FORGING AHEAD IN EVERY FIELD

The Independence Day of India, which is celebrated religiously throughout the Country on the 15th of
August every year, holds tremendous ground in the list of national days, since it reminds every Indian
about the dawn of a new beginning, the beginning of an era of deliverance from the clutches of British
colonialism of more than 200 years. It was on 15th August 1947 that India was declared independent
from British colonialism, and the reins of control were handed over to the leaders of the Country.
India's gaining of independence was a tryst with destiny, as the struggle for freedom was a long and
tiresome one, witnessing the sacrifices of many freedom fighters, who laid down their lives on the
line. India’s Independence Day reminds the country’s citizens of all the sacrifices the freedom
fighters have made to secure the country’s future. Since its independence, India has made stellar
progress in every field, including education, military and space programmes. A look at its journey in
the last 72 years makes it abundantly clear that the country remains unfazed and continues to move
ahead.

India's giant leap towards outer space with Chandrayaan 2 - India is set to become the fourth
country to land on the moon and cement its place among the world’s space-faring nations. The
success of Chandrayaan 2 will pave the way for a paradigm shift in lunar expeditions. The mission
proves India's prowess in modern technology, given that the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) was established in 1962, only seven years before NASA sent Neil Armstrong to the moon.
India in March this year announced its capability to engage targets in outer space, based on
complete indigenous technology. With this technology, India has joined the ranks of the United
States, China, and Russia. The 'Mission Shakti' - anti-satellite missile test - was successfully
conducted keeping in mind the responsibility to defend the country’s interests in outer space.

Agriculture is considered the Indian economy's backbone given the fact that it provides employment
to almost half of the total Indian workforce. Interestingly, while in the initial years of Independence,
India was dependent upon international food aid, today, India has attained self-sufficiency in food
production and is also a leading producer of several items.

India is the largest producer of milk, millets, jute, ginger, bananas, mangoes, papayas and the
second-largest producer of tea, sugarcane, wheat, potatoes and many other products. Power to all
as India successfully achieves 100 per cent electrification achieved in 25 states India in 2018
achieved a massive accomplishment, completing 100 per cent household electrification in 25 states.

According to a World Bank report, the Indian transport system is one of the largest and densest in
the world. Its roads rank third in terms of length, next only to China and the United States. In terms
of density, India’s roads are similar to the United States and far denser than those in China or Brazil.

Notably, the Indian Railways is one of the largest networks in the world under single management.

Since Independence, India has witnessed 17 bloodless changes of power, showcasing the strength of
its democratic values. It has the largest number of elected persons in the world, thanks to its
Parliament and a three-tier Panchayati Raj system across the country. Indians across the nation will
be commemorating India’s independence from British rule by celebrating its 75th Independence Day
on August 15, 2021, but with a slight twist. Owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there will
be no social gatherings, instead, all states and government offices have been asked to webcast their
events and celebrations. However as always the spirit of patriotism will be enshrined in the hearts of
all citizen as we celebrate our 75th Independence day.