History has a quiet way of repeating itself, yet certain dates stand out for the stories they carry. The 4th of January is one such day, marked by moments that shaped politics, science, culture, and everyday life across the world. From pivotal events in India’s freedom struggle to technological breakthroughs and cultural milestones, this date reflects how ideas and actions from the past continue to influence the present. It is also a day to remember influential personalities whose births and deaths left lasting impressions on society. Looking back at 4 January helps us better understand how history steadily moves us forward.Reviewing these historical events enables us to appreciate how actions and ideas of the past have led to the present and are still setting the stage for the future.Let’s explore the most significant things that make 4th January worth remembering.
Historical events that happened on 4th January
4 January 1932 – The Viceroy of the British East Indies, Willingdon, arrested Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal NehruBritish Viceroy Lord Willingdon ordered the arrest of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru as part of a crackdown on the revived Civil Disobedience Movement, declaring Congress organisations illegal and commencing widespread arrests of leaders and followers.4 January 1962 – The first automatic (unmanned) subway train ran in New York City, USAOn January 4, 1962, the first automated, unmanned subway train in New York City commenced service as a pilot on the Times Square-Grand Central shuttle with a motorman present for safety, marking a significant stride in subway automation. 4 January 1972 – The Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science was inaugurated in New DelhiIn 1972, the Indian government created the Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (ICFS) in New Delhi as a central agency for teaching and research in criminology and forensic science for the criminal justice system.
On this day in history : Key events of 4th January
Birth anniversary
4th January in history is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the following personalities:Sir Isaac Newton (4 January 1643 – 20 March 1727)He transformed science with his laws of motion, universal gravitation, calculus, and optics, becoming a key player in the Scientific Revolution and a symbol of modern scientific research. Gopaldas Saxena ‘Neeraj’ (4 January 1925 – 19 July 2018)A Hindi litterateur, teacher, and poet on poet conference forums, as well as a film lyricist. He was the first person to be recognised twice by the Government of India in the fields of education and literature. He was the most prominent and famous poet, who provided a new twist to Hindi poetry with his touching poems and simple language and impacted the next generation.Nirupa Roy (4 January 1931 – 13 October 2004)Is recognised in Hindi film as an actress who created new dimensions for the mother’s character via her characters. When it comes to empowering the mother’s character in Indian cinema, the first name that comes to mind is Nirupa Roy, who, with her incomparable performance, elevated the mother’s character to new heights in Hindi cinema.Lochan Prasad Pandey (4 January 1887 – 8 November 1959)A well-known Hindi writer. He has also written poems in the Hindi and Oriya languages. Since 1905, his poems have appeared in ‘Saraswati’ and other monthly periodicals. Lochan Prasad Pandey’s works vary in style, from storytelling to shopping. He was also a part of ‘Bhartendu Sahitya Samiti’. He had a distinct reputation among Madhya Pradesh’s litterateurs. Even today, his name is highly respected.
Death anniversary
4th January in history is observed as the death anniversary of the following personalities:DMohammad Ali Jauhar (10 December 1878 – 4 January 1931)Was an Indian freedom fighter, journalist, and educator. In 1911, he published a weekly journal named ‘Comrade’. The letter was banned by the British government in 1914, and Muhammad Ali was sentenced to four years in prison. Muhammad Ali also engaged in the ‘Khilafat Movement’ and established ‘Jamia Millia University’ in Aligarh, which was eventually relocated to Delhi.R.D. Burman (27 June 1939 – 4 January 1994)One of the greatest composers in Indian Hindi film. R. D. Burman’s full name was ‘Rahul Dev Burman’, and he was known in the film industry as ‘Pancham Da’. He composed music for almost 300 films during his career. Rahul Dev Burman, a music composer known for his melodious compositions, has songs such as ‘Chingari Koi Bhadke’, ‘Kuch To Log Kahenge’, ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja’, and so on.
