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The British came to rule India as the East India Company. They landed in the 16th century as businessmen. However, they keenly observed that Indians were self-obsessed with power. During those days, India was ruled by several rulers from many dynasties.
Besides, the weaponry of the Britishers was much more advanced than that of the Indians. Due to British rule, rival factions soon joined hands many decades later to become one entity. The British helped Indians understand the value of freedom, and they fought for it bravely.
India earned independence on August 15, 1947. It became one of the biggest democracies in the world. After more than 74 years of gaining independence, India has walked a long way. They have built a surplus economy and defiled evil forces from within to remain a democracy.
The country has also become one of the most celebrated science and technology hubs. Besides, India’s foreign policy is second to none. One of the most significant events after India gained Independence was the Partition.
India became two countries. One was India, and the other was known as Pakistan. Unfortunately, more than 2 lakh died, and more than 10 million people suffered during the partition.
India After Independence -Achievements
Immediately after India got independence, Indian citizens had the right to vote to choose the government into power. It is ironic to note that America gave that right to its citizens after 150 years of gaining Independence.
One of the pioneers who secured freedom for India from the hands of the British was Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi began this fight for freedom in 1914 using a unique method of non-violence or satyagraha.
According to Indian history, the first freedom fighter from India was Mangal Pandey. Pandey began the real fight for India’s freedom from the British in 1857. Slowly, the momentum gathered steam in India, and it became a free country in 1947.
Significant Developments In India After Independence
Some of the most significant developments in India after independence have been discussed below briefly:
- The Indian Railways were formed in 1951. India has one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world. Indian Railways, as it is known, operates in more than 7000 stations.
- The first general election in India was held in 1951 with Congress winning the majority.
- India showed the world that it could be a superpower by developing Asia’s first nuclear reactor. The Apsara nuclear reactor was developed in 1956.
- In one of the most powerful showcases to the world, Chandrayaan 1 was launched in 2008 to the moon.
- Sir M Visvesvaraya, the father of Indian Economic Planning, helped build the Indian economy in its strongest form.
India: A Powerful Nation
Yes, India has emerged more vital than ever before. In Asia alone, India stands as one o the most powerful countries. The country witnessed the following events over the years during the last decade:
- The passing of the National Food Security Act, 2013, for offering food grains at a low price for two-thirds of the population.
- The Orbiter Mission to Mars happened in 2013. It was launched successfully by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) on November 5.
- WHO (World Health Organization), in March 2014, declared India as Polio free nation in Asia.
- The same year also saw India having its GPS.
- The indigenously developed light combat aircraft Tejas showcased India’s might in the air.
The First Independence Day of India
The first Independence Day of India took place in the year 1947. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, unfurled the country’s tri-colour flag. This Independence Day ceremony took place in the Red Fort.
Since then, every year, the Prime Minister of India hoists the tri-colour flag at Red Fort. India became independent on August 15, 1947. The flag is hoisted at the Lahori Gate in New Delhi. The first Independence Day of India is dedicated to those brave men and women who laid down their lives to free their motherland.
It was their dream to provide their next generations with a new India that was free from the shackles of the British. However, many men and women died and were tortured in the process. Many children were left orphaned and suffered under the British. But, India rose fearlessly.
Nowadays, during the Independence Day ceremony after the Prime Minister’s address, a military parade is held in the Red Fort. This parade showcases the military might of the country to the world. The President of India also delivers a speech that is broadcast on Television.
Separation of Bhutan and Nepal from India
As surprising as it may sound, Bhutan and Nepal were parts of India before the Independence. When the Britishers left India in 1947, Bhutan’s association with the East India Company ended.
The Himalayan Kingdom belonged to India. After two years, a formal agreement was signed between India and Bhutan, declaring them independent countries. After India gained Independence, the Sugauli Treaty was signed. The treaty settled Nepal’s border with India along the Kali River.
Conclusion
There is no denying that after India gained Independence, her citizens made significant contributions to the economy and technological advancements. Indians are known for their hard work, dedication, and resilience to face any obstacle that comes their way.
From the above, it is pretty evident that Indians have excelled in almost all fields post-independence. Whether it is science, information technology, sports, or even in the army. Indian men and women have showcased their true worth, which is truly a marvel.
