The 75 years of Independent India

Today, we celebrate the 76th birthday of Independent India. 75 years of Independence and what a commendable journey it has been.?

Many would argue that even after 75 years of Independence, India remains a developing nation, but if we look at the circumstances under which India started, we indeed have progressed. No doubt we still have a long way to go.?

75 years ago, India did gain independence from the British, but the British raj had left the golden bird or as we say "sone ki chidiya" further drained and void of any wealth, harmony and resources.?

Independent India of 1947 was hence in despair and distress but desperate to turn over the tables.?

Poverty, illiteracy and poor health loomed during the 1950s but all that did not stop India.

As of today, the literacy level stands at 77.7% as compared to 18.7% in 1951 . Life expectancy jumped from 37.2 years in 1951 to close to 70 years at present.?

From poor public health to being a successful polio eradication case study.

From being a de-industrialized nation to being one of the largest IT and business hubs.

From shackles of poverty and hunger to now being the largest humanitarian aid provider and world's pharmacy.?

From being a land of bullock carts to giving shape to most applauded space exploration programs.?

India has progressed, and it did well.?

Many, including Winston Churchill, were convinced that India being a land of diverse cultures and numerous religions won't be able to function together constructively.?

But on the contrary, India proved many such beliefs wrong and stands united, thus being one of the greatest secular countries.?

The journey was no easy feat, there were hurdles and rough patches, but again which country doesn't have them? Present scenarios globally are a testimony to the fact.?

Even after gaining independence, there have been repeated security breaches, but India has always proved its capability to defend itself.?

No doubt, there were a few wrong decisions which if taken otherwise would have added to India's strength. India being offered a permanent UNSC seat and forgoing it is often debated.

But overall India did well with mistakes to learn from.?

During the last two years, the world was hit by a global crisis.?

The past two years have been turbulent globally, and countries have always been on edge. Scars of the battle we all have fought continue to haunt us. The battle continues with the only difference being that we have a few weapons with us.?

India also fought its battle, and it fought well.

Moreover, India has always stepped up to serve humanity whenever needed and continues to do so.

The government and private sector came together to sail through these testing times.

Today's India is a new one. A soft power, however firm.

As we close the milestone of 75 years of Independence, we should celebrate yet gear up to make this nation economically stronger.

India's image has shifted globally, and as we activate India 2.0, we all must work in harmony and sync to realize the common goal every Indian should have which is to make India great.

The ways of doing business have gone borderless, efforts to adopt industry 4.0 are in full swing globally, and the automotive sector is also at a tipping point.

Besides these factors, geopolitical factors have been rapidly altering in the past few years.

India stands in a unique position at this moment in time. It won't be wrong to say that India stands as one of the most promising economic powers in the Indo-Pacific region. The last few years have favorably bought the country under the spotlight, and every action will have global audiences (and critics).

It is also one of the most favorable moments to position the country as the land of high opportunities and a place that brims with the best talent.

The past few years have witnessed a paradigm shift in India's global image, but the journey ahead won't be easy.

The last 75 years were about how independent India caught up with the entire world. We as a nation have progressed scientifically, economically and culturally. In the past few years, we have seen how the Indian startup ecosystem has evolved and has set global benchmarks.?

The world has also woken up to the strength of the Indian Consumer. Indian consumerism is playing a vital role in economic development. Even though inflation lurks, it is expected that there will be a significant increase in the net income which would have optimistic ripple effects.

Hence, the next decades would decide how close India gets to being one of the superpowers. Therefore, the next decades are crucial for India's success globally. It will be interesting to see how India comes as a rescuer for global supply chain challenges, tackles internal issues and paints a global image.

It is also critical to note that besides economic issues, there are other areas as well where we as a nation would have to level up. Healthcare and climate change form the most vital domains. The Covid crisis brought forth the fragility of our healthcare infra. It is a segment where harmony between the government and private sector will be crucial in overcoming the loopholes. Further, the changing climate scenario is like a sword at the head and demands immediate attention.

Ahead lies a road to being a potential world leader.

But with challenges like internal issues, global health crisis, climate change, all this amid the frequent border standoffs, it is bound to be a difficult journey but one worth taking.

If the last 75 years were about how we caught up with the entire world, the next decades could be about how India emerges as a world leader.?

And we all committing our individual and collective efforts towards making this nation a leader will be a true celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.?

If in the last 75 years, without having the tools to start we can be where we are now, imagine what we as young India can do with the resources we have at present.?

Happy Independence day.

PS: The opinions and ideas presented above are my own and in no way to be treated as facts.

#azadikaamritmahotsav #makeinindia