2012: Malala Yousafzai Survives Assassination Attempt
On October 9, 2012, Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani education activist, was shot while returning home from school. The attack, carried out by Taliban militants, aimed to silence her voice for girls’ education. However, Malala survived and emerged as one of the world's leading advocates for education rights. Two years later, in 2014, she became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate at 17, sharing the honour with Indian activist Kailash Satyarthi.
1986: ‘Phantom of the Opera’ Debuts in London
Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, "The Phantom of the Opera," made its theatrical debut in London's West End on October 9, 1986. The production opened at Her Majesty's Theatre, captivating audiences with its haunting tale of a disfigured musical genius. Based on Gaston Leroux's novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, it became Broadway’s longest-running show, achieving global success.
1970: Khmer Republic Declared
On this day in 1970, Cambodia’s political landscape transformed as the Khmer Republic was established. Led by General Lon Nol and Prince Sisowath Sirik Matak, the republic came to power through a coup that overthrew Prince Norodom Sihanouk. This marked the start of a turbulent period in Cambodia’s history.
1962: Uganda Gains Independence
Uganda marked its independence from British colonial rule on October 9, 1962. After decades of British oversight, the East African nation celebrated its freedom, with Milton Obote serving as its first prime minister. The country had been a British protectorate since 1894, and the journey to sovereignty was a significant milestone in Africa's decolonisation.
1874: General Postal Union Formed
The General Postal Union, the precursor to today’s Universal Postal Union (UPU), was established on October 9, 1874. Signed by 22 countries, the Treaty of Bern sought to streamline international mail services. Four years later, in 1878, the union expanded and rebranded as the Universal Postal Union to reflect its growing global membership.
Notable Births on October 9
- 1970: Annika Sörenstam, Swedish golfer
- 1969: PJ Harvey, English singer-songwriter
- 1966: David Cameron, former British Prime Minister
- 1940: John Lennon, English musician and member of The Beatles
- 1888: Nikolai Bukharin, Russian politician
Notable Deaths on October 9
- 2004: Jacques Derrida, French philosopher
- 1978: Jacques Brel, Belgian singer-songwriter
- 1974: Oskar Schindler, German businessman, known for saving Jews during WWII
- 1967: Che Guevara, Argentine-Cuban revolutionary
- 1958: Pope Pius XII, leader of the Catholic Church
