 "On January 15, 2009, US pilots Chesley \"Sully\" Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles safely guided their disabled airplane to a safe water landing on New York City's Hudson River. Illustration: Santanu Kumar Santan")
January 15 has been marked by defining events, legendary figures, and moments that changed the course of history.
As part of Firstpost’s series ‘History Today’ , let us revisit the events that define this significant day.
Miracle on the Hudson
On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger performed what came to be known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
Shortly after takeoff from New York’s LaGuardia Airport, US Airways Flight 1549 collided with a flock of geese, causing catastrophic engine failure. Facing no viable landing options, Captain Sullenberger skillfully landed the plane on the icy waters of the Hudson River.
All 155 passengers and crew members survived the crash, thanks to his quick thinking and years of experience. The event is celebrated as a triumph of human ingenuity as Sully became a national hero.
Wikipedia is launched
On January 15, 2001, Wikipedia, the free and collaborative online encyclopedia, was officially launched. Created by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, Wikipedia aimed to provide a platform where users could create and edit articles collectively.
Starting with just a handful of entries, it has since grown into one of the most visited websites globally, hosting over 6 million articles in English alone and covering topics across every imaginable field.
Wikipedia’s mission of democratising access to knowledge continues to transform how information is consumed worldwide.
First appearance of the Democratic Donkey
On January 15, 1870, the Democratic Party’s iconic donkey symbol made its debut in a political cartoon by Thomas Nast in Harper’s Weekly. The cartoon, titled “A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion,” mocked former Secretary of War Edwin Stanton’s critics.
Over time, the donkey became associated with the Democratic Party, symbolising resilience and determination. Nast’s artistry left a lasting impact on American political iconography, with the Republican elephant also attributed to his work.
Elizabeth I crowned queen
On January 15, 1559, Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England and Ireland in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London. Her ascension to the throne marked the beginning of the Elizabethan Era, a period of cultural and political renaissance in England.
Her reign saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the flourishing of English drama under Shakespeare, and the establishment of the Protestant Church of England. Elizabeth’s rule is remembered as one of the most influential in English history.
Yeti Airlines Flight 691 crash
On January 15, 2023, a tragic aviation disaster struck Nepal when Yeti Airlines Flight 691 crashed near Pokhara International Airport.
The flight, en route from Kathmandu, was carrying 72 people, including passengers and crew. There were no survivors.
Initial investigations suggested weather conditions and possible technical malfunctions as contributing factors. The crash reignited global concerns about aviation safety in mountainous regions and prompted calls for stricter regulatory measures.
Muammar Gaddafi becomes premier of Libya
On January 15, 1970, Muammar Gaddafi, who had led a coup against King Idris I, was proclaimed premier of Libya.
As the head of state, Gaddafi implemented sweeping reforms aimed at redistributing wealth from Libya’s oil revenues and promoting Arab nationalism.
However, his autocratic rule and controversial policies also drew international criticism. Gaddafi remained a polarising figure until his ousting and death during the Arab Spring in 2011.
1934 Bihar–Nepal earthquake
On January 15, 1934, one of the most devastating earthquakes in South Asia struck the Bihar-Nepal region. With a magnitude of 8.0, the earthquake caused widespread destruction and claimed the lives of over 10,000 people.
Cities like Muzaffarpur and Kathmandu were left in ruins, and the disaster highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity. The event remains a grim reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness in the region.
Martin Luther King Jr is born
On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr, one of the most iconic leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement, was born in Atlanta, Georgia.
Advocating for equality through nonviolent resistance, King spearheaded landmark movements such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
A recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, King’s enduring legacy continues to inspire the fight for justice and human rights worldwide.
This day, that year
1622: Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (Molière), French playwright and actor, is born.
1759: The British Museum in London opens to the public.
1876: The first newspaper in Afrikaans, Die Afrikaanse Patriot, is published in Paarl, South Africa.
1891: Liliuokalani, the last sovereign monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, dies.
1892: James Naismith publishes the rules of basketball.
1926: Maria Schell, Austrian actress renowned for her performances in European cinema, is born.
1950: Gustave Eiffel, French engineer, designer of the Eiffel Tower, passes away.
2018: We lost Dolores O’Riordan, lead singer of The Cranberries.