S. Arasaratnam

Sri Lankan historian and author

S. Arasaratnam - Thinkers & Philosophers born March 20th, 1930
Born
Died
Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

Sri Lanka

Links & References

Contributed significantly to the understanding of Sri Lankan history and society through academic scholarship. Served as a professor at the University of Jaffna and engaged extensively in research on the Tamil history of Sri Lanka. Authored several important works that explored ethnic relations and colonial history, providing insights into the socio-political dynamics of the region. Involved in various academic institutions and was a respected figure in the field of historical studies.

Authored 'Ceylon under the British Occupation'

Taught at the University of Jaffna

Other People Born on March 20th

Harold Weber

American Golfer with amateur championships
Born
March 20th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1933 92 years ago — 51 years old

Played professional golf primarily in the early 20th century, achieving significant success in amateur tournaments. Secured the Pacific Coast Amateur title multiple times. Participated in various national championships and contributed to the sport through both gameplay and mentorship. Had a profound impact on the golfing community during his active years.

Continue Reading

Anne Bradstreet

Puritan American poet of the 17th century
Born
March 20th, 1612 413 years ago
Died
September 16th, 1672 353 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1612, this individual became the first published female poet in America. Most of the poetry reflected personal experiences, faith, and the challenges faced as a woman in a patriarchal society. The collection 'The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America' published in 1650, served as a significant milestone in American literature. The work included themes of love, family, and the Puritan experience. Throughout the life, writings offered insights into both the public and private dimensions of life in colonial New England, influencing future generations of poets and writers.

Continue Reading

George Caleb Bingham

American painter and Missouri politician
Born
March 20th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
1879 147 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent painter and politician, contributions to American genre painting include depictions of river life and political themes. Bingham served as the State Treasurer of Missouri and gained recognition for capturing the essence of 19th-century American society in artworks. His famous works include 'The County Election' and 'Fur Traders Descending the Missouri'. Bingham's art often focused on democratic processes and the everyday lives of people along the Missouri River, reflecting the social and political environment of the time.

Continue Reading

Patrick Jennings

Politician, 11th Premier of New South Wales
Born
March 20th, 1831 194 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1897 128 years ago — 66 years old

Northern Irish-Australian politician served as the 11th Premier of New South Wales from 1883 to 1885. His tenure focused on economic reforms and public works projects. Jennings took a leading role in advocating for the development of railways and other infrastructure, contributing to the growth of the state. Prior to his term as Premier, he held various positions in the New South Wales Parliament, where he made significant contributions to legislative initiatives.

Continue Reading

Gerhard Barkhorn

German Luftwaffe pilot, fighter ace
Born
March 20th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
January 8th, 1983 43 years ago — 63 years old

Served as a general and fighter pilot in the German Luftwaffe during World War II. Achieved significant success in aerial combat, becoming one of the top German aces of the war. Barkhorn flew numerous missions on the Eastern Front, demonstrating effectiveness in dogfights and contributing to air superiority for German forces. Post-war, faced challenges as a prisoner of war before eventually resuming a career in aviation and becoming involved in private industry.

Continue Reading

Heinrich Clauren

German author of romantic novels
Born
March 20th, 1771 254 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1854 171 years ago — 83 years old

An influential German author contributed significantly to the romantic literature of the early 19th century. Clauren's works often blended elements of fantasy and adventure with emotional and moral dilemmas. His most notable work, 'Die Geister', exemplified the gothic and romantic themes prevalent in his writing. He engaged with contemporary literary movements and was admired for his storytelling abilities. His writings not only entertained but also reflected the values and concerns of his time, appealing to a broad audience across Europe. Clauren's contributions to literature helped shape the evolving narrative styles of the Romantic period.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 4th

Henrietta Lacks

Medical patient, HeLa cell line
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1951 74 years ago — 31 years old

A medical patient from Virginia, contributed to science through the collection of cervical cancer cells without consent, which became the first immortal human cell line called HeLa. These cells were critical in numerous medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine and cancer research. Lacks' cells continued to multiply in laboratories across the globe, serving as a foundational tool in biomedical research, despite the ethical concerns surrounding informed consent. The story has prompted discussions about medical ethics and the rights of patients in research.

Continue Reading

Otto Ernst Remer

German general during World War II
Born
August 18th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1997 28 years ago — 85 years old

Served as a general in the German army during World War II. Became widely recognized for his role in quelling the July 20, 1944, assassination attempt against Adolf Hitler. Commanded the 56th Panzer Corps and participated in various military campaigns on the Eastern Front. After the war, engaged in far-right political activities and founded the National Democratic Party of Germany in the 1960s.

Continue Reading

Võ Nguyên Giáp

Vietnamese general and politician
Born
August 25th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2013 12 years ago — 102 years old

Served as a general in the Vietnam People's Army and as Minister of Defence during the Vietnam War. Played a key role in leading North Vietnamese forces against the French colonial and later the American military during the Vietnam War. Contributed to significant victories such as the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, which resulted in French withdrawal from Indochina, and the Tet Offensive, which significantly influenced public opinion about the Vietnam War. After the war, served in various political positions and remained influential in military strategy and politics until the late 20th century.

Continue Reading

Kenzō Takada

Fashion Designer and Founder of Kenzo
Born
1939 87 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2020 5 years ago — 81 years old

A Japanese-French fashion designer, celebrated for establishing a globally recognized fashion brand. Launched the fashion house Kenzo in 1970 in Paris, blending Japanese aesthetics with French couture. Pioneered the use of bold colors, floral designs, and eclectic influences throughout collections. Expanded the brand into fragrances, accessories, and home goods, contributing to the global fashion landscape. Takada received several awards throughout the career, including the prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 2019.

Continue Reading

Graham Chapman

English actor and writer, Monty Python
Born
January 8th, 1941 85 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1989 36 years ago — 48 years old

An English actor and screenwriter, contributed significantly to British comedy. Co-founded the comedy group Monty Python, which created the iconic television show 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'. Also starred in the film 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail', which became a cult classic. In addition to working in television and film, wrote and performed in various other projects, showing a distinctive sense of humor that has influenced later generations of comedians. Engaged in solo writing efforts and theatrical performances, including the notable stage adaptation of his works.

Continue Reading

Loretta Lynn

Country music singer-songwriter
Born
April 14th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2022 3 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent figure in country music, this singer-songwriter rose to fame with numerous hits in the 1960s and 1970s. Iconic songs include 'Coal Miner's Daughter' and 'You Ain't Woman Enough'. Achievements include several Grammy Awards and membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Autobiographical elements featured prominently in her music, resonating with many fans. A biopic based on her life, also titled 'Coal Miner's Daughter', received critical acclaim and showcased her journey from humble beginnings to stardom.

Continue Reading