 "History Today: When the word 'Pakistan' was coined by Choudhry Rahmat Ali Khan")
January 28 stands as an important date in history, marked by events like the naming of Pakistan, the Challenger disaster, Iceland’s abortion law milestone, the creation of Lego’s iconic brick design, and Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ debut
As part of Firstpost’s History Today series, we look into defining moments of this day and their impact on the world.
The naming of Pakistan
On January 28, 1933, Choudhry Rahmat Ali Khan, a Cambridge University student, coined the name “Pakistan” in his pamphlet Now or Never.
The name is an acronym derived from the regions it was meant to represent: Punjab, Afghania (North-West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and Baluchistan.
“Pakistan” also translates to “Land of the Pure” in Persian and Urdu, aimed at symbolising a homeland for Indian Muslims. This idea became the foundation of the Pakistan Movement, ultimately leading to the country’s independence in 1947.
The Challenger explosion
On January 28, 1986, the world was left in shock when the space shuttle Challenger disintegrated just 73 seconds after liftoff.
The disaster occurred due to the failure of O-ring seals in the shuttle’s right solid rocket booster, which allowed hot gases to escape and caused the external fuel tank to collapse.
All seven crew members, including Christa McAuliffe, the first civilian teacher in space, lost their lives. This tragedy marked one of NASA’s darkest moments and led to widespread reforms in the shuttle program, improving safety protocols for future missions.
Iceland sets an example
On January 28, 1935, Iceland became the first Western nation to legalise therapeutic abortion. The law permitted abortions in cases where the mother’s health or life was at risk or if the pregnancy resulted from rape.
Iceland’s progressive stance on reproductive rights set an example for other nations, leading to broader discussions about women’s health and autonomy in Europe.
Lego patents its iconic brick design
The Lego Group filed a patent for its interlocking brick design on January 28, 1958. The design introduced small cylindrical studs on top and matching tubes underneath, allowing bricks to lock together securely while remaining easy to separate.
This ingenious system revolutionised the toy industry, making Lego a household name synonymous with creativity and engineering.
Remarkably, bricks from 1958 are still compatible with modern ones, a testament to the enduring brilliance of the design.
Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ published
On this day in 1813, ‘Pride and Prejudice’, written by Jane Austen, was published anonymously.
The novel, exploring themes of love, class, and societal expectations, received immediate acclaim for its sharp wit and realistic characters. Over two centuries later, it remains a cornerstone of English literature, inspiring countless adaptations and influencing modern storytelling.
Birth of Nicolas Sarkozy
Nicolas Sarkozy, born on January 28, 1955, in Paris, rose to prominence as a key figure in French politics.
As president of France from 2007 to 2012, Sarkozy championed pension and labour reforms, adopted tough immigration policies, and played a pivotal role in European Union diplomacy.
His leadership during the global financial crisis and the NATO-led intervention in Libya defined his tenure.
Creation of the US Coast Guard
On January 28, 1915, the United States Coast Guard was officially established through the merging of the Revenue Cutter Service and the US Life-Saving Service.
The new entity was tasked with ensuring maritime safety, environmental protection, and law enforcement. Over a century later, the Coast Guard remains a vital part of US homeland security and military operations.
This Day, That Year
814: Death of Charlemagne, the first Roman Holy Emperor
1873: Colette, French author and performer is born.
1878: The Yale Daily News, America’s first daily college newspaper, was published for the first time.
1887: Artur Rubinstein, Polish-American pianist is born.
1985: The charity single “We Are the World,” written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, was recorded to raise funds for African famine relief.
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