 "Following the death of Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi became the prime minister of India. Illustration: Santanu Kumar Santan")
January 19 has been marked by influential milestones in politics, technology, and culture. As part of Firstpost’s series ‘ History Today ,’ let’s look back at the key events that have defined this date in history.
Indira Gandhi becomes first female PM of India
On January 19, 1966, Indira Gandhi was sworn in as the first female Prime Minister of India. This historic moment came after the sudden death of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Gandhi’s ascent to power marked a new chapter in Indian politics, and her tenure would span over two decades, making a significant impact on the country’s socio-political landscape.
She introduced major policies including the nationalisation of banks and the Green Revolution, which transformed India into a food-surplus nation.
Her leadership, however, was also marked by controversy, including the imposition of the Emergency in 1975.
First BlackBerry hits the market
On January 19, 1999, the first BlackBerry device, the BlackBerry 850, was launched by Research In Motion (RIM).
Initially designed as a pager, it evolved into a full-fledged smartphone, revolutionising the way people communicated by integrating email and wireless messaging capabilities.
The BlackBerry quickly became synonymous with business communication and was a symbol of connectivity in the early 2000s, influencing the development of mobile communication devices that followed.
First McDonald’s drive-through opens in Beijing
On January 19, 1992, McDonald’s opened its first drive-through in Beijing, China, marking a significant moment in the company’s global expansion. This move aligned with China’s opening up to the world, as the country began embracing international businesses.
The drive-through served as a symbol of the increasing influence of Western fast food culture in China, offering convenience and speed in a rapidly urbanising society.
McDonald’s continued to grow in China, becoming a major player in the country’s fast food industry.
The birth of Edgar Allan Poe
On January 19, 1809, one of America’s most famous writers, Edgar Allan Poe, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Best known for his poems and short stories that explore themes of death, macabre, and the supernatural, Poe is widely regarded as a pioneer of Gothic literature.
His works, including “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven,” continue to captivate readers and inspire countless adaptations in film and other art forms.
This day, that year
1920: Dolly Parton, country music singer and songwriter, was born
1944: Janis Joplin, American rock singer, was born.