In a recent media interview, the US president hailed the US military precision drone strike that killed the top Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a counter-terror operation as a necessity and one that had been long due. In an effort to justify such unilateral action, he highlighted how his country could go to any extent, where the national sovereignty and safety of the people were concerned. These impregnable statements and operations can only be possible when a country is efficient enough to dictate its terms in the international arena as a hegemon.
75 years back, when we attained independence, at the stroke of midnight on 15th August, as a nascent nation, we beseeched ourselves to rise and shine from centuries-long oppression and grow to towering heights. But have we risen from the slumber of inertia even after 75 years of attaining freedom?
And as our nation is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, do we analyze the fact that there’s much to be achieved and miles to be travelled before daring to portray similar audacity on the international forum?
Even we, as a country, have shown our might on occasions: by blowing the bugle for instance at Balakot and border areas of Myanmar post Pulwama, Uri and similar debacle in the north east, as counter terror operations in the enemy territory. In future too, India is bound to strive forward in different arenas and scopes with utter excellence and exemplify its power to be a part of the elite space of the new world order. Thus, we have a fixture ready, of rising India in times to come. And in the hindsight, let’s deliberate to figure out what exactly we have carved out for ourselves in these 75 years.
There are a bunch of countries like India, mostly from the commonwealth lineage, that freed themselves from the shackles of slavery at almost the same time as we did, and came to be grouped under the banner of third world countries. However, India has been forging by leaps and bounds, as a bastion, in all the concerned fields or areas of development and progress than these mere group members. Not only these handful of counterparts, but also the top world leaders like the USA, EU and even China have been forced to have their heads turned, at times, to digest India’s fast ballooning might. The Russia-Ukraine war and India’s open stand on it, has been a testimony to this.
Understanding ourselves is of utter significance and what we, as a nation, have achieved cannot be ignored. Having a millennium of credibility, we house 2.4% of the global area and 17% of the world population. And ours is a country where there is diversity, in terms of dialect, culture, tradition, food, etc. throughout the heartland. Despite of having such complex system and structure, along with grueling challenges every now and then, we are becoming a force to reckon with; as we enter our 76th year of independence. The experience and trials of the past have made us undergo a transition from a fledging republic to a mature democracy.
With the changes brought about at the initiative of the planning commission in the first few decades to India adopting an open door-policy in 1991, the country has come a long way. With the objectives initially being centered around agricultural self-sufficiency, industrial growth and welfare of the disadvantaged class, our nation has achieved decent heights.
Where the world today is gripped with acute food shortages, induced as a result of Russian invasion of Ukraine, India is one of the few countries which has not been left to fend for itself. This has all been a result of India’s First Five Year Plan’s objectives and its subsequent endeavors like the green revolution to make the country food secure and capable of feeding so many mouths. Besides, Operation flood also ‘flooded’ India with milk enough to keep the dairy Industry flourishing till date. Adding another feather to its cap, India became one of the only nations in the world to have nuclear weapons in its arsenal, showing the world its military readiness and might! With once being subjugated under the banner of British army, Indians have now leapt forward to have the fourth largest and strongest army in the world, with ample expenditure being spent on constantly ameliorating the forces for the better.
And during this commonwealth games in Birmingham, the Indians had their spirits held high, bringing bling of medals. India, which had previously been an under-performer in all sorts of sporting events held at the global stage, has now become adept, winning overall of 61 medals in the ibid fixture. Even in the Olympics and Paralympics, we have been striving hard and trying to reach on the medal tally boards, with propitious governmental policies like Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) continually supporting the athletes to bring laurels and honours, to make our sport enclave rejoice on the ‘once-distant’ dream!
For a country that had been left de-industrialised, looted of its wealth and confidence, and cast aside to cope up with its perpetual state of poverty and hunger, being counted on the fingertips as one of the great forces to reckon with, is certainly a big deal. As one of the largest economies of the world, India is now heartily welcoming companies to ‘Make in India’ than depending upon others to be aided with imports! It is now being treated as a noteworthy competitor in the world, with an important say and stake in the global affairs. As an amiable member for strategic partnerships for top-performing countries, our nation is leaving no stone unturned in leaving a mark in the pages of history! From having warm relations with the gulf to embracing consortium with the QUAD members, India has been able to garner support and alliance on notable occasions, like the UNSC meets held on various agendas. The certitude that it has been able to stick to its ideals of promoting peace, democracy, counter-terrorism and climate-friendly goals, despite of the obstacles that it might have faced, has been assuring of the journey that lies ahead.
Aspects that cannot be overlooked at all, when it comes to talking about India’s progress are its advancements made in the field of human resource development. With illiteracy having its reach in the nooks and corners of the country initially, India has been able to leap forward to a soothing figure of 77% in its 75 years of being free in true sense. This has been achievable, courtsey of fulfilling schemes like Sarv Siksha Abhiyan and Mid-day Meal project. Besides this, the health sector too has prospered and the fact that endemic diseases like polio and small pox have been eradicated, stand testimony to the levels to which the world has been surprised of the way the field has developed, in a matter of few decades. Even the life expectancy has increased to a great extent, with the average age being around 70 years.
So, India, in the midst of its seventh decade as an independent nation, has had a commendable trajectory so far but there have always been some issues to ponder over. For instance, have we, being a nuclear power, been able to use even an iota of indigenous nuclear resources for power or energy needs? And have we, in reality, been able to be food secure, filling bellies of 1.3 bn people? Likewise, it’s not viable to speak about India’s economic rise when the rupee’s value is falling considerably, in comparison to the standard value of the US dollar, not providing an upper hand in foreign trade and exchange.
It will be undeniable to say that India has had a plain and easy journey as there have been many rough patches or road blocks on the way as well. For a country, as assorted as ours, it has not been easy to keep the dopamine levels of regional diversity balanced.
Therefore, image of India is still of a developing nation, trying hard to attain a hegemony in the Asia pacific and the world as a whole. We need a transition from being called a young republic to a mature rock-solid nation to reach the goals we have set for ourselves, on this platinum jubilee. This would not come with only the NITI Aayog’s intervention or the bureaucracy’s mantle, but with the citizens’ ‘will’ and resolve to rise above everything in all the spheres, to build a more vibrant and stronger India in this inclusive and equitable international order, on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, on the eve of its 75th year of independence.
Beautifully brings out the India story which often gets besmirched with negativities and seldom gets the kudos it deserves.
The report gives top Billing to almost all spheres of public polity but it leaves the reader yearning for a detailed roadmap for bettering jobs prospects, improving public health , improving agricultural incomes and forging equitable international relations .
I am sure the subsequent essays would also provide us a comprehensive roadmap on issues confronting our nation.
Jai Hind
Such a unique stand and a wonderful way to present the country’s road after independence.
This needs a lot of effort man…🦋❤️
Very well thought and written article covering all sectors of growth!
Thanks
Thanks for your comments ma’am. Grateful. Regards
Very nice. A comprehensive insight of India’s resurgence as a powerful nation which will come more by people’s willpower and self belief.
Congratulations
Thanks for going through the article and comments thereof.
Wonderfully presented your perspectives on country’s independence and the milestone that nation has achieved.
Thoroughly researched article.
Keep growing dear,blessings to you
Thanks Sir,
Will try to research the details yearned. Have tried to put forward the positives which we have earned so far @ India Awakes@75.
I don’t remember the last time when I read something of this magnitude . The issues of hunger , rupee depreciation and nuclear energy development are paramount and needs our unwavering attention. The goal we have set for the next 25 years will be impaired till we curb out these challenges alongside the many accomplishments we have attained.
Very intriguingly brought out comments! Thanks
This masterpiece is the consequence of your assiduity for acquiring maximum knowledge on a topic and presenting in it’s best form. An impeccable balance has been drawn while pointing out all the major achievements India has attained and areas where it’s work is still needed before calling itself truly independent
A very well written article giving inner perspective about our Independence.
Thanks Sir, Grateful.
Very nicely written with lot of efforts. This just reminds what our India was and how we are currently in the developing stage. Its a very hard journey from which we have been from the past to the independence it has been conveyed very nicely.
Really needs very effort to write this .
Great Sir 😊
Thanks Sir. Warm Regards
Grateful for commendable words.
Classic thought to convey the journey from independence
Thanks Sir, Grateful
The opening paragraph has beautifully depicted how a spectrum of policies are waiting in queue for formulation and implementation before we can stand on the international platform with such audacity and speak for our internal security and sovereignty. At the same time India’s leap in terms of sports , agriculture , health sector , literacy and international strategy has surely marked a significant place on global platform among developed and other developing countries
Thanks for going in such details. Happy that you liked the article.
Nicely written.
Thanks!
Amazingly written. The more I read the more I was interest in reading.
Thanks Sir.
Wow. From the bright side of what we made/did as of now to the dark area to give more focus on, actually the role of we the common man are always utmost. Great write up. Keep going Naiyya.
Nayyah has written the article with clarity and has been able to bring out the story of our country’s growth in all aspects,kudos to you young girl,you are a power house of talent. Happy writings
Thanks for the blessings ma’am. Regards
Thank you sir
Wow.. Commendable writing indeed which is apt for the occasion of आजादी का अमृत महोत्सव.
This reminds us about what an incredible journey we have had during past 75 years… And also successfully brings out the power of out collective strength as a nation.
Similar thoughts were echoed in our beloved PM’s speech from Red Fort.
Writing helps us grow and beings clarity in our thoughts and vision… Keep writing Naiyah… Its a pleasure to go through your writings, your stories…!!
Grateful for your kind words & blessings.
It’s heartening to see that the author has undertaken flawless research and analytical acumen to publish such a well written document
Thanks for kind words Sir.
Great write up. A detailed roadmap of our country’s journey post Independence. Keep it up… Well done…
Thanks for your comments Sir, Regards.
Beautifully brings out the India story which often gets besmirched with negativities and seldom gets the kudos it deserves.
The report gives top Billing to almost all spheres of public polity but it leaves the reader yearning for a detailed roadmap for bettering jobs prospects, improving public health , improving agricultural incomes and forging equitable international relations .
I am sure the subsequent essays would also provide us a comprehensive roadmap on issues confronting our nation.
Jai Hind
Thanks Sir.
Very well written piece. ruminating on the road travelled so far has been beautifully painted. We look forward to the natural next steps.
Thanks for the blessings Sir….Will surely look forward for your continued support & blessings. Regards.
Nicely worded write up bright out in great details. Well done , keep it up !
Thanks for the words of encouragement Sir. Regards
Excellent Keep up the good work. Magnificent, Exciting ,Majestic thoughts.
Marvelous, Exhilarating ,Meritorious Extraordinary ,Fabulous very impressive!
Best of luck
Thanks Sir. Regards
Amazing and insightful article. The flow of thought process and the art of keeping the interest alive is commendable. The depth of understanding, power of analysis and reaching to a conclusive point is worth mentioning. She has a flair of writing and can keep her readers glued for a good reason. Keep it up.
Thanks for encouraging my writing Sir. Warm Regards.
Very well articulated article. Speaks volumes of the authors positive attitude. Interesting and enlightening progress of our country is a good feeling.
Missed out on the need for political, judiciary and administrative reforms. Heartiest congratulations to the author.
Will surely try to incorporate on my value edition topics regarding the opportunities & possibilities that lies ahead for the nation…. Thanks for going through…..
India’s progress and achievements in various arenas have been nicely captured in the article but a lot has yet to be achieved. Very little has been done to eradicate corruption at all levels. Country today stand polarized badly. Media freedom looks restrained. The gap between the rich and the poor is ever widening. Government spending on health and education is much below the desired levels. So a lot needs to be done we cannot rest on our laurels. A lot to learn from countries such as Japan, South Korea and Germany who have risen after devastations of world wars.
Thanks sir, for your win depth review….Will surely incorporate finer prints as added. Thanks.
It’s really great to see such an amazing articulation on young author. India has really progressed well after independence and positioned itself as world leader in many arena. Well articulated and good insights.
Thanks for the compliments Sir.
Dear Naiyah,
You have articulated brilliantly the path taken by our country post independence till date. A lot of hard work has been done and a lot of work remains.
It’s so heartening to know that the future of our wonderful nation is in safe hands like yours.
Please continue writing and share your work with us.
All the very best always.
Thank you so much sir for kind words. Regards