&w=3840&q=100)
History Today: When Narendra Modi took oath as India's 15th prime minister in 2014
May 26 marks the day when Narendra Modi took charge as the 15th prime minister of India following a landslide victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He took oath at a grand ceremony held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan with over 4,000 guests and dignitaries present read more
On the evening of May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi, took oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India at a grand ceremony held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. PTI
May 26 marks a turning point in India's modern political history.
It was on this day in 2014 that Narendra Damodardas Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took oath as India's 15th Prime Minister, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country's leadership. His swearing-in ended a ten-year-long tenure of the Indian National Congress and signalled a major shift in the nation's politics.
Interestingly, May 26 holds significance not just for Indian politics, but also in the world of music. Back in 1967, the legendary British band, The Beatles, released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, a groundbreaking album that would go on to revolutionise rock 'n' roll music forever.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.
Here's a look at what made headlines on May 26.
When Modi took oath as PM for the first time
On the evening of May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi, took oath as the 15th Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy at a grand ceremony held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Modi's rise to power came on the back of a sweeping mandate in the 2014 general elections. The BJP secured 282 seats on its own — a majority not seen since 1984. With allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the total tally climbed to 336, marking a clear break from the Congress-led UPA government, which managed just 44 seats.
More than 4,000 dignitaries, officials, and guests were present to witness Modi and his new council of ministers take their oaths before then-President Pranab Mukherjee.
More than 4,000 dignitaries, officials, and guests were present to witness Modi and his new council of ministers take their oaths before then-President Pranab Mukherjee. AP
One of the standout moments of the evening was the presence of South Asian leaders, which diplomats and experts say was a first for any swearing-in ceremony in India. Pakistan's then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Sri Lanka's Mahinda Rajapaksa were among the key invitees, in what many saw as a strong signal of Modi's intent to reset regional ties.
Clad in his trademark kurta and waistcoat, with a pen clipped neatly into his pocket, Modi, then 63, took the oath in Hindi, pledging to uphold the Constitution and serve all citizens 'without fear or favour, affection or ill will.' He became the first Indian PM to have been born after Independence.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Before taking charge at the Centre, Modi had served as Gujarat's Chief Minister for over 12 years, making him the state's longest-serving CM. AP
Before taking charge at the Centre, Modi had served as Gujarat's Chief Minister for over 12 years, making him the state's longest-serving CM. His first Cabinet, much leaner than the outgoing Congress government's 75-plus ministers, focused on 'minimum government, maximum governance', a phrase that would come to define much of his first term in office.
When the Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
On this day in 1967, The Beatles released their eighth studio album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which would go on to become a critical favourite in the history of rock 'n' roll.
It was with this album that the English band set about defining themselves purely as a studio band than live performers.
'All that boy [stuff], all that screaming, we didn't want any more,' Paul McCartney, one of the band's members, said. 'There was now more to it.' With Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the Beatles announced their intention to be seen 'as artists rather than just performers.'
The Beatles released their eighth studio album,
Sgt. Pepper is often cited as the first 'concept album,' and as the inspiration for other great pop stars of the '60s. The album cover featured The Beatles in colourful styled outfits surrounded by cardboard cut-outs of famous personalities. Designed by Peter Blake and Jann Haworth, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential album covers in history.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Critically acclaimed, Sgt. Pepper's won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, the first rock LP to receive the honour. It stayed at the top of the UK Albums Chart for 27 weeks and topped the Billboard 200 in the US for 15 weeks.
Beyond commercial success, the album cemented The Beatles' place as cultural trailblazers of the 1960s.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
12 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
New normal amid a new cold war
The effect of Donald Trump's return to the White House is being felt in capitals all over the world. At the recently-concluded Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the spectre of a new cold war rose once again to dominate discussions. In his ASEAN chairman's statement, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim categorically asserted the return of a cold war to systemic interstate relations. The reference does not augur well for the ASEAN, which has been trying to build resilience within while maintaining a degree of balance between the US and China. The second important aspect of this year's dialogue has been the tough stand India has placed on its recent military stand-off with Pakistan following the devastating terror attack at Pahalgam. The subsequent Indian political and military action against Pakistan has highlighted what the political leadership is calling the 'new normal', signalling that tolerance has its limits. Both these indicated a changed environment at the Shangri-La Dialogue, especially as they implied certain defining shifts. First, the very definition of the term 'cold war' and how this period will be different from the earlier cold war. Second, the Trump administration's impact on the wider Indo-Pacific and what it expects from the region vis-á-vis the US-China rivalry. Third, the choices for ASEAN states, particularly in light of the extending US-China rivalry. And finally, how this affects the role India plays within multilateral forums and how India's definition of the new normal affects the region. First, the reference to a new cold war is not new. Even during the first Trump term, a National Security Strategy paper released by the administration in November 2017 clearly reiterated that the foremost threats to American interests and leadership in the global order were from China and Russia, articulating the tensions at systemic levels.
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
BJP, Sena (UBT) MLAs face-off at DPC meeting over Dalit fund allocation
1 2 3 4 Akola: High political drama was witnessed at the Akola District Planning Committee meeting held on Thursday after a heated exchange between BJP MLA Randhir Savarkar and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Nitin Deshmukh. Sparks flew during discussions over the allocation of Rs36 crore meant for Dalit development, leading to verbal abuse, shouting match, and an attempt to charge at each other inside the meeting hall. The situation escalated to such a degree that guardian minister Aakash Fundkar and other MLAs had to intervene to prevent further disorder. However, the tension continued beyond the meeting room. Supporters from both political sides gathered outside the planning building near the collector's office, where another round of verbal altercations and minor scuffles broke out. Speaking to the media, Fundkar claimed "nothing major" had occurred, but indirectly acknowledged the tension by questioning, "Should we remain silent against false accusations?" NCP MLA Amol Mitkari confirmed there was disruption inside the meeting hall. Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan also condemned the incident, accusing the BJP of suppressing opposition voices in the district and across the state. Political observers and local citizens have expressed concern that such public displays of political hostility could spill onto the streets and negatively impact developmental work in the district. The incident, they say, reflects a troubling trend in Maharashtra's political climate.
India Today
18 minutes ago
- India Today
We were there to explain India's 'new normal': Jay Panda on global outreach campaign
BJP MP Jay Panda, who headed the global outreach delegations on Operation Sindoor which visited Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Algeria, talked about the message they sent across and how it was received by the countries. When asked about what was your message to strategic partners like Saudi Arabia and how was your message received by other Islamic countries through this visit since Pakistan continues to play the Muslim card? Jay Panda said, "Our message was very clear. Our message is that we've gone through this same cycle of terrorism for 78 years. Pakistan sending cross-border terrorists and the whole cycle, the whole rigmarole, provoking attacks and nuclear blackmail. And so we were there to explain the new normal, new India's new normal, which is that we will retaliate and we will specifically target terrorist bases."
