Today in History, September 20: Indian Historical Events, Births, Deaths & Global Observances

September 20 is an important date in Indian history, associated with the freedom movement, social reform, journalism, cinema and cricket. On this day in 1932, Mahatma Gandhi began a fast at Yerawada Jail in Pune against the British government's proposal for separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.

The fast later became part of the events leading to the Poona Pact between Gandhi and Dr B. R. Ambedkar.

The date is also remembered for the British recapture of Delhi during the Revolt of 1857 and the first publication of The Hindu as a weekly newspaper in 1878. September 20 also marks the birth anniversaries of personalities such as Narayana Guru, A. Nageswara Rao and Mahesh Bhatt.

September 20 in Indian History

British Recapture Delhi in 1857

On September 20, 1857, British forces recaptured Delhi from the rebels during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The fall of Delhi was a major development in the uprising against East India Company rule.

Mahatma Gandhi Begins His 1932 Fast

On September 20, 1932, Gandhi began a fast unto death at Yerawada Central Jail in protest against the provision for separate electorates for the Depressed Classes under the British government's Communal Award. The fast intensified negotiations between Gandhi, Dr B. R. Ambedkar and other leaders and ultimately contributed to the Poona Pact later that month.

The Hindu Begins Publication

On September 20, 1878, The Hindu was published for the first time as a weekly newspaper in Madras, now Chennai. It later developed into one of India's major English-language newspapers.

Dograi Captured During the 1965 War

On September 20, 1965, Indian forces captured Dograi during the Indo-Pakistani War. The battle was part of the military operations on the western front during the conflict.

Famous Indians Born on September 20

Narayana Guru

Social reformer and spiritual leader Narayana Guru was born on September 20, 1856. He played an influential role in social reform in Kerala and worked against caste-based discrimination.

A. Nageswara Rao

Telugu cinema legend Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) was born on September 20, 1923. The actor and producer had a career spanning more than seven decades and received honours including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Vibhushan.

Mahesh Bhatt

Filmmaker, producer and screenwriter Mahesh Bhatt was born on September 20, 1948, in Bombay, now Mumbai. He is known for films including Saaransh, Arth, Aashiqui and Zakhm.

Other notable Indians associated with September 20 include journalist Nana Sahib Parulekar, spiritual leader Sri Ram Sharma Acharya, actor Anupam Shyam and filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.

Indian Politicians Born on September 20

Among Indian political personalities born on September 20 is Kailash Choudhary, born in 1973 in Rajasthan. He served as a Member of Parliament from Barmer and as Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in the Union government.

Indian Cricketers Born on September 20

September 20 is also associated with several Indian cricketers.

• Rajinder Goel (1942) - Former left-arm spinner and one of the most successful Ranji Trophy bowlers.
• Ramesh Saxena (1944) - Former Indian cricket player.
• Pawan Kumar (1959) - Indian cricketer.
• Wilkin Mota (1981) - Former Indian cricketer.
• Tushar Saha (1985) - Indian first-class cricketer from Tripura.
• Dhruv Raval (1988) - Indian cricketer.
• Ashish Hooda (1989) - Indian first-class cricketer.
• Pankaj Jaiswal (1995) - Indian first-class cricketer from Himachal Pradesh.
• Rahul Buddhi (1997) and Sai Karthik (1997) - Indian domestic cricketers.

Rajinder Goel is particularly notable for his record number of Ranji Trophy wickets despite never playing an official Test match for India.

Notable Indians Who Died on September 20

Several prominent Indians are remembered on September 20 for their death anniversaries. They include Feroz Shah Tughlaq, Jose Custodio Faria, freedom fighter Maulana Barkatullah, social reformer Annie Besant, freedom fighter Kanaklata Barua, writer Daya Pawar and actress Shakila.

World Cleanup Day on September 20

World Cleanup Day is observed every year on September 20. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 20 as World Cleanup Day in 2023. In 2026, the observance focuses on food waste under the theme "From Clean Plates to Clean Cities." The campaign highlights waste reduction, food recovery, circular economy practices and cleaner communities.

Why September 20 Is Important

September 20 brings together important chapters of Indian political and social history, including the 1857 recapture of Delhi, the launch of The Hindu in 1878 and Gandhi's 1932 fast at Yerawada Jail. The date also marks the birthdays of influential personalities such as Narayana Guru, A. Nageswara Rao and Mahesh Bhatt, along with several Indian cricketers.

Globally, September 20 is observed as World Cleanup Day, making the date significant for environmental awareness and sustainable waste-management efforts.