Today in History, September 12: Indian Historical Events, Births, Deaths & Global Observances

September 12 holds significance in Indian history for several important events, personalities and observances. The date is particularly remembered for the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897, one of the most celebrated last stands in Indian military history. On this day in 1931, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in London to participate in the Second Round Table Conference on India's constitutional future.

September 12 is also associated with the birth anniversaries of several Indian personalities and the death anniversary of veteran politician Sitaram Yechury, who passed away on September 12, 2024.

September 12 in Indian History

Battle of Saragarhi, 1897

One of the most significant events associated with September 12 is the Battle of Saragarhi, fought on September 12, 1897, during the Tirah Campaign on the North-West Frontier. Twenty-one soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment defended the Saragarhi outpost against a vastly larger force of Pashtun tribesmen. The soldiers fought until the last man and were later remembered for their extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Havildar Ishar Singh led the small Sikh contingent.

The battle has become an important symbol of military courage and is commemorated as Saragarhi Day. The event continues to hold a special place in Indian military history and Sikh heritage.

Mahatma Gandhi Arrived in London, 1931

On September 12, 1931, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in London to represent the Indian National Congress at the Second Round Table Conference. The Gandhi Heritage Portal records his arrival in London on this date. Gandhi participated in discussions concerning India's constitutional future and presented the Congress position during his stay in Britain.

Mihir Sen's Achievement

September 12 is also associated with Indian swimmer Mihir Sen, who in 1966 achieved another remarkable feat by swimming across the Dardanelles Strait. His long-distance swimming achievements made him one of India's best-known pioneering swimmers.

Famous Indians Born on September 12

Several notable Indians were born on September 12. Feroze Gandhi, freedom fighter, journalist and politician, was born on September 12, 1912. Bengali writer Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, best known for works such as Pather Panchali, was also born on this date in 1894.

In the entertainment industry, actor Ranjeet was born on September 12, 1942. Other Indian personalities born on this date include actors Kurush Deboo, Prachi Desai and Gautham Karthik.

Indian Politicians Born on September 12

Notable Indian political figures born on September 12 include:

• Feroze Gandhi - politician, journalist and freedom fighter, born in 1912.
• M. V. Rajasekharan - Indian politician, born in 1928.
• Shanta Kumar - former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Union minister, born in 1934.
• Neelam Gorhe - Maharashtra politician, born in 1954.
• Akash Vijayvargiya - Indian politician, born in 1984.

Indian Cricketers Born on September 12

September 12 is also the birth anniversary of several Indian cricketers. Manpreet Juneja, born on September 12, 1990, is a Gujarat cricketer who has played domestic first-class cricket. Other Indian cricketers associated with the date include Avasarala Rao, Amit Asawa, Pravanjan Mullick, Amita Sharma and Arjit Gupta.

Notable Indian Deaths on September 12

One of the most significant recent deaths associated with September 12 was that of Sitaram Yechury, veteran CPI(M) leader and former Rajya Sabha member. He passed away on September 12, 2024, at AIIMS New Delhi, aged 72. Yechury served as CPI(M) general secretary from 2015 and was a prominent figure in Indian politics for several decades. The Prime Minister's Office also issued a condolence message following his death.

Earlier, Indian actor, singer and writer Ranjan died on September 12, 1983.

Global Observances on September 12

The United Nations International Day for South-South Cooperation is observed on September 12. The day highlights cooperation among developing countries and promotes the sharing of knowledge, technology, resources and development experiences. The United Nations lists September 12 as the International Day for South-South Cooperation.

In 2026, September 12 also falls on the second Saturday of September, which is observed as World First Aid Day in many international calendars. The day promotes awareness of first-aid knowledge and encourages people to learn basic emergency-response skills.

Why September 12 Is Important

September 12 brings together several important chapters of Indian history, from the courage displayed at Saragarhi to Mahatma Gandhi's diplomatic and political efforts in London. The date also remembers influential writers, politicians, actors and sportspersons born on this day, while recent history marks the passing of Sitaram Yechury.

For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, banking, railway and other competitive examinations, important dates such as September 12 can be useful for history, general knowledge and current-affairs revision.