January 03

Savitribai Phule (1831–1897) was a groundbreaking Indian social reformer and poet dedicated to female education and women's rights. In 1848, she and her husband Jyotirao Phule opened the first school for girls in Pune, challenging prevailing caste and gender barriers. Phule authored poems and accounts highlighting social injustices, using her writing to advocate for equality. She founded an organization to support widows and worked tirelessly to eradicate untouchability and child marriage. Her efforts inspired future leaders of India’s independence and educational movements. Today, she is celebrated as a pioneer who transformed educational opportunities for women in South Asia.

Born in Montreal in 1912, Renaude Lapointe began her career as a reporter and editorialist for French-language newspapers. She became known for her advocacy of women's issues and social reform. In 1979, she was appointed to the Canadian Senate, where she served until 1992, focusing on education, health, and equality. Lapointe’s passionate speeches and legislative efforts helped shape policies on gender and media freedom. She passed away in 2002, leaving a lasting impact on Canadian journalism and politics.

Born in 1916, Betty Furness started as a film actress in the 1930s before transitioning to television journalism. She became widely recognized for her consumer advice segments and served as Special Assistant on Consumer Affairs to President Kennedy. Furness championed product safety regulations and consumer rights, testifying before Congress on numerous occasions. Her advocacy led to stronger consumer protection laws. She remained a public figure until her passing in 1994.

Born in New York City in 1917, Roger Williams Straus Jr. graduated from Harvard before service in World War II. In 1946, he co-founded Farrar, Straus and Giroux, guiding the house to publish literary luminaries such as J.D. Salinger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Thomas Pynchon. Straus was celebrated for his editorial passion and commitment to authors’ visions. Under his leadership, the imprint became synonymous with literary excellence. He remained active in publishing until his death in 2004.

Born in 1933, Geoffrey Bindman is a British lawyer renowned for his expertise in human rights, discrimination, and civil liberties law. He founded the law firm Bindmans LLP, which has represented individuals and groups in landmark cases. Throughout his career, he advised governments and chaired commissions on equality legislation. He authored several books on human rights law and served as an academic lecturer. His advocacy has shaped modern legal protections against discrimination in the UK.

Born in 1937 in Berkeley, California, Glen A. Larson became one of television's most prolific creators. He wrote and produced groundbreaking series including 'Battlestar Galactica', 'Knight Rider', 'Magnum, P.I.', and 'CHiPs'. Larson composed memorable theme music and was known for his innovative storytelling and character-driven plots. Over four decades, his work captivated global audiences and influenced the sci-fi and action genres. He passed away in 2014, leaving a lasting legacy in television history.

John Marsden built a reputation as a formidable barrister, representing clients in high-profile civil liberties cases. He was an outspoken advocate for indigenous rights, environmental protection, and asylum seeker welfare. Marsden served on multiple legal and human rights boards, advising the government and NGOs on policy reform. He lectured widely at law schools, inspiring a generation of students to pursue social justice through the law. His legal opinions and activism were instrumental in shaping Australian human rights legislation. Marsden's work continued until his death in 2006, leaving a lasting impact on Australia's legal landscape.

Born in 1950, Vesna Vulović was a flight attendant for JAT Yugoslav Airlines when Flight 367 exploded midair over Czechoslovakia in 1972. Plunging 10,160 meters without a parachute, she miraculously survived the world’s highest fall ever recorded. Vulović sustained serious injuries but recovered and was honored by Guinness World Records for her unprecedented survival. She became a national hero in Yugoslavia and later worked in JAT’s administrative offices. Vulović’s story of resilience has fascinated people worldwide until her passing in 2016.

Born in 1951, Linda Dobbs studied law at Oxford University before being called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn. She specialized in commercial and chancery law, earning the title of Queen’s Counsel in 1990. In 2004, Dobbs broke new ground as the first non-white judge in the High Court of England and Wales, serving on the Queen’s Bench Division. Throughout her judicial career, she presided over a range of civil and commercial cases and championed diversity within the legal profession. Dobbs has remained active in legal education and community outreach following her retirement.

Jim Ross is an American professional wrestling commentator renowned for his tenure in WWE where his distinctive voice and catchphrases became synonymous with sports entertainment. Born in 1952 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he began his broadcasting career in local radio before joining Jim Crockett Promotions in the early 1970s. Ross rose to prominence as WWE's lead commentator, a role he held from 1993 to 2013, calling some of the industry's most iconic matches. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 in recognition of his contribution to the business. After leaving WWE, he lent his talents to other wrestling promotions including TNA and AEW. Ross has also written an autobiography and continues to be celebrated by fans for his passion and storytelling skills.

The Completionist, real name Jirard Khalil, is an American YouTuber best known for his comprehensive video game completions and reviews. He launched his YouTube channel in 2010 and gained a following for his dedication to completing every aspect of games, from storylines to achievements. His series "The Completionist" challenges him to finish every collectible and secret within popular titles. Over the years, he has collaborated with other creators and participated in gaming events worldwide. Known for his energetic presentation style and in-depth analysis, Khalil has become a prominent figure in gaming culture. He also runs a secondary channel featuring vlogs, challenges, and charity livestreams. Khalil's passion for gaming and commitment to content quality continue to engage his audience.

Emiru began her streaming career on Twitch in 2016, quickly gaining popularity with her engaging personality and cosplay showcases. She became one of the platform's top female streamers, collaborating with gaming and entertainment networks. In addition to live gameplay, she creates art content and interacts closely with her audience through social media. Emiru has built a community around her versatile talents, inspiring aspiring streamers. Her influence extends across Twitch, Instagram, and YouTube.