May 04

Born in 1649, Chhatrasal founded the kingdom of Panna in central India.\nHe led successful revolts against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, establishing independence.\nHis military campaigns inspired regional leaders and rallied Hindu resistance.\nChhatrasal formed alliances with Maratha ruler Shivaji, strengthening his position.\nUnder his rule, the Bundela principality flourished culturally and economically.\nHe died in 1731, revered as a stalwart defender of regional autonomy and Hindu traditions.

Born in 1752 in Medford, Massachusetts, Brooks served under George Washington during the Revolution.\nHe fought in key battles, including Princeton and Saratoga, earning respect as an officer.\nAfter the war, he held various civic roles and became a Federalist statesman.\nAs Governor from 1816 to 1823, Brooks supported infrastructure improvements and educational reforms.\nHe oversaw the completion of the Massachusetts State House and promoted public health measures.\nBrooks died in 1825, remembered for his military valor and steady political leadership.

Horace Mann (1796–1859) was an influential American educator and politician who pioneered the public school movement. Serving as Massachusetts's first secretary of the state Board of Education, he advocated for free, universal, and nonsectarian schooling. Mann introduced reforms such as professional training for teachers and standardized curriculum to improve educational quality. His annual reports laid the ideological groundwork for America’s public education system. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives, continuing to support educational causes and the expansion of public schooling. His writings and advocacy have made him a lasting symbol of educational reform in the United States.

William Pennington (1796–1862) was an American lawyer and statesman who led at both state and federal levels. He served as the 13th Governor of New Jersey from 1837 to 1843, advocating for infrastructure development and fiscal responsibility. Later, as a U.S. Representative, he was elected Speaker of the House during the 35th Congress (1857–1859), guiding debates amid rising sectional tensions. Pennington was known for his impartial leadership and commitment to legislative order during a divisive era. After leaving Congress, he continued practicing law and engaging in public affairs until his death.

John Whiteaker (1820–1902) served as the first State Governor of Oregon from 1859 to 1862. A veteran of the Mexican-American War, he began his career as a miner and self-taught attorney. After Oregon’s admission to the Union, Whiteaker was elected governor, where he championed public education and infrastructure development. He later represented Oregon in the U.S. House of Representatives, advocating for Western interests. Known for his practical leadership style, he played a key role in shaping Oregon’s early statehood. Whiteaker’s varied career reflects the opportunities and challenges of America’s frontier era.

Charles Boucher de Boucherville (1822–1915) trained as a physician before transitioning to politics in Canada East. He served two terms as the third Premier of Quebec (1874–1878 and briefly in 1891), overseeing railway expansion and fiscal reforms. A Conservative leader, he advocated for provincial autonomy and infrastructure development following Canadian Confederation. Boucher de Boucherville also held seats in the Legislative Council and later the Senate, influencing policy at multiple levels. His tenure helped shape Quebec’s early provincial governance and contributed to modern health and education frameworks. He bridged his medical background with public service to benefit Quebec society.

Wang Jingwei was a key figure in China's early republican era and a founding member of the Kuomintang. A close associate of Sun Yat-sen, he served as premier in the Wuhan government and advocated for compromise with Japan. During World War II, he became head of the Japanese-backed Reorganized National Government in Nanjing, a role that branded him a traitor to many. His complex career reflected the turbulent politics of early 20th-century China and debates over national sovereignty. Wang's legacy remains contentious, highlighting the moral and strategic dilemmas faced by leaders under foreign pressure.

Kakuei Tanaka was a Japanese army officer who entered politics after World War II. He rose through the Liberal Democratic Party to become Prime Minister from 1972 to 1974. His government launched major infrastructure initiatives known as the 'Revitalization Plan,' transforming Japan's economy. He was influential in strengthening ties with the People's Republic of China through his landmark visit in 1972. His career was marred by the Lockheed bribery scandal, leading to his arrest in 1976. Despite legal challenges, he maintained significant political influence through his faction. He passed away in 1993, leaving a complex legacy of modernization and controversy.

Hosni Mubarak was a career military officer who rose to become Commander of the Egyptian Air Force. He served as Vice President under Anwar Sadat and became President following Sadat's assassination in 1981. During his 30-year rule, he maintained peace with Israel and secured US financial aid. His government promoted economic liberalization but faced criticism over human rights abuses and corruption. Protests during the 2011 Arab Spring led to his resignation and subsequent trial on charges of corruption. Mubarak remained a controversial figure until his death in 2020, leaving a mixed political legacy.

Gary Bauer is an American political activist known for his advocacy of conservative social and family values. He served as Under Secretary of Education under President Ronald Reagan and later as a senior adviser to President George H. W. Bush. In 2000, Bauer ran for the Republican nomination for president, campaigning on issues such as national security and religious freedom. He founded the Campaign for Working Families and has led several faith-based advocacy organizations. Over decades, Bauer has been a prominent voice in shaping policy debates on moral and educational issues in the United States.

King George Tupou V ascended the throne of Tonga in 2006 following the long reign of his father, King Taufaʻahau Tupou IV. Educated at Oxford and Cambridge, he was known for his casual style, often appearing in public without traditional royal attire. During his reign, he initiated significant democratic reforms, including the first elections for Parliament empowered to choose the government. He represented Tonga on the world stage, attending events such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. His leadership helped modernize the monarchy and expand civil liberties before his passing in 2012.

Colleen Hanabusa served as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 1st congressional district from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2016 to 2019. She was the first woman of Okinawan ancestry elected to Congress and previously made history as the first female President of the Hawaii State Senate. Throughout her tenure, Hanabusa championed healthcare reform, education funding, and veterans' rights. In 2018, she ran for governor of Hawaii, focusing on sustainability and economic growth. Her career is marked by breaking barriers and advocating for her constituents in both state and federal government.