September 21

Born in 1842 in Alexandria (Kherson Governorate), Benardos studied engineering and pursued a passion for metallurgy. In 1881, he developed the carbon arc welding method, obtaining patents for electric arc welding techniques that revolutionized industrial manufacturing. His invention enabled the efficient joining of heavy metals, facilitating advances in shipbuilding, railways, and machinery. Benardos also demonstrated welding for Napoleon III and received accolades across Europe for his innovations. His work laid the groundwork for modern welding practices before his death in 1905.

Born in 1838 in Berryville, Virginia, Arnold became entangled in secret Confederate sympathizer circles during the Civil War. In 1864, he joined a plan organized by John Wilkes Booth to kidnap President Lincoln, aiming to leverage hostages for Confederate demands. Arrested months before Booth's successful assassination of Lincoln, Arnold was tried and sentenced to life imprisonment. President Andrew Johnson later commuted his sentence in 1869, and Arnold received a full pardon, living quietly until his death. His participation in one of the Civil War's most audacious schemes remains a striking chapter in American history.

Bada Rajan (died 1983) was a prominent figure in Mumbai's criminal underworld, rising from street-level rackets to control organized extortion and smuggling operations. Operating primarily in working-class neighborhoods, he gained notoriety for violent enforcement tactics and alliances with larger criminal networks. Rajan's real name was unknown to many; he earned the moniker 'Bada' (Big) for his influence and fearsome reputation. His gang was implicated in high-profile murders and protection schemes across Maharashtra. In a police encounter on September 21, 1983, Rajan was killed, triggering turf wars that reshaped Mumbai's crime landscape. His life inspired numerous portrayals in Indian cinema and literature. Rajan's story exemplifies the volatility and brutality of organized crime in urban India.

Born in New York in 1941, Pamela Ann Rymer earned her law degree from Stanford University in 1966. She began her career in private practice before being appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan elevated her to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, where she authored influential opinions. Rymer's rulings covered civil rights, environmental law, and administrative procedure, reflecting her commitment to justice. She was respected for mentoring young attorneys and upholding the rule of law throughout her tenure. Rymer's contributions to federal jurisprudence have had a lasting impact on American legal practice.