Sixty years ago, at the stroke of midnight on 15th August, 1947, India became an independent nation. In his speech "Tryst with Destiny" to the assembly on the eve of independence day, Nehru dreamt of a progressive and economically stronger India where people work together irrespective of their religion or caste.
As 60 years pass by, India is on the path to success, growth and discovery. Nehrus's dream is being realized. From being a pauper developing nation, India is now among the growing economies of the world behind US, China and Japan. It is also the second fastest growing economy next only to China.
Globally, the future of India is 'shining'. Be it signing of civilian nuclear deal with US, international trade agreements, fighting the causes of developing countries at WTO, India has made her presence felt.
The Indian economy is poised to achieve 9% GDP for the third consecutive year. Economic reforms in the 90's, cutting red tape, thrust to privatisation and improving mechanisms for foreign direct investment (FDI) have contributed to the overall growth.
"Mera Bharat Mahan" a slogan used by Rajiv Gandhi in 80's is justified by Tatas, Birlas, Ambanis, N. R. Narayamurthy, Azim Premji, Laksmi Mittal and many others from the younger generation, who have made 'bharat mahan' in the true sense.
The IT, automobile, banking, telecommunition, power, textile sectors have shown commendable growth over the years. Indians have grabbed the major chunk of outsourcing jobs from the US and other countries. Privatization, setting up of IT parks, SEZs, FDI in retail and other sectors have attracted foreign investors to India.
Some agencies estimate that India will overtake the US by 2050, as measured in dollar terms. Measured by purchasing-power parity, India is already on the verge of overtaking Japan to become the third largest economy in the world.
At the domestic level, we have seen several firsts, several ups and downs. The largest democracy in the world is still seems to be marred by political instability, corruption, communal and caste riots, farmers suicides, poverty, illiteracy, dowry, population et al but we have also seen the emergence of coalition governments, women empowerment, brotherhood, fight against injustice, recognition in sports, better medical facilities, infrastructure and industrial development.
Among the good things that have happened recently are Pratibha Patil sworn-in as the first woman president. Citizens of India are empowered with Right to information Act (RTI). There are strict laws against domestic violence and remarkable progress in education and health sector.
India, a young and vibrant nation has now a new slogan "Mera Bharat Jawan". Sania Mirza, Leander Paes, Shahrukh Khan, Rajdeep Sardesai, Sabeer Bhatia, to name a few, represent young and talented face of India.
But there is still a long way to go in terms of poverty eradication, riots, illiteracy, corruption, development in the years to come. Chak de India, we can do it.
The writer is a Team Leader with Tradeindia.com, India's largest B2B emarketplace
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