On January 26, 1950, India announced its arrival into the world arena as a ‘Sovereign, Democratic, Republic’ (the Socialist and Secular attributes were added later) when the Constitution makers gave us the longest-written Constitution of the world - a document upon which our nation has been established, constituted and governed. From 1950 to 2018, the country has come a long way. It has evolved into a vibrant constitutional democracy, made rapid strides in various sectors and established its presence on the global platform in style. On this Republic Day, young India lists the nation’s achievements over the years...
While the world has been talking about NASA and ESA, our own ISRO has been making rapid strides silently over the years. It announced its arrival in the global arena by successfully accomplishing the Mangalyaan mission in the first attempt and that too, on a shoestring budget! That’s not all. Thanks to our scientists, we have our own GPS-NavIc. Also, we are helping other countries in placing satellites on a small budget. If all goes well, it won’t be long before India leads the world in providing information on its next mission to the sun, through ‘Aditya’.
Rahul Ravi, class VII, NPS Rajajinagar, Bengaluru
The greatest achievement of the Republic of India is that we have the Right to Speak. From the PM of India to the common man, everyone is treated equally. Our democracy has matured over the years, unlike some other nations which were freed from colonial rule, during the same time as India but have met with a different fate. Pakistan has become a police-state, so has Myanmar, Afghanistan is in a state of disarray. Despite voices of dissent and allegations of rising intolerance, India is a shining example of how the will of a people can unify a vast nation.
Rohan Mathur, class X, Lilavatibai Podar High School, Mumbai
When India got its independence in 1947, critics argued that the nation would disintegrate due to its various diversities. But WE the PEOPLE of INDIA made this diversity our strength and are reaping the results. Our economy has grown from strength to strength. From the World Bank to foreign rating agencies, everyone has lauded India’s economic growth. India is all set to become the world’s fifth largest economy. Our IT is one of the biggest achievements. India has today become the second largest exporter of IT services.
Soham Ganguly, class XI, Adamas International School, Kolkata
The rapid growth of mobile phones in India is arguably the country’s greatest success story. Economical telephone connectivity has empowered individuals from all walks of life in myriad ways — it has supported various businesses by reducing communication costs. The service offers the lowest call charges in the world and has the largest subscriber base. Smooth communication has liberated every Indian to progress at their own pace and make individual effort in the nation’s progress.
Aditi Parida, class XII, APS, Ahmedabad
When we became a Republic, our Constitution makers ensured that women get equal rights just like men and over the years, Indian women have taken advantage of this right and broken many glass ceilings. From politics to sports, armed forces to board rooms, Indian girls have made their presence felt almost everywhere. While the Sainas, Sindhus, Dipas and the Phoghats are making us proud in the sports arena,Tessy Thomas, India’s missile woman, Chanda Kochhar, Sushma Swaraj and many others are making us proud in other sectors.
Kishnika Dhawan, class XI, Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula
Despite criticism about the ‘brain drain’ in this globalised era, India’s diaspora, from the Nadellas to the Nooyis and the Pichais have made the countrymen proud by showcasing India’s talent in the global arena, which is the biggest achievement for a country, that was once upon a time called the land of snake charmers! More important, our country has given everyone a fair chance to hold positions of power in various fields like education, commerce, politics etc, both in India and abroad.
Madhura Chattopadhyay, class X, Mater Dei School, New Delhi