Western Union discontinued its telegraph service after 155 years of service.

A massive earthquake struck Gujarat, India, and some portions of Pakistan resulting in the death of more than 25,000 people.

Vaclav Havel was elected to the position of president of the Czech Republic. He is also a renowned writer and was one of the most active anti communist intellectuals of then Czechoslovakia.

President of Somalia, Mohamed Siad Barre, was overthrown ending any form of formal government in the country. There has not been a formal government in Somalia ever since.

Lotus 1-2-3 is released. it was one of the most popular applications ever to be released for the (IBM) PC. During the 1980's and early 1990's it was one of the most popular corporate computer applications available.

Hindi was declared as the official language of India.

Dutch-born musician, Eddie Van Halen, was born in Nijmegen, Netherlands. He is one of the founding members of the hard rock band Van Halen.

India was officially declared a republic and Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as its first president.

American actor, Scott Glenn, was born in Pennsylvania.

American actor, Paul Newman, was born in Ohio. He is one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors and one of the few whose career flourished with each new decade and all the changes that each wrought in the world of the movies.

The Cullinan Diamond, the worlds largest diamond, was found in South Africa. It is currently owned by the Queen of England.

Austrian singer, Maria von Trapp, was born in Vienna. Her family's story, including their escape from the Nazis, was the inspiration for the hit musical, The Sound of Music.

American gangster, Frank Costello, was born in Calabria, Italy. He is considered as having been the most powerful and influential Mafia boss in American history.

The US state of Tennessee was the first to enforce an alcoholic beverage prohibition law in the United States.