Beyond Valentine’s Day: The Historical Significance of 14 February

While 14 February is widely celebrated as Valentine’s Day, its historical significance extends far beyond expressions of love. Both in India and across the world, this date has witnessed events ranging from monumental achievements to tragic attacks. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most notable occurrences associated with 14 February.

The Pulwama Attack, 2019

On 14 February 2019, India experienced one of its darkest days when a suicide bombing targeted a convoy of CRPF soldiers on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway in Pulwama district. The attack claimed the lives of 40 brave soldiers and was claimed by the Pakistani terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. The convoy, traveling cheerfully to its destination, was hit by an explosive-laden vehicle, causing massive devastation.

Key Events in Indian History

• 1556 – Birth of Mughal Emperor Akbar in Kalanaur, Punjab, who became the third ruler of the Mughal Empire after his father Humayun.
• 1989 – Union Carbide agreed to pay $470 million (approx. ₹4,260 crore today) in compensation for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
• 2019 – Pulwama terrorist attack (as detailed above).

Global Historical Highlights

• 1349 – The Black Death massacre in Strasbourg, with over a thousand Jews killed.
• 1689 – Mary Stuart and Prince William III were crowned on the English throne.
• 1876 – Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray applied for a patent for the telephone simultaneously.
• 1899 – The first use of voting machines in the US Congress.
• 1946 – The first ENIAC computer was introduced to the public in the United States.
• 2005 – YouTube was launched in San Mateo, California, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim.

Notable Birthdays on 14 February

• Babur (1483) – Founder of the Mughal Empire in India.
• Akbar (1542) – The third Mughal Emperor, renowned for his administrative genius and cultural contributions.
• Christopher Latham Sholes (1819) – American inventor credited with creating the typewriter.
• Madhubala (1933) – Iconic Indian actress, famously called the “Venus of Indian Cinema”.
• Sushma Swaraj (1952) – Former External Affairs Minister of India, known for her effective use of social media to assist Indians abroad.

Sushma Swaraj’s journey exemplifies a life of dedication to public service. Born in Ambala Cantt, Haryana, to parents who migrated from Lahore, she completed her education at Sanatan Dharma College and earned a law degree from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Beginning her political career in the 1970s with ABVP and the JP Movement, she later rose to national prominence with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), serving as Member of Parliament, Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Chief Minister of Delhi, and ultimately as the External Affairs Minister, earning widespread admiration for her proactive diplomacy.