SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Swami Vivekananda was born to Vishwanath Dutta, an attorney and Bhuvaneshwari Devi who was a pious lady. He was born of his mother's prayers to Lord Shiva, Vireshwara of Varanasi who appeared in her dream and promised her of begetting Himself as her son. Thus was Swami Vivekananda born and named Narendranath Dutta, but addressed fondly as Bileh. Bileh grew up with the rationalistic views of his father and the piety of his mother. Though Bileh was subject to naughtiness, He exhibited spiritual traits of worshipping and meditating on the images of Gods in his childhood. He was an amalgam of courage and sympathy with an interest in wandering monks.

Narendra, first began his education at home and was later admitted in the 'Metropolitan Institution of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar' in 1871. He was well versed in all the subjects. He showed great interest in the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita etc which related to the subjective reality There was a proficient classical musician in Him and was also a great athlete. Narendra was an undisputed leader amongst his colleagues and the favourite of His professors at college. Thus contrasting, yet well balanced qualities of both head and heart presented Narendra as an imposing and versatile personality.

Narendra during His college days engaged in conversations on various topics. He studied the Western thought which ingrained in him the quality of critical enquiry and analysis. Thus His inborn spiritual characteristics and his rational outlook

were at war. He turned towards the Brahmo Samaj which rejected idol worship and formulated the formless worship of God. However it failed to convince Narendra which fuelled His spiritual hunger.

Narendra learned about Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa through his Professor, William Hastie. The historic meeting took place in 1881. To His ever haunting doubt of the existence of God, Sri Ramakrishna bestowed on Him the direct experience of God.

The final days of the Master saw the final training of the pupil, bringing all His disciples under the leadership of Narendra. He then transmitted his powers to Narendra and shed His body in 1886.

After the passing away of His master the young disciples gathered for spiritual practices in an old dilapidated house of Baranagore where the foundation of the Ramakrishna Brotherhood was laid and where the disciples embraced Sanyas.

The thirst for wandering took over Narendra that He wandered living on alms as He traversed across the nation North to South, East to West. He stayed with people from all walks of life and from different religions. It was during His wandering days that He came upon the Raja of Ramnad who urged Him to participate in the 'Parliament of World Religions'. He started for America assuming the name ' Swami Vivekananda' as suggested by the Maharaja of Khetri.

Swami Vivekananda's participation in 'The Parliament of World Religions' in Chicago attracted worldwide acclamation where He represented India and Hinduism speaking on the Advaitic principle of universality, emphasizing tolerance. Soon the Swami was invited for many inspiring lectures in different parts of America where He stayed for 2 years. He also travelled to England twice.

On returning to India Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Math for the propagation of religion and Ramakrishna Mission for social service. He founded the Belur Math, Advaita Ashrama at Mayavati on the Himalayas and another in Chennai. He also made a second visit to the West.

Swami Vivekananda's hectic schedule played havoc on His health. He suffered from asthma and diabetes and other ailments. He spent His last days in the Belur Math. He shed His body while meditating on July 4th 1902. A temple was later erected on the spot chosen by Him in the Belur Math where He was cremated.

ADOLF HITLER

Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889 in Braunau am Inn, Austria. Adi, as he was known in his youth, spent his childhood in Austria. His father, Alois, retired from civil service in 1895, when Hitler was only six, which created a tense, strict atmosphere at home.

When Hitler was 13, his father passed away and his mother, Klara, had to care for Hitler and his siblings by herself. Times were tough for the Hitler household. In 1905, at age 16, Adolf quit school and never returned.

Hitler dreamed of becoming an artist, so in 1907 he applied to the painting school at the Vienna Academy of Art. He did not pass the entrance exam. In 1908 he again tried to apply to the Vienna Academy of Art but this time was not even allowed to take the test. Two months later, his mother passed away from breast cancer.

Hitler started to dabble in politics and became especially influenced by pan-Germanism. To avoid military service in the Austrian army, Hitler moved to Munich, Germany in May 1913 but as soon as World War I broke out, Hitler asked for and received special permission to serve in the Bavarian-German army.

Adolf Hitler quickly proved to be a courageous soldier. By December 1914, he was awarded the Iron Cross (Second Class), in October 1916 he was wounded by a grenade splinter, and in August 1918 he was awarded the Iron Cross (First Class).On October 13, 1918, a gas attack caused him to go temporarily blind. While recuperating in a hospital, Hitler heard the news of the end of the war and of Germany's defeat. His anger and feelings of betrayal shaped his and the world's future. After the war, many in Germany felt betrayed by the German government for their sudden and unexpected surrender. The subsequent inflation made even finding a job and day-to-day living difficult for the average German citizen.

In 1919, Hitler was working for an army organization in which he checked-up on burgeoning local political groups. While spying on these groups in September 1919, Hitler found one he liked. Soon after joining the group (he became the 55th member), he was leading it.

Hitler believed that he could provide a stronger government that would bring strength and prestige back to Germany. So, on November 9, 1923, he attempted a coup of the government, the Beer hall putch. It failed and Hitler was sentenced to five years at Landsberg Prison. Though he only served nine months of his term, he used this time to formulate his thoughts about a new Germany, which he made into a book, Mein Kampf. Once he was released, he continued on his road to ultimate power.

By July 1932, Hitler had enough support to run for president of Germany, though he lost the election to Paul von Hindenburg. However, on January 30, 1933, Hindenburg appointed Hitler as chancellor of Germany. Within a year and a half, Hitler was able to take over both the position of president (Hindenburg died) and chancellor and combine them into one position of supreme leader, the Führer.

After legally gaining power in Germany, Hitler quickly began solidifying his position by putting those that disagreed with him into concentration camps. He created massive amounts of propaganda that strengthened German pride by blaming all their problems on Communists and Jews. The concept of pan-Germanism inspired Hitler to combine German peoples in various countries in Europe as well as look east for lebensraum.

Since the world was extremely sensitive about the possibility of starting another world war, Hitler was able to annex Austria in 1938 without a single battle. But when he had his forces enter Poland in August 1939, the world could no longer stand aside and just watch -- World War II began.

From the Nuremberg Laws in 1935 to Kristallnacht in 1938, Hitler slowly removed Jews from German society. However, with the cover of World War II, the Nazis created an elaborate and intensive system to work Jews as slaves and kill them. Hitler is considered one of the most evil people in history because of the Holocaust.

During the beginning of World War II, the German war machine seemed unstoppable. However, the tide turned at the Battle of Stalingrad in the beginning of 1943. As the Allied Army got closer to Berlin, Hitler continued to control his regime from the safety of an underground bunker. Soon, even that was no longer safe. After writing his last will and political testament on April 29, 1945, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide on April 30, 1945.

NAGESHWARA RAO

Akkineni Nageswara Rao (born September 20, 1924 at Venkataraghavapuram, Dist. Krishna, Andhra Pradesh), also known as ANR, is a film actor from Gudivada Andhra Pradesh. He is one of the first fully commercial Telugu Cinema heroes. His films include a diverse range of genres which include mythological, folk tale, social, adventure and drama. He acted with NTR who is one of the greatest actors of India for almost 40 years.They both called each other as brother .

Nageswara Rao was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1990 for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. He is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

He is the first person to cause the shift of Telugu film industry to Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh from Chennai, Tamilnadu in an attempt to bring together the mother tongue of industry and industry itself. Soon after the move to Hyderabad, Nageswara Rao founded his own production house, Annapoorna Studios located in Banjara Hill.

He is noted for his class roles in the mid 60's. His younger son Nagarjuna is also an actor in Telugu.

Even at the age of 82+, Dr Akkineni Nageswara Rao still acts. He is specifically remembered in Andhra Pradesh for his biographical roles like Dr.Chakravarthy, Devadasu, Vipranarayana, Chakradhari, Tukaram, Kalidasu, Jayadeva, Tenali Ramakrishna, Kshethrayya etc. Moreover he is popular as hero of popular fiction (Novels) which were made into films e.g. Doctor Chakravarthi, Prema Nagar, Secretary etc.

Akkineni's Premabhishekam movie is one of the biggest Industry Hit movies in Tollywood. Premabhishekam has an amazing 533 days run in Hyderabad City which is still highest run in a city for telugu movies. Premabhishekam is the only film in telugu that went for 365+ days run directly.

INDIRA GANDHI

Indira Nehru Gandhi was born on November 19, 1917 and would be the only child of Jawaharlal and Kamala Nehru. Being influenced and inspired by her parents, Indira Gandhi rose to power in India and eventually became prime minister. She dedicated her life to progress in her country despite the overwhelming problems and challenges she encountered.

Her road to power and politics started when she turned twelve years of age. During the time of British imperialism, many Indian National Congress workers from Allahabad did not know when or if the British would arrest them or search their homes. In order to find out when this would occur, the Monkey Brigade was formed. Although Indira claimed to have thought of the idea, some asserted that the Monkey Brigade was the idea of the Congress. In any event, Indira became the leader of this children's group whose purpose was to help end British control in India. Being its leader, she delivered speeches while other children actually warned the people who were going to be arrested. The Congress figured that the British would not suspect children of participating in such involvement. Although some deemed it a joke, Indira took her job very seriously. One of the most significant actions of the Monkey Brigade involved Indira. The Congress party's top officials were organizing a civil disobedience movement. After the meeting, the documents containing the plans of the movement were placed in the trunk of a car with Indira in the back seat. Before the car was ready to leave the area, a police inspector stopped the car in order to search it. However, Indira pleaded with him not to inspect the car because the delay would cause her to arrive late at school. Fortunately, the inspector believed her and the car was not searched.

In 1938, Indira finally joined the Indian National Congress Party, something she always longed to do. Soon afterwards in 1942, she married journalist Feroze Gandhi to whom she eventually bore two sons. Soon after the couple was married, they were sent to prison on charges of subversion by the British. Her first and only imprisonment lasted from September 11, 1942 until May 13, 1943 at the Naini Central Jail in Allahabad.

Fortunately, India won its independence from Britain in 1947. In that same year, Indira's father Jawaharlal Nehru became prime minister and served until his death in 1964. Since her mother had died in 1936, Indira acted as hostess and confidante and traveled with Nehru to meet famous political figures. Later in 1959, Gandhi became the fourth woman elected president of the Indian National Congress. After her father's death, the new Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri appointed Indira Gandhi as minister of information and broadcasting. This position was the fourth highest ranking position in the Cabinet. Many Indians were illiterate. Therefore, radio and television played a major part in informing them. As minister, she most importantly encouraged the making of inexpensive radios and started a family planning program.

After Shastri's death in 1966, Indira Gandhi served as prime minister until India held the next election. She won that election, and in 1967, became one of the first women ever elected to lead a democracy. In 1971, Gandhi was re-elected by campaigning with the slogan "Abolish Poverty." However in 1975, Gandhi was found guilty of violating election laws. Later, the conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court of India. Also, to control population growth, Gandhi implemented a voluntary sterilization program. As a result, adversaries criticized her and her administration in general. To secure her power and because of escalating riots, on June 26, 1975, Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency which limited the personal freedom of Indians. Also, she ordered the arrests of the main opposition leaders. In her opinion, her dictatorship was for the good of India. But she allowed free elections in 1977, and the Indian people voted her out of office.

She regained her position as prime minister in 1980. Unfortunately on October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi's Sikh bodyguards assassinated her. They did so to avenge the storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Gandhi had ordered the storming in June because of what her government considered terrorist activity of extremist Sikhs who had occupied the Temple.

As prime minister, Gandhi tried to improve the lives of Indians. With her neighbors, the Soviet Union and China, she improved relations. She also promoted science and technology. In 1971, India sent its first satellite into space. Economically, Indira Gandhi led India to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world toward the end of her time as prime minister.

ROGER FEDERER

The first step in a Roger Federer biography is his birth in 1981 to a suburban Switzerland to a couple of Swiss and South African descent. His parents recognized his talent at an early age and he started playing tennis at 6 years old, although he also participated in other sports like football (soccer, not American football) and actually considered a career as a pro football player before taking up tennis as a career.

A mere two years after he decided to concentrate on tennis at age 12, he became the national champion of Switzerland (in all categories, not just junior). By his last year as a junior in 1998, he won Wimbledon in his category, as well as taking the Orange Bowl and being awarded the title of ITF World Junior Tennis Champion. By 2000, Roger Federer had made the semi-finals at the Sydney Olympics, but this was the high point of that year for him and by the end of it he was ranked 29th, which is why a Roger Federer biography is inspiring.

The key moment in a Roger Federer biography comes in 2001, when he made headlines at Wimbledon by defeating Pete Sampras, which was the turning point of his career. In 2002, despite the devastating death of his coach, Peter Carter, due to a car crash, he racked up several titles and ended up qualifying for the first time for the Tennis Masters Cup. Some theorize that the death of Carter motivated him to succeed even more to honor his coach’s memory.

2003 was the year Roger Federer reached the rank of Number 2 in the world, the same position he currently holds. There were lots of ups and downs for him that year in various tournaments, but he ended the year on a positive note by winning the Tennis Masters Cup and defeating Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, David Nalbandian and Juan Carlos Ferrero.

2004 was a landmark year in the Roger Federer biography, where his victories included winning three Grand Slam singles tournaments, being named the ITF World Tennis Champion, winning the Australian Open, winning Wimbledon and the US Open, and securing the number one ranking, a title he would hold for a record-breaking four years until it was taken by Rafael Nadal in 2008. Since then, this rivalry with Nadal has defined his career, with each of them taking turns coming out on top. After examining the biography of Roger Federer, it’s safe to assume that we haven’t heard the last of this talented and persistent tennis player.

SACHIN TENDULKAR

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, (born on 24 April 1973) affectionately called 'The Little Master', or 'The Master Blaster' is a current Indian cricketer who was rated by Wisden in 2002 as the second greatest Test Cricket and ODI batsman of all time after the legendary Sir Don Bradman and Viv Richards respectively. He holds important batting records such as the leading Test century scorer, leading ODI century and half-century scorer, one of only three batsmen to surpass 11,000 runs in test cricket as well as being the first Indian to do so,and the most career ODI runs and most overall career run tally.

Tendulkar was born to a middle class family of Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins in Bombay, now known as Mumbai. His father Ramesh, a Marathi novelist, named him after his favourite music director Sachin Dev Burman. He was encouraged to play cricket by his elder brother. He has 2 more siblings - brother Nitin and sister Savitai. Nitin's son Rohan, born in 1990, is also a cricketer, representing Mumbai in junior cricket tournaments.

In 1995, Sachin Tendulkar married Anjali (born 13 February 1971), the paediatrician daughter of Gujarati industrialist Anand Mehta. They have two children, Sara (born 12 October 1997) and Arjun (born 23 September 1999).

Tendulkar sponsors 200 under-privileged children every year through Apnalaya, a Mumbai-based NGO associated with his mother-in-law, Annaben Mehta. He is reluctant to speak about this or other charitable activities, choosing to preserve the sanctity of his personal life despite media interest in him.

Tendulkar is the only player to score a century while making his Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy debut. Tendulkar's rise continued when he was the leading run scorer at the 1996 Cricket World Cup, topping the batting averages whilst scoring two centuries.

Tendulkar, succeeding Mohammad Azharuddin as captain, then led India on a tour of Australia, where the visitors were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by the newly-crowned world champions. After another Test series defeat, this time by a 0-2 margin at home against South Africa, Tendulkar resigned, and Sourav Ganguly took over as captain in 2000.

Also in his first Twenty20 match with international opposition, although unofficial, Tendulkar hit 50 not out off 21 deliveries to blast the International XI to 123 after 10 overs against the Pakistan XI. Sachin became the third cricketer to complete 11000 test runs.

ODI Awards:
- Most Man of the Match Awards: 55 Man of the Match Awards
- Most Man of the Series Awards: 14 Man of the Series Awards

Sachin Tendulkar has been the subject of various books. The following is the listing of books focused on Tendulkar's career:
- Sachin: The Story of the World's Greatest Batsman by Gulu Ezekiel. Publisher: Penguin Global. ISBN 978-0143028543
- The A to Z of Sachin Tendulkar by Gulu Ezekiel. Publisher: Penguin Global. ISBN 978-8174765307
- Sachin Tendulkar-a definitive biography by Vaibhav Purandare. Publisher: Roli Books. ISBN 8174363602
- Sachin Tendulkar - Masterful by Peter Murray, Ashish Shukla. Publisher: Rupa. ISBN 8171678068

THOMAS ALVA EDISON

Thomas Alva Edison was born on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio; the seventh and last child of Samuel and Nancy Edison. When Edison was seven his family moved to Port Huron, Michigan. Edison lived here until he struck out on his own at the age of sixteen. Edison had very little formal education as a child, attending school only for a few months. He was taught reading, writing, and arithmetic by his mother, but was always a very curious child and taught himself much by reading on his own. This belief in self-improvement remained throughout his life.

Edison began working at an early age, as most boys did at the time. At thirteen he took a job as a newsboy, selling newspapers and candy on the local railroad that ran through Port Huron to Detroit. He seems to have spent much of his free time reading scientific, and technical books, and also had the opportunity at this time to learn how to operate a telegraph. By the time he was sixteen, Edison was proficient enough to work as a telegrapher full time.

The development of the telegraph was the first step in the communication revolution, and the telegraph industry expanded rapidly in the second half of the 19th century. This rapid growth gave Edison and others like him a chance to travel, see the country, and gain experience. In 1876 Edison sold all his Newark manufacturing concerns and moved his family and staff of assistants to the small village of Menlo Park, twenty-five miles southwest of New York City.

The first great invention developed by Edison in Menlo Park was the tin foil phonograph. The first machine that could record and reproduce sound created a sensation and brought Edison international fame. Edison toured the country with the tin foil phonograph, and was invited to the White House to demonstrate it to President Rutherford B. Hayes in April 1878. Edison next undertook his greatest challenge, the development of a practical incandescent, electric light.

After one and a half years of work, success was achieved when an incandescent lamp with a filament of carbonized sewing thread burned for thirteen and a half hours. The first public demonstration of the Edison's incandescent lighting system was in December 1879, when the Menlo Park laboratory complex was electrically lighted.

During the last two years of his life Edison was in increasingly poor health. Edison spent more time away from the laboratory, working instead at Glenmont. Trips to the family vacation home in Fort Myers, Florida became longer. Edison was past eighty and suffering from a number of ailments. In August 1931 Edison collapsed at Glenmont. Essentially house bound from that point, Edison steadily declined until at 3:21 am on October 18, 1931 the great man died.