Rajagopalachari: The only Indian governor-general forms he rightist Swatantra Party after a stint as Madras CM.
Vijaylakshmi Pandit: Nehrus sister is elected president of UN General Assembly. The first woman so honoured.
AcharyaVinoba Bhave: Launches the historic Bhoodan crusadea radical movement aimed at restoring land to the landlessin 1951.
B.R. Ambedkar: Leader of the Dalits resigns from the cabinet in 51, converts to Buddhism with two lakh others.
Govind Ballabh Pant: One of the Mahatmas trusted lieutenants, he is sworn in as the first chief minister of United Provinces.
K.M. Cariappa: The first C-in-C of the armed forces,sets the tone for an exemplary army.
S. Radhakrishnan with J.R.D. Tata: One of Indias first captains of private industry, critical of nationalisation,leads one of the first business delegations to Britain in 1945. As a direct result,companies like Hindustan Motors are set up.
Daku Man Singh:Legendary "Robin Hood of the Chambal Valley" dies at the age of 70 in an encounter with the police in 1955. Thousands attend his funeral. His life spawns a host of films.
Tenzing Norgay: With Edmund Hillary, he becomes the first man to scale Mt Everest in 1953.
