The story of India as an independent nation is an inspiring one. We have achieved a number of milestones in the last 68 years. Following are the top ten milestones of Independent India:
1. First General Election in Largest Democracy
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The first General Elections of India was held between 25 October 1951 and 27 March 1952. The first votes of the election were cast in the tehsil (district) of Chini in Himachal Pradesh. When 97 years old Shyam Saran Negi casted his vote was in the news as he was the first voter in the 1951 election.
2. Indian Cinema on World Map
World renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s film Pather Panchali put Indian Cinema on World Map when it was released in 1955. The film was much appreciated worldwide and won many prestigious foreign film awards, including Best Human Document at Cannes, Selznick Golden Laurel for Best Film (Berlin), the Golden Gate for Best Director and Best Picture (San Francisco) in 1957).
3. Smiling Buddha, India in Nuclear Club
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India first nuclear test was conducted at Pokhran, Rajasthan, on 18th May 1974. The day was Buddha Jayanti, a festival in India marking the birth of Gautama Buddha. With this test, India became the world 6th nuclear power in the world after United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France and China.
4. Doordarshan, The National Broadcaster
Though the seed of television telecast was sown as early as 15 September, 1951 when Doordarshan was started on experimental basis. By 1975, Doordarshan was telecasting in seven Indian cities, and in 1982, Doordarshan officially became the National Broadcaster. After that, Doordarshan reached every nook and corners of the country.
5. First Indian on Space
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On 2 April 1984, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel in space, when he flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11. Incidentally, “Saare Jahan Se Achcha” was his reply when the then Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi asked him how India looked from outer space.
6. First Satellite Launch, The Rise & Rise of ISRO
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The first Indian satellite Aryabhata, named after the famous Indian Mathematician & Astronomer of the same was launched on 19th April 1975 from Kapustin Yar in Russia. Five years later, in 1980, ISRO indigenously launched Rohini using the launch vehicle SLV-3. Today, ISRO has reached Moon and Mars also.
7. Asian Games Delhi, 1951
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India hosted The First Asian Games, the first major sporting event after Independence, in Delhi from 4 to 11 March, 1951. 489 athletes from 11 Asian countries including India participated in the event competing in 8 different sports and discipline. The opening ceremony was inaugurated by President Rajendra Prasad before the packed National Stadium with an estimated 40,000 spectators.
8. 1983 World Cup, A religion starts in India
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India created history when they dethroned the invincible West Indies in the final of Prudential Cricket World Cup at Lords in London on 25th June, 1983. After this win, Kapil Dev became a household name in India and the popularity of cricket increase by leaps and bounds making it the most popular sport in India. Today, Cricket is a religion in India.
9. Economic Liberalization, 1991, India Opens Up
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India was in a deep economic crisis in 1990. The situation was so bad that India had to pledge 20 tonnes of gold to United Bank of Switzerland and 47 tonnes to Bank of England to bail out herself in a deal with IMF. It was at this juncture, Prime Minister P.V. Narshima Rao, inducted Manmohan Singh as a Finance Minister. Manmohan Singh carried out many structural reforms which open up the Indian economy and put it on its feet.
10. First Individual Olympic Gold
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Abhinav Bindra created the biggest sporting achievement for India when he won Gold for 10 m Air Rifle shooting event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He is the first and only Indian sportsman to have won the individual Olympic Gold Medal for India till now. Before him, India won her last team gold in Men’s Field Hockey in 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Wish you a very Happy Independence Day!
We take this auspicious opportunity to Thank You for all your love and support!
Jai Hind!
