Reflecting on September:
A Historical Overview
In this inaugural issue of Australian Indian Times, we delve into the significance of history and its impact on our contemporary postmodern societies. History, with its spectrum of events, from the deeply sorrowful to the uplifting, shapes our world in ways both profound and enduring. It is a testament to humanity’s resilience and our ability to both learn from and overcome our past challenges.
This exploration of historical moments is not intended to emphasize the economic recessions or catastrophic conflicts of the past. Rather, it offers a respectful glimpse into significant events that have marked September through the ages. The events listed below are presented not in order of importance or severity, but as a selection of noteworthy moments that have influenced our world.
History reveals that, despite our rapid digital advancements, fundamental aspects of human nature remain constant. Themes of family, love, compassion, as well as hate, greed, and self-interest, have persisted through the ages. Our various faiths and belief systems, rooted in ancient traditions and rituals, continue to shape our contemporary practices and personal development.
A wise observer once said that history represents a series of events that could have been avoided. While pessimists might see this as an undeniable truth, optimists might argue that history is less grim than it is often portrayed. Realists recognize that “the truth is always somewhere in between.”
Notable September Events.
September, originally the seventh month of the Roman calendar (hence its name), became the ninth month after January and February were added. When the British switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, they adjusted the calendar by removing 11 days from September, effectively making September 3rd leap to the 14th.
Throughout history, September has witnessed a range of significant events:
• September 6, 1492: Columbus embarked on his first voyage to the New World.
• September 2, 1666: The Great Fire of London began, destroying over 13,000 houses but causing only a handful of casualties.
• September 3, 1884: The Wulwulam Massacre in Northern Australia resulted in the tragic loss of entire tribes.
• September 1, 1939: Hitler’s invasion of Poland marked the beginning of World War II in Europe, with Britain and France declaring war two days later.
• September 5-6, 1972: The Black September group attacked the Munich Olympic Village, killing 11 Israeli athletes.
• September 1, 1983: Korean Air Flight 007 was shot down by a Soviet fighter jet after straying off course, resulting in the loss of 269 lives.
• September 11, 2001: The tragic terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths.
Despite these sombre moments, September has also been a time of celebration:
• September 15, 1947: Indian Standard Time was adopted, creating a unified time zone across the country.
• September 26, 1983: Australia II won the America’s Cup, ending the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year dominance.
• September 6, 2018: The Supreme Court of India decriminalized homosexuality.
• September 23, 1848: The first commercial chewing gum was produced.
As we navigate through September and beyond, let us remember the lessons of history and look forward to a future shaped by both reflection and progress. We hope you enjoy this issue of Australian Indian Times and find inspiration in the stories and events it highlights.
