Nirmala Srivastava, the founder of Sahaja Yoga, an organisation dedicated to spiritual meditation as being key to realise one's potential and worth beyond the body and mind, was born today in 1923.

Smriti Irani, known for her role of Tulsi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, as well as leading the Indian HRD and Textile ministries in two terms, was born today in 1976.

The British government secretly hanged Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev for their violent revolutionary behaviour today in 1931. This would become one of the most enduring memories of sacrifice in the Independence era.

Rani Mukerji, Bollywood actress famous for her roles in romantic 90s like Kuch Kuch Hota hai and the thrillers of 2010s like Talaash and No one killed Jessica, was born today in 1978.

Sarla Thakral, the first woman in India to receive an "A" licence in piloting an aircraft solo for 1000 hours, passed away today in 2008. She could not pursue her career as a commercial pilot due to the Second World War.

Alam Ara, the first Indian movie to contain sound, was released today in 1931. It became so successful that police had to be called to control audiences outside theatres.

Shreya Ghoshal, known for her hits in movies from Devdas onwards, all the way to the present day, was born today in 1984. She has been consistently rated to be one of the best female singers in India.

The Sahitya Akademi, for preserving, translating, publishing and circulating literature in 24 Indian languages, was formed today in 1954. It remains the premier literature Institution in India.

Anandibai Joshi, the first Indian woman to graduate with a Western medical degree, received her graduation today in 1886. Her thesis on Obsterics was inspired by her own loss of a newborn child at age 14.

Madhavrao Scindia, the son of the last Maharaja of Gwalior, was born today in 1945. He would serve dedicatedly in politics once his kingdom lost its privileges