Today in History, September 10: September 10 is an important date in Indian history, associated with the freedom struggle, military history, politics, literature, cinema and cricket. The day marks the birth anniversaries of prominent Indians such as K. S. Ranjitsinhji, Govind Ballabh Pant, Anurag Kashyap and Atul Kulkarni.

It is also remembered for the martyrdom of Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his bravery during the 1965 India-Pakistan War. September 10 is also observed globally as World Suicide Prevention Day.
One of the most significant events associated with September 10 is the Battle of Asal Uttar during the 1965 India-Pakistan War. On September 10, 1965, Pakistani forces launched a major tank attack in the Khem Karan sector of Punjab. Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid displayed extraordinary courage while operating a recoilless gun mounted on a jeep and engaged enemy Patton tanks. He was killed in action and was later awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.
September 10 is also remembered for the death of Sukumar Ray in 1923. The Bengali writer, poet and playwright was renowned for his humorous and imaginative children's literature, including Abol Tabol.
K. S. Ranjitsinhji
Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji Jadeja, popularly known as Ranji, was born on September 10, 1872, in Kathiawar. He became the first Indian to play Test cricket for England and was renowned for his innovative batting style. The Ranji Trophy is named after him.
Govind Ballabh Pant
Freedom fighter and statesman Govind Ballabh Pant was born on September 10, 1887. He served as the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later became India's Union Home Minister. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1957.
Other Indian Celebrities
September 10 is also the birthday of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, actor Atul Kulkarni, actor Ramesh Aravind, actress Manju Warrier and actor Jayam Ravi.
Apart from Govind Ballabh Pant, several Indian political figures were born on this date. B. D. Jatti, former Vice President and Acting President of India, was born on September 10, 1912. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, former Lok Sabha MP from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was also born on September 10, 1967.
September 10 has a special connection with Indian cricket. Apart from legendary cricketer Ranjitsinhji, modern Indian cricketer Manish Pandey was born on September 10, 1989, in Nainital. He became the first Indian batter to score an IPL century and represented India in international cricket.
Bagha Jatin, whose real name was Jatindranath Mukherjee, died on September 10, 1915, after suffering bullet injuries during an armed encounter with British forces at Balasore. He was an important revolutionary of the Indian independence movement.
Sukumar Ray died on September 10, 1923, leaving behind an influential body of Bengali children's literature.
Abdul Hamid was martyred on September 10, 1965, during the Battle of Asal Uttar. His extraordinary bravery earned him the Param Vir Chakra.
September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day every year. The observance was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization. Its purpose is to raise awareness that suicide is preventable and encourage compassionate, evidence-based prevention efforts.
For 2024-2026, the global theme is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide", with the call to action "Start the Conversation."
September 10 brings together important milestones from India's freedom movement, military history, politics, literature, cinema and cricket. Remembering personalities such as Ranjitsinhji, Govind Ballabh Pant, Bagha Jatin, Sukumar Ray and Abdul Hamid helps students understand the diverse contributions that have shaped India's history and public life.