June 13

Pralhad Keshav Atre, popularly known as 'Acharya Atre', was born in 1898 in Konkan, India. A prolific writer, he authored numerous columns, plays, and novels in Marathi, earning acclaim for his satirical and social commentary. Atre also ventured into filmmaking, directing and producing landmark Marathi films in the 1930s and 1940s. His directorial debut 'Ayodhyecha Raja' (1932) is celebrated as the first Marathi sound film. Beyond cinema, he was a respected educationist and orator, advocating for social reform and the use of the Marathi language. Atre founded literary organizations and mentored upcoming writers and actors. His versatile career bridged journalism, theatre, and film, shaping modern Marathi culture. He passed away in 1969, remembered as a cultural icon.

Stephanie von Hohenlohe was born Baroness Stephanie Franziska Friederike von Hohenlohe in 1891 in Vienna. She used her aristocratic background and charm to cultivate relationships with European nobility and political leaders during the interwar period. Operating as an intelligence agent for Nazi Germany, she gathered diplomatic information from contacts in Britain and the United States. Von Hohenlohe hosted salons in London and New York, where she attracted aristocrats, industrialists, and politicians. Her activities drew the attention of British and American intelligence services, leading to surveillance and restrictions on her movements. After World War II, her exact fate became obscure, with some reports placing her in Spain until her death in 1972. She remains a controversial figure for her blend of glamour and espionage.

Tim Russert was an influential American journalist and lawyer. He hosted NBC's Meet the Press for over 16 years, making it the longest-running show of its kind. Known for his rigorous yet fair interviewing style, he became a trusted voice in American politics. Before his television career, he served as chief of staff to Senator Daniel Moynihan. He authored the best-selling book "Big Russ and Me" about his relationship with his father. Russert founded the Russert Fund to award scholarships to high school students. He passed away suddenly in 2008 at the age of 58, leaving a lasting impact on broadcast journalism.

Born on the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1938, Albert White Hat dedicated his life to Native American education. He co-founded Sinte Gleska University in South Dakota to preserve and teach Lakota traditions. As an elder and council member, he advocated for tribal sovereignty and cultural revitalization. White Hat published works on Lakota language, ceremonies, and history. He lectured internationally on indigenous rights and education. His lifelong activism strengthened community identity and inspired future indigenous leaders.