Today in History, September 24: Indian Historical Events, Births, Deaths & Global Observances

September 24 has a significant place in Indian history, particularly for the freedom movement, social reform, science and space exploration. The date is associated with the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhikaji Cama, the signing of the Poona Pact between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar in 1932, and India's historic Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) entering Mars orbit in 2014.

September 24 also marks the anniversary of the 2002 Akshardham temple attack in Gandhinagar. Several prominent Indians from politics, cinema, science and cricket were also born or died on this date.

September 24 in Indian History

One of the most important events associated with September 24 is the Poona Pact of 1932. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar reached an agreement at Yerawada Central Jail concerning political representation for the Depressed Classes. The agreement provided for reserved seats in provincial legislatures through a joint electorate.

On September 24, 2002, terrorists attacked the Akshardham temple complex in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The attack resulted in more than 30 deaths and over 80 injuries.

Another landmark came on September 24, 2014, when ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission successfully entered the orbit of Mars. India became the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit and the first country to achieve the feat on its maiden attempt.

Famous Indians Born on September 24

Bhikaji Cama (1861): A prominent freedom activist, Bhikaji Cama worked internationally for India's independence and became an important voice of the nationalist movement.

Pratap Narayan Mishra (1856): A Hindi writer, poet and journalist associated with the Bharatendu era, he contributed to the development of modern Hindi literature.

Arati Saha (1940): The pioneering Indian swimmer became the first Asian woman to swim across the English Channel in 1959.

Mohinder Amarnath (1950): Former Indian cricketer and member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team. He was the Player of the Match in both the semi-final and final of the tournament.

Indian Celebrities Born on September 24

Notable Indian entertainment personalities born on September 24 include Rajesh Khattar (1966), actor and voice artist, and Srishty Rode (1991), television actress.

Indian Politicians and Public Figures Born on September 24

Selja Kumari (1962), Indian politician and former parliamentarian, was born on September 24. Other public figures associated with the date include former Supreme Court judge Indira Banerjee (1957).

Indian Cricketers Born on September 24

The most prominent Indian cricketer associated with the date is Mohinder Amarnath, born in 1950. He played a key role in India's 1983 World Cup triumph and represented India in both Tests and ODIs.

Notable Indians Who Died on September 24

Padmini Ramachandran (2006): The celebrated actress and Bharatanatyam dancer died on September 24, 2006, aged 74. She was one of the famous Travancore Sisters and appeared in more than 250 films across several Indian languages.

Raja Ramanna (2004): The renowned nuclear physicist and former director of BARC died on September 24, 2004. He played an important role in India's nuclear science and technology programme.

Global Observances on September 24

In 2026, World Maritime Day falls on September 24. The International Maritime Organization observes the day during the last Thursday of September each year.

September 24 is also associated in some calendars with World Rivers Day and other awareness observances when the date falls on the relevant Sunday. These should not be treated as fixed annual September 24 observances.

Why September 24 Is Important

September 24 brings together major milestones from India's freedom struggle, social history, cinema, sports and space exploration. The Poona Pact, Bhikaji Cama's birth anniversary, the achievements of Indian sportspersons and Mangalyaan's historic Mars orbit entry make the date significant in Indian history.