, "The Simpsons," aired in 1989.
Fact 6: Charlie Brown's Grand Entrance
The world was introduced to the loveable Charlie Brown and his Peanuts gang in a comic strip by Charles M. Schulz published for the first time on October 02, 1950.
Fact 7: Baseball Enthusiasts Rejoice
On October 2, 1968, Bob Gibson recorded a World Series record 17 strikeouts for the St. Louis Cardinals in a game against the Detroit Tigers.
Fact 8: First Space Tourist Launched
On this day in 2001, the first space tourist, Dennis Tito,boarded a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and embarked on his journey, paying a whopping $20 million for the experience.
Fact 9: Nature’s Fury – The Mount St Helens Eruption
October 02, 1980 is remembered as the day when Mount St Helens exploded in Washington. The eruption was the deadliest and most economically damaging volcanic event in U.S. history.
Fact 10: America's Funnyman Born
Groucho Marx, an American comedian, and film and television star was born on October 02, 1890. He is remembered for his quick wit and rapid-fire, impromptu dialogue.
Fact 11: The Legendary Sting
Music enthusiasts celebrate October 02 as the birth of Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner or famously known as Sting, the lead vocalist of The Police. He was born on this day in 1951.
Fact 12: Foundation of the Republic of China
The Wuchang Uprising of October 2,1911, led to the Republic of China replacing the Qing Dynasty.
Fact 13: A Symbol of Strength Born
October 02, 1869, also marks the birth of the first woman physiotherapist in India, Jer Bulsara, mother of the iconic Freddie Mercury.
Fact 14: The “Voice” of Italy
Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, made his operatic debut on October 02, 1961, at the Teatro Reggio Emilia, wherein he played the character of ‘Rodolfo’ in “La Bohème.”
Fact 15: A Modern Artistic Legend
The monumental "Guernica" painting by Pablo Picasso was unveiled at the Spanish Pavilion on October 2, 1937.
Fact 16: First U.S. President to Broadcast on Radio
President Woodrow Wilson made a major leap on Oct 2, 1919, by becoming the first president to give a speech broadcast on the radio.
Fact 17: The 31st State of USA
On October 02, 1850, California was rightfully admitted as the 31st state of the United States of America.
Fact 18: Start of A Long Walk
On October 02, 1968, the protest march regarding the Mexican government's reaction towards the student movement started from Plaza de las Tres Culturas.
Fact 19: The Little Orphan Annie Strip
The comic strip "Little Orphan Annie," by Harold Gray, was first published on October 02, 1922.
Fact 20: Releasing the Threads
India’s National Handloom Day, honouring the contributions of all handloom weavers, is celebrated every year on October 02.