Rakesh Sharma
Commander, pilot, and cosmonaut
Elected to the Indian Air Force as a pilot, achieved the rank of Squadron Leader. Flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 as part of a cooperative space program between India and the Soviet Union. Conducted scientific research during the mission, which lasted 7 days. Upon return, became the first Indian citizen to travel in space.
First Indian citizen in space
Flew on Soyuz T-11
Conducted experiments in space
Served in the Indian Air Force
Other People Born on January 13th
Austin Watson
American ice hockey player, NHL forward
Born
January 13th, 1992 34 years ago
Professional ice hockey player participated in the NHL. Played as a forward and contributed significantly to the Nashville Predators. Competed in the Stanley Cup playoffs and was part of the Predators team that reached the finals in 2017. Also played for the Ottawa Senators during his career. Previously played in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfires, where he developed his skills before moving to the professional league.
Continue ReadingMax Whitlock
Artistic gymnast and Olympic champion
Born
January 13th, 1993 33 years ago
Accomplished artistic gymnast specialized in floor and pommel horse events. Won multiple gold medals in World Championships and European Championships. Achieved historic success at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, becoming the first British gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal in the individual apparatus events. Added to his accolades, secured a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Recognized as a prominent figure in British gymnastics, contributing to its growth and visibility.
Continue ReadingMichael Bond
Author of Paddington Bear series
Born
January 13th, 1926 100 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 91 years old
An English author wrote the beloved children's book series featuring Paddington Bear, a character who arrived from Peru. The first book, published in 1958, introduced readers to Paddington's adventures in London. Bond created the character inspired by a toy bear purchased for his own children. Over the years, numerous Paddington books were published, capturing the charm and innocence of childhood. The series has been adapted into television shows and films, bringing the character to a wider audience. Bond's works have remained popular across generations, enchanting millions of children and parents alike.
Continue ReadingAlbert Lamorisse
Director of The Red Balloon
Born
January 13th, 1922 104 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1970 55 years ago — 48 years old
A French director and producer contributed significantly to cinema through a unique storytelling style. Best remembered for the film 'The Red Balloon', which won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1957, the work showcased a poignant narrative with minimal dialogue. Lamorisse's career spanned various genres, but his enchanting children's films often featured themes of wonder and imagination. He also produced and directed 'White Mane', another acclaimed film that captured the beauty of nature and the bond between a boy and a wild horse. Lamorisse's innovative use of color and sound left a lasting impression on filmmakers and audiences alike.
Continue ReadingJan van Goyen
Dutch painter known for landscape paintings
Born
January 13th, 1596 430 years ago
Died
April 27th, 1656 369 years ago — 60 years old
Active during the Dutch Golden Age, this painter specialized in landscape paintings characterized by their serene compositions and atmospheric effects. Van Goyen's works often featured rivers, windmills, and rural scenes, reflecting the beauty of the Dutch countryside. He contributed to the development of Dutch landscape painting and was influential among his contemporaries. His technique involved the use of a restricted palette to create a sense of harmony in his pieces. Besides painting, van Goyen worked as an illustrator, creating works for books and other publications.
Continue ReadingA. B. Guthrie Jr.
Novelist and screenwriter of Westerns
Born
January 13th, 1901 125 years ago
Died
April 26th, 1991 34 years ago — 90 years old
An American novelist and screenwriter specialized in Western literature. Achieved recognition for works that depicted the American West with authenticity and depth. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1957 for the novel "The Way West". Contributed to screenwriting, with notable work on the film adaptations of his novels. Also authored historical and biographical pieces that complemented his exploration of the Western experience.
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