You can learn more about the world today by looking back at several dates in history. Sometimes, tragedies, political changes, cultural shifts, and personal milestones don’t make it into the calendar. January 14 is one of those days. It has stories that span generations and continents. This day highlights how history may be very different. For example, there have been terrible disasters that destroyed cities, choices that affected national identity, powerful presidents, and artists that have stayed with us. It’s less about remembering dates and more about understanding how each experience still has an effect on the present. Reviewing these historical events enables us to appreciate how the actions and ideas of the past have shaped the present and continue to set the stage for the future.Let’s explore the most significant things that make 14th January worth remembering.
Historical events that happened on 14th January
1907 – The Jamaica earthquake damaged the city of Kingston, killing over 900 peopleA magnitude 6.2-6.5 earthquake rocked Kingston, Jamaica, around 3:30 p.m. local time. It remains one of the most deadly earthquakes in recorded history, wreaking havoc and igniting uncontrollable fires. 1953 – Josip Broz Tito was chosen as Yugoslavia’s first president On January 14, 1953, Josip Broz Tito was elected the first President of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He held the position until his death in 1980, making him the only president of the country at that time.1969 – Madras, India’s southern state, was renamed Tamil Nadu under the leadership of Chief Minister AnnaOn January 14, 1969, Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai officially changed the name of Madras State to Tamil Nadu. This was a long-standing request for a name that would better reflect the Tamil culture and identity of the area.
On this day in history: Key events of 14th January
Birth anniversary
14th January in history is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the following personalities:Manguram (14 January 1886 – 22 April 1980)Worked as a social reformer. His relations with the ‘Gadar Party’ persisted for some time. Manguram established the ‘Aad Dharma School’ in his community to promote education among untouchables. Babu Manguram spoke out against the ‘Property Alienation Act’, and the court allowed Scheduled Castes to purchase agricultural property.Mahasweta Devi (14 January 1926 – 28 July 2016)Was an Indian social activist and writer. She contributed to literature by creating novels and stories in Bengali that were sensitive and thought-provoking. Along with her poetry, Mahasweta Devi was an active and enthusiastic participant in social service. Fighting for the rights of women, Dalits, and tribals, she battled the system and continued to pave the route for them to access justice. In 1996, she received the ‘Jnanpith Award. Mahasweta Ji began writing at a young age and has contributed considerably to several literary periodicals with short stories.Carl Weathers (14th January 1948 – 2nd February 2024)Football player and actor best remembered for his performances in the “Rocky” and “Predator” film franchises.
Death anniversary
14th January in history is observed as the death anniversary of the following personalities:Mathai Manjooran (13 October 1912 – 14 January 1970)Was a Kerala-based Indian independence leader, socialist revolutionary, founder of the Kerala Socialist Party, Member of Parliament, Minister of Labour (economics) in the second E.M.S. Namboodiripad communist administration, and, most importantly, a supporter of the foundation of the Kerala State.Hanumappa Muniappa Reddy (12 June 1892 – 14 January 1960)Also known as H. M. Reddy, an Indian film director and producer, he was a pioneer of sound cinema in South India, directing the first talkies in Tamil (Kalidas, 1931) and Telugu (Bhakta Prahlada, 1932).Alan Rickman (1946-14th January 2016)He was a well-known English actor, recognised for his deep voice and authoritative presence. He played classic roles such as the villainous Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988) and the enigmatic Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series.