On This Day: 27 December – Historical Events, Births and Deaths

Every date carries layers of memory, shaped by events that seemed ordinary at the time but later proved significant. Music, politics, global institutions, space exploration, and culture from different continents all converge on 27 December. This day reflects quiet beginnings that eventually had major effects—from the first public singing of India’s national song to the establishment of global financial institutions. It is also a day to honor poets, filmmakers, and public figures, while remembering artists whose work remains timeless.


Historical Events on 27 December

1911 – First Singing of “Jana Gana Mana”

Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Prize winner in Literature, wrote “Jana Gana Mana.” It was sung publicly for the first time at the Indian National Congress session in Calcutta (now Kolkata) on 27 December 1911. The session took place at Bharat Sabha, Bowbazar Street.

1945 – Establishment of the World Bank

On 27 December 1945, the World Bank was officially set up after member countries ratified its Articles of Agreement. This marked the beginning of its mission to rebuild economies after World War II and strengthen the global financial system.

1945 – Formation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

The IMF was formally established on the same day, 27 December 1945, when 29 founding member countries signed its Articles of Agreement at the Bretton Woods Conference. Its purpose was to promote international monetary cooperation and stabilize exchange rates.

1968 – Apollo 8 Returns to Earth

The Apollo 8 mission, the first manned mission to orbit the Moon, safely returned to Earth on 27 December 1968, landing in the Pacific Ocean. This was a landmark achievement in space exploration and paved the way for future Apollo landings.


Birth Anniversaries on 27 December

Mirza Ghalib (1797 – 1869)

Known worldwide as Mirza Ghalib, he is regarded as the greatest Urdu‑Persian poet. His poetry and letters are considered milestones in Urdu literature. Ghalib remains a celebrated figure in both India and Pakistan.

Ujjwal Singh (1895 – 1983)

A renowned Sikh activist from Punjab, Ujjwal Singh was a founding member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee. He supported India’s independence through constitutional methods. After partition, he moved to India, later serving as Governor of Punjab (1965) and Madras (1966).

Salman Khan (1965 – )

Born on 27 December 1965, Salman Khan is a leading Bollywood actor, producer, television presenter, and philanthropist. Over decades, he has built a massive fan base and remains one of the most influential figures in Hindi cinema.


Death Anniversaries on 27 December

Farooq Sheikh (1948 – 2013)

Farooq Sheikh was an acclaimed Indian actor, philanthropist, and television personality. Famous for his roles in the 1970s and 1980s, he was a key figure in parallel cinema and worked with directors like Satyajit Ray and Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

Carrie Fisher (1956 – 2016)

Carrie Fisher, best known for playing Princess Leia in Star Wars, passed away on 27 December 2016 at the age of 60. She suffered a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles days earlier. Beyond acting, she was a writer (Postcards from the Edge) and an outspoken advocate for various causes, leaving behind a lasting legacy.


Conclusion

Looking back at 27 December, we see how ideas, decisions, and people continue to influence the present and shape the future. From India’s national song to milestones in global finance and space exploration, and from legendary poets to beloved actors, this date is a reminder of how history lives on through memory and legacy.

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