The India Growth Story

-- Jenika Ann Varghese, 8-C, Carmel School

Sunday, July 28, 2024

India has always been a country with a rich and diverse culture. We were the land of kings and queens, ruled by different dynasties that respected religious and cultural traditions. The financial status of pre-British Raj India was very prosperous. The British came to India, attracted by its rich resources, which they exploited to generate huge revenue for their country. They plundered India, demolishing institutions and driving the vast majority into poverty and near-slavery.

Since the British Raj invaded India in 1858, they extracted nearly every bit of wealth from the country. Their oppressive rule gave birth to numerous freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for independence. India finally gained its independence on August 15, 1947.

Post-independence, India has emerged as a nation of diverse cultures, languages, and religions. The milestones achieved in the past 77 years, from health to space research and from agriculture to industrial revolution, are immense. During British rule, India became industrialized, serving the British economy. Post-1947, India lifted itself up with rapid industrialization and successful revolutions: Green, White, and Blue.

Now, India is the fifth-largest economy in the world. Once milk deficient, it is now the largest milk producer globally and has the fourth-largest forest reserve. The Power for All scheme has provided electricity to all Indian villages, boosting infrastructure growth. India has the second-largest road network and the third-largest renewable energy producer. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), established in 1969, launched its first moon mission in 2008 and its Mars mission in 2014.
India has also achieved significant milestones in sports, winning its first gold medal in hockey and its first World Cup in 1983. Over 77 years, India faced five emergencies and four wars. With a defense budget once at only 2% of GDP, India is now the third-largest military spender. In healthcare, India was declared polio-free in 2014 and eradicated smallpox in 1977.

Today, India is home to 1.45 billion people, still rooted in its culture and values. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and look forward to a future filled with bright hopes and dreams for our nation. Jai Hind!

Jenika Ann Varghese, 8-C, Carmel School