7 Defining Moments In The History Of India

   India’s history is marked with countless moments of great significance which have transformed the nation and have had everlasting impacts on our lives. All that our country has witnessed continues to inspire many nations across the globe. On the 70^th Independence Day I give 7 such defining moments which continue to stir our hearts-

1. Drafting Of Indian Constitution, 1949

Heading a drafting committee of 308 members the Father of Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R Ambedkar drafted the Indian Constitution on 26^th November 1949 making it the biggest constitution in the world.

2. First General Election, 1951-52

This was the first time the biggest democracy of the world voted with a voter base of 165 million. There was a turnout of 47.5% with the first vote being cast in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

3. Pokhran Nuclear Test, 1974

Under Indira Gandhi India tested it first ever nuclear bomb in Pokhran. This led to imposition of various sanctions and bans on India by the UN which were later lifted in 2005.

4. Operation Blue Star, 1984

This attack on the Akal Takht in Amritsar led to the end of militancy in Punjab thus overcoming their demand for a Khalistan. This attack is one of the darkest moments in the Sikh Community of Indian which leds to deaths of hundreds of Sikhs.

5. Economic Liberalization, 1991

Expanding the role of private and foreign investment in the Indian economy which was liberalized in 1991. This made the economy more market and service-oriented which led to high economic growths in the 1990s.

6. Kargil War, 1999

The summers of 1999 marked the infiltration of Pakistani Army into India which led to three-month war in Kargil. Operation Vijay led by Commander Ved Prakash Malik was executed by the Indian Army which led to the eviction of Pakistani troops from Kashmir.

7. Mangalyaan, 2014

On September 24^th, 2014, the Mars Orbiter Mission or the Mangalyaan, entered the Mars orbit making Indian the fourth country and the first Asian nation to do so. This was a revolutionary achievement for the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO).