What Happened This Year 1946

Born in 1946

Lyudmila Pakhomova

Russian ice dancer and Olympian
Born
December 31st, 1946 78 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 40 years old

An accomplished ice dancer, this athlete excelled in competitive figure skating in the 1970s and 1980s. Pakhomova partnered with Alexander Gorshkov to achieve significant success in the sport, capturing several titles. The duo secured gold at the 1970 World Championships, earned Olympic gold in 1976, and won multiple European Championships. The innovative style and technical precision displayed in performances set a standard in ice dance. This dancer's contribution to the sport remains influential, as the techniques and artistry developed are still referenced in ice dance today.

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Raphael Kaplinsky

International development academic
Born
December 31st, 1946 78 years ago

An academic specializing in international development, focusing on the role of global value chains in economic development. Conducted extensive research in the area of technology transfer and industrial policy. Contributed significantly to understanding the link between globalization and poverty alleviation. Engaged with various international organizations and advised policy formulation in developing countries. Authored numerous publications that explored the dynamics of development economics.

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Tim Stevens

Bishop with notable church leadership
Born
December 31st, 1946 78 years ago

Ordained as a bishop in the Church of England, influential in church governance and community engagement. Served as the Bishop of Leicester from 2009 to 2018. Focused on interfaith dialogue and social justice issues throughout the tenure. Contributed to various church initiatives aimed at revitalizing congregational life.

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Pius Ncube

Zimbabwean archbishop and activist
Born
December 31st, 1946 78 years ago

Ordained as a Roman Catholic priest, served as the Archbishop of Bulawayo from 1998 to 2009. Focused on issues of social justice, democracy, and human rights in Zimbabwe. Criticized the government of Robert Mugabe for its abuses and corruption, which led to international recognition. Played a significant role in peace initiatives and promoted nonviolent resistance.

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Mervyn Davies

Welsh rugby player and captain
Born
November 21st, 1952 72 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2012 13 years ago — 59 years old

Played as a lock for the Welsh national rugby team and the British Lions. Captained Wales to a Grand Slam victory in the 1971 Five Nations Championship. Played club rugby for Swansea RFC and won multiple domestic titles. Retired from international rugby in 1976. Later pursued a career in business and served as a director in various companies.

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Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Emirati politician, 1st Prime Minister UAE
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
January 4th, 2006 19 years ago — 60 years old

Served as the first Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates from 1971 until death in 2006. Oversaw the development of the nation post-independence, implementing significant infrastructure projects and promoting modernization. Also held the title of Ruler of Dubai, contributing to the emirate's rapid economic growth and global tourism appeal. Enhanced the UAE's international standing through various initiatives and collaborations.

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Jean-Baptiste Bagaza

Burundian politician and former president
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2016 8 years ago — 70 years old

Served as president of Burundi from 1976 to 1987 after leading a military coup. Oversaw a period marked by attempts at modernization and national development. Established a one-party state and faced significant opposition during his tenure. Exiled after being ousted from power. Returned to Burundi in the 1990s and engaged in various roles in political and national matters.

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Ahmad Zahir

Afghan singer-songwriter, folk music figure
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1979 45 years ago — 33 years old

A prominent figure in Afghan music, he combined traditional Afghan melodies with modern sounds. His career spanned the late 1960s to the late 1970s, during which he gained widespread popularity. Zahir released numerous songs that resonated with young audiences and addressed social themes. His music often featured instruments such as the rubab and harmonium. Following his untimely death in 1979, his songs continued to influence Afghan music and remain popular among fans of the genre, ensuring his legacy as a cornerstone of Afghan folk music.

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Mahir Çayan

Turkish politician, leader of the THKO
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1972 52 years ago — 26 years old

A prominent figure in Turkish leftist politics during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Played a crucial role in the Turkish People's Liberation Army, which aimed to establish a socialist government in Turkey. Also led the Turkish People's Liberation Front, opposing the military government. His activities involved organizing protests and revolutionary actions that garnered national attention. Captured and killed in a police confrontation in 1972, leaving a legacy in radical politics.

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