Mangal Pandey and Mohamed Bouazizi. These two people are connected by 29 March and for being sources of rebellion in their respective countries. Read more...
29 March 1857. Sipahi Mangal Pandey rebelled against the English while he was posted at Barakpur. He fired on his officers and asked other soldiers to rebel against the officers. The
Jemadar refused to arrest him. When officers got hold of the situation and controlled other soldiers, Mangal Pandey tried to shoot himself.
Mangal Pandey was wounded but didn't die. He was later sentenced to death.
The incident provoked by new Enfield rifle and cartridge issue though became the opening scene of the 1857 Mutiny.
29 March 1984 is the birth-date of Tunisian Mohamed Bouazizi. He was a street vendor. He was subjected to persistent harassment by police and recently his wares were confiscated by them. Due to the humiliation, being out of work and seek of the police he set himself on fire in front of Governor's office on December 17,2010. His action attracted a lot of media attention. He was moved to better hospital for treatment and the President went to check on his condition. He died on 4 January 2011. The death prompted nationwide protests and even violent demonstration against the 23 year old government lead by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The President had to flee Tunisia and take refuge in Saudi Arabia.
Thus, 29 March is coincidently an important date for 2 notable rebellions in the world history.
-Swapnil
